How does geocaching work?

What you need:

• GPS device
• Web account
• Have fun searching and puzzling

What is geocaching anyway?

• Geocaching is a "sport" that has developed over the past 10 years and spread all over the world. He's a little with one scavenger hunt or treasure hunt comparable, but with the latest technology.
• For this purpose, so-called "caches" are being hidden worldwide by a constantly growing community, the GPS coordinates of which are then published on the Internet.
• The remaining cachers can then search for these caches. A cache usually consists of a more or less large box that contains at least one logbook. In addition, the larger caches contain barter items that can be exchanged for an item of the same value that you brought with you.

How exactly does geocaching work?

1. First of all, you need a cacheable GPS device. Unfortunately, they are not cheap, so you might want to try them out. better borrow one first. If you want to buy one yourself, the choice is usually difficult, as there is now a wide range of devices on the market. From around 60 to 80 euros for the entry-level models to almost 1,000 euros for the top models, there is something for every taste.
2. If you have a GPS device, all you really need is the coordinates of a cache and you're good to go. You can get this on one of the relevant websites. The undisputed leader and spread worldwide is the "original page" www.geocaching.com (GC.com). In order to be able to see all the information, you have to create an account in which you can log your findings afterwards.


Treasure hunt with GPS suggestions

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3. Such an account is free of charge in the basic version, for additional futures you can also become a premium member. Choose a suitable username, because with this synonym you sign in the logbooks and become known in the caching world.
   In addition to GC.com (which is now largely translated into German) there are also a few other sites where you can find caches and also log. From Germany is representative www.opencaching.de called.
4. Once you have logged into the website, you can use various search functions to search for a cache in your area. If you have found one that interests you, you can click on it and open the cache description.
5. Depending on the type of cache, you will find information here about the location where it is hidden or how you can find it. If it is a "traditional cache", you can enter the displayed coordinates directly into your GPS device and start the search. At the beginning you should stick to simpler caches in order to keep the risk of frustration low and to familiarize yourself with typical hiding places and clues.
6. If you are on site with your device, it can guide you directly to the entered coordinates with the help of a direction arrow and a distance specification. But be careful: Every GPS signal is to a certain extent inaccurate, so there can be a deviation of several meters. Make sure that you are not watched by bystanders (so-called "muggles"). Otherwise the caches will soon be destroyed and you rob the following cachers of the fun.
7. In order to limit the possibilities, you should take into account all information from the cache description (and also have it conveniently on site). For example, a size is always given. This refers to the size of the container. Terms used at GC.com are Nano (size of a screw nut), Micro (film can), Small (Lunch box), Regular (storage box, small ammunition box) and Large (large ammunition box, Plastic box).
   There are also so-called "hints" for many caches. These are notes that are encrypted in the cache description so that they cannot be read unintentionally. You should only decrypt this if you cannot find the cache, otherwise you often rob yourself of a large part of the fun. The same also applies to so-called "spoilers", images that show the exact hiding place or at least concrete information about it.
8. If you have cleared the cache, you have to make an entry in the logbook. You should therefore always have a ballpoint pen with you, especially with smaller caches. You can also swap items if there are any in the cache and you have an equivalent item with you to swap.
9. Back at home, you have to make your find known to the rest of the caching community. To do this, log in to the relevant website, select the cache you have found and click on "Log it" or "Log finding" or something similar. You can then leave a short text there and be entered as the finder of the cache. So you can always keep track of how many caches you have already found. Some cachers can already record several thousand finds, but it's a long way to go.