The GPS Stash Hunt, also known as Geocaching, is a fun way for recreational GPS users to get out and actually use their GPS receivers for something exciting!
Essentially, it is a treasure hunt -- A container hidden somewhere, filled with prizes. You use a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver to find it. All you need to get started is a basic GPS receiver, which almost everyone on earth can buy for for under $100.
From the first FAQ dated 5/12/00:
The Global Positioning Stash Hunt (GPSH) is an entertaining adventure game for gps users. Participating in a stash hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a gps unit. The basic plan is to have individuals and organizations set up stashes all over the world and share the locations of these stashes on the internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the stashes. Once found, a stash may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is that if they take something from the stash, they should try to leave something for the stash.The first stash (a bucket partially buried underground on the outskirts of Portland, Oregon) was placed by Dave Ulmer on May 3rd 2000; by May 6th, two readers of the USENET newsgroup sci.geo.satellite-nav had found it and logged their visits in the logbook.. It's now turned into a worldwide phenomenon, with stashes on 4 continents, and an average of 2-3 new stashes per week since it's inception.
6/12/00 - The Geocache Distance Table - Now with links to maps from mapblast.com! thanks to Matt Stum.
6/1/00 - An Introduction to Recreational Geocaching - by Dave Ulmer
5/31/00 - An apparent settlement on the issue of the name of the game - yes, "stash" is still acceptable.. The game is the same, no matter what the name.
5/15/00 - The GPSSTASH mailing list - get all the latest Stash/Geocache information in your email.
All coordinates WGS84 datum.
USA State by State listing:
Other Countries:
This site is updated daily for all of your stashing and stash hunting needs!
