Geocaching

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Geocaching Experiences

I've been a geocacher since April 2002 when I got my handheld GPSr (Global Positioning Satellite receiver) - a currently defunct Garmin GPS12. I already had a dedicated car-mounted GPSr for my Psion, which (when it worked) was great for in-car navigation, but somewhat limited for any other use.

Perhaps I should clarify exactly what geocaching is. In simple terms it is a hi-tech and gadget-friendly form of the old "letterbox" or treasure-hunting game, where one person sets an objective (usually a hidden cache of objects for trading) and publishes clues to its location. In the case of geocaching the clues amount to specific and accurate map co-ordinates (or puzzles which allow the geocacher to derive such co-ordinates), which are published on web sites on the internet. Such a passtime is feasible because since around 2001 GPS has been accurate to within 10 metres to the general public. (Prior to that, being a principally military system, its accuracy was diluted to a resolution of 50 metres.) Hunters then use the available details to find the cache, and exchange a prize for something of their own contribution (thus keeping the cache always stocked with trophies for other hunters to find), noting their visit in a log-book in a cache, and later back on the site where they looked up the cache. Sometimes the prize is simply the satisfaction of finding the location, in which case the proof typically takes the form of sending the cache's owner the answer to a question or a puzzle which can only be solved with information available at the location. (Such caches are commonly called "virtual" caches, because they don't exist in any material form.)

Geocaching is a great pursuit for getting out into the fresh air and getting some exercise, whilst still managing to exercise one's geekly attributes. Whilst out caching the Psion is a useful tool, especially with an appropriate cable to interface it to the Garmin, since I carry local maps with me and it can still help with urban navigation, even on foot. In open country-side the GPSr alone is enough to indicate direction and distance. Furthermore, with the web browser installed and an infra-red capable mobile 'phone (in my case a Nokia 6210), I can even get online and file reports from the field. And finally, with a cheap digital camera I can take and easily upload photos to go with the log reports.

I started on Geocaching.com, but the site is clearly run on a "for profit" basis whilst claiming to be the "official" voice and representation of all geocachers globally in spite of having no such formal standing. The site has the willing collusion of a small cadre of geocachers in the UK who wish to foist their own views on all of us here, paying only lip-service to any democratic expression. (You know who you are...) The site also has a policy of on-site censorship resulting in the silent removal of any expression of dissent with their policy or methods or mention of alternative web sites. If it ever gains any recognised representative standing it will be a dark day for the activity. I certainly suggest that the site be boycotted.

Thankfully this is the only site with quite such a tyrannical approach. Navicache.com, which has been around for almost as long has a much more laid-back approach and isn't run for profit. For a long time it was not very busy at all, with some 900 caches to Geocaching.com's then 30,000, but growing dis-satisfaction with the former has seen its popularity grow. It still has a long way to go to match the nearly 90,000 caches on Geocaching.com, but hope grows. In addition there are two further sites in development. Keyori is functional but not in general operation yet. opencaching.org , which was set up to address the specific difficulty of one commercial site holding a virtual monopoly on the activity, seems to have got itself somewhat stuck in a mire since its original inception in September of 2003 and doesn't have an operational cache database yet. In 2004 the domain registration lapsed, and I picked it up to hold in trust, although it appears that the site has migrated to opencaching.com, and then stagnated again. I DO hope that the effort hasn't collapsed, although sad to say, evidence would seem to suggest exactly that.

I have set a number of caches myself, some real, some virtual, which are recorded both on geocaching.com and on navicache.com. They will be added to any other global geocaching databases which arise in future. The administrators of geocaching.com have since seen fit to remove them from public listing of active caches as a consequence of my voicing disapproval of their methods and policy.

For details of specific caches, select from the index panel.

Unfortunately, due to lack of funds, and lack of transport (as well as a large degree of disillusionment with geocaching.com and the politics surrounding it), my own geocaching activities have been much curtailed over the last year or so.

June 25, 2005