Geocaching: The Global Location-Based Cache Hunt

Let the hunt begin!

Geocaching is something that has been around for just over a decade, but it is something that few people are still aware of.  It is essentially an outdoor sporting activity in which participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) or location-based device (such as a smartphone) to hide and seek waterproof containers - which are called "geocaches" or "caches".  A typical cache contains a logbook where you record your name and when you found the cache (and signs it with an official code name, if applicable).  Large containers may also contain items for trading (you can leave something in the case and take what is in there). It is essential a high-tech game of hide and seek.  This activity is a perfect way to get out and explore wherever it is that you are traveling.  Caches can be found literally all over the world, from metropolitan areas to the backwoods of a national park trail.  You would probably be surprised at how close some of the hunts will take you to home!
How it startedGeocaching.com states that geocaching was first coined by Matt Stum on the "GPS Stash Hunt" mailing list on May 30, 2000.  This event eventually sparked the birth of the website by Jeremy Irish, a web developer for a Seattle company.  This site gives users the option to create user names and engage in the worldwide hunt.  On the website, users can post their own caches, as well as offer hints or advice to people that are stumped.  At first, the only hunters were those who were experienced with the limited GPS technology available.  Cache listings are uploaded by hand, but Irish helped to use a database to standardize listings and add options for searching for nearby caches.  
At the beginning, it received a lot of attention from traditional media.  However, there simply were not caches located in the areas that many of the interested parties lived in. As such, the community started chanting "If you hide it, they will come" to the newer players - creating word of mouth and sparking this hobby all over the world. 
Geocaching on your mobile deviceFor your smartphone, there is a popular application sparked by Groundspeak that gives people the ability to use the full features of the geocaching.com website on the go. It incorporates navigation and mapping features on your smartphone to show how close some geocaches are - as well as their relative difficulties.  Users also have the option to save caches they are interested in, or check off ones that they have already completed.  The only downside to this application is that it costs $9.99 on the mobile app markets. 
Fortunately, there are several apps that are free for geocaching.  I personally have had experience using c:geo on my Android device (type geocaching in Google Play and it shows up first).  The application is not tied to the official geocaching website, but it still lists most of the popular caches for users to find.  There are times where there are some bugs with the free software, but I would highly recommend trying it if you are just going to go geocaching as a hobby once in a while.  
Even though many of us will just go geocaching with our smartphones, traditional GPS units still work fine.  Garmin even has a special line of equipment just to promote the hobby (you can find their site here).
Creative cachesWhile most caches are simple plastic containers that you find hidden in plants or other obscure locations, there are also some fun and challenging caches that come in unique containers or allow you to experience cool locations. I have personally found them in suburban neighborhoods, trails, statues, and by a police station! Check out this video for some other cool containers by geocaching hobbyists.  Don't forget to let us know if you've experienced any cool hunts yourself!