How to Geocache With a Blackberry
Geocaching is often referred to as a high-tech treasure hunt. Armed with coordinates of the location, the user attempts to navigate to the geocache. A geocache is a container that at the very least contains a log for finders to sign and may also contain a variety of trinkets for trade. While the goal may sound easy enough, geocachers pride themselves on clever ways to hide a cache. Traditionally, a hand-held GPS unit is used along with written coordinates and paper maps. However, in recent years, some geocachers have moved toward paperless geocaching, using PDAs or smartphones to navigate and store cache information. The Blackberry is a perfect tool.
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Things You'll Need
- GPS-enabled Blackberry
- Geocaching software
- Topographical map (optional)
Instructions
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Install geocaching software. While the existing GPS software can be helpful, it will not provide the navigation that is necessary for successful geocaching. Geocaching requires use of coordinates, and free and pay versions of geocaching software are available. BlackStar is a popular, bare-bones free version. A more sophisticated pay version is Geocaching Navigator by Trimble. The advantage with the latter is the ability to view geocache information as well as view topographical or satellite maps. Knowing how to approach a cache can mean the difference between an easy find and a very difficult one.
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Focus on one geocache. Geocaching.com is the definitive source for geocache information. Here you will find details about geocache as well as coordinates and maps. When you've located the area of a geocache, navigation details will tell you how far you are from the cache and in which direction to head. While GPS navigation is sensitive to movement, keep an eye on the distance. Bear in mind that conditions such as tree cover and topography may interfere with satellite reception. Also, changes in the earth's atmosphere and ionosphere can delay satellite signals. The dilution of precision or DOP is a measure of this factor.
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Stop when you are within 100 feet of the geocache. A non-military grade GPS unit or GPS-enabled Blackberry will not lead you on top of the cache itself. On a good day, you may be within 20 feet of the geocache. Let the distance count down to make sure you haven't walked past the cache.
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Look for the beacon. A beacon, in geocaching terms, is an obvious hiding place. Hollowed logs or tree stumps are common locations. While some caches can be easily found in the most obvious place, other times the hides will be camouflaged. It is up to you to hone and rely on your geo-sense. Look for something out of place or unnatural like a neatly stacked pile of sticks or a perfectly cut log in the middle of the woods.
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Log your find. A nice feature of the Trimble software is the ability to log your finds in the field. Data is uploaded to the Geocaching.com site, which you can visit later and add your field notes. Geocachers can also log finds using SMS text messages via an account with Coord.info. Messages will also update your Twitter account.
Sometimes you won't find the cache. It happens to all geocachers at one point or another. Don't despair. Remember, caches may be discovered by non-geocachers and destroyed. It may just not be there. Rely on logs from other geocachers to point you in the right direction.
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Tips & Warnings
If you're geocaching in a place that is not familiar, set a waypoint at your starting point so you can make it back. Carry an extra battery. Using the GPS function on your Blackberry will drain batteries quickly.
Know how to identify poison ivy and stinging nettle so you can avoid them. Always carry a flashlight and look into hollow logs before reaching your hand inside to avoid encounters with wildlife.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Zvone Lavric: stock.xchng
