The iPhone is a wonderful device. I can honestly say that without it I probably wouldn’t have gotten into geocaching. Actually, without the Totally Rad Show’s segment on geocaching (embedded below) I probably wouldn’t have picked up on it in the first place, but that’s a whole different story. Using the iPhone I’m able to locate geocaches via GPS and track them down using Google Maps, even using a compass as I get closer and closer to the cache to narrow the search. From there I can log my visit, and see any other caches that are around me via a list sorted by distance (another handy reason to have GPS on your phone).
Anyways, I might start logging caches as I find them. To be honest I’ve only found two to date, but whenever I find one from now on I’ll post pictures here (again, using the iPhone). The first is below. Before that though, I want to sing the praises of an application called, surprisingly enough, Geocaching. It’s the most expensive application I’ve purchased weighing in at $9.99, but it’s been worth it so far. The simple fact that it’s a cheap entry point to a fun hobby that will pay off in entertainment value alone is enough to garner my recommendation.
However, it’s the first app that has truly impressed me with the wide-range of functionality included with it. As I mentioned you can search for nearby geocaches and navigate to them via Google Maps using the iPhone’s included GPS. You can use a compass to point you in the right direction if the map isn’t sufficient. On top of that it interfaces with Geocaching.com, a website which features a database of geocaches for finders and hiders alike. The site has a ton of information (descriptions of caches, hints if you’re stuck, and user comments – and that’s just the beginning). All of this is accessible with the Geocaching application. I’ll include an iTunes link to it at the bottom.
So, here’s my latest (second) find. Yes, it was attached to a ceramic dalmatian. Yes, it’s a dalmatian because it’s part of a 101 Dalmatians-themed series of caches. Come on people, I’m new to this! =) I signed the log included in a tube container on the dog’s collar and was on my way (Signed “Dave Kemick 8/16/2009 – TRS” in case you’re in the area).
iTunes – Geocaching