Getting Started :

Looking for a cache.

First off it helps to know some basic compass, map (probably topographical) and GPS skills. Start where you buy your GPS unit. There are books, videotapes and GPS manufacturers’ Web sites to learn from.  

To become a competent navigator you will need to use the functions of the GPS unit along with knowing where you are and in what direction you are headed in order to find a cache. The GPS ultimately gets you very close to the cache. Read the clues and then keep those 'eagle eyes' ready to spot the cache and the treasure therein.

You can also read the clues left by other cachers to help locate the cache. Logged at www.geocaching.com

Where are the caches?

Our caches (the 10 that we are using for this contest) are located around Lake Temagami. All 10 are listed on www.geocaching.com. Their exact location is on the sheets available from the TLA, from Geocaching.com or from the caches page of this site. Most are at a loaction that has something ot see or do at it. ie Furgason mountain. Great view, hike up to the look out for a spectaucluar view of Furgason Bay.

There are hundreds of other caches in the area, Some right on Lake Temagami. They do not contain punches and are not part of our game, but you are welcome to hunt them and do the regulary trading. Their whereabouts are only available from Geocaching.com.

The following is a number of steps we would appreciate being followed:

• If there are prizes, take one prize and leave your offering. If you didn’t bring a prize, please don’t take one. This is a standard convention for every cache anywhere on our planet. See the suggested list of prizes below under Suggested Cache Offerings on the website. Keeping the quality of the prizes at a reasonable level will be the hallmark of the long term success of GPS treasure hunting. Let this be your guide: Trade Even, Trade Up, or Don't trade at all.
   
• MOST IMPORTANTLY ensure that you punch your playing card with the unique paper punch found in each or our 10 caches. ie, if the STAR punch is in the Liberty Lake Cache, punch the proper square on your playing card with the Star Punch. Don't forget to bring your playing card with you!!!!!!
  
• Sign the LOG BOOK found in the cache...you can leave whatever comments you would like in the log. They all will be read.

Suggested Cache Offerings

One of the important aspects of a GPS treasure hunt is finding the cache and retrieving a prize.  Remember that you take one prize and replace it with another.  There should always be at least five prizes in the cache.  Imagine if your choice of a prize takes some time to make a decision.

We recommend that you visit your favourite retailer and think about the kind of treasure you would like to find.  Prizes have to small to fit into the caches, usually large peanut butter jars in size.

Never leave any food, candy or scented material. Animals can find them better than we can.   Pens, pins, key chains, mugs, items received at other meetings should be left at home in that box or drawer.

Here is a suggested list of favourites; they all cost a few dollars.  Most prizes have a purpose and are connected with activities associated with the 'great outdoors.'  When you send in your GPS treasure hunt report create additional suggestions for us.  We will update our list as we go.

• Safety whistle
• Fishing lures
• Safety matches 
• Pocket knives
• Repair kits
• Carbiners
• Elastic cords (fasteners)
• Small First Aid kits
• Small Flash lights
• Small sets of screwdrivers and other 'gadgets'
• Small camp pouches
• Lens cleaner
• Repair kits - canoe, fabric, 'thermarests' etc...
• Toys
• Outdoor type gear
• other things that people might actually use.

CACHE IN, TRASH OUT

This is one of the mottos of Geocachers around the world. If you see trash enroute to or from your cache, pick it up and pack it out.

The following are safety tips in planning your caching outings.

All participants accept the responsibilities and risks in searching for caches.  Check the level of challenge and match it with your own abilities.

• Never go searching without an another person.
   
• Leave a message with another person with regard to the general location you are going and what time you will be returning.
   
• Take a pack with snacks, extra socks, rain wear, extra layers, snacks, lunches, water bottles--be prepared for the outdoors under the conditions presented.
   
• Take a first aid kit.
   
• Take a watch and judge your time accordingly.
   
• Mark on your map, on your GPS unit and with your compass (the direction) the point of where you left a vehicle, trail or landmark. Mark points along the way, with direction of travel.  Mark your destination for return trip.  Mark time and distance as you move toward a cache.
   
• Plan your trip to a particular cache.  Ask yourself is there enough time to get there and return?
   
• Listen and watch for weather forecasts before and during your searches.
   
• When using other modes of transportation, abide by all safety and operating rules recommended by manufacturers and safety associations.
   
• Take extra batteries for the GPS unit.
   
• If you are concerned about black bears, pack your whistle, air horn or commercial spray as a deterrent