True Techno Hide-and-Seek
You might be surprised to find that the state of Mississippi has over 2,500 geocaches hidden by more than 250 cachers. If you love historical homes, hiking in the woods, going to town to shop, visiting old cemeteries and parks, or just going to the movies, then there’s geocaching right around the corner from the things you love.
Take a moment to visit Mississippi Geocachers Association to learn more about geocaching in Mississippi. The following information and instructions are included here to ease travelers into fun and enjoyable geocaching experiences as they travel the unique regions and destinations in Mississippi.
What is Geocaching?
Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing) is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. The basic idea is to hide containers (geocaches) and post the locations of these caches on the Internet. Anyone with a GPS receiver can enter the location’s coordinates to find the caches and then log the caches at
www.geocaching.com to show that they have found them. Geocaching participants include people from all age groups, including families with children, students, adults and retirees. Geocaching is a worldwide activity with a strong sense of community and support for the environment. Since September of 2000, geocaching has grown from 75 caches in just a few countries to hundreds of thousands of caches all over the world.
How does GPS work?
Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers tap into satellite networks from anywhere in the world to accurately pinpoint extremely specific geographic locations. Measuring its distance from at least three satellites in a process called trilateration identifies a location. A geocacher can place a cache anywhere in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology, and then alert others via the Internet to the cache’s existence and location. Anyone with a GPS receiver can then track down the cache.
If you’re wondering how to geocache, here’s geocaching in six easy steps:
1. Go to
www.geocaching.com and register for a free account.
2. Click “Hide and Seek a Cache.”
3. Enter your zip code and click “Search.”
4. Choose any cache from the list and click on its name.
5. Enter the coordinates (waypoint) of a cache into your GPS receiver.
6. Follow the direction arrow on the receiver until you find the hidden cache.
Simple Rules for Geocaching
1. If you take something, leave something behind.
2. Write about your find in the cache logbook.
3. Do not take the container with you.
4. Log your find online at
www.geocaching.com.
Keep in Mind…
• Geocaches should never be buried.
• Don’t put yourself or others in harm's way.
• Don’t place items such as food, explosives, knives, drugs or alcohol in a geocache.
• Every cache is to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
• Respect local laws and seek permission where needed.
• Review cache listing requirements and guidelines before hiding one of your own.
• Check out your local geocaching organization for more information.
Types of Geocaches
Traditional cache
The original cache type consists of—at minimum—a container and a logbook. The coordinates listed on a traditional cache page describe the exact location of the cache.
Multi-cache
A multi-cache involves two or more locations. Hints are found in the initial cache and then the final location is typically a physical cache container.
Puzzle cache
A cache that involves a puzzle or puzzles, which are sometimes complicated, must be solved to determine the coordinates of the geocache.
Event cache
Geocaching events organized by local geocachers and geocaching organizations may provide coordinates, a date and a time to meet for the event.
Before you go…
• Find a cache that will meet your immediate goals. Are you looking for a difficult hike or an easy adventure?
• Print cache information (don’t forget the hint) and make sure to bring both a map of the area and a compass.
• Remember that distances can be deceiving. A cache can take longer to find depending on trails, rivers and other obstacles.
• Pack any needed supplies such as water, food and extra clothing. Check cache terrain and difficulty ratings.
• Let someone know where you are going.
• Don’t forget your GPS receiver and extra batteries.
Finding a geocache
• Mark your car as a waypoint to ensure a safe return.
• Be mindful of the environment; practice Cache in Trash out (CITO).
• Bring friends and family with you. Sharing the experience can be very rewarding. Pets are welcome, too!
After the Find…
• Sign the cache logbook.
• Leave the cache as you found it (hidden, of course).
• Log your find online at
www.geocaching.com.
Want more information? Visit
www.geocaching.com.