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Geocaching with Gary in North Vancouver

Geocaching (geo=earth; cache=hiding spot) is a free outdoor treasure hunting activity for GPS enthusiasts of all ages. It has been growing in popularity worldwide since being introduced in 2000 as a way to test improved GPS technology. Currently over 2 million hidden caches exist worldwide - there's even a cache on the International Space Station! Here on the North Shore, geocaching can be a fun way to explore our world-class Public Art Collection.  There are hidden caches at twelve public art sites thanks mainly to North Vancouver resident and 'geocaching volunteer extraordinaire' Gary Murray. 

Currently working as a Computer Specialist at London Drugs, Gary says he first heard about geocaching through a customer when he worked at Radio Shack selling GPS units. In his four years of geocaching, Gary has found a total of 2170 caches and is the proud owner of 65 active caches. He says the challenge of geocaching motivates him to explore the hiking trails in the Lower Mainland and further afield. Gary prides himself on going green. He traded in his vehicle and now carpools with other cachers or takes advantage of the local car co-op.

In accordance with official rules, individuals and organizations are invited to hide “caches” (a type of treasure box) in specific locations anywhere in the world.  Once hidden, the GPS coordinates of the caches are posted on an official geocaching website. Anyone with a GPS device or smartphone can use the posted coordinates to locate the caches. The sites are rated according to terrain and level of difficulty. A cache box usually contains a visitor log book and an eclectic mix of favorite trinkets. The finder is asked to sign the log book and encouraged to exchange a trinket from the box with something of equal value and interest.

 

 

For information on geocaching in North Vancouver, visit www.artsoffice.ca/public_art

For more on the whimsical world of geocaching, go to www.geocaching.com/.

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