Question about geocaching??

Question

I want to do a geocache but I am only 15 yrs old and I don't have a gps. Could you use a compass instead? I know it would take way longer, but is it possible?

Also, what exactly are in a geocache besides the log?

Answer 1

Try cisting. It is free and you don't need a gps. We have lots of kids that do it.  All that is in a geocache is the log. In cists there are small trinkets as well. You take one and leave one.  It is great fun!!

Answer 2

You really need a GPS receiver if you are going to search for a geocache in the woods or any area without really noticeable landmarks.  You can use a topographic map with latitude and longitude on it plus your compass, but it would be difficult and you probably wouldn't have fun doing it because it's hard to guarantee you're in the right place.

There are some caches hidden under park benches and inside the bottom of lamp posts.  If you look at the geocache's coordinates on Google Maps, you will see the point on the map coincide with the shadow of the lamp post.  Those are pretty easy and you could find them without a GPS receiver.  Just make notes of the location based on Google Maps.

If you want to search for stuff without a GPS receiver, you can also try looking for survey benchmarks.  They are small disks used by surveyors and sometimes can be things like church steeples or flag poles.  Directions to those locations are given in written form, like "in the northern face of the Smith building's concrete foundation, 300ft west of Jones St and 75ft south of the centerline of Burns St."  Benchmark descriptions can be found on geocaching.com also.