It started as an activity for tech-types looking for some fun with their Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) devices, and quickly caught on with the mainstream, earning the name geocaching. The activity continues to attract fans to these modern-day treasure hunts, and for anyone interested in learning more or getting an update, there will be a free workshop from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. this Saturday, April 12 at the Coos Bay Library, about which more in a moment.
For the uninitiated, a bit of background. Utilizing the capabilities of an array of government satellitese, GPS was developed by the US military in the 1970s and early ‘80s, and made available to the public in 1983. This spurred the sales of hand-held GPS devices, which had become popular with hunters and other outdoors people as a way to navigate on land and water. Shortcomings, technical problems and data blockages were eventually resolved, although there are aspects that reveal this is still somewhat a work in progress.
Nevertheless, the main thing is to have fun, which in this case involves hiding a cache or container or box and then posting its location within 10 feet. Caches are usually hidden in easily-accessible public places. Trespassing is taboo, as is hiding caches without permission on private property.
Anyone with a GPS unit and Internet access can participate. Many geocachers continue to use handheld units, which others use smart phone apps. Some even use both to zero in on their quarry.
When they find a cache, geocachers open it and write on a log sheet inside, recording the date of their find. The caches range in size from “nano” (tiny capsules) to “micro” (plastic film canisters) to larger containers and boxes. The caches sometimes have little items inside intended to be taken as keepsakes. Other times, geocachers leave items for future visitors. Kids love this aspect!
Part of the fun is finding challenging ways to hide caches. Some people are notorious for the ways they’ve hidden caches, referred to as “evil hides.” A notably fiendish hide was inside a discarded cigarette butt on the pavement outside a local convenience store. Others were disguised as electrical plugs, metal straps, big bolts that were hollowed out, even piles of fake dog droppings.
Enthusiasts cite the physical benefits of geocaching, as it sometimes involves a bit of moderate exercise traipsing around the countryside. Geocaching is also a great way to discover new places and connect with nature as caches are often hidden in scenic locations. Participants also develop critical thinking skills as they solve puzzles to locate caches. Additionally, geocaching can be enjoyed alone or with others.
Industry statistics claim there are over 3 million active geocaches worldwide, with over 200 million finds registered in the Geocache Logbook. The oldest active geocache was placed in 2000 and has been found more than 10,000 times!
As for this Satuday’s “Geocaching 101” workshop at the Coos Bay Library, organizer Gene Iparraguirre says “We'll spend time understanding the basics and then explore ways to test your newly acquired skills. You can team up with experienced cachers who will share their knowledge and stories from the field and help guide you on your way.”
Gene will give a brief history and explanation of GPS device types and terms, then explain GPS and satellite technology. Participants can learn how to use www.geocaching.com and apps, and get help setting up their geocache account and logging their caches. There will be hands-on demonstrations with different types of geocaches you could discover.
Those interested can also check out the South Coast Geocachers Facebook page
(Shopper columnist Tom Baake is author of the local guidebooks.)