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Simply
put, geocaching is the sport of using your GPS to
help you find a "cache" hidden by someone
at a specific set of co-ordinates.
The
"prize" can be pretty much anything, but
there are some common sense rules to keep everyone
safe. Geocaching.com
will get you started.
And
before you start thinking geocaching will be too easy,
since your GPS can land you smack on the "X"
as it were, guess again. While your GPS might be great
at getting you home, or across town to the new dentist,
trying to zero in on a few square inches of the Earth's
surface is a bit more challenging.
Comsumer-focused
GPS units, while accurate, are only good at locating
you "within" so many feet or metres. Great
if you're lost in the woods - not so great when you're
looking for a small zip-lock bag with a smiley-face
button in it.
That's
part of the challenge of geocaching, though - first
you have to get to the area. This could be on the
side of a mountain or on the other side of a muddy
field. Next you have to try to figure out where the
"hider" or "cacher" place the
object. Many times you won't even know what the object
is.
If
this sounds like something you'd enjoy doing with
your Jeep, the number one place to get started is
at Geocaching.com.
They are THE resource for the sport and the main repository
for most of the geocaches around the world right now.
Local
geocaches can be accessed here. Follow the simple
directions and see what's in your area today.
If
you're new and want to learn the basics, see their
detailed
FAQ section,
Geocaching
will test your map reading skills, navigation skills,
problem solving skills, driving skills and your patience.
Mostly,
though, it's another great thing to enjoy doing while
you're out in your Jeep.
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