Geocaching:Using multi-billion dollar military technology to find tupperware in the woods!
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt that uses global positioning satelittes (GPS) receiver to help locate the hidden containter (the "cache.") Geocaching started in May 2000, and since then has grown into a popular outdoor activity all around the world. There are many caches already hidden in the Kingston area. You have probably walked by some of them many times, without even knowing! Caches are hidden all over the world, and many 'hard-core' cachers plan their vacations around geocaching.
Geocaches can take various forms, and the game can be played in many ways. This makes it an ideal activity for a wide variety of people and involving a variety of terrains. Caches can be found after a short, easy walk with a young family or may require special equipment (rock climbing equipment, scuba gear, canoe or ATV!) Others may require solving a puzzle before the final location of cache can be found. All caches require at minimum a log book that you can sign to document your visit. Many have items ("swag") that you can trade for with items that you have brought with you.
Despite these variations, there are a few 'rules'
Once you find the cache, sign the log book
If you take an item from the cache, leave an item of equal or great value
Carefully replace the cache as you found it
Avoid being seen retrieving/replacing the cache by non-cachers ("muggles")
Leave the area in better shape than you found it-- "Cache In, Trash Out" (CITO)
Cache Variations
Traditional Cache This is the common type of cache, and is the most straightforward to find. The co-ordinates listed on the cache page are the exact location of the container. The container may be very small (such as a 35 mm film cannister) or large (such as an ammo box or large tupperware container.) All caches must contain a log book, however small containers may not have a writing tool so be sure to bring one of your own. Larger containers usually contain trade items, so bring along some "swag" if you want to make some trades!
Multi-Cache This type of cache involves two or more steps to find the final cache container. Most commonly, the co-ordinates on the cache page will take you to a place where you will find another set of co-ordinates (a 'redirect') that leads to another location. You may need to find any number of redirects before you find the final location, which contains the cache container and log book.
Unknown (Mystery) Cache There are many forms that these types of caches may take. Often, there is a puzzle that you will need to solve in order to find the final location of the cache. Or it may involve an "additional logging requirement" such as figuring out a combination to open the cache container, or leaving some specific type of item in the cache in order to log the find.
Event Cache Events are held by various organizations or groups to bring geocachers together for a social activity, or to participate in searching for specially placed caches. KAG regularly organizes event caches throughout the year. Details of these events will be posted on this web site in addition to being published on the geocaching.com website.
Earth Cache This type of cache does not involve finding a container, but involves going to a specific location that demonstrates an interesting aspect of earth science. Since there is no physical container to find, there is no log book to sign. Earth caches have a specific logging requirement--such as the measurement of some specific feature at the cache site. These requirements are outlined on the cache page.
A great introductory video on geocaching by Geocaching.com
