Remember when metal detectors were all the rage? The thrill of being able to find something someone buried or lost underground that might be valuble? Usually the beach, or a park would be a good place to start if you wanted a good chance of finding something. Well, not anymore.

Geocaching, an outdoor treasure hunting sport where participants use a GPSr to seek out caches (containers) all around the world. With literally hundreds of thousands (and growing) caches placed in hundreds of countries there are limitless adventures you could be drawn into to find a cache. A geocache can hold something as little as a note or trinkets, or even other valuble items for you to find. Usually the rule of thumb is, if your going to take something from the cache you need to leave something behind of equal or greater value. Most geocaches also have a logbook so that you can record your visit.

Using the Internet to find websites that list geocached coordinates, you can then use your GPS device to help you track it down. Some websites like Geocaching.com have a social aspect to it that will allow others to post hints or comments on that particular cache. This can be very helpful especially if that cache has been muggled with (a term which implies its been taken or moved by a non-geocacher unaware of what it was) so that you know ahead of time before venturing out and never finding it.

Geocached items can range from trinkets, toys, cds, books, coins, buttons, to more personal valubles that are sentimental to the previous geocacher who was there. There are also Travel Bugs or Geocoins that can be found which are items that request to be “carried over” to another cache so that it can keep moving. A log is kept and updated online by the person who found it so that the original owner can see where that tagged bug or coin has been. These Travelbugs or Geocoins can travel sometimes hundreds of thousands of miles, even to other continents and across the world.

Geocaches range in size, difficulty and location but most importantly are always intended to be found. So, if you wanted to take a little geocaching adventure what would you need?

a handheld GPSr (Global Positioning System reciever)
a Flashlight (if it gets dark)
some trinkets or goodies you would like to exchange

Its wise to do your research first before heading out in order to obtain the coordinates and have an idea of some sort to know what your looking for. Grab a free account at Geocaching.com and do a search for your address or zip code to find nearby caches.

I use my iPhone 3G to do most of the work, both obtaining the coordinates and locating it. A few apps that I’ve tested and find useful would be “Geocaching”, “GeopherLite” and “iGCT”. All of which can help you find geocaches, act as a GPSr, and decode any encypted messages you might stumble across along the way.  However if your budget is tight and can only choose one, go with the “Geocaching” app.

By Geocaching you experience going out to places and finding not only the items but actual locations that you may have never knew about. Scenic trails, quiet areas of solitude, and other peaceful places that can only be found if – the Geocache is found.

Happy Hunting!