This is the original cache
type consisting, at a bare minimum, a container and a log book. Normally you'll
find a tupperware container, ammo box, or bucket filled with goodies, or
smaller container ("micro cache") too small to contain items except
for a log book. The coordinates listed on the traditional cache page are the
exact location for the cache.
The general rule of thumb
is, "If you take an item, leave an item, and write in the logbook."
Some caches are themed, so make sure to read the description before going on a
hunt.
A multi-cache
("multiple") involves two or more locations, the final location being
a physical container. There are many variations, but most multi-caches have a
hint to find the second cache, and the second cache has hints to the third, and
so on. An offset cache (where you go to a location and get hints to the actual cache)
is considered a multi-cache.
In 2001, twelve geocaches
were placed in conjunction with 20th Century Fox to support the movie Planet
of the Apes. Each cache represented a fictional story in which scientists
revealed an Alternative Primate Evolution. These caches were made using
specially marked ammo containers. Each cache had an original prop from the
movie. Only a few Project A.P.E. caches exist today.
The "catch-all" of
cache types, this form of cache can involve complicated puzzles you will first
need to solve to determine the coordinates. Due to the increasing creativity of
geocaching this becomes the staging ground for new and unique challenges.
A letterbox is another form
of treasure hunting using clues instead of coordinates. In some cases, however,
the owner has made it both a letterbox and a geocache and posted its
coordinates on Geocaching.com. If there is a stamp inside a letterbox hybrid,
it is not an item intended for trade; the stamp is meant to remain in the box
so that visitors can use it to record their visit.To read more about
letterboxing, visit the Letterboxing North America web site.
Wherigo is a toolset for
creating and playing GPS-enabled adventures in the real world. By integrating a
Wherigo experience, called a cartridge, with finding a cache, the geocaching
hunt can be an even richer experience. Among other uses, Wherigo allows
geocachers to interact with physical and virtual elements such as objects or
characters while still finding a physical geocache container. A Wherigo-enabled
GPS device is required to play a cartridge. Learn more at Wherigo.com.
Occasionally, local
geocachers and geocaching organizations designate a time and location to meet
and discuss geocaching. After the event the caches are archived.
A Mega-Event cache is
similar to an Event Cache but it is much larger. In order to qualify as a Mega
Event, the event cache must be attended by 500+ people. Typically, Mega Events
are annual events and attract geocachers from all over the world.
Cache In Trash Out is
an activity intimately tied to geocaching. While out there on a cache hunt, we
collect litter along the trails and properly dispose of it. Cache In Trash Out Events are much larger clean-up events that
involve and benefit the larger community.
An EarthCache is a special
place that people can visit to learn about a unique geoscience feature or
aspect of our Earth. EarthCaches include a set of educational notes and the
details about where to find the location (latitude and longitude). Visitors to
EarthCaches can see how our planet has been shaped by geological processes, how
we manage the resources and how scientists gather evidence to learn about the
Earth. For more information about EarthCaches, visit http://www.earthcache.org/.
A GPS Adventures Exhibit
Cache represents attendance at the GPS Adventures Maze Exhibit or a regional
variation of this Exhibit. GPS Adventures Mazes are designed to teach people of
all ages about GPS technology and geocaching through interactive science
experiences.
Copyright © 2000-2010 Groundspeak,
Inc. All Rights Reserved.