High-Tech Hide and Seek with Geocaching - By: burhanoldschoo

Geocaching is taking the world by storm! More and more people are joining in on the fun by playing this high-tech version of the old hide and seek game we all grew up playing. Like a treasure hunt geocaching involves hiding and seeking using a GPS receiver such as the Garmin GPSMap 76 Handheld GPS Navigator that participants use in order to hide and seek containers (called caches). These containers can be hidden anywhere in the world. The word geocache comes from combining geo for geography, and cache which is a space that is used by people who enjoy camping and hiking in which to store some kinds of provisions.

Although Geocaching shares certain aspects in common with other games of hide and seek, such as benchmarking, letterboxing and orienteering, it incorporates more technology. Usually the cache is a small, waterproof container in which a logbook is kept. The geocacher uses this in order to log the date that he discovered it. Sometimes larger containers such as an ammo box will contain objects that the geocacher needs to exchange. The object itself is not of any importance and could be something as insignificant as a toy or trinket and is not of any particular value outside of the game.

You would be able to find a game of geocaching almost everywhere in the world even in Antarctica of all places. In fact the game is enjoyed in over 100 countries on Earth. A quick search online will produce over a million geocaches on different websites that are dedicated to this sport.

Each geocacher must possess a GPS unit in order to join this sporting activity. A GPS unit will help determine a fairly accurate location of the user and the cache (usually between six to twenty feet) anywhere on the planet. This device is used to navigate from one existing location to another. A Garmin GPSMap 76 Handheld GPS Navigator or the other latest GPS units may have fitted electronic devices and their own maps or voice navigation system, depending actually on how complex the device is. Just keep in mind that the GPS unit is a receiver and is not capable of broadcasting the user's location. It receives signals from at least three out of the twenty-four GPS satellites circling around the planet and the more signal is received, the more accurate the location would be. The location is pinpointed by the process of trilateration.

In order to choose the correct GPS unit for you, you need to determine whether you will be joining a game that will be played in a particular city or will be anywhere in the world. For city games the signal would need to reach the geocacher even if they are standing between two tall multi-story buildings or moving along a busy city street.

If targeting caches hidden off-shore, a GPS receiver with marine capabilities is advisable for use. For those who prefer trekking to find caches in rivers, bushes and woods, a more durable and waterproof unit is recommended. Casual geocachers are relatively happy with an inexpensive but durable unit. However, hardcore geocachers are more comfortable using a more sophisticated GPS receiver like the Garmin GPSMap 76 Handheld GPS Navigator or other navigational system. But whatever the choice would be, there are still basic features that need to be considered if one joins a game of geocaching.

The unit that you ultimately select needs to be reliable, highly durable, lightweight, and of course, waterproof. Make sure that the screen display is clear and that it has a good signal. Also take note of the battery life and choose one that offers the most and fits in with your budget.

About the Author

Yahya Yusuf writes and educates his readers about Garmin GPSMap 76. Visit his site to learn more about Garmin GPSMap 76.

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