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What is Geo-caching? Geo-caching is an international sport based around the idea of a treasure hunt with high tech assistance. Participants use a Global Positioning Satellite receiver or other navigational techniques to find small interesting containers called “Geo-caches”, usually hidden in out-of-the-way places in scenic or interesting places outdoors, locations which have become known to them via the internet. A geo-cache is usually a waterproof plastic box containing- at the very minimum- a log-book and pen for visitors to record their visit. Caches often also contain other small trinkets or gifts initially placed there by the creator of the cache and personal memorabilia These include toys, books, photos of creator family, CDs or special medals called “Geo-coins” or “travel bugs” which are often moved from one cache to another by collectors and tracked on specialist geo-caching websites so that the original owner can watch them travel around the world like a message in a bottle. To find a cache, a participant will usually visit a website such as www.geocaching.com which contains a database of caches that have been placed by other users. You can find details of caches listed by geographical region or in your local postcode area. These details can be an explicit grid reference which can be programmed directly into a player’s GPS, or a series of cryptic clues to give the experience a more challenging feel. Sometimes these coordinates lead to one of a series of caches with a set of clues to the next site. Once they have found a cache, players will often write a diary entry on the sites relating the fun they had finding it and a photo of themselves nearby, creating a real community feel among players. "This is a great way to see North Wales because it combines walking with all the fun of a treasure hunt and an opportunity to use high trek navigation equipment" says Peter Hewlett of Walking North Wales who is an active geocacher himself. "Believe it or not there are over 4000 geocaches in North Wales already and more are being added everyday. Many of these are in the most beautiful spots - Mynydd Mawr on the Llyn Peninsula, Conwy Mountain, Offa's Dyke. Have a look at www.geocaching.com and see for yourself. Get the kids involved and you have the foundation for a great holiday."
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