GeoCaching FAQ’s

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is a game of hiding and seeking treasure. A geocacher can place a geocache anywhere in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then share the geocache existence and location online. Anyone with a GPS unit can then locate the geocache.

What does Geocaching Mean?

Geocaching refers to GEO for geography, and CACHING, the process of hiding a container that stores items. The term is also used in hiking/camping as a secret hiding place for items.

What is a GPS?

A GPS unit is an electronic device that uses satellites to determine your approximate location. Coordinates are given in Latitude and Longitude or other formats. You can use the device to navigate. Some GPS’s have their own maps, built-in electronic compasses, and voice navigation..

How does GPS work?

GPS receiver is a computer that receives signals broadcast from GPS satellites. A receiver needs to read signals from at least three satellites at a time to calculate its general location.

The more signals from satellites, a GPS can get a more accurate location. The more satellite signals the more accurate the position.

What are the rules in Geocaching?

1. If you take something from the cache, leave something of equal or greater value.
2. Log your find in the cache logbook.
3. Log your experience at www.AllAboutThecross.com in that caches logbook.  

Can I track any cache item?

Yes, At www.AllAboutTheCross.com we made it so you can track anything by a number or description you create. As long as someone else is not using that description you can track it. Our tracking is free and intended to allow Geocachers the thrill of sending something anywhere in the world.

What is usually in a cache?

A cache should always contains a logbook. The logbook contains information from the owner of the cache and notes from visitors. A cache can contain much valuable, rewarding, and entertaining information or objects. In smaller caches, a logsheet may be he only item.

Larger caches may contain a logbook and any number of more or less valuable items. These items turn the cache into a true treasure hunt. You never know what the owner or other visitors of the cache may have left. Remember, if you take something, it is only right for you to leave something in return. It is recommended that items in a cache be individually packaged to protect them from the elements.

Geocoins are special trackable coins created by other Geocachers to commemorate special events or as a signature item to leave in caches. They function exactly like Travel Bugs and should be moved to another cache unless otherwise specified by their owners. The variety of different geocoins is staggering!

What should not be placed in a cache?

Anyone can hide and seek caches, so think carefully before placing an item into a cache. Explosives, ammunition, knives, drugs and alcohol should not be placed in a cache.

Do not leave food items. In some cases caches have been chewed through and destroyed because of food items in a cache. Please do not put food in a cache.

Can I move a cache once I find it?

Do not move a cache from its original location unless there is an emergency that could jeopardize the contents. Report the new loation on the Site log. If you feel that the cache may not be located in the correct location, please email the cache owner directly or post a log on the cache detail page. It is an owner’s responsibility to maintain cache placement.

What do I do if I find out that a cache has gone missing?

If you visit a cache location and the cache is missing, make sure to log the cache as one that is "missing" so the cache owner is notified. Cache owners who repeatedly receive "Missing" logs should check to see that their cache has not been removed. If you notice that a cache detail page has an unusual number of "Did Not Find" logs, please contact us. We rely on you to let us know the status of caches in their area.

Is there a FRS/PMR channel to find out if other Geocachers are in the area?

Yes. Geocacher’s have decided on channel 2 as the primary for both FRS and PMR, and 12 as the alternate FRS (Family Radio Service) channel and 8 for the alternate PMR (Europe).