Geocaches can contain anything from: Foreign coins; Toy cars; Keychains; Rubber ducks; Marbles; When you find a geocache, it's usually a container with items inside. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Community volunteer reviewers are geocachers, like you, who volunteer their time to support the game of geocaching and the geocaching community. CITO typically last from 2 to 4 hours. The site promotes mobile applications, and lists over two dozen applications (both mobile and browser/desktop based) that are using their proprietary but royalty-free public application programming interface (API). In some areas, geocaching activity may need to cease for portions of the year due to sensitivity of some species. It is sometimes difficult for the seasoned Geocacher! The cartridge must be hosted on Wherigo.com and the cache description must include a link to the cartridge. Cachers have been approached by police and questioned when they were seen as acting suspiciously. If you make changes to your cache page or container after publication, and it no longer complies with guidelines, your cache may be disabled or archived. Generally, most geocaching services or websites offer some basic information for free, but users may have to pay for premium membership that allows access to more information or advanced searching capabilities. Commercial content includes any of the following characteristics. While encouraged, events do not require visitors to sign their name a logbook to prove they attended an event. Geocaching > Getting Started with Geocaching > Geocache Types Geocaching.comprovides the following guidelines: NOTE: For those of us that use the imperial system or the United States customary units for volume, 100ml is equal to about 3.4 ounces. [81] The apps also allow for a trial version with limited functionality. In 2020, Groundspeak released the "Adventure Lab" app, separate from the Geocaching app. However, as cache reviewers typically cannot see exactly where and how every cache is hidden, problematic hides can slip through. A physical stage is any object placed by the cache owner, such as a container or a tag. Dangerous material, such as explosives, ammunition, lighters, knives, drugs, or alcohol, Items that can melt, such as crayons or lip balm, Items that can expand in the cold, such as liquids. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Features include the ability to organize one's favourite caches, build custom searches, be instantly notified of new caches in one's area, seek and create caches of all types, export GPX queries, statpics, etc. [64][65][66] Other times, investigation of a cache location after suspicious activity was reported has resulted in police and bomb squad discovery of the geocache,[67] such as the evacuation of a busy street in Wetherby, Yorkshire, England in 2011,[68] and a street in Alvaston, Derby in 2020. Geocache hiding guidelines Geocaching Also, cache pages cannot require or encourage players to place more caches. Dont rely only on the Geocache Planning Map to choose a location. Lua may be used directly, but a builder application is usually used. [31] Event caches have to be longer than 30 minutes, and can publish no less than 14 days away from the planned event date. From 2005 to 2017, the geocaching website no longer listed new caches without a physical container, including virtual and webcam caches (with the exception of earthcaches and events); however, older caches of these types have been grandfathered in (except for locationless or reverse, which are completely archived and transferred to Waymarking.com). The Event Cache page specifies a time for the event and provides coordinates to its location. GPS usage is an essential element of hiding and seeking caches. The service closed on 14 August 2015.[106][113][114][115][116][117][118]. Attendees of event caches can log that they 'attended', which will increment their number of found caches. [4] Geocaching shares many aspects with benchmarking, trigpointing, orienteering, treasure hunting, letterboxing, trail blazing, and Munzee. Geocaching software can assign special icons or search (filter) for caches based on certain criteria (e.g. The materials will be exposed to UV light, dirt, heat, cold, and hail (to mention a few), Clearly Marked The exterior of the container should be marked as a Geocache with a permanent marker, paint, or sticker, Transparent A recent practice is to use a clear container so that the contents can be easily seen (due to bomb scares), Functional Finders should be able to open and close the container without tools or hurting themselves, Prone To Rusting Unprotected metal containers will rust after exposed to moisture (morning, dew, rain, snow, flash flood), Poorly constructed I wanted to say cheap, but that would imply low in cost (which is what we want). By using the Geocaching app, you can also write virtual logs about . It is a container initially designed for the transport and storage of ammunition. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Letterbox Hybrids can be logged without using a stamp. Although they felt they were safe and able to return to land, they were considered to be in danger and were airlifted back to the shore. Larger containers such as plastic storage containers (Tupperware or similar) or ammo boxes can also contain items for trading, such as toys or trinkets, usually of more sentimental worth than financial. [103] Geocaching Headquarters are located in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, United States.[104]. Inherent Risks", "Geocaching saves the day for lost hikers - Garmin Blog", "Three Hikers Rescued From Cave Were Geocaching", "Rescued Clevedon geocachers were 'never in danger', "Second body found in Vltava River that of missing geocacher | Radio Prague", "Povode v praskm podzem: Jak se tveice lid sama dostala do smrtelnho nebezpe - Seznam Zprvy", "Policie obnovila ptrn po lovci poklad, potvrdila identitu utonul eny", "Geocaching - Early History - Fun Facts, Questions, Answers, Information", "Interview: Mike Teague On The First Geocache Listing Site", Geocaching.com's Premium Membership Benefits, "No hiding from its popularity: At 20, Geocaching still seeks to turn players on to worldwide game", "Geocaching - co to jest i na czym polega? Learn more about Letterbox Hybrids. The rating system also greatly reduces the problem of abandoned or unsatisfactory caches still being listed after repeated negative comments or posts in the cache logs. Paint the secret stash box to blend in with its location, increasing the difficulty rating of your cache. . Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Add to Cart. 10 Unique Geocaching Containers - Road Trips For Families Adventure labs were first introduced in 2014 as a way to test market ideas through Groundspeak. $4.99. [124], Terracaching.com seeks to provide high-quality caches made so by the difficulty of the hide or from the quality of the location. For the traditional geocache, a geocacher will place a waterproof container containing a log book (with pen and/or pencil) and trade items or trackables, then record the cache's coordinates. [44] Each year, eligible geocachers can opt-in to a drawing and some selected with the opportunity to submit a virtual cache for publication. With these guidelines we aim to balance the needs and rights of the geocaching community, land managers, and the environment to ensure that geocaching can be enjoyed for years to come. Temporary caches intended to stay active for fewer than three months will not be published. Virtual and Webcam Caches are legacy cache types. Homemade Recycled Geocache Containers - HobbyLark c:geo. A letterbox has a rubber stamp and a logbook instead of tradable items. At its most basic level, geocaching is a game where players use GPS receivers to track down a container, or cache. Remove the geocache container and any physical stages within 60 days after the cache page is archived. Official guidelines and Mega-Event application. [20], An independent accounting of the early history documents several controversial actions taken by Jeremy Irish and Grounded, Inc., a predecessor to Groundspeak, to increase "commercialization and monopolistic control over the hobby". Reviewer Notes are automatically removed when the cache is published, along with any photos attached to them. Events must comply with health and safety guidelines, as well as all local laws. Cache Containers Explained! - Geocacher's Compass Letterboxers carry their own stamp with them, to stamp the letterbox's log book and inversely stamp their personal log book with the letterbox stamp. Geocaching Join the world's largest treasure hunt. [28][29] The term plays off the fact that those not familiar with geocaching are called muggles, a word borrowed from the Harry Potter series of books which were rising in popularity at the same time geocaching started.[24]. [24] Disposable cameras are popular as they allow for anyone who found the cache to take a picture which can be developed and uploaded to a Geocaching web site listed below. Caches along a Route A Geocaching Premium Member feature that allows you to identify caches along a specific route for quick and easy geocaching. Geocaching HQ may make exceptions to the commercial guidelines for GeoTours and trackable promotions. If you currently own a Virtual or Webcam Cache, you must maintain the cache page and logs, respond to inquiries from geocachers, and check the physical location periodically. Wherigo caches are unique to the geocaching.com website. Groundspeak has since updated their geocaching.com terms of use agreement to specify that geocachers find geocaches at their own risk. Coordinates to the bonus cache, if applicable, can be seen in the journal entries once a user has correctly answered the question at a waypoint. [43]. An EarthCache is a type of virtual geocache that is published not by a local reviewer, but by a volunteer regional reviewer associated with the Geological Society of America. The following cache types are supported by geocaching.com. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Although not required, many geocachers decide to leave behind signature items, such as personal geocoins, pins, or craft items, to mark their presence at the cache location. However, not all Wherigo cartridges incorporate geocaches into gameplay. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Geocaching 101: Geocaching Glossary of Terms - Peanuts or Pretzels Caches may contain any number of small items, or they may only contain a logbook for players to sign to mark their find. distance from an assigned point, difficulty, date last found). Read more about Virtual Caches and appropriate logging tasks. Located outside of the United States? See the, The geocache is problematic due to its proximity to a public structure. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. How to Go Geocaching: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Water Tight The containers must be have a good seal to prevent moisture, water, dirt, and critters from making their way in, Weather Resistant A container must be able to stand the test of time in the elements. Some cities, towns, and recreation areas allow geocaches with few or no restrictions, but others require compliance with lengthy permitting procedures. Geodashing, Shutterspot, GeoVexilla, MinuteWar, GeoPoker, and GeoGolf are among the GPS games available. Cache-In Trash-Out (CITO) Events are coordinated activities of trash pickup and other maintenance tasks (such as constructing footpaths, planting trees and removing invasive species) to improve the environment. [13][14] Another geocache and plaque ,called the Original Stash Tribute Plaque. Creating A Geocache. In Europe, TerraCaching is supported by Terracaching.eu. Groundspeak created a waymarking website to handle all other non-physical caches. A Wherigo cache requires a Wherigo cartridge to find a cache container with a logbook. Although generally disallowed, hiders could place caches on private property without adequate permission (intentionally or otherwise), which encourages cache finders to trespass. Seekers can search for and download caches in their immediate vicinity directly to the application and use the on-board GPS receiver to find the cache. Events cannot be held in or near transportation centers such as. Submit events as one single event if your event has one of the following. They looked for what seemed like hours then all of a sudden, it magically appeared as if a ninja attached it while you werent looking. [30] The most common cache containers in rural areas are lunch-box-sized plastic storage containers or surplus military ammunition cans. Reeuwijkse International Geocaching Day 2023 Event Cache "[95], In 2015, Her Majesty's Coastguard were called to a group of geocachers who were spotted walking into the Severn Estuary off the coast of Clevedon, England, in search of clues to locate a multi-cache. How To Solve A Pi Puzzle Geocaching | OdysseyFinePuzzles.com These coordinates, along with other details of the location, are posted on a listing site (see list of some sites below). If you wish to appeal the reviewers decision, Overtones of advertising, marketing, or promotion, Suggests or requires the finder do any of the following, Competing games or cache listing services, Links or logos of agencies and organizations (including nonprofit organizations), unless needed for permission. Following the geocaching guidelines is important to protect the game and the environment in which we play. Additional international sites include Geocaching.de, a German website, and Geocaching Australia, which accepts listings of cache types deprecated by geocaching.com, cache types such as TrigPoint and Moveable caches, as well as traditional geocache types. What is geocaching? Numerous websites list geocaches around the world. Currently, the Android, iPhone, and Windows Phone mobile platforms have applications in their respective stores. On attempt number 10 I even had a nudge from the Cache Owner and couldnt find it. He copied the caches from Mike Teague's database into his own. Inside there will be a logbook to sign, with larger caches also containing various trinkets for trade. The latest advancement of this practice involves installing dedicated applications on a smart phone with a built-in GPS receiver. Geocaching is legal in most countries and is usually positively received when explained to law enforcement officials. A pencil 6. We had the pleasure of meeting them in person at one of the GeoWoodstocks and found out that they take the tools of their craft with them to hiding spots. Micro (Geocache) Container : 10 Steps - Instructables The finder is required to capture an image of themselves through the webcam for verification of the find. Final coordinates must be less than 2 miles (3.2 km) from the posted coordinates. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. [27] Cachers who initially place a Travel Bug or geocoin(s) often assign specific goals for their trackable items. For example, in Virginia, the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Wildlife Management Agency now forbids the placement of geocaches on all land controlled by those agencies. Geocaching.com provides the following guidelines: Container Sizes Micro - less than 100 milliliters (ml). However, with geocaching's 20th anniversary in 2020 Groundspeak decided to publish a special locationless cache for geocachers to "find" at various Mega and Giga events around the world. [89][90][91][92], The death of a 21-year-old experienced cacher in December 2011 "while attempting a Groundspeak cache that does not look all that dangerous" led to discussions of whether changes should be made, and whether cache owners or Groundspeak could be held liable. A virtual stage is a waypoint where the cache owner has not placed an item. You will love these caches. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Provide personal information to another website (excluding email address and username). ", "Garmin spout OpenCaching: poraz Geocaching? A Traditional Cache consists of at least a container with a logbook and is located at the posted coordinates. Bison Capsules or Bison Tubes: these geocaches are ideal to hang on a tree limb or fence post. The geocache is on railroad property or right of way. An EarthCache consists of an earth science lesson that requires a visit to a unique geological feature. All local laws and land management policies apply. [18] Geocachers were given the opportunity to virtually discover the trackable after the WATSON camera sent back its first photographs of the calibration target that contained the tracking code number. Do not place containers that could be perceived as bombs or other dangerous items. Many times new Geocachers are puzzled about the cache container size classifications. [84], The South Carolina House of Representatives passed Bill 3777[85] in 2005, stating, "It is unlawful for a person to engage in the activity of geocaching or letterboxing in a cemetery or in a historic or archaeological site or property publicly identified by a historical marker without the express written consent of the owner or entity which oversees that cemetery site or property." When choosing a cache container make sure it's waterproof and won't degrade quickly in its local conditions, like heat, cold, rain or snow. Examples may include archaeological sites, historical sites, and cemeteries. Rating: 96%. CITO event cache pages must include a start and end time and last at least 1 hour. Gather a small collection of kid's prizes and a small notebook and pencil. GeocachingToolbox.com. All geocaching tools a geocacher needs in one box. But instead of using a treasure map, a GPS, (Global Positioning System), the device is used. Clear Ammo Can Cache Container - Desert Camo, Official Ammo Can Kit with Logbook and Pencil Kit - Urban Camo, Clear Ammo Can Cache Container - Urban Camo, Official XX-Small Geocache with Logbook - Desert Camo, Clear Ammo Can Cache Container - Green Camo, Official Medium Geocache with Logbook and Pencil - Desert Camo, Official Geocache 32oz. What is Geocaching? - The Geocaching Junkie The next time CCEs will be available will be in 2030. Do not harm plant or animal life when you place your cache. [80][66] However, certain types of placements can be problematic. For most Mystery caches, the posted coordinates are not the actual cache location. There will be some containers hidden in plain sight but you wont see them without clearing your mind of previous finds of the same size/type. Instead, a series of clues are given as to where to find the cache such as "take a left past the bridge" or "about 25 paces past the big oak tree". So you see, Geocaches are more than just plastic storage containers hidden in the woods. Geocachers must often solve a puzzle in advance to determine the next stage or the final coordinates. First issued in 2010 as "Lost and Found" events, geocachers could host one to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of geocaching. For extreme caching all you need is an extreme caching account and a GPS device with coordinates or a GPS-enabled smartphone with geocaching or outdoor navigation software, e.g. Geocachers are also encouraged to clean up after themselves by retrieving old containers once a cache has been removed from play. Choose a transparent container to show that the contents are harmless. [31] Some puzzles can be easy and involve basic math operations or they can be quite difficult, with some of the more challenging ones requiring a firm understanding of computer programming. Cache pages perceived as commercial will not be published. There are some exceptions though, e.g. What is Geocaching - A Beginner's Guide - GIS Geography Dangerous or illegal items, weapons, food, and drugs are not allowed and are specifically against the rules of most geocache listing sites. [21] More recently, other similar hobbies such as Munzee have attracted some geocachers by rapidly adopting smart-phone technology, which has caused "some resistance from geocaching organizers about placing caches along with Munzees".[22]. The website geocaching.com[51] now sells mobile applications which allow users to view caches through a variety of different devices. Mystery Caches can have many different designs. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The final stage consists of at least a container with a logbook. EarthCaches do not have containers or logbooks. Official guidelines to hide a challenge cache are located in the Help Center. Scissors To make it into a geocache, you will need on top of that: 4. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The stamp stays with the geocache. Two of the geocachers died,[98] while two others were rescued from the river.[99][100]. In fact, to say that there is a cache hidden there is a lie. Caches are containers of all sizes that may be camouflaged to blend into their surroundings. A GPS Adventures Maze Exhibit is an exhibit at various museums and science centers in which participants in the maze learn about geocaching. Do not place caches in a location that requires or encourages geocachers to damage, deface, or destroy public or private property, especially archaeological or historical sites. It is technically classified as a separate cache type under mystery caches, with its own unique icon both on the geocaching app and on one's profile statistics tab. A geocache usually has a logbook that you can sign. The website lists nearly any type of geocache and does not charge to access any of the caches listed in its database. As of February 2021, only one confirmed geocacher (in 2013) has actually found the geocache, although others have claimed to have found it providing varying amounts of evidence. It is organized by geocachers, for geocachers and those interested in learning the game. Geocache containers and physical stages of different geocaches must be at least 0.1 miles (528 feet or 161 meters) apart. Stacie and I searched for a few of their caches in Twentynine Palms, CA a few years back. This allows users to see what other cachers think of the cache and it encourages participants to place higher quality caches. [15] It used the Baikonur launch area in Kazakhstan as its position. The concept: Some type of container is hidden - somewhere - and its location, (given in latitude and longitude coordinates), is listed on an online geocaching . Cache owners who do not maintain their existing caches in a timely manner may temporarily or permanently lose the right to list new caches on Geocaching.com. [46] Some websites allow geocachers to search (build queries) for multiple caches within a geographic area based on criteria such as ZIP code or coordinates, downloading the results as an email attachment on a schedule. Ammo cans are popular containers to be used for regular or large geocaches. (This list is not comprehensive.). Video: what is geocaching (75 seconds) There are 122 geocaches around Boydton. However, the original container was later found by a Groundspeak led survey in April of that year. Do not place caches in a location that requires or encourages geocachers to trespass or pass markers that prohibit access. Simple caches that are placed near a roadside are often called "drive-bys", "park 'n grabs" (PNGs), or "cache and dash". GPSgames.org is an online community dedicated to all kinds of games involving Global Positioning System receivers. What Is Geocaching? On August 24, 2017, Groundspeak announced "Virtual Rewards", allowing 4000 new virtual caches to be placed during the following year. Event hosts must first apply for Mega-Event status in advance. An Event Cache is a gathering of local geocachers or geocaching organizations. Stacie and I would get up at 5 am to do a quick 2 mile run and she would ask which direction to go. Cache In Trash Out (CITO) events are gatherings of geocachers to improve parks and other cache-friendly places. The community volunteer reviewer may offer suggestions if there are additional concerns not fully documented in these guidelines. APE Caches Contained Movie Props Fourteen geocaches were placed in 2001 to commemorate the 20th Century Fox movie Planet of the APES. [42], Virtual caches are coordinates for a rather interesting or unique location, usually with a described object such as an art sculpture or a scenic lookout. A community volunteer may ask you to provide contact information of the person giving permission. Ultimately it is also up to cache finders to use discretion when attempting to search for a cache, and report any problems. Do not bury geocaches, either partially or completely. A Giga Event is a gathering that consists of 5,000 or more geocachers. Other geocachers obtain the coordinates from that listing site and seek out the cache using their handheld GPS receivers. Historic buildings and structures have also been damaged by geocachers, who have wrongly believed the geocache to be placed within, or on the roof of, the buildings. The Opencaching Network is less restrictive than many sites, and does not charge for the use of the sites, the service being community driven. Of those two, the Brazil APE cache is the only surviving original APE cache because GC1169 was muggled in 2016. Examples of goals are to be placed in a certain cache a long distance from home, or to travel to a certain country, or to travel faster and farther than other hitchhikers in a race. An Event may be published up to six months in advance if an overnight stay is expected or if the event is designed to attract geocachers from beyond the local area. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic Groundspeak allowed CCEs to be hosted until 31 December 2022. Rules about the distance between the final coordinates and the posted coordinates are defined by the underlying cache type: Traditional, Mystery, or Multi-Cache. Preform Container with pencil and RITR Logbook . There are several apps available that you can use to start geocaching, but you're probably wondering, "What is in a geocache?" Paperless geocaching means hunting a geocache without a physical printout of the cache description. "[122] However, as of 2021 the site is mostly dormant, and the most recent cache listing is from 2014. Many cachers had the same experience as I when seeking this elusive little guy. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Dollar store plastic containers usually warp in hot weather, are too thin where the lid attaches, and become brittle after a couple seasons, Cardboard The cache made out of a shoe box, Tootsie Roll bank, or gum package will not hold up to the elements whatsoever. As you geocache, you start to look for common themes between containers ( bison tubes, 35mm film canisters, magnetic key holders) and hiding spots (inside the top of fence posts, hanging from branches, and under lamp post skirts). Exact coordinates where the cache is located are provided.[31]. [53], Additionally "c:geo - opensource"[54] is a free opensource full function application for Android phones that is very popular. They usually contain just a logbook and pencil. Geocaching is a family friendly and outdoor friendly game. Completing an adventure can require reaching different locations and solving puzzles. The geocache is in an area that is sensitive to additional foot or vehicular traffic. Geocaching uses a smartphone app to find hidden "caches" in your neighborhood or out on the trails. Some examples of CITO-appropriate activities: We encourage geocachers to partner with organizations who have experience hosting these types of cleanup efforts. Geocaches may also be complex, involving lengthy searches, significant travel, or use of specialist equipment such as SCUBA diving, kayaking, or abseiling. Tupperware containers are OK, but won't last very long. Countries with associated opencaching websites include the United States at www.opencaching.us;[106] Germany at www.opencaching.de;[107][108] Sweden at www.opencaching.se; Poland at www.opencaching.pl;[109] Czech Republic at www.opencaching.cz;[110][111] The Netherlands at www.opencaching.nl; Romania at www.opencaching.ro; the United Kingdom at www.opencache.uk. The Wherigo site[39] offers a builder application and a database of adventures free for download, though the builder has remained in its Alpha version since its last release in May 2008. This site is translated in different European languages, has an extended FAQ and extra supporting tools for TerraCaching.
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