Geocaching 101 Presented by the Hawaiian Chapter of

History of Geocaching May 2, 2000: Selective Availability (GPS Signal Degradation) was removed via Presidential Statement. May 3, 2000: Dave Ulmer wanted to test accuracy of his personal GPS receiver by hiding a ‘cache’ in the woods in Beaver Creek, Oregon. After hiding it, he posted the coordinates in an online GPS enthusiasts forum. May 6, 2000: Two readers used the coordinates and their GPS receivers to find Ulmer’s hidden treasure (5-gallon bucket with books, videos, slingshot, software inside). After they found it, they told others of their experiences. Within a month, the finder of Ulmer’s cache, Mike Teague, began creating an online listing of coordinates collected from posts on the internet. These coordinates were posted by others who placed their own caches.

Geocaching Today 326,875 active caches hidden throughout the world (as of Oct 29, 2006) Caches listed in over 200 countries worldwide (including Iraq and Afghanistan - MWR approved!) GPSr: $80 +; Accuracy as close to 6ft. Travel Bugs, coins, wooden nickels, etc.

Caching in a nutshell 1.Retrieve coordinates to and information about a cache. 2.When you get in the area of the coordinates, use logic, cunning, and clues to discover where the person has hidden the container. 3.Once found, sign the log, trade items if desired, and then replace the cache in the same location and condition (better, if possible). Do not move the cache… 4.Log the cache online at

Types of Caches Traditional Single container (micro, small, regular, large) containing a log book and possibly trade items Multi Cache with two or more containers; each container contains coordinates or instructions to the next or final location Unknown / Mystery / Puzzle Could be a Traditional or Multi, but you must solve a puzzle(s) to find the coordinates to the physical cache(s) Event Cache A gathering of geocachers (Meet and Greet, Cache In Trash Out, Mega Event)

Types of Caches (cont’d) Virtual Location contains answers to questions posted on cache page; owner of cache with answers for valid “find” EarthCache Special caches set up by GSA (Geological Society of America) on their own webpage: Webcam Location of a webcam that must be used to take a picture and posted for “find” credit

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Cache Page Screenshot

Geocaching Terms / Acronyms * Muggle* FTF * TB* Waypoint * GPSr* TNLNSL * TFTC* DNF * Geocoin* Benchmark * UPS/ UPR* Swag

Benefits of Geocaching Location, Location, Location: Unknown and normally unseen areas, good hiking trails, hidden treasures and spectacular views. Exercise: Some caches involve hiking (all levels) and often times climbing of obstacles. Attention to Detail: Many caches involve figuring out the owner’s camouflage technique. Good times: A challenge is always worth bringing friends, coworkers, and family along (camaraderie, teamwork, espirit de corp, time out of the house / barracks).

What do I need to start? An internet connection to seek out cache information, download waypoints (cache listings), log finds and trackable items, etc. A GPSr (Global Positioning System Receiver). NOT REQUIRED - Some people don’t use them to geocache, but they use the description, pictures, and hints given. Time and an adventurous spirit.

For More Information… The ‘home’ of geocaching. Registration is free; premium membership is $30 / year; Loads of information: forums, history, store, links, stat tracking. New and rapidly growing site for Military members, family members, retirees, Veterans, and others; Regional / state Chapters, POC information, forums. Best Buy, Amazon, Garmin, Magellan. Dan Nightengale - Duke Clements –

Questions ??