Sneg: Caching in

Treasure hunting has gone high-tech.

Today's "pirates" don't go on their searches with swords and maps where "X" marks the spot. Rather, they do it with hand-held Global Positioning System devices and a boatload of knowledge downloaded from the Internet.

It's called "geocaching," where adventure seekers go outdoors to locate hidden containers called geocaches, or just caches, then share their experiences online. And it's all the rage.

"There are more than 765,000 active caches worldwide," said Jeff Zesch, a manager at Bass Pro Shops at Patriot Place who leads geocaching courses at the store. "And it's still growing. It's getting bigger and bigger."

Zesch said that while it may have started out as more of an adult activity, more and more families are getting involved.

"It's a great way to spend time with your family outdoors," said the married father of two. "I remember trying to get my daughters to go on a hike and they really weren't that interested. When I told them we were going to be going on a treasure hunt, they were all for it."

The "treasure" that is found are little trinkets and log files placed in containers that range in size from a film canister to a shoe box, with the average size somewhere in between. Some people use Tupperware-like plastic containers and others, including Zesch, camouflage duct tape to protect the container and make it more difficult for "muggles" - those who are not geocaching - to find.

Things found in a cache range from specially-made "geocoins" to small toys and other gifts. "It's not so much about what's in the cache as finding the cache," Zesch said. "The rule though is that if you take something out, you leave something of equal or greater value in its place."

Also, the people who find the caches must sign in the logbook and then, when they get back home or to the office, write about their experiences on the geocaching.com Web site to show that they have found them. There are also geocaching forums where people can ask questions and share their stories and photos online.

"For some, it's definitely a social thing," Zesch said. "There are all kinds of groups, like the SNEG (Southern New England Geocachers) who get together for potlucks and things."

There were nearly 200 fellow geocaching enthusiasts at the last gathering he attended.

Once a person has hidden a cache, he or she uses a GPS receiver to chart the location's coordinates. That information is then posted at geocaching.com for others to see.

Most people will enter their zip code and then a certain radius in which they're willing to search. Once that is done, a list of area caches - and their location coordinates - will appear. That information is then plugged into a GPS device and the hunt begins.

GPS receivers can tap into a satellite network from anywhere in the world to accurately pinpoint specific geographic locations, which are identified by measuring their distance from at least three satellites by a process called trilateration. The GPS units need to be outside so they can read the satellites.

Some GPS devices are more sensitive than others and can pinpoint the specific area where a cache is located. Others, which are less sensitive (and generally less expensive) are not as accurate. GPS units generally range from $100 to $400.

There are several different types of caches. With a "traditional" cache, the coordinates are listed on a cache page that describes its exact location. A "multi" cache involves two or more locations. Hints are found in the initial cache that lead to the final cache.

With a "puzzle" cache, puzzles must be solved to determine the coordinates of the cache. "Event" caches are events organized by local geocachers and geocaching organizations. Listings contain coordinates, dates and times to meet.

"We like being outdoors and we care about the environment," Zesch said. "That's why we have a 'cache in, trash out' policy. When you find a cache, look around to see if there's any trash that can be removed from the area."

Donna Siegel, 56, a second-grade teacher from Easton, was among those taking the geocaching class last weekend at Bass Pro Shops. She said she has always liked going for walks in Borderland State Park in North Easton and, a couple of years ago, came across a cache placed just off one of the trails in the park.

"I thought it was interesting, but I didn't really do anything about it then. I just kind of put it on the back burner," she said.

When she saw a class on geocaching advertised in the Bass Pro Shops circular, she decided to check it out.

"I love being outside and this gives you a direction and something to do while you're out walking," Siegel said. "It's not so much about what you find, but doing it for the fun of it."

Wally Guertin, 50, a computer programmer from Barre, who also attended last weekend's class, said he had heard friends and colleagues talking about geocaching for a while and his curiosity got the better of him.

"I do a lot of walking around the Quabbin Reservoir," Guertin said. "I'm looking forward to trying this out."

Guertin said that he doesn't have a hand-held GPS device, but plans on buying one. "We also do a lot of snowmobiling," he said. "It will be nice to have one for that, too."

Zesch said it's important that people heading out on a geocaching adventure remember to mark their starting point as a "waypoint" to ensure they find their way back.

"Especially for those who are not experienced ... you'd be surprised how easy it is to get lost," he said. "And I'm not saying this just for geocaching, but for hikers, ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) riders and other outdoor enthusiasts, too."

Since it began in 2000, geocaching's popularity has grown considerably, Zesch said.

"I think as it continues to become more recognized as an outdoor activity, it will continue to grow in numbers. It's a great activity for families, individuals, the young and the old," he said. "And you don't have to do a great deal of physical activity if you don't want to. There are a lot of caches in urban areas - a lot of 'park and grab' caches which are within a couple hundred feet of where you park your car."

For most people though, being outdoors in more remote areas is one of the draws of geocaching.

"I'm so happy the weather is getting better and I can start doing this," said Siegel. "It will make my walks more interesting and add a spark to them."

So what is geocaching?

Geocaching is a worldwide high-tech game of hiding and seeking treasure.

A geocacher places a cache (small container with trinkets inside) somewhere, registers its location using Global Positioning System technology, then posts that location online. Those with GPS devices can then locate the geocache.

http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2009/04/08/go/4734851.txt