What is GeoCaching?
GeoCaching is a sport that allows a person to find "hidden treasure" by using GPS or Global Positioning System. By using a low-cost GPSr or Global Positioning System Receiver, a person can go to within just a short distance of any position on earth. The GPS uses 12 sattelites put in place by the United States government.

A GeoCache is hidden by someone and then the longitude and latitude coordinates are logged on a web site. Another GeoCacher then takes the longitude/latitude coordinates and finds the GeoCache with his GPSr. After the GeoCache has been found, a log is made of that find on the GeoCaching web site.

As of May 2, 2004, there were 96622 active caches in 202 countries.
In the previous 7 days to May 2, 2004, there were 63158 new logs written by 13103 account holders.

Does it Cost Anything to GeoCache?
Not at this time, other than the purchase of a GPSr. Some GeoCaching web sites do offer upgraded memberships.

What Kind of GPSr Should I Puchase and How Much Do They Cost?
There is a large variety of GPSr units available to the public. GPSr units can be purchased for as little as $100 and some can run well over $1,000. Take a look at the following web sites to learn more:

Garmin.com
MagellanGPS.com
Lowrance.com

Okay, I Have a GPSr, How Do I Get Started?
The best way to get started is to take a look at the GeoCaching.com web site. It will help you learn how to find a GeoCache and how to place a GeoCache. Chances are there are other GeoCachers in your area. Take a look at my links page to look for a local GeoCaching group. The leading GeoCaching web site is GeoCaching.com. The only other GeoCaching web site I have found is NaviCache.com.

Hints to Making GeoCaching Easier
I have found that using a laptop computer with topographical software and street software makes narrowing down a GeoCache much easier. I simply plug my GPSr into my laptop and follow the streets or trails to a location as close to the GeoCache's coordinates as I can get, then take my GPSr and continue on until I reach the longitude and latitude for that GeoCache. The GPSr I use has a "base map" built in to it but additional maps can be downloaded for much more detail in the GPSr itself.

Click Here to Go to Geocaching.com's FAQ Page