The Joy of Geocaching: How to Find Health, Happiness and Creative Energy Through a Worldwide Treasure Hunt

by Paul Gillin, Dana Gillin

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781884956997
Publisher:	Linden Publishing
Publication date:	04/01/2010
Pages:	260
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.77(d)

About the Author

Paul Gillin is an award-winning writer and a content marketing consultant who specializes in technology and new media. He has written numerous articles for leading technology publications and travels the country as a speaker on social media and optimizing online channels as marketing tools. He is the author of The New Influencers and Secrets of Social Media Marketing. Dana Gillin is an editor and a website builder with a background in technology and business. The former editor at TechTarget, she launched the company’s successful Expert Answer Center website. They live in Framingham, Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

Introduction ix

How to Use this Book xvii

Quick Start Guide xix

Chapter 1 The Joy of Geocaching 1

Waypoints: What We Love About Geocaching 14

Cacher Profile: Alamogul 16

Section I Preparing to Geocache

Chapter 2 Getting Around Geocaching.com 21

Waypoints: Geocaching Variations 35

Chapter 3 Planning Your Outing on Geocaching.com 41

Waypoints: Geocaching Toolkit 60

Cacher Profile: Peasinapod 65

Section II In the Field

Chapter 4 Finding a Geocache 69

Waypoints: Bugs, Coins, and Other Trackables 91

Chapter 5 Hiding a Geocache 97

Waypoints: Memorable Hides 111

Cacher Profile: InfiniteMPG 116

Chapter 6 Caching to the Limits 119

Waypoints: Power Caching Journal 133

Cacher Profile: The Outlaw 143

Section III Taming Technology

Chapter 7 Navigation Basics 147

Waypoints: Curious Cops 156

Chapter 8 Choosing a GPSr 161

Cacher Profile: MonkeyBrad 173

Chapter 9 Software Goodies for Geocachers 175

Cacher Profile: The Genius of GSAK 195

Section IV Beyond the Game

Chapter 10 The Social Side 201

Waypoints: Critter Encounters 207

Cacher Profile: Mrs. Captain Picard 211

Chapter 11 Geocaching in Education and Business 213

Cacher Profile: Ecorangers 219

Appendices

Appendix A Glossary 225

Appendix B Resource Lists 237

Appendix C Great Geocaches by State 241

Acknowledgments 245

Index 249

About the Authors 261

Editorial Reviews

""A wealth of information on how to get started . . . features photos and profiles of people who've fallen in love with this creative sport . . . and transformed their lives."" ""--Outdoors NW Magazine""

From the Publisher

A wealth of information on how to get started . . . features photos and profiles of people who've fallen in love with this creative sport . . . and transformed their lives.

Outdoors NW Magazine

A fine guide to a game that has helped many people . . . a top pick for anyone looking for an introduction to the game.

Midwest Book Review Library Bookwatch

Reveals ardent enthusiasts who thrive on the quest, ingenuity and social bonding involved . . . should please novices and also more advanced practitioners of the art.

Ridgecrest News Review

Offers understanding and best practices of the sport . . . with rich illustrations complementing secrets culled from experts, this resource gives participants new skills for enhancing their experience.

Independent Publisher Online

One of the best books ever written on geocaching . . . a must have book if you are a geocacher or are wanting to become one.

About.com Forestry Guide

Here is an excellent introduction to this emerging sport. For the uninitiated, geocaching is a sort of treasure hunt wherein participants navigate their way to prehidden treasures (caches) using GPS technology. Caches, which are secreted by other practicing geocachers and logged on geocaching web sites, can be located anywhere from parking lots to forested areas. Longtime tech writer Gillin and his wife, Dana, an editor, are the perfect ambassadors for geocaching. Their book imparts all the how-to that a budding enthusiast needs to get started while also including lots of funny and interesting anecdotes that will communicate to the completely unfamiliar reader just why the sport is exploding in popularity. The book is broken down neatly into chapters on all aspects of geocaching, including hiding, seeking, and the requisite technology. VERDICT This is a lively and well-written introduction to a sport that is rapidly gaining followers. It makes a fine source for instruction—its clear writing and personable tone far surpass similar instruction books—but it is also simply an interesting read for all curious about the phenomenon.—John Helling, Bloomfield-Eastern Greene Cty. P.L., IN

Library Journal