Many people are beginning to have their own GPS devices in the form of a handheld, mounted device, or even mobile phone with GPS software installed. The primary use of these devices is to help people find their way to a certain destination with both speed and safety in mind. Those that have mobile phones may have this functionality, but do not use it as often. Now GPS has yet another use this time for recreational purposes. This recreational activity is known as geocaching.
About Geocaching
Any person who has a GPS receiver can participate in the geocaching activity which is a game that involves looking for special items called geocaches (also called caches). These caches usually take the form of small Tupperware or ammo boxes with a logbook inside. Other containers may be larger containing priceless to low value objects that collectors will enjoy. These containers are waterproof so they may also be placed underwater as well. Not all items are placed in containers as the location may be the sight of other things like Travel Bugs that are moved from cache to cache or the geocaching coin.
Understanding Geocaching Coins
Also called a "geocoin", the geocaching coin is a specially designed coin intended for geocaching. After the coin has been found through standard GPS means, the coin can be kept so it can be displayed as a trophy. Others prefer re-caching the coin so other people get a chance to find it. It is commonly used as a trading item to get other coins as well. Some well-crafted coins may also be sold for real cache.
These coins usually have their country or state of origin engraved on the coin itself. Others may have the geocacher's name or handle shown. There are even some coins that have a code that is to be entered on a website for tracking purposes. The coin doesn't have to be metallic for it to be recognized as a geocaching coin. Some coins can be made out of wood or plastic while others closely resemble poker chips. Some coins can be found in open areas to allow people without GPS devices to discover them.
There are special coins known as challenge coins which have higher value and are more difficult to find. These coins mainly show references to the US army with familiar insignias and logos. Some may have signatures of veterans on the back to increase the collector value.
This whole geocaching activity gives the thrills of a treasure hunting activity with elements of orienteering and waymarking. There are over a million geocaches scattered around the world including distant places like Antarctica. Certain GPS models are more optimized for geocaching like the Magellan eXplorist GC. Anyone fond of displaying collections or have a passion for travelling will definitely enjoy geocaching. The presence of these geocaching coins makes it even more exciting and challenging for people to test their GPS devices to the limits. It is expected for more caches to appear in more countries as the GPS technology evolves.
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