Geocaching - Where You Are the Search Engine Quiz

Answer: Global Positioning System

Though Gilligan would most likely have benefited from a GPS unit, the correct answer is Global Positioning System. GPS units bounce signals off of satellites to determine your exact position on the globe. In the US, they can be purchased for as little as $80 at major retailers like Target and Circuit City. Check out http://www.geocaching.com/about/buying.aspx as a guide to buying your first GPS and http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/longitude/gps.html for information on how GPS units actually work.

Answer: Search by Elevation

You will likely find that the "Search by Postal Code" is going to be the most useful for those of you that live in the United States, the UK, Canada, or Australia. The results will show you all geocaches within a 100 mile radius sorted by distance from the zip code you entered. From there you can click on the various links to be taken to each individual cache's homepage.

There is also an option to search by country.

Answer: Audio Cache

Alas, the audio cache does not exist yet. The multicache contains at least two stages where finding the first will give you valuable information for finding the second and so on. The webcam cache requires some computer-savvy individual to control a webcam through a website while you pose at the designated area (see http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=12e10d01-e07c-4bb9-a9ce-37387c0c95c2 for an example).

The virtual cache generally requires you to visit some landmark where you will most likely learn something of historical importance. Virtual and webcam caches can no longer be registered on geocaching.com but those placed before 2006 can still be visited.

Answer: True

Each of these are measured on a scale from a to 5 stars, where one is the easiest. For an example of a 5/5, see http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=3d1fec01-46dc-4f10-89b2-3d3657ead017

Answer: Geomuggles

Adapted from J.K. Rowling's use of muggle to denote non-magical people in the Harry Potter universe, the term geomuggle is used to denote non-geocachers. Stealth is often a good practice to employ because curiosity can easily lead to geocache sprouting legs and walking off.

Answer: As you look for the cache, pick up trash in the area and deposit it in a waste receptacle.

The "Cache in Trash out" program is an excellent way to keep public areas looking beautiful and clean. Of course you don't need to wait until a cache description informs you of the program. By carrying a plastic grocery bag with you as you go geocaching, you can help beautify every area you visit!

Answer: Leave the cache exposed and out in the open so the next finder has an easier time.

Part of the fun of geocaching is the thrill of finding a hidden container. Therefore, you should always make an effort to ensure that you hide the cache as well or better than when you found it. If the cache allows trading and you brought some items to trade, feel free to take something and leave something in return. Picture taking is always welcome and you should always sign the logbook. Most caches will contain some sort of a writing instrument but be sure to bring your own just in case.

Answer: A trackable item that moves from cache to cache and/or has a specific destination.

Travel bugs can be anything from a gnome to an action figure, to a tuba mouthpiece (one of my travel bugs). While some travel bugs have specific goals of being to a certain place by a certain date, many just want to travel around the world picking up stories, experiences and pictures as they go. One of my travel bugs can be found at the website http://www.geocaching.com/track/details.aspx?id=283821

Answer: First to Find

Sometimes when a new cache is placed, the hider will leave behind a prize like a small gift card or monetary prize for the first person to find the cache. Oftentimes, though, just the thrill of being the first to find is reward enough.

Answer: A deck of cards

You should never leave anything potentially dangerous including weapons, drugs, and for heaven's sake, no explosives! Food is always a bad idea because animals have much better noses for food than humans do. Leaving a candy bar will guarantee that an animal will find the geocache before the next finder.
Hopefully this quiz provided some useful information about geocaching. It really is a blast! Visit www.geocaching.com for more information and free registration so you can begin finding your first caches!