The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Geocaching

April is Geocaching Month and I thought it might be good to encourage all of you to give it a try. The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Geocaching by Jack W. Peters (2004. ANF 623.89 PET) and Geocaching For Dummies by Joel McNamara (2004. ANF 623.89 MCN) are both very good handbooks to help you get started.

They explain what geocaching is and talk about the equipment needed, namely a GPS unit, a map and a compass. Geocaching is essentially a modern day treasure hunt using high tech gizmos, something that should appeal to those young folks in your family and maybe get them away from their computers and into the great outdoors. In the process, they will learn some geography, some code-breaking skills and get some fresh air and exercise.

Aspiring spies, bounty hunters and border patrol personnel spring to mind as those who would excel at geocaching. Who else would enjoy the hunt so much?

The books also explain how to select a geocache to search for, since not all of us are at the same level of expertise. A good website to use for locating games is www.geocaching.com.

The sections on how to use a GPS unit are just great for first timers. For those who are really into this activity, there are also tips on how to produce your own game for others to search. Since they are from the Dummies and the Complete Idiot publishers, you can be sure they are clear and complete in their explanations.

Although I had heard of geocaching, it wasn’t a word I had ever used in conversation until I met a local enthusiast. He told me that the area is full of avid geocachers busy with their GPS units following clues and discovering hidden treasures.

My husband just got his own GPS, so maybe we will see you out on the hunt. I’ll be the one with a book in my pack, ready for those necessary water and snack breaks recommended for every geocacher to keep up their strength.

>> Find this book in VIRL’s catalogue

Taken with permission from Gloria Novak’s “Good Reads at the Library”