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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Global Positioning System

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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!

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

12. Garmin GPSMap 60CSx Screenshots using XImage
Satellites
Compass
Long Lake
Sydney
Data
Find Page
Geocache
Geocache

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

14. Size of Caches
MICRO

15. Size of Caches
SMALL

16. Size of Caches
REGULAR

17. Size of Caches
LARGE

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

19. How do you start Geocaching?

20. Create A New Account

21. www.geocaching.com 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

22. www.geocaching.com 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

23. 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

24. 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.

25. Before You Leave Study Cache sheet Download waypoint manual/auto
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

26. 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

27. Longer Hikes Carry Extra Batteries 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

28. Distances are often greater than the GPSr indicates. Line of sight 1
Distances are often greater than the GPSr indicates. Line of sight 1.2 km. Walking path 2.5 km

29. The Hunt At 20-40 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

30. At the Cache
Sign the Log

31. At the Cache

32. 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

33. Re-hide Better Than You Found It
At the Cache
Re-hide Better Than You Found It

34. Re-hide Better Than You Found It
At the Cache
Re-hide Better Than You Found It

35. Re-hide Better Than You Found It
At the Cache
Re-hide Better Than You Found It

36. Re-hide Better Than You Found It
At the Cache
Re-hide Better Than You Found It

37. 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

38. Break & Stretch

39. GCJR8H

40. Caching Etiquette Never move the cache Carry a cache rescue kit
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

41. 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.

42. 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

43. Natural Material

44. Duct tape suspended

45. Peanut Butter Jar

46. Black Duct Tape Up

47. Novelty

48. Explore the Outdoors
GC575F
GCPMQA

49. Explore the Outdoors
GCH2KG
GCQ2PM

50. Explore the Outdoors
GC2E80
GCT7H3

51. 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

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

53. 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

54. 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’

55. Tracked the same as a Travel bug
Geo-coins
Tracked the same as a Travel bug

56. Coins can be Discovered
Geo-coins
Coins can be Discovered

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

58. 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

59. 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)

60. Let’s Go Find A Geocache!1
Ontario
6569 2
Quebec
6061 3
British Columbia
5224 4
New Brunswick
3115 5
Alberta
2950 6
Nova Scotia
2854 7
Manitoba
1046 8
Newfoundland & Labrador
860 9
Saskatchewan
452 10
Prince Edward Island
250 11
Yukon Territory 64 12
Northwest Territories 39 13
Nunavut 17
Canadian Total
Increasing every day

61. Geocachers From Atlantic Canada

62. Geocachers From Atlantic Canada

63. Geocachers From Atlantic Canada

64. Geocachers From Atlantic Canada

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