I came across geocaching from a link on a forum recently and it seems like quite a laugh. The idea is that people leave 'caches' for other people to find. The 'caches' are small waterproof containers (a tupperware box) with something inside. The person who leaves the cache posts it's location as GPS co-ordiantes on a website to help others find it. It's like high tech orienteering and it sounds like it would be quite a lot of fun.

The main geocaching site is http://www.geocaching.com/ which has lots of info about geocaching and more importantly a search tool to find caches in your area. There is also a UK based The Geocaching Association of Great Britain (http://www.gagb.co.uk/gagb/) that offers help and support.

What is a cache?

A traditional cache is the original type, it's a container with some stuff in, as a minimum it will have a log book for you the finder to write in. It may also have some other things like small toys in. The idea is that you can take something out as long as you replace it with something else for the next person to find. Some caches have themes so you need ot read the description before setting off. There are several other types of cache. Offset caches are a series of caches where each one gives the location of the next for example. (see http://www.geocaching.com/about/cache_types.aspx for more details)

What do you need?

You need a handheld GPS receiver and an Internet connection. If you can get a mobile Internet connection that's really useful but not essential. You look up a cache location online then using your GPS receiver you go and try to find it. Simple. Some smart phones have GPS built in or can be used with a GPS receiver. Your car's sat nav is probably not accurate enough. There are reviews of the devices on the geocaching site (http://www.geocaching.com/reviews/gps) and a device buying guide (http://www.geocaching.com/about/buying.aspx).

I am looking for a new phone at the moment and might go for a Nokia 6220 Classic which gets good reviews for geocaching as well as being a pretty neat phone as well. In fact I have just ordered one so I'll let you know how I get on with it.

So there you have it, it gets you out in the fresh air and would be a perfect way to explore the area surrounding any campsite. Look up the caches nearby before you go then go and hunt them out while you are there. Perhaps even leave a few new ones for campers that follow you to find.