| A GPS system is great for finding specific | | | | For avid players, even the process of finding |
| locations. It's almost a must for boaters and | | | | their own trinkets to leave behind at |
| not even a bad idea for hikers and campers. | | | | different spots is fun. Geocachers from |
| The valuable tool can really come in handy | | | | Florida who travel the country, for example, |
| when an emergency arises and means of regular | | | | will find something representative of the |
| navigation are out of the question. | | | | Sunshine State to leave behind at different |
| | | | sites. Those from Alaska will have their own |
| Sweeping America and beyond is the hobby of | | | | brand of "prize" to leave behind. |
| geocaching. This involves a game in which | | | | |
| players hide small trinkets in water-tight | | | | Although retirees love geocaching, the hobby |
| containers in unusual locations. These | | | | is one enjoyed by people of all ages and |
| locations are posted for those who want to | | | | backgrounds. Caches themselves can be located |
| play the game. They can be found on various | | | | just about anywhere imaginable. Some are |
| web sites. Actual cache locations can be | | | | found hidden under roadway overpasses, on |
| found in cities all over America, Canada and | | | | hiking trails in remote locations and even in |
| beyond. | | | | out-in-the-open tourist destinations. |
| | | | |
| Those who are into geocaching log onto the | | | | The key to playing the game is using the GPS |
| game web site, look for cache locations where | | | | system correctly to locate the exact |
| they live or where they'll be traveling and | | | | coordinates. The clues for where the caches |
| then they hunt down the sites using their GPS | | | | are generally involve only the numbers, so |
| systems to find the coordinates. Once the | | | | it's a test of ability to find the spot. But, |
| locations are found, the cache hunters open | | | | once the exact location is pinpointed, there |
| the box, take out their prize, sign a log | | | | may be a greater challenge as well. Cachers |
| book and leave something else behind. | | | | like to hide the stash in interesting places |
| | | | as well. Think of it as a giant international |
| Geocaching is a hobby for many people in | | | | scavenger hunt and you'll have a good idea of |
| North America. Retirees who travel the | | | | what geocaching is all about. |
| country in their RVs enjoy the game as a fun | | | | |
| way to pass they time. In fact, many take | | | | Other games with GPS systems are also |
| trips specifically to geocache. High-tech | | | | popular. These include GPS poker, road races |
| travelers log on using their WiFi laptops | | | | and more. The systems are great when they're |
| after they've found a cache and to look for | | | | needed, but they don't have to be turned off |
| new ones. | | | | and left unused when emergencies aren't |
| | | | present. |