Geocaching In Atlantic Canada Canada’s 1 st ‘Geocache’ GCBBA (GC41) Hwy #103 Exit #7 Placed by: Ken Kane (eastriver) Presented by: Atlantic Canada Geocaching Association

Agenda What is Geocaching? GPS Technology in General Types of Geocaches How to Get Started Before You Leave Etiquette Cammo Techniques Trackables Wrap-up Q&A

What is Geocaching? Geocaching is an outdoor scavenger hunt using satellites and a handheld GPSr. The basic idea is to hide caches (small containers of treasures) and share the locations (coordinates) of these caches on Geocaching.com. This game is played in over 220 countries of the world.

What is Geocaching? GPS users can then use the coordinates to find any cache. Once found, the visitor may take something from the cache, leave something, and sign the logbook. The ‘find’ is then logged by the cache’s name on geocaching.com. Here statistics about found and hidden caches are maintained.

How Did It Get Started? On May 1, 2000, the GPS signal degradation called Select Availability (SA) was removed. The change allowed GPS units owned by civilians to now be accurate to within as close as 6 feet. On May 3rd, someone hid a ‘cache’ in Oregon. It was visited twice within 3 days and logged in the log book once.

Global Positioning System GPS is a system of 27 satellites (24 active, 3 reserve) to calculate your position. Satellites transmit their current position down to Earth via radio waves.

Global Positioning System

What is a GPS? A GPSr (Global Positioning System receiver) is an electronic device that you use to determine your approximate location (within 6-20 feet) almost anywhere on the planet.

What is a GPS? The GPSr knows where the satellites are and can geometrically tell you your position. It also tracks time, and can calculate distance, speed, direction, and even elevation. You can use the unit to navigate from your current location to another location.

What is a GPS? Some units have their own maps, built-in electronic compasses, altimeters, and even voice navigation. Don’t worry though, a GPS device doesn’t send signals, it only receives them. So... no one can track your location!

GPS options to consider WAAS/DGPS Computer interface Power source options Color screen Backlit screen External antenna jack Screen size Electronic compass Altimeter Cost versus features Waterproof Ruggedness Type of batteries/ how many/operational time Type of keypad/data entry Basemap Optional maps Memory size/expansion

Garmin GPSMap 60CSx Screenshots using XImage Satellites Data CompassLong LakeSydney Find PageGeocache

Types of Caches Traditional Multicaches Puzzle/Mystery Webcam Event Caches Cache In Trash Out Events Earth Cache

Size of Caches MICRO

Size of Caches SMALL

Size of Caches REGULAR

Size of Caches LARGE

Where do you find a Geocache? Nova Scotia at 70km range

How do you start Geocaching?

Create A New Account

Search Types By Postal Code - Postal Codes are available in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia By Coordinate - Coordinates contain a latitude and longitude to determine a position on the planet By State/Country - Select a State and/or country to search

Search Types By Username (Found)/(Hidden) - Searches the database for items either found or hidden by a username. By Keyword - A simple wildcard keyword search on the Item's name. "Iron Horse" will search for "Iron Horse" and not "Iron" and "Horse" By Waypoint Name - Searches the database for items that match a particular waypoint name. A cache waypoint name starts with "GC" and can be found on every cache listing as a quick reference

Geocaching Glossary FTF -first to find Muggle- non-cacher (may destroy cache) TFTC -Thanks for the cache TFTH -Thanks for the hunt TNLN -Took Nothing/ Left Nothing TNLNSL / TNSL -Took Nothing. Left Nothing. Signed Logbook Swag – Goodies for the cache

Geocaching Glossary Waypoint -coordinates representing points on the surface of the Earth. Waypoint –longitude and latitude of cache Waypoint – Groundspeak name of cache i.e. GCXXXX. Spoiler -gives away details of a cache location and can ruin the experience of the hunt.

Before You Leave Study Cache sheet Type Size Found recently Previous cacher’s clues Download waypoint manual/auto Research location Maps Google earth Decrypt hint/spoilers Try Parks or spots you know

Short Hikes Printout of cache listing Water Snack Extra clothes for Changing Conditions Swag GPS distances are direct. Real distances may be far greater Mark your Vehicle or Entrance Spot Use Backtrack for Practice

Longer Hikes Bring –Map –Compass –Buddy –Cell Phone –Emergency Whistle –Travel First Aid Kit Tell somebody where you are going, when you will be back Wear Hunter’s Orange Carry Extra Batteries

Distances are often greater than the GPSr indicates. Line of sight 1.2 km. Walking path 2.5 km

The Hunt At Meters use Distance (not arrow) Zero out on Coords, Circle Outwards to find cache Look for Geocache Hotspots Stumps Tree Branches Piles of Rocks Piles of Branches Be Aware of Surroundings Insect Nests Holes Railway Tracks Animals

At the Cache Sign the Log

At the Cache

What Not To Put in a Cache Food or Dog Treats Alcohol Sharp Items (knives, needles) Liquids (soap, water, hand lotion, shampoo) Scented Items (candles) Ballpoint Pens No Chaulk

At the Cache Re-hide Better Than You Found It

At the Cache Re-hide Better Than You Found It

At the Cache Re-hide Better Than You Found It

At the Cache Re-hide Better Than You Found It

I’m Lost!!! If you get lost, don’t forget that you marked (or should have marked) your location when you started. Search for the Waypoint you marked, select GOTO or BACKTRACK and head back to civilization! Don’t forget to have extra batteries

Break & Stretch

GCJR8H

CachingEtiquette Caching Etiquette Never move the cache Cover it well, owner, move off-trail slightly Carry a cache rescue kit Ziplock bags, pencil, small log book, dry cloth Take care of the cache Close all bags, place logbook in bag, close cache properly. Take pictures but not spoilers. Move travel bugs and coins along promptly Write appropriate comments when logging

Geocaching and the Environment CITO- Cache in Trash Out When you visit a cache leave only footprints but take out any garbage you find. Goals Actively promote the Cache In Trash Out program. Assist in the maintenance of parks & trail systems. Increase public awareness of Geocaching.

Cammo Techniques Universal colour, black non-glare Cammo material –Duct tape –Paint –Natural material Hang container up high Over an embankment Suspend under a fallen tree

Natural Material

Duct tape suspended

Peanut Butter Jar

Black Duct Tape Up

Novelty

Explore the Outdoors GC575F GCPMQA

Explore the Outdoors GCQ2PM GCH2KG

Explore the Outdoors GC2E80 GCT7H3

Travel Bugs Trackable tag that you attach to any item Item becomes a hitchhiker that is carried from cache to cache Cachers log it in and out so you follow it’s progress online You receive two tags, one to attach one as a copy

How to Pick Up a Travel Bug Get the Tracking NumberGet the Tracking Number Visit the Travel Bug's PageVisit the Travel Bug's Page Found it? Log it!Found it? Log it!

How to Drop a Travel Bug Go to the Cache Listing Select "log a cache" Write log message Scroll down Select the travel bug that was dropped

Why How / Why you discover a TB Get tracking Number Visit TB’s home page Found it, Log it Enter ‘Discovered it’ Allows for icon to be placed on your account. Many cachers discover at events. Cuts time in entering ‘Found it’/ ‘Dropped it’

Geo-coins Tracked the same as a Travel bug

Geo-coins Geo-coins Coins can be Discovered

To Activate a Travel Bug Logon to Click on track travel bug Enter tracking number on tag Enter activation code on bag Activate TB

Geocaching Software Tools Google Earth- Provides satellite images. Gives you a picture of cache area EasyGPS- Waypoint management and download tool GSAK- Waypoint management and download tool. More detailed info. Premium membership gives pocket queries. Cachemate- Waypoint management for handhelds- Palm and Pocket PC

SAFETY in the Woods (again) BRING: Map, Compass, Buddy, Cell phone/ 2 way radio/FRS Whistle, knife, matches Extra batteries Tell someome where you are going. Mark your start, trackback Dress in layers Stay dry, shelter from wind (tarp, orange garbage bags) Consider a woods survival course or read a book on survival (hunters’ guide)

1Ontario Quebec British Columbia New Brunswick Alberta2950 6Nova Scotia2854 7Manitoba Newfoundland & Labrador860 9Saskatchewan452 10Prince Edward Island250 11Yukon Territory64 12Northwest Territories39 13Nunavut17 Canadian TotalIncreasing every day Let’s Go Find A Geocache!

Geocachers From Atlantic Canada

Questions? I should be outside Geocaching Thanks for joining us.