GPS for Dummies.pdf - Engineering Surveyor

136Part II: All About GPSTaking geocaching to the extremeAlthough geocaching usually doesn’t require ahigh degree of fitness or special skills, a fewcaches out there might be labeled extreme geocaching.A cache might be perched midwaydown a cliff face, requiring climbing equipment torappel down to reach it. And a handful of cachesare underwater and can only be reached byscuba diving. (GPS doesn’t work underwater, sothis would be the spot for a boat to anchor.)Obviously, these types of caches limit the numberof finders but can be quite unique if you’re intochallenging and technical outdoor sport.Stocking the cacheHere are the basics of what to cache in your cache. Logbook and writing utensilAt the very minimum, your cache should contain a logbook and a pen orpencil so other cachers can write about their discovery. (Pencils workbetter in cold climates because the ink in most pens will freeze); mechanicalpencils are the best because they don’t need sharpening. The logbookis usually a spiral notebook with the name of the cache written on thecover. Some cache hiders paste their personal logo or some other graphicto the notebook cover. As the cache founder, you should write some profoundthoughts about the cache on the first page. Identifying informationThe cache should have some information that identifies it as a geocache,describes what geocaching is, and provides instructions to the finder.(Non-geocachers often stumble upon a cache.) The Geocaching.com sitehas an information sheet in a number of different languages that you canprint out and place in your cache; laminating this sheet is a good idea.Be sure to mention the cache’s name and its coordinates. TreasuresAdd some treasures to your cache. These should be unique and interestingitems. Because geocaching is a family sport, initially put a mix ofthings in it that appeal to both adults and children. You don’t need to fillthe container up like a stocking at Christmas. Many caches start out with6–12 small items. If you want, you can add a hitchhiker or a Travel Bug.(Read more about both of these critters in the earlier section, “GeoJargon:Speaking the lingo.”)Even though your storage container may be waterproof, always put your logbookand cache goodies into resealable plastic storage bags. This preventsyour cache from turning into a soggy mush when someone inevitably forgetsto seal the container’s lid.