Now that the cost of handheld GPS units have come down and they have found their way into the hands of the common user, its no wonder that interests and hobbies have spawned from them. One such interest is called Geocaching. Its a game of orienteering mixed with the adventure of treasure hunting with easy rules and an excuse to get people outside. What better way to get the kids away from the TV, so that they can see the world, then to do so on a treasure hunt. All it takes is handheld GPS units and a real sense of adventure and you are off before you know it.

So, what exactly is Geocaching? Best described, Geocaching is a modern day treasure hunt. Instead of the treasure maps with large Xs marking the spot, this hunt uses handheld GPS units. To start a Geocache, a person hides a small water tight container at certain coordinates which are recorded and logged. There are many groups that register these types of caches around the world.

In their container they hide random objects, some of worth and others are merely of interest. As a cache is found, the group removes one item of their choice from the cache and leaves an item of their own. This allows the content of the Geocache to change and allows the next adventurer to be left guessing as to what is inside.

As an excuse to get outside and see the world, Geocaching is a perfect game for the handheld GPS unit enthusiast and attracts a wide audience. It is a great game for adults and children and can help bring more to a childs outdoor education. There are many places to find cache coordinates, meet up with fellow Geocachers, and most importantly, to enjoy yourself. Most groups have websites that post their registered caches and allow feedback and comments on that cache.

This is also a great way to learn more about handheld GPS units and become comfortable using your own. For most, a hands on experience is an excellent approach to learning the ins and outs of their new device. That mixed with the support from a group of people with like interests, it may not be hard to go from novice to expert while enjoying yourself. So, if you were looking for a reason to head out into the woods and want to learn more about your handheld GPS units, why not give it a shot?