Serious Tech Hobbies: Taking Geocaching To The Next Level 1.3.2011
Who would have ever thought ten years ago GPS could be a hobby? Today, global positioning systems are used in vehicles for road trips, navigating to a meeting, aircraft, missiles, telephones, and video cameras. Geocaching has been described by StormSector as the modern game of hide and seek. Check out this inside look at serious geocaching.
Geocaching Basics
Photo: James Mallot and family outdoors geocaching.
Some consider geocaching to be a sport; in general it's a hobby that involves using Global Positioning System (GPS) hardware. The GPS can be a handheld or mobile unit. Using the GPS coordinates the person can locate a hidden "cache" or "geocache" as it's called. Geocaches can be found around the world and typically contain a logbook and other items for trading. Once the person finds the cache and fills out the logbook, he or she replaces what was in the cache and puts it back for the next person to find. Not all geocaches are alike though as they can vary in difficulty, location, environment, etc. Some geocaching individuals take it one step further.
Geochaching: Some Serious Hunting
Many take geocaching to the next level spending days and weeks on finds. Once someone gets involved in geocaching they will also discover there are many levels of difficulty based on terrain and the cache itself. Difficulty ratings tell the hunter how hard it is to find the cache once they are at the right GPS coordinates (ground zero). Difficulty is rated from 1 to 5, 5 being the most difficult or extreme. Terrain ratings are similar except describe the level of difficulty regarding access to the cache. For example, a level 5 terrain may require scuba diving, rock climbing, etc. This aspect may be more of the sport since it involves extra mental and physical activity.
James Mallot has been geocaching for over 6 years. We asked James about how he started geocaching and his finds - especially the odd ones. Geocaching can be very interesting because you never know what you will find in the geocache.
Photo: James Mallot and family find a cache.
"I found out about it as I was walking through a local park in Cincinnati one day, I noticed a group of people rummaging through a bush with GPS's. I asked and was informed about the hobby. Geocaching is a serious hobby to me, though not to the point I will go out during the deep winters we have in Cincinnati. Pretty much every item found in a geocache is odd, but perhaps the one that stands out most was a glass eye. My favorite item I found was a tracking bug with a toy horse attached to it. The horse was set out attached to the travel bug in an attempt to reach the Kentucky Derby. At last glance, it's close but has yet to reach its destination."
James is one of many serious geocaching hobbyists. With the price of handheld GPS units coming down to affordable levels, this hobby is open for business. The possibilities are unlimited as participants can combine a daily hike or bike ride with this cool technological sport. Just the fun of the find and scenery are worth it many say.
Those interested in this hobby could also see it in action with YouTube video examples. Andrew Smith runs "HeadHardHat" (YouTube Username) which is his version of geocaching. At over 50 videos, Andrew says geocaching has become an obsession since starting in 2008. He is the host and creator of a series of YouTube introduction videos known as "GeoSnippits" which are viewed around the world and on Michigan Magazine Television (RFDTV) which are seen in all 50 states.
Photo: Andrew Smith, host of GeoSnippits.
We asked Andrew about his experience with extreme geocaching. Andrew also summed up this hi-tech hobby with some interesting things to think about for those who want to get involved.
"There is a 5/5 multi geocache known as Earth, Wind, Fire and Water where you have to face several major phobias, high heights, dark creepy places, hanging under a bridge. Was a lot of fun... I recommend geocaching to anyone who wants to incorporate the outdoors and a sense of adventure seeking in their lives. Geocaching is for the young, old, families and anyone else who enjoys the challenge of finding hidden treasures in very creative ways."
Geocaching: Not Just For Beginners
There are some serious challenges ahead for those wanting extra adventure or difficulty beyond basic geocaching. The nice thing about this hobby is the opportunity to get outside, experience nature, learn about technology, challenge yourself, get exercise, fresh air, involve your family, friends, and enjoy the hunt itself. Even more exciting is what you may find in the cache. Geocaching has serious potential and is always evolving into a very interesting hobby with new creative fun invented daily. If you're interested in geocaching you can visit www.geocaching.com, the "GeoSnippits" videos at http://youtube.com/user/headhardhat, and other sites that will guide you with frequently asked questions and suggestions.
Stay tuned to StormSector.com for more cool science and technology content. Article by StormSector staff.
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This is actually a pretty cool idea from RadioShack. Under $10 dollars each, these micro robots have sensors that will aide them around obstacles. You can get them in different colors and they are powered by a small replaceable battery. Recommended for ages 8 and up available in multiple colors. Watch out because these could also scare people with their moving legs! Stop by your local store to see the other creatures they have.
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