Geocaching

Geocaching and Letterboxing are the ultimate treasure hunt and can add excitement and fun to your driving, camping and hiking experiences. Geocaching employs the use of a GPS device (global positioning device) to find the cache. Letterboxing uses clues from one location to the next to find the letterbox; sometimes a compass is needed. Both geocaching and letterboxing use the Internet advertising the cache, providing basic maps and creating a forum for cache hunters.

The Object of Geocaching - The object of Geocaching is to find the hidden container filled with a logbook, pencil and sometimes prizes! When you find the cache, write your name and the date you found it in the logbook. Larger geocaching caches might contain maps, books, toys, even money! When you take something from the geocache you are honor-bound to leave something else in its place. Usually cache hunters will report their individual geocache experiences on the Internet.

GPS Receiver - You'll need a GPS receiver that will determine your position on the planet in relation to the geocache's "waypoint," its longitude/latitude coordinates. You can buy a decent GPS receiver for around $100 which will work for geocaching. More expensive ones have built-in electronic compasses and topographical maps, but you don't need all the extras to have fun geocaching.

Where are geocaches? - Everywhere! But to be safe, be sure you're treading on Public Property. Some might be hidden deep in a Virginia forest, on top of an Appalachian cliff or near a statue on Monument Avenue. Some may be found in buildings! Plenty of ecentric people love creating geocaches for your amusement. They also love reading your comments in the logbook!

Geocaching continues to evolve:

Offset Caches - Geocaching - the waypoint is a benchmark instead of the geocache itself. From the benchmark, the hunter must look for more clues to find the cache.

Multi Caches – geocaching - similar to Letterboxing, multi geocaches give coordinates to the next location and/or clues.

Virtual Caches – geocaching - the waypoint is a landmark and find an answer to report back to the cache owner.