how do you get started in geocaching?

[umkcdds]

can someone tell me about geocaching and how to get started? i know nothing about it, but it sounds fun and interesting from what i've read in here!

[GreytSilly]

First you will need to get a handheld GPSr unit, one with topo maps is very useful if you can swing the money and color screens are immensely easier to read, but the price goes up again with this feature. The only other thing you need to do is go to geocaching.com and set up an account, then log on and search for caches close to where you are. The cache page will give you a description of the cache, a longitude/latitude coordinate for it's location and logs from people who have already found the cache or in some cases couldn't find it. Put the coordinates into your GPSr and go find it! It's great fun, it gives you an excuse to go Jeeping when the caches are at more remote locations, if you have kids they will love it, most caches have trade items in them, you bring something along and trade for something in the cache. Sign the log book in the cache when you find it and log your find when you get home. Try it, you'll like it!:yup:

[AK4Dave]

I too know nothing about it. Until I read it on this forum I'd never heard anything about it.
Sounds interesting....

[Jonny Ryan Mac]

Check out www.geocaching.com they have a ton of useful information there. Look up Groundspeak forums and browse the how toos, you should have no problem.

[Rubimon]

Type in your zip code and pull up a list of geocaches in your area. If you click on the google maps link you can zoom in and even find a couple without a GPS... Just remember, in urban areas you have to be stealthy, there are a lot of muggles watching.:D

I think it helps to have a garmin. I think the downloads from the sight are more automatic with garmins.:dontknow2: I am sure someone can contest that statement though.

[GreytSilly]

You need to have a Premium Membership to use maps and the downloads. It will cost you $3 a month to be a Premium. Plain membership is free but you don't get the map use or downloads.

[HappyCurmudgeon]

how do you get started in geocaching?



dig a hole and bury something.








...I'll donate my exwife.

[salliepa427]

LOL... I know I don't want to find that cache..... :eek2:

[Rubimon]

You need to have a Premium Membership to use maps and the downloads. It will cost you $3 a month to be a Premium. Plain membership is free but you don't get the map use or downloads.

I dont have a premium membership. I just log on, plug in my Garmin GPS and download the caches I want. I also check them out on Google Maps. Maybe there is more you get with the premium membership,:dontknow2: but this does fine by me for now.

[GreytSilly]

I dont have a premium membership. I just log on, plug in my Garmin GPS and download the caches I want. I also check them out on Google Maps. Maybe there is more you get with the premium membership,:dontknow2: but this does fine by me for now.

I guess i'm thinking Pocket Querry downloads. I use them with a PDA so I have hundreds of cache pages I can access when I am out and I don't have to print anything out. I get an updated Querry every Friday and put it in my PDA. Sorry, sometimes I get so confused.:thinking:

[the hiking viking]

Geocachers are some of the friendliest outdoors people you can find, besides jeepers. ;) Here in Cleveland / Akron area, we have a large & active group of cachers, over 100 of us. Active meaning we get together monthly to tell caching 'war' stories and just socialize. We also hold large events that attract 100's more cachers from the surrounding states. In fact this weekend, I'm travelling to Kendallville, IN to attend the Midwest Geobash, in my Jeep 'natch. :brows:

I've geocached in over 30 states. A lot of the caches I've done are in areas only known by the locals. This hobby takes you to some great 'secret' places and there are many 'Jeep' caches out there.

BTW, no caches are buried. You would never find them! :eek2: The GPS will get to you within 9 feet of the hidden tupperware, if you are getting a good signal, after that use you senses, "Where would I hide some tupperware?" :thumbsup: Easy as that.

If you're just getting started or don't have a GPS yet, click on the cache owner of the nearest cache to your house and email them for help in getting started. They'll be glad to help. If that doesn't work, contact me and I'll put you in touch with somebody near ya to help.

[salliepa427]

have fun at Kendallville! I'm so jealous :thumbsup:

[bigbluejk]

You have to mail me a check for a geocaching license!

[birdfish316]

ok bigblue your check is in the mail. :D
can anyone recommend a good handheld gps for a beginner. preferrably $150 or less.

[Rubimon]

http://content.costco.com/Images/Content/Product/273167.jpg Costco.com has this one for $139 right now. They usually sell it for $179 which means it's probably $200 anywhere else.

[Rubimon]

http://content.costco.com/Images/Content/Product/290313.jpgMe personally would prefer this one since it can do geocaching but can help you out daily finding your way around. Shopping, gas, food,hospitals, whatever....:thumbsup:
Costco.com has it for $199

[J.C. Keller]

http://content.costco.com/Images/Content/Product/290313.jpgMe personally would prefer this one since it can do geocaching but can help you out daily finding your way around. Shopping, gas, food,hospitals, whatever....:thumbsup:
Costco.com has it for $199


Our w-mrt has this same one for $169.
We bought one this weekend.
Have used it a few times for driving directions.
It seems like it just gets you in the close proximity of an address.

[CAOKKIE]

Do people with the my gig use it to get close and then use their hand held when they get close or park their vehicle?

[doojer]

Do people with the my gig use it to get close and then use their hand held when they get close or park their vehicle?You can definitely do that. I use my TomTom to get me to the parking coords and then switch over to the Garmin 60 CSX to get me to the actual cache.

[Rubimon]

Our w-mrt has this same one for $169.
We bought one this weekend.
Have used it a few times for driving directions.
It seems like it just gets you in the close proximity of an address.

Are you sure its the 270? Walmart.com shows it at $338. Mine is actually the 680 and takes me exactly to the location I request. I can see a lower model having fewer features but you would think the accuracy would be the same.:dontknow2:

[GreytSilly]

You can't go wrong with the Etrex Legend someone posted above. Garmin makes a nice unit that is easy to use and download geocache coordinates to. The color screen is worth the extra price, wish I had that, I use a B&W screen Etrex. One feature of the handheld GPSr's is that they are weather resistant. I doubt if the units like the Nuvi that are made for inside a vehicle are sealed against the weather. Geocaching weather isn't always sunny days.

[J.C. Keller]

Are you sure its the 270? Walmart.com shows it at $338. Mine is actually the 680 and takes me exactly to the location I request. I can see a lower model having fewer features but you would think the accuracy would be the same.:dontknow2:

No It is a Garmin Nuvi 200.
Looks just like the one pictured, Sorry!

[49plym]

http://content.costco.com/Images/Content/Product/273167.jpg Costco.com has this one for $139 right now. They usually sell it for $179 which means it's probably $200 anywhere else.

i just bought one of these on e-bay ($149)
went out today for my first time geocaching and found 3 caches.
i think i found another new hobby, this is FUN!!:thumbsup:

[SaginawMike]

how do you get started in geocaching?



dig a hole and bury something.








...I'll donate my exwife.Very funny but I don't think that would meet the guidelines (http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx#offlimit). "Caches that are buried. If a shovel, trowel or other "pointy" object is used to dig, whether in order to hide or to find the cache, then it is not appropriate."

[tomb raider]

Looks interesting, will have to try it. Good to get the kids out as well:thumbsup:

[Kes]

Geocaching is a tremendous amount of fun. When you rack up 100 finds or so, then go find The Journal (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=3c99856a-b6d5-46ec-a219-4ce90a4220ca). You'll never want to do another Park-N-Grab. We finished it in one day, but it took 10 hours and 13 miles due to a minor mistake. With no mistakes, it could be done in about 6-8 hours.

[tomb raider]

Going to definately take the kids out for this. What do you usually put in the cache after you take something out?