Geocaching

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices.

Never heard of Geocaching?

Geocaching (pronounced Geo-cashing) is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. The basic idea is to hide containers (caches) and post the locations of these caches on the internet. Anyone with a GPS receiver can enter the locations' coordinates to find the caches and log the caches online to show that they have found them.

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.

Geocaching participants include people from all age groups, including families with children, students, adults and retirees. It is a worldwide activity with a strong sense of community and support for the environment. Since September 2000, geocaching has grown from 75 caches in several countries to hundreds of thousands of caches all over the world.

How does GPS work?

Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers tap into a satellite network from anywhere in the world to accurately pinpoint specific geographic locations. A location is identified by measuring its distance from at least three satellites by a process called trilateration.

A geocacher can place a cache anywhere in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then alert others to the cache's existence and location via the internet. Anyone with a GPS receiver can then hunt for the cache.

Getting Started

To search for cache's in the Isle of Man, follow these six easy steps

• Go to www.geocaching.com and register your free account
• Click "Hide & Seek a cache"
• Enter an Isle of Man post code and click "Search". (E.g. The Sea Terminal Buildings in Douglas is IM1 2RG)
• Choose any cache from the list and click on its nameSouth Barrule
• Enter the coordinates (waypoint) of a cache into your GPS receiver
• Follow the direction arrow on the receiver until you find the hidden cache

Before you Go

• Find a cache that will meet your immediate goals. Are you looking for a difficult hike or an easy adventure?
• Print cache information (dont forget the hints!) and make sure you bring both a map and compass
• Remember that distances can be deceiving. A cache can take longer to find depending on trails, rivers and other obstacles.
• Pack any needed supplies such as water, food and extra clothing. Check cache terrain and difficulty ratings
• Let someone know where you are going
• Dont forget your GPS receiver and extra batteries
• If you take something from the cache, leave something of equal or greater value