THEGREENS

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPSr users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a gps unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is if they get something they should try to leave something for the cache.

A GPS unit is a electronic device that can determine your approximate location (within around 6-20 feet) on the planet. Coordinates are normally given in Longitude and Latitude. You can use the unit to navigate from your current location to another location. Some units have their own maps, built-in electronic compasses, voice navigation, depending on the complexity of the device.

You don't need to know all the technical mumbo jumbo about GPS units to play Geocaching. All you need to do is be able to enter what is called a "waypoint" where the geocache is hidden.

I currently use a Garmin Oregon 450 with complete OS map coverage of the UK.
It is an easy unit to use and is great for paperless geocahing. It can hold up to 2000 way points, so there is no chance you will not have that cache info to hand when you need it.

The best thing to do if you think you would like to try out this great sport or if you just want more info is to go to Geocaching.com. It's great fun, the kid's love it and what's more there are loads of caches around Oxfordshire, in fact all over the world.