Geocaching A Great Way To Get Outdoors

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Geocaching: A Great Way To Get Outdoors
Author: Chuck Fitzgerald
If you're tired of hiking the same trail or picnicking at the same park, then Geocaching may be exactly what you're looking for. Geocaching, pronounced gee-o-cashing, is the high tech version of a treasure hunt. Armed with nothing but a handheld GPS unit and a thirst for excitement, you're off for new adventures and the likelihood of finding a hidden cache.

Here's how it works. Geocachers seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS coordinates posted on the Internet by those hiding the cache. So to geocache, you'll need a handheld GPS receiver. GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System, is the only system today able to show you your exact position on the Earth anytime, in any weather, anywhere. GPS satellites, 24 in all, orbit at over 11,000 miles above the Earth. The satellites transmit signals that can be detected by anyone with a GPS receiver. Using the receiver, you can determine your location with great precision. But just as important, you'll be able to locate other things too, such as a geocache. There are a variety of GPS receiver models to choose from starting at about $100.

Once you've got a GPS unit, you'll need to know where the caches are hidden (hint: they're everywhere). When a cache is hidden, the cache's coordinates are submitted to a website for all to see (www.geocaching.com ). Enter the coordinates into your GPS and you're ready to go. Did I mention there are more than 100,000 caches in over 200 countries?

Sounds easy, doesn't it? Armed with a GPS and the coordinates, how tough can it be? In an urban area, easy access is typically available in the way of roads and trails. But what about on a mountain? What if there aren't roads nearby? It's entirely possible to be a few hundred feet from something and not be able to reach it (across a river or two hundred feet below the cliff you're on are good examples). After you try to find a few caches, you'll understand a number of the nuances of actually finding the cache. That's the fun part. Once you find the cache, there are a couple of simple rules. Sign the logbook and if you take something from the cache, be sure to leave something.

But what about placing a cache? That's fun too. Just be sure to follow the rules as outlined at www.geocaching.com. Once you're a seasoned geocacher, you'll try your hand at travel bugs, geo-teaming and benchmark hunting.

If you have only a couple hours to search for a cache, try to find one that is close by. If you have a couple days, take a family trip and make an overnight adventure out of it. Using your GPS along with your sense of adventure, you are bound to spend more time out of doors with people you enjoy. What could be better? Get Outdoors!

About the Author

Chuck Fitzgerald is Owner and President of Phoenix, Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online store providing backcountry specialty gear and educational information to outdoor enthusiasts. Visit www.BackCountryToys.com to receive the free newsletter "FreshAir" or call (800) 316-9055.

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Geocaching A Great Way To Get Outdoors

Hiking
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Geocaching: A Great Way To Get Outdoors
Author: Chuck Fitzgerald
If you're tired of hiking the same trail or picnicking at the same park, then Geocaching may be exactly what you're looking for. Geocaching, pronounced gee-o-cashing, is the high tech version of a treasure hunt. Armed with nothing but a handheld GPS unit and a thirst for excitement, you're off for new adventures and the likelihood of finding a hidden cache.

Here's how it works. Geocachers seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS coordinates posted on the Internet by those hiding the cache. So to geocache, you'll need a handheld GPS receiver. GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System, is the only system today able to show you your exact position on the Earth anytime, in any weather, anywhere. GPS satellites, 24 in all, orbit at over 11,000 miles above the Earth. The satellites transmit signals that can be detected by anyone with a GPS receiver. Using the receiver, you can determine your location with great precision. But just as important, you'll be able to locate other things too, such as a geocache. There are a variety of GPS receiver models to choose from starting at about $100.

Once you've got a GPS unit, you'll need to know where the caches are hidden (hint: they're everywhere). When a cache is hidden, the cache's coordinates are submitted to a website for all to see (www.geocaching.com ). Enter the coordinates into your GPS and you're ready to go. Did I mention there are more than 100,000 caches in over 200 countries?

Sounds easy, doesn't it? Armed with a GPS and the coordinates, how tough can it be? In an urban area, easy access is typically available in the way of roads and trails. But what about on a mountain? What if there aren't roads nearby? It's entirely possible to be a few hundred feet from something and not be able to reach it (across a river or two hundred feet below the cliff you're on are good examples). After you try to find a few caches, you'll understand a number of the nuances of actually finding the cache. That's the fun part. Once you find the cache, there are a couple of simple rules. Sign the logbook and if you take something from the cache, be sure to leave something.

But what about placing a cache? That's fun too. Just be sure to follow the rules as outlined at www.geocaching.com. Once you're a seasoned geocacher, you'll try your hand at travel bugs, geo-teaming and benchmark hunting.

If you have only a couple hours to search for a cache, try to find one that is close by. If you have a couple days, take a family trip and make an overnight adventure out of it. Using your GPS along with your sense of adventure, you are bound to spend more time out of doors with people you enjoy. What could be better? Get Outdoors!

About the Author

Chuck Fitzgerald is Owner and President of Phoenix, Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online store providing backcountry specialty gear and educational information to outdoor enthusiasts. Visit www.BackCountryToys.com to receive the free newsletter "FreshAir" or call (800) 316-9055.

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Draaksbad Ranch in Lassen National Park

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Draaksbad Ranch in Lassen National Park

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Consider a private Kauai vacation rental for your

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Consider a private Kauai vacation rental for your next getaway.
Author: D. Fowler
There are many wonderful resorts with tons of activity in the Hawaiian Islands. However, have you ever considered staying in a vacation rental home or condo? You can experience much of what the resorts offer while enjoying the comforts of home in a private Kauai vacation rental. The island of Kauai still has many secluded areas and beaches, and a private vacation rental can give you access to it all while also giving you an unequally level of privacy.
Kauai, Hawaii has a lot to offer for all ages - golfing, fishing, shopping, dinner cruises, fine dining, luau's, hiking or camping in tropical rainforest, swimming in the ocean or under breathtaking waterfalls, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, helicopter tours, hang gliding, paragliding and more... About 10 percent of Kauai is accessible by road. That's great news if you enjoy hiking because it means there's a lot of island out there waiting to be explored on foot. It also means that are lots of opportunities to stay in a secluded Kauai vacation rental, such as a personal home, condo, or villa.

Relax and enjoy Maui's beautiful sunsets or go to a luau on the beach. Kauai has a number of world renowned beaches, such as Princeville, Kappa, and Poipu Beach.

In addition, Kauai, Hawaii has some of the world's best and most challenging golf courses, both resort and public courses. What sets these golf courses apart is the spectacular ocean views and mountain backdrops on nearly every hole. Kauai, Hawaii is a golfer's paradise and recognized as a premiere golf vacations destination. Whether you're on vacation and just want to relax and play a round of golf, on a business trip or corporate outing, Kauai offers dozens of challenging courses and is the perfect golf vacation destinations.

So, whether you're planning a relaxing family vacation, romantic getaway, business trip or corporate outing, Kauai, Hawaii has a lot to offer for everyone...including privacy in the comfort of a personal vacation rental home or condo.

About the Author

Doug Fowler is an Internet Consultant for numerous vacation rental websites, such as www.vrul.com. VRUL.com offers worldwide vacation rentals by owner.

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