Geocaching - WTF?

[Cheesy Mike]

Just saw this on Usenet in a posting about a proposed new newsgroup uk.rec.gps

Geocaching is a relatively new recreation, where a cache of objects of little value are placed in a waterproof box at stated coordinates where others can find them by GPS. The new "Right to Roam" legislation together with improvement in accuracy and falling prices may well catalyze other GPS based recreations.

WTF How sad is that? Still, if it gets the trainspotters off the platforms and out into the countryside to get some exercise it is probably not a bad thing. Thinks.... Then again, I have done letterboxing on Dartmoor which is a low-tech version of the same think - you yomp around Dartmoor in the pouring rain and find little plastic boxes with rubber stamps and ink pads that you then use to put a stamp in a llittle book to prove that you were there. Oh well - plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose

And what of these other rumoured GPS activities? Answers on a postcard. A stale Burbidges donut for the winner!

Mike

 

[AndyT]

WTF How sad is that?

Not as sad as "confluencing" which is the next stage. Corsican Dave told me of a new band of Geo-cachers who aremaking there way to where the grid lines meet on a map and try to visit them all.......now thats sad

Have Fun

AndyT

 

[Cheesy Mike]

Re: Re: Geocaching - WTF?

Not as sad as "confluencing" ....making there way to where the grid lines meet on a map and try to visit them all

I spent 6+ years driving from Milton Keynes to Cambridge each day. In doing so, just west of Cambridge, you cross from the Western to Eastern hemispehere. I always wondered where exactly the line was, so I was excited (yes really) when I got my first GPS and was able to pinpoint it exactly on the A428 (old A45)

Plus I've been to the 4 corner states in the USA where Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico meet.

Here is a google sourced image of some sad muppet getting really excited about being there. (As a Brit I was much more subdued )

 

[adamapost]

The Degree Confluence project is here. There are still at least 25 sites to visit in Morocco!

The Geocaching Site is here.

 

[Cheesy Mike]

The Degree Confluence project is here. There are still at least 25 sites to visit in Morocco!

Strangely fascinating.

Must.... stop..... reading..... it's...... drawing...... me....... in.......

Mike

 

[jimbo]

WTF How sad is that?

Too right, I hear the there are also sad virtual communities too. Group of people with nothing better to do than type drivel to each other just because they share some aribtary common possession or interest.
Why don't these peolpe get a real life

 

[AndyB]

How about Geodogging

 

[AndyB]

Re: Re: Re: Geocaching - WTF?

I spent 6+ years driving from Milton Keynes to Cambridge each day. In doing so, just west of Cambridge, you cross from the Western to Eastern hemispehere. I always wondered where exactly the line was, so I was excited (yes really) when I got my first GPS and was able to pinpoint it exactly on the A428 (old A45)

Mike

I understand your facination with the Meridian line, I live about 2 minutes (of latitude) from the line and cross it very regulary on my way home. I have enven managed to pin point the part of someones garden that marks the transition from West to East.

Andrew.

 

[Howard Millichap]

Did you know that the Greenwich meridian at 0 degrees actually runs half way around the world? WOW!

 

[richie]

Too right, I hear the there are also sad virtual communities too. Group of people with nothing better to do than type drivel to each other just because they share some aribtary common possession or interest.
Why don't these peolpe get a real life

 

[Fanum]

Never done any geocaching but I've read the web site and a bit about it.

Yes it may well seem a bit odd or even sad, going to look for caches of diaries, prizes etc hidden around the countryside when we use our GPS' for going to mud and fords and distant places, but what a great idea for getting kids off their increasingly fat arses anad out into the countryside.

If I had a little gecko unit or something like that, I'd definately take my kids Geocaching....it's a modern day treasure hunt and I reckon they'd absolutely love it.

You cynical bunch of old gits