GET OUT & GO
Geocaching
IN GRANT COUNTY
EXPLORATION FUN, OFF THE BEATEN PATH
HOW TO GEOCACHE
1.) Log on to the web site at www.geocaching.com.
2.) Search the surrounding area for caches. This is easiest by entering your zip code or
the zip code of an area you want to search, and the site will generate a list, starting with the
closest geocache location.
3.) If you don’t have a GPS, this is when you will need to borrow one. Enter the
coordinates and follow the arrow.
4.) When you get close (inside of 20 feet) start looking for possible hiding places.
Sometimes this is obvious, but other times, you might have a little extra searching and
mental calisthenics to do.
5.) After you find it, take a moment to look through the goodies and sign your name.
Leave a short message about your experience finding the cache and, when you are ready,
place the treasure back in its hiding place.
6.) When you are done, get back on the computer and log your visit on the web. This
will keep track of all the things you have found and send a message to the owner of the
cache.
26 | OFFICIAL GRANT COUNTY VISITOR GUIDE 2016 | MyEagleNews.com
TANNI WENGER PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS PHOTO
Over the years, an outdoor activity has been growing in popularity. It is called
geocaching, and Grant County has not been overlooked.
Geochaching is an outdoor adventure game for those who use a global positioning
system (GPS) instrument or cell phone; although you can play the game with just a compass,
or, if you are really good, with dead reckoning.
The idea is this: someone hides a cache (rhymes with stash) of inexpensive trinkets,
memorabilia, whatever, and shares coordinates of these caches on the internet. The high-tech
treasure hunt yields no riches, only bragging rights.
A GPS unit is an electronic device that can determine your approximate location on the
planet by tracking communication satellites. You can use the unit to navigate from your
current location to another. Some units have their own maps, built-in electronic compasses,
or voice navigation, depending on the complexity of the device.
The caches can be behind rocks or under a pile of leaves; there are many different ways
to disguise a cache. Sometimes the prize might be hidden in a tree or at the base of a road
sign. Inside you may find just about anything. When a cache is found, most people take a
moment to sign their name in the log book and leave a brief message. It is okay to take
something from the cache as long as you leave something before placing the cache back in
its hiding place.