GEOCACHING: A Gateway to New Adventure On The Hiking Trail!
GPS Adventures in Exploring! Big Bear area, California
GPS Technology and Hiking
If you want a new hobby for yourself and your entire family, try investing in a GPS, a global positioning System. You can link into Geocaching.com,, register and start to find "caches" of hidden treasures (usually small items and a log book) on remote hiking trails and in cities. A great book for beginners is GPS MADE EASY, by Lawrence Letham (Mounteers Books). The GPS device gets its co-ordinates from you and uses satellite signals from space. Every cache has its own special co-ordinates, logged into the geocaching.com site. (I have put out over 60 caches and really enjoy getting emails from the field).
You will discover hiking trails and areas that perhaps you would have never encountered otherwise. A good backpack and hiking shoes, a decent first aid kit, and you're ready to become a GPS pro.
This hobby has taken me and my partner all over Southern California, to remote lost mines and hidden gulches. You will need to purchase a GPS, preferably with an antennea as there can be "bounce" while getting signals. Once the GPS hones in on its cache, you open the box or container and sign the log book. Little trinkets, toys and such are exchanged, making it fun for the kids. (I confess I find that part fun also).
The photos are ones I have taken in Big Bear Area on Geo-cache outings. ENJOY!
