READ FIRST: Basics....

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Jim SoG

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GEOCACHE

Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.


OB Geocaching

This is just a brief overview, the very basics, for more detailed information these two sites have a ton of information, but please keep in mind, OBGeocaches are specific to us and follow our guides where indicated. More info: Geocaching.com and REI.com.

There are many other non-Overland Bound (OB) geocaches out there, we are only posting and tracking specific overland bound caches. There is an excellent geocaching site used the world over if you want to do more: geocahe.com.


HOW is the game played?

At its simplest level, geocaching follows these steps:

Get a basic idea of “How to” geocache.

Visit the “Hidden OB Geos”, select region and “Search” for a location.

Choose any geocache from the list and click on it.

Enter the coordinates of the geocache into your GPS Device.

Use your GPS device to assist you in finding the hidden geocache.

Sign the logbook and return the geocache to its original location.

Share your geocaching stories and photos online in the “Found OB Geos”.

If “trading” items, please try to leave something of greater value.

IF there is a “Tracking” bug or item, be sure to log it in under “Trackers”.


WHAT do you need?

The only necessities are a GPS device or a GPS-enabled mobile phone so that you can navigate to the cache.

Be safe, have fun and plan on finding several geocaches on your trip.

FINDING your first geocache

This is a very long but detailed how to and worth reading to get a great idea of what to expect and how to do it. Geocache How To.


TRACKABLES

OB Trackables are items that have a specific tracking number (just like a package in the mail), or are unique items (Say like a military coin), these ID the trackable.

You are not required to do anything with the Trackable, but if you would like to interact with it, you have two options. Trackables can be made or purchased: TRACKABLES.

Move the Trackable
If you would like to move the Trackable to another cache, take it with you. You do not need to leave anything in its place as long as you are willing to help it on its journey. You can look up the Trackables goal on overlandbound.com/OBGeocache and find its thread with the unique Tracking Code/ID.
When you take a Trackable from one cache and drop it into another, it is important to log the Trackables movements. You should try to place it in another cache within a month, again updating the new location in its thread once placed.

"Discover" the Trackable
When you have seen a Trackable in person, but have not moved it, you can log that you have "discovered" it. To do so, you will need to write down the Trackables Tracking Code (the unique series of letters and numbers etched on the item).


MAKE a Geocache

So you want to make and hide a geocache, GREAT! There are some detailed instructions below but keep in mind, we do things our way here at OB, so basically here I what we ask:

  • Identify your cache with some sort of overland bound identifier, so others know they found an OB cache, you can use a decal (avail here), print something out or whatever, get creative. Your cache can be a food saver, ammo can or a film canister in size, you decide but remember the bigger it is, the harder to hide.
  • Place little treasures inside, a pencil and notepad. You do not need to buy items, use what you got and keep it fun and cheap.
  • Decide where you want to hide your cache, Log the exact GPS coordinates, physical landmarks and clues. Do not place on private property.
  • Once hid, list it on the “Hidden OB Geos” thread for others to find.
  • More tips and information on creating and hiding your own cache can be found here: Detailed information.
 
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Jim SoG

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When making your cache you should place a note like this inside:


GEOCACHE SITE - PLEASE READ

Congratulations, you've found it! Intentionally or not!


What is this hidden container sitting here for? What the heck is this thing doing here with all these things in it?
It is part of a worldwide game dedicated to GPS (Global Positioning System) users, called Geocaching. The game basically involves a GPS user hiding "treasure" (this container and its contents), and publishing the exact coordinates so other GPS users can come on a "treasure hunt" to find it. The only rules are: if you take something from the cache, you must leave something for the cache, and you must write about your visit in the logbook. Hopefully, the person that hid this container found a good spot that is not easily found by uninterested parties. Sometimes, a good spot turns out to be a bad spot, though.

IF YOU FOUND THIS CONTAINER BY ACCIDENT:
Great! You are welcome to join us! We ask only that you:
  • Please do not move or vandalize the container. The real treasure is just finding the container and sharing your thoughts with everyone else who finds it.
  • If you wish, go ahead and take something. But please also leave something of your own for others to find, and write it in the logbook.
  • If possible, let us know that you found it, by visiting the web site listed below.
Geocaching is open to everyone with a GPS and a sense of adventure. There are similar sites all over the world. The organization has its home on the Internet. Visit our website if you want to learn more, or have any comments:
www.overlandbound.com/overlandboundgeocache

If this container needs to be removed for any reason, please let us know. We apologize, and will be happy to move it.
 
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