Planning Our Vacation

For you fellow geocachers out there...this will make total sense to you....but to you people that are new to geocaching...you might look at this one and go....REALLY?????

When it comes time to plan vacation time for the year...the first thing we think about is "Can we geocache there?" Seriously. It is the most important item in determining our vacation spot.

Our whole family geocaches. We were introduced to geocaching by my brother and his wife (Steve and Natalie - aka. Batman and Catwoman) who had been doing it for quite awhile. Our Mom (aka. Lady Bug 61) also enjoys geocaching. Her health isn't the best...so she doesn't get out and about as much as the rest of us though. But we as a family have gone geocaching a couple times. Also...we have gone with Mom (just the three of us) on week-end getaways where we have had some vacation time....as well as geocaching time.

Sooooooo...back to the point of this blog. Planning this years vacation. We (along with Mom) have planned a short trip to Erlanger Kentucky in early March where we will be shopping, eating and geocaching. (We are really excited about this...as we get to pick up another state found in.) Also...we are planning another trip to Owensboro Kentucky later in the year. We are going there because we love the area....but of course...we have already scoped out the caches in the area.

Now...the other time that we are planning any vacation for...is the 2008 Indiana Fall Picnic for Geocachers. We went to the 2007 Indiana Fall Picnic last year in New Castle Indiana...and had a wonderful time. Here are some pictures of last years event.

Below - Here is a picture of the Family after enjoying a GREAT picnic lunch. You can tell I just ate...look at that big cheesy grin!!

Below - Here is a picture of Mom and René checking out all the wonderful Geocoins and Travel Bugs to trade. (Oh yea...and two other gentleman that we met that day)

Below - Everyone that showed up met before hand and was told about the days activities.

Below - Mom and René sitting down...ready to enjoy watching a few others compete in "Geo-Survivor"

Below - The Family getting ready to enjoy their day together. (minus me... I am taking the pic)

So....we are busy busy busy planning our "Geocaching Vacations" and hope to have a lot of great times to share with all of you!!!

What Is Geocaching

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching (You pronounce it Geo-cashing, like cashing a check) is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a GPS unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is if they get something they should try to leave something for the cache.

What is a GPS device?

A GPS unit is a electronic device that can determine your approximate location (within around 6-20 feet) on the planet. Coordinates are normally given in Longitude and Latitude. You can use the unit to navigate from your current location to another location. Some units have their own maps, built-in electronic compasses, voice navigation, depending on the complexity of the device. You don't need to know all the technical mumbo jumbo about GPS units to play Geocaching. All you need to do is be able to enter what is called a "waypoint" where the geocache is hidden.

What is usually in a cache?

A cache can come in many forms but the first item should always be the logbook. In its simplest form a cache can be just a logbook and nothing else. The logbook contains information from the founder of the cache and notes from the cache's visitors. The logbook can contain much valuable, rewarding, and entertaining information. A logbook might contain information about nearby attractions, coordinates to other unpublished caches, and even jokes written by visitors. If you get some information from a logbook you should give some back. At the very least you can leave the date and time you visited the cache.

Larger caches may consist of a waterproof plastic bucket placed tastefully within the local terrain. The bucket will contain the logbook and any number of more or less valuable items. These items turn the cache into a true treasure hunt. You never know what the founder or other visitors of the cache may have left there for you to enjoy. Remember, if you take something, its only fair for you to leave something in return. Items in a bucket cache could be: Maps, books, software, hardware, CD's, videos, pictures, money, jewelry, tickets, antiques, tools, games, etc. It is recommended that items in a bucket cache be individually packaged in a clear zipped plastic bag to protect them.

Where are caches found?

The location of a cache can be very entertaining indeed. As many say, location, location, location! The location of a cache demonstrates the founder's skill and possibly even daring. A cache located on the side of a rocky cliff accessible only by rock climbing equipment may be hard to find. An underwater cache may only be accessed by scuba. Other caches may require long difficult hiking, orienteering, and special equipment to get to. Caches may be located in cities both above and below ground, inside and outside buildings. The skillful placement of a small logbook in an urban environment may be quite challenging to find even with the accuracy of a GPS. That little logbook may have a hundred dollar bill in it or a map to greater treasure. It could even contain clues or riddles to solve that may lead to other caches. Rich people could have fun with their money by making lucrative caches that could be better than winning the lottery when you find it. Just hope that the person that found the cache just before you left a real big prize!

There are 523872 active caches worldwide.

In the last 7 days, there have been 336119 new logs written by 47946 account holders.

For More Information - Check out http://www.geocaching.com/ - The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site