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{{infobox|Box title=Geocaching|image=File:Geocaching logo.gif|caption=The Geocaching Logo <ref group="copy">The Groundspeak Geocaching Logo is a registered trademark of <span class="plainlinks">[http://www.groundspeak.com Groundspeak, Inc.]</span> Used with permission.</ref>|Row 1 title=What is it?|Row 1 info=An online treasure hunt|Row 2 title=What do you do?|Row 2 info=Find containers with objects inside}} '''Geocaching''' is a special treasure hunt for finding objects called "geocaches," which can be anything from a tupperware container to a small metal tube. To join the hunt, you must have a [[wikipedia:GPS|GPS]] and a membership at [http://www.geocaching.com geocaching.com].
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{{Template:For|the Geocaching.com website|Geocaching.com}}{{infobox|Box title=Geocaching|image=File:Geocaching logo.gif|caption=The Geocaching Logo <ref group="copy">The Groundspeak Geocaching Logo is a registered trademark of <span class="plainlinks">[http://www.groundspeak.com Groundspeak, Inc.]</span> Used with permission.</ref>|Row 1 title=What is it?|Row 1 info=A treasure hunt using GPS.|Row 2 title=What do you do?|Row 2 info=Find containers with objects inside.}} '''Geocaching''' is a special treasure hunt for finding objects called "[[Geocache|geocaches]]", which can be anything from a small metal tube to tupperware to ammunition cans. To join the hunt, you must have a [[wikipedia:GPS|GPS]]-enabled device and a free membership at [http://www.geocaching.com Geocaching.com].
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==How to find Geocaches==
  
==How to find Geocaches==
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To find a geocache, visit the Geocaching website. Sign up for a free account, selecting a desired handle(user name). On the main page, enter a desired location, either using an address, town, zip code, or your latitude and longitude. Pick one of the caches from the search results to visit the geocache page. Read the geocache description page and enter the geocache coordinates into your GPS. Then you go to those coordinates and look for the hidden geocache (sometimes there are hints that may help). When you find the geocache, write your geocaching name, the date, and any comments in the logbook or logsheet inside (depending on available space). Rehide the geocache exactly as you found it. Once at home, log into the Geocaching site and go back to that geocache page. Click on "Log your visit" in the upper right. Select the appropriate options for the type of log and date, then type in a message. Once you are finished, click on "Submit" at the bottom of the page.
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[[File:Cache_page.jpg|thumb|200px|A typical cache page.]]
  
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To find a geocache, you go to a geocache description page and enter the cache coordinates into your GPS. Then you must go to the coordinates and look for the cache (sometimes there are hints that may help). When you find a cache, you may write your geocaching name, the date, and any comments in the logbook (usually a book or a piece of paper inside the cache).
  
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Congratulations. You just found your first geocache.
⚫
==Geocache types==
  
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[[File:Geocaching Basics|250px|thumb|left|A new video from Geocaching on [[YouTube]].]]
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Types of geocaches include [http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx#traditional traditional caches], [http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx#multi multicaches], [http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx#virts virtual caches], [http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx#event event caches], and [http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx#mega mega-event caches]. For more cache types, see [http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx#types this page].<ref group="copy" name="geocopyright">Copyright © 2000-2009 Groundspeak Inc. All Rights Reserved.</ref>
  
  ⚫
===Geocache types===
⚫
==Objects inside geocaches==
  
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There are a variety of different types of geocaches. The most common is a [[traditional cache]]. Other types include [[multicache]], [[event cache|events]], and [[mystery cache]]. For more cache types, see [[geocaches|this page]].
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[[File:Microcache.jpg|thumb|left|A microcache consisting of a 2-inch long metal tube.]]
  
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[[File:Ammo_can.jpg|thumb|left|A regular-sized cache consisting of an [[wikipedia:ammo can|ammo can]].]]
  
  ⚫
===Objects inside geocaches===
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The larger geocaches can contain many things. These consist of travel bugs and geocoins, and other objects.
  
  ⚫
[[File:Ammo_can.jpg|thumb|250px|A regular-sized cache consisting of an [[wikipedia:ammo can|ammo can]].]]
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===Travel bugs and Geocoins===
  
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Sometimes, you will find geocaches with more than just a logsheet inside. Larger geocaches can contain many things. Some objects are called "[[swag]]". Anyone can trade for these objects and there is no obligation to put them into another geocache. The general rule of thumb is if you take something out, then put something back in to replace it (that someone else might want). Toys, signature items (such as wooden nickels and other craft items), pins, etc., are all common forms of swag.
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{{main|Travel bugs and Geocoins}}
  
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[[File:Travel bugs.jpg|200px|thumb|Travel Bugs]]
  
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Another type of object is called a trackable. [[Trackables]] come in two forms: Travel Bugs and Geocoins. These items actually belong to someone and are designed to move from cache to cache. Many owners of trackables will assign missions for them to complete. They are not meant to be kept.
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[[File:Various Geocoins.jpg|thumb|131px|Geocoins]]
  
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Travel bugs and geocoins are small tags usually attached to objects and small coins with numbers on them, respectively. Travel bugs and geocoins are items that travel across the world and gain distance. For more info, visit [[Travel bugs and Geocoins|this page]].
  
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Sometimes, you will find a small, nickel-sized coin called a [[Pathtag]]. These are relatively inexpensive, personalized tags that you are welcome to keep if you find them. Many geocachers will collect them.
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===Other objects===
  
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Other objects are usually things like [[wikipedia:McDonald's|McDonald's&reg; -]] or [[wikipedia:Burger King|Burger King&reg; -]] type toys, trading cards, bean balls, money, etc.
  
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==Cache In Trash Out==
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==Geocaching Programs==
  
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There are many Geocaching programs. <!-- Please add more, I'm not sure about all of them! --> One of these is [[Cache In Trash Out]], or C.I.T.O.
  
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===C.I.T.O.===
  
 
{{main|Cache In Trash Out}}
  
{{main|Cache In Trash Out}}
  ⚫
The C.I.T.O. Program is dedicated to helping take trash out of caching areas. This program is usually implemented during special C.I.T.O. events, though it is encouraged as a normal, everyday geocaching practice.
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[[File:C.I.T.O. logo.gif|150px|thumb|The C.I.T.O. logo.]]
  
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⚫
The C.I.T.O. Program is dedicated to helping take trash out of caching areas. This program is usually implemented during special C.I.T.O. events. <!-- Again, please please please add more information!! -->
 
 
==Membership==
  
==Membership==
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There are two types of membership: basic and premium. Basic membership is free and premium membership costs $30 USD a year, or $10 USD for 3 months.
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There are two types of membership: basic and premium. Basic membership is free and premium membership costs $30 USD a year, or $10 USD for 3 months.
 
===Membership benefits===
  
===Membership benefits===
 
<!-- Please do not mess with this table! I (brovie) was lucky to get it right the first time! If you're going to edit anything, carefully edit the text inside. Thank you. -->
  
<!-- Please do not mess with this table! I (brovie) was lucky to get it right the first time! If you're going to edit anything, carefully edit the text inside. Thank you. -->
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{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="330" style="border-collapse:collapse;"
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{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="550" style="border-collapse:collapse;"
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|+ <small>Hold your mouse over underlined text (like {{float text|Hi!|this}}) to see additional information.</small>
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|+<small>Hold your mouse over underlined text (like {{float text|Hi!|this}}) to see additional information.</small>
 
|-
  
|-
 
! style="background:green; color:#000;" | Benefit
  
! style="background:green; color:#000;" | Benefit
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! style="background:teal; color:#000;" | Premium Membership
  
! style="background:teal; color:#000;" | Premium Membership
 
|-
  
|-
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| {{float text|Organize geocache listings and create favorite lists with the bookmark feature.|Organize Your Favorites}}
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| {{float text|Award Favorite Points to exceptional geocaches that you have found and sort search results by most Favorited caches.|Rate Your Favorites}}
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| No
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| Yes
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|-
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| {{float text|Visualize and share your geocaching activity with bar graphs and other dynamic infographics.|Statistics}}
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| No
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| Yes
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|-
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| {{float text|Use the map view filters to see only the types of geocaches that appeal to you or to remove your hides and finds.|Maps}}
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| Yes
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| Yes
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|-
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| {{float text|<nowiki>Organize caches to keep track of Favorites, watch the activity of caches, ignore caches so that they do not appear in your search results, or Bookmark caches into groupings such as "the best caches for out-of-town guests."</nowiki>|Create And Share Geocaching Lists}}
 
| No
  
| No
 
| Yes
  
| Yes
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| Yes
  
| Yes
 
|-
  
|-
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| {{float text|Search for geocaches along a route on your next road trip. Tell us where you are going, and we will let you know what geocaches are along the way.|Caches Along a Route}}
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| {{float text|Search for geocaches along a route on your next road trip. Tell us where you are going and we will let you know what geocaches are along the way.|Caches Along a Route}}
 
| No
  
| No
 
| Yes
  
| Yes
 
|-
  
|-
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| {{float text|Support the development and maintenance of the Geocaching.com site. As long as you continue to renew your membership, you will always be guaranteed the rate at which you first became a Premium member!|Support Geocaching.com}}
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| {{float text|Support the development and maintenance of the Geocaching.com site.|Support Geocaching.com}}
 
| No
  
| No
 
| Yes
  
| Yes
 
|-
  
|-
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| {{float text|When you become a Groundspeak Premium Member, you gain access to all premium features and tools at Geocaching.com, Waymarking.com and Wherigo.com.|Premium Member Access to all Groundspeak Websites}}
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| {{float text|Access all Premium features and tools on Geocaching.com, Waymarking.com and Wherigo.com.|Premium Member Access to all Groundspeak Websites}}
 
| No
  
| No
 
| Yes
  
| Yes
 
|-
  
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| {{float text|In order to view coordinates and location information for geocaches, a membership (basic or premium) is required.|Access to Location}}
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| {{float text|View coordinates and location information for geocaches.|Access to Location}}
 
| Yes
  
| Yes
 
| Yes
  
| Yes
 
|-
  
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| {{float text|Write about your experience in the geocache logbook and then place your geocaching stories and photos online.|Share Your Experiences}}
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| {{float text|Place your geocaching stories and photos online after writing about your experience in the geocache logbook.|Share Your Experiences}}
 
| Yes
  
| Yes
 
| Yes
  
| Yes
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|}
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|}<ref>[https://www.geocaching.com/Membership/Default.aspx Membership details]</ref><ref group="copy" name="geocopyright" />
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<ref>[https://www.geocaching.com/membership/comparison.aspx Membership details]</ref><ref group="copy">Copyright © 2000-2012 Groundspeak Inc. All Rights Reserved.</ref>
   
 
==References==
  
==References==

Revision as of 17:36, 30 January 2020

For the Geocaching.com website, see Geocaching.com.
Geocaching
Geocaching logo
The Geocaching Logo [copy 1]

What is it?

A treasure hunt using GPS.

What do you do?

Find containers with objects inside.

Geocaching is a special treasure hunt for finding objects called "geocaches", which can be anything from a small metal tube to tupperware to ammunition cans. To join the hunt, you must have a GPS-enabled device and a free membership at Geocaching.com.

How to find Geocaches

To find a geocache, visit the Geocaching website. Sign up for a free account, selecting a desired handle(user name). On the main page, enter a desired location, either using an address, town, zip code, or your latitude and longitude. Pick one of the caches from the search results to visit the geocache page. Read the geocache description page and enter the geocache coordinates into your GPS. Then you go to those coordinates and look for the hidden geocache (sometimes there are hints that may help). When you find the geocache, write your geocaching name, the date, and any comments in the logbook or logsheet inside (depending on available space). Rehide the geocache exactly as you found it. Once at home, log into the Geocaching site and go back to that geocache page. Click on "Log your visit" in the upper right. Select the appropriate options for the type of log and date, then type in a message. Once you are finished, click on "Submit" at the bottom of the page.

Congratulations. You just found your first geocache.

Geocaching_Basics

Geocaching Basics

A new video from Geocaching on YouTube.

Geocache types

There are a variety of different types of geocaches. The most common is a traditional cache. Other types include multicache, events, and mystery cache. For more cache types, see this page.

Objects inside geocaches

Ammo can

A regular-sized cache consisting of an ammo can.

Sometimes, you will find geocaches with more than just a logsheet inside. Larger geocaches can contain many things. Some objects are called "swag". Anyone can trade for these objects and there is no obligation to put them into another geocache. The general rule of thumb is if you take something out, then put something back in to replace it (that someone else might want). Toys, signature items (such as wooden nickels and other craft items), pins, etc., are all common forms of swag.

Another type of object is called a trackable. Trackables come in two forms: Travel Bugs and Geocoins. These items actually belong to someone and are designed to move from cache to cache. Many owners of trackables will assign missions for them to complete. They are not meant to be kept.

Sometimes, you will find a small, nickel-sized coin called a Pathtag. These are relatively inexpensive, personalized tags that you are welcome to keep if you find them. Many geocachers will collect them.

Cache In Trash Out

Main article: Cache In Trash Out

The C.I.T.O. Program is dedicated to helping take trash out of caching areas. This program is usually implemented during special C.I.T.O. events, though it is encouraged as a normal, everyday geocaching practice.

Membership

There are two types of membership: basic and premium. Basic membership is free and premium membership costs $30 USD a year, or $10 USD for 3 months.

Membership benefits

Hold your mouse over underlined text (like this) to see additional information.
Benefit Basic Membership Premium Membership
Rate Your Favorites No Yes
Statistics No Yes
Maps Yes Yes
Create And Share Geocaching Lists No Yes
Custom Searches No Yes
Be Instantly Notified of Geocaches No Yes
Caches Along a Route No Yes
Support Geocaching.com No Yes
Premium Member Access to all Groundspeak Websites No Yes
Access to Location Yes Yes
Share Your Experiences Yes Yes

[1][copy 2]

References

  1. ^ Membership details

Copyrights

  1. ^ The Groundspeak Geocaching Logo is a registered trademark of Groundspeak, Inc. Used with permission.
  2. ^ Copyright © 2000-2012 Groundspeak Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.