Hiking for Treasure: A Guide to Geocaching (Paperback)
Product Description
A guide for Geocaching. All the facts to get started and enjoy this new hobby for the hiking enthusiast.
A guide for Geocaching. All the facts to get started and enjoy this new hobby for the hiking enthusiast.
There is an entire sub-culture of people wandering around out there right now, looking for little hidden treasures, probably not too far from your house! They’re finding little boxes of goodies that you probably never knew were there. Now you will learn how to begin finding them yourself, and enjoy all the benefits that come from this family-friendly and environment-friendly sport!
Adventure is closer than you think. This book is an insightful read about how you can find life in those spaces we often overlook. –Kendall Card, backcountry.com
I’ve been traveling down the path of the geocaching community for six years now. The geocaching community has helped build the path over the years, but I have been fortunate enough to build the occasional footbridge or stepping stone to guide it along. I’m still honored to be a part of the journey. I hope you will find geocaching as enjoyable as I have. –Jeremy Irish, Founder, geocaching.com
In a sea of “how to” books, finally there is a “why to” book. this book doesn’t just each a new hobby, it reveals new tools for finding greater fulfillment and passion in our lives. –Mary Votava, actor and singer, soprano.org
Geocaching, or treasure hunt hiking, will help you get fit and open new worlds, as well your mind and your heart.
“Stephen W. Hinch is a breath of fresh air…[this book] is expert advice from a very experienced teacher.” — Fred Zahradnik, About.com GPS, February 2008
Whether you’re hiking, fishing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, or taking a mountain bike ride in the backcountry, a GPS receiver can help you reach your destination and return safely–but only if you know how to use it! Outdoor Navigation with GPS , the most complete, easy-to-use GPS book available, is your guide to getting the most out of a receiver, from basic consumer advice to advanced techniques. Starting with essential definitions such as UTM coordinate systems, position formats, and map datums, and moving on to creating “waypoints,” and using your GPS with a computer, long-time GPS instructor Stephen W. Hinch breaks down the jargon and teaches you what you really need to know.
There are treasures to be found…There are treasures to be found…They’re hidden in city and state parks, outside of nearby buildings, alongside hiking trails and exercise routes, and even in local neighborhoods. This is geocaching, an adventure-base
Jack W. Peters, a nationally recognized leader in GPS navigation training, has been an active participant and promoter of geocaching since its inception. Certified by the state of Oregon as a search and rescue officer, Jack is the co-founder and manager of an off-road vehicle search and rescue team for the Lane County Sheriff’s Office known as the Special Vehicles Group, publisher of GPS Navigator Magazine.com, and the author of The GPS Navigation Guide and the soon-to-be published Off-Road Field Guide.
The Staff and Editors of Geocaching.com have been involved with geocaching since its inception, and are widely recognized as pioneers and custodians of this rapidly growing adventure-based activity.
“A lively and well-written introduction . . . its clear writing and personable tone far surpass similar instruction books . . . also simply an interesting read for all curious about the phenomenon.” —Library Journal
Describing the exciting and adventurous world surrounding geocaching—a worldwide hunt in which treasures are located using global positioning system (GPS) devices—this manual offers an understanding and application of the principles and best practices of the sport as well as information on the different types of caches and competitions. With rich illustrations complementing secrets culled from experts, this resource gives participants with basic knowledge new skills for enhancing their experience and provides a visual montage of the different kinds of spots hobbyists can expect to find in the field. Additionally, the dozens of interviews from dedicated geocachers exhibit how the pursuit of hidden treasures has helped people heal frayed marriages and establish new friendships—and even saved lives.
Caches or stashes of provisions, hidden along a route were a common occurrence in Lewis and Clark’s day when foot travel was really the only mode of long distance transportation. Today, caches of another sort are hidden throughout the United States and the world for that matter. With the introduction of the personal GPS unit, people everywhere have been learning to use these new devices and participating in what can only be called a high-tech treasure hunt. By logging on to a geocaching website, anyone can locate coordinates to a hidden cache, plan their route, and be on their way with map, compass, and GPS receiver. The hidden cache contains a logbook and a number of trinkets that can be traded by fortunate seekers.
*Participation in geocaching has exploded in the last four years to over 190 countries and hundreds of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts.
*A fun way to learn basic land navigation skills
*Provides outdoor ethics and safety information, including resources and product guides
PRESS RELEASE
The Best Introduction to this Popular New Sport
“During my many years working in the outdoor industry, I’ve seen only a few new activities emerge and truly gain a popular following: mountain biking, snowboarding, and now geocaching,” says Mike Dyer, geographer, innovator in computerized mapmaking, outdoor industry expert, and author of the new guidebook THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO GEOCACHING: TRACKING TREASURE WITH YOUR GPS. Geocaching is a fun new sport, growing quickly in popularity, in which people use a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver to find hidden “treasures” called geocaches. Participants are provided with the coordinates to the cache, usually from an online source, and then use their GPSs, maps and compasses, and tracking skills to find them. The caches contain a logbook and treasures of nominal value, usually trinkets.
“Geocaching is for everybody. It is simple and doesn’t require any special athletic ability,” says Dyer. “At about $100 for a GPS, it’s relatively inexpensive to get involved. I’ve found that geocaching can easily be made part of many fun outdoor sports, from hiking to mountain biking. And it’s especially appealing for families looking to come together with a fun activity.”
Mike Dyer provides a unique perspective to geocaching that only an expert and enthusiast can. He earned a dual degree from San Francisco State University with a B.S. in geography and digital cartography and a B.A. in business and product design. During college he helped start a small company that created the first-of-its-kind, digital-topographic mapping software. After college he devised outreach programs on the excitement, safety, and benefits of using GPS technology, compasses, and high-quality maps together. He later designed and developed a map-on-demand kiosk program used in many outdoor stores today.
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO GEOCACHING is designed to provide a broad overview of the sport, tailored to the novice but also designed to educate the expert. It includes essential information on how to get started, in-depth detail about the various types of cache activities, how to find and create your first caches, and a section on land navigation.
The book also features easy step-by-step checklists, a glossary of terms, and a resource listing of GPS manufacturers and geocache organizations.
Caches or stashes of provisions, hidden along a route were a common occurrence in Lewis and Clark’s day when foot travel was really the only mode of long distance transportation. Today, caches of another sort are hidden throughout the United States and the world for that matter. With the introduction of the personal GPS unit, people everywhere have been learning to use these new devices and participating in what can only be called a high-tech treasure hunt. By logging on to a geocaching website, anyone can locate coordinates to a hidden cache, plan their route, and be on their way with map, compass, and GPS receiver. The hidden cache contains a logbook and a number of trinkets that can be traded by fortunate seekers.
*Participation in geocaching has exploded in the last four years to over 190 countries and hundreds of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts.
*A fun way to learn basic land navigation skills
*Provides outdoor ethics and safety information, including resources and product guides
PRESS RELEASE
The Best Introduction to this Popular New Sport
“During my many years working in the outdoor industry, I’ve seen only a few new activities emerge and truly gain a popular following: mountain biking, snowboarding, and now geocaching,” says Mike Dyer, geographer, innovator in computerized mapmaking, outdoor industry expert, and author of the new guidebook THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO GEOCACHING: TRACKING TREASURE WITH YOUR GPS. Geocaching is a fun new sport, growing quickly in popularity, in which people use a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver to find hidden “treasures” called geocaches. Participants are provided with the coordinates to the cache, usually from an online source, and then use their GPSs, maps and compasses, and tracking skills to find them. The caches contain a logbook and treasures of nominal value, usually trinkets.
“Geocaching is for everybody. It is simple and doesn’t require any special athletic ability,” says Dyer. “At about $100 for a GPS, it’s relatively inexpensive to get involved. I’ve found that geocaching can easily be made part of many fun outdoor sports, from hiking to mountain biking. And it’s especially appealing for families looking to come together with a fun activity.”
Mike Dyer provides a unique perspective to geocaching that only an expert and enthusiast can. He earned a dual degree from San Francisco State University with a B.S. in geography and digital cartography and a B.A. in business and product design. During college he helped start a small company that created the first-of-its-kind, digital-topographic mapping software. After college he devised outreach programs on the excitement, safety, and benefits of using GPS technology, compasses, and high-quality maps together. He later designed and developed a map-on-demand kiosk program used in many outdoor stores today.
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO GEOCACHING is designed to provide a broad overview of the sport, tailored to the novice but also designed to educate the expert. It includes essential information on how to get started, in-depth detail about the various types of cache activities, how to find and create your first caches, and a section on land navigation.
The book also features easy step-by-step checklists, a glossary of terms, and a resource listing of GPS manufacturers and geocache organizations.
Geocaching is a fast-growing outdoor sport, which combines aspects of treasure hunting, high-tech navigation, and exploration.
The Geocaching™ Handbook is a complete introduction to the fast-growing sport of geocaching. It includes a history of geocaching; instructions on creating a cache; hiding it and sharing it with others; geocaching etiquette and conventions; basic land navigation techniques including using a GPS unit; basic backcountry safety and etiquette; where to look and where to hide; types of treasures; and everything the aspiring geocacher needs to get started in this fascinating, family-friendly, high-tech outdoor-oriented pastime.
Geocaching is one of the fastest growing outdoor sports of the millennium, combining aspects of treasure hunting, high-tech navigation, and outdoor exploration. To get started all you have to do is select a local cache listing from a geocaching Web site, enter the waypoint or coordinates into your GPS unit, then navigate your way to the treasure. The Geocaching™ Handbook is your complete introduction to this fascinating outdoor activity. Discover how to: select a cache listing and begin your hunt for the treasure; buy a GPS receiver and use it to navigate to the cache; create and hide your own cache for others to find; practice backcountry safety and geocaching etiquette; play other geo-games, such as “Are U Nuts?” and “Geodashing”; connect with other geocachers through clubs and geo-events. And you’ll learn how the game began–from its creator, Dave Ulmer. This book contains everything you need to know to get started in this fun, family-friendly outdoor pastime.
Find a high-tech hobby in the great outdoors!
Dig into this fast-growing detective sport that’s fun for all ages
Once you get your coordinates, your GPS receiver, maps, compass, and this book, you’re ready for adventure! Seek out containers of goodies hidden around the world by other geocachers, hide a cache of your own, see new places, and get a little exercise to boot. Here’s where to start!
The Dummies Way
Discover how to: