Geocaching

[csham]

My family and I went on our first hunts this weekend. Found 4 out of the 5 we searched for. The 5th one my GPS battery died. I use the GPS to get us to the area and then the girls are in charge of hunting. Seems like a fun hobby and the girls like to see what treasure they can swap for. In 4 finds, I've already seen some bizzare stuff: hotel room keys, resistors, a walmart gift card with 75 cents, a kids tonka watch.

[rock1424]

We were camped next to a group on Labor Day last year that were geocaching. That was the first I had heard of it. I looked into a little bit, and it does look like it would be a lot of fun. What brand/model of GPS are you using?

[csham]

The first trip out, I used a Garmin Nuvi 650 (Road Navigation). It worked well, but the problem I had was the battery life, about 2 hours. Allowed us to get to the first coordinates, but died on the way to the second. Went home that night and did a little bit of research and bought a Garmin eTrex H. It is billed as "high sensitivity" and is supposed to work in heavy tree cover. The eTrex runs on 2 AA batteries and is supposed to go 17 hours. Used that one on Sunday and found it much better suited for Geocaching.

[rock1424]

I've had my eye on an eTrex at Cabella's. Might just have to make the plunge....

[csham]

Used mine again last evening...put me right on top of all 3 that we hunted.

[spinella]

can you explain what geocaching is? i've never heard of it. thanks.

[billyrabbit]

You can find out about geocaching at:



http://www.geocaching.com/



Bill K.

[rock1424]

Originally Posted by spinella

can you explain what geocaching is? i've never heard of it. thanks.

This will explain better than I can. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geocaching



Lot's of stuff on google also. It's seems to be getting popular.

[spinella]

thanks. i am surprised to see so much activity within a half mile from my home. theres at least twenty locations around my house.

[gossamar]

Welcome to the sport. Having been an avid geocacher since 2002, you will go places you never would have dreamed of going to. Geocaching is a great way to see the state and visit parks, historic sites or little known hangouts. You should check your area to see if there is a local club you can get involved with. I am one of the board members for our local club here in central Illinois and we love to hear from new folks and help them on the journey and answer questions in regards to the best gps to use, what is GSAK(a very useful tool in the world of geocaching), or give hints on that cache they just cant seem to find. Also be on the lookout for events in your area as they are a great way to network with other cachers in the area. For example, our club tries to hold one event each quarter, whether it be at an ice cream stand, local buffet, or city park...they are always a good time.
For those of you looking for a gps, shop around online to find the best price or package price. I am partial to GARMIN myself(gpsmap 76-csx) as I feel they are more user friendly, plus the CSX versions of their handheld gps's have some of the best reception out there when you get deep into the woods. Feel free to PM me if you have more specific questions....