If youre tired of hiking the identical trail or picnicking at the identical park, then Geocaching could be exactly what youre looking for. Geocaching, pronounced gee-o-cashing, is the high technology version of a treasure hunt. Armed with nothing but a handheld GPS unit and a thirst for excitement, youre off for new adventures and the likelihood of finding a hidden cache.

Heres how it works. Geocachers seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS coordinates posted on the Internet by those hiding the cache. So to geocache, youll need a handheld GPS receiver. GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System, is the only system today able to show you your exact position on the Earth anytime, in any weather, anywhere. GPS satellites, 24 in all, orbit at over 11,000 miles above the Earth. The satellites transmit signals that may be detected by anyone with a GPS receiver. Using the receiver, you may determine your location with grand precision. But just as important, you will be able to locate other things too, such as a geocache. There are a variety of GPS receiver models to choose from starting at about $100.

Once youve got a GPS unit, you will positive need to understand where the caches are hidden (hint: theyre everywhere). When a cache is hidden, the caches coordinates are submitted to a web page for all to see (www.geocaching.com). Enter the coordinates into your GPS and youre ready to go. Did I mention there are more than 100,000 caches in over 200 countries?

Sounds easy, doesnt it? Armed with a GPS and the coordinates, how tough can it be? In an urban area, brain friendly access is typically available in the way of roads and trails. But what about on a mountain? What if there arent roads nearby? Its entirely possible to be a few hundred feet from something and not be able to reach it (across a river or two hundred feet below the cliff youre on are sizeably good examples). After you try to find a few caches, youll understand a number of the nuances of actually finding the cache. Thats the fun part. Once you find the cache, there are a couple of simple rules. Sign the logbook and if you take something from the cache, be sure to leave something.

But what about placing a cache? Thats fun too. Just be sure to follow the rules as outlined at www.geocaching.com. Once youre a seasoned geocacher, you will try your hand at travel bugs, geo-teaming and benchmark hunting.

If you have only a couple hours to search for a cache, try to find one that is close by. If you have a couple days, take a family trip and build an overnight adventure out of it. Using your GPS along with your sense of adventure, you are bound to spend more measure out of doors with everybody you enjoy. What could be better? Get Outdoors!

Chuck Fitzgerald is Owner and President of Phoenix, Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online store furnishing backcountry specialty gear and educational information to outdoor enthusiasts. Visit www.BackCountryToys.com to receive the free of cost news letter "FreshAir or call (800) 316-9055. Chuck Fitzgerald 2004 All Rights Reserved.

chuck@backcountrytoys.com