Erik Sherman’s new book, Geocaching, is a pragmatic approach to the game, spinning GPS technology and hiking into a useful guide for the curious “muggle” or the seasoned geocacher.
From walking a “non-techie” through his first visit to a website (he describes how to navigate all the major geocaching sites) to explaining the subtleties of triangulation and navigation, Sherman satisfies the technical appetites of all but the rocket scientists among us.
Everyone who has been touched by the magic of geocaching should read this book and reserve a prominent place for it on their bookshelf.Because a major part of geocaching involves the outdoors, Sherman’s book deals with hiking tips for desk jockeys and some fresh ideas for experienced trekkers. He addresses apparel from head to foot for most climates and terrains, and how and what to pack for caching expeditions.
Stressing ecological stewardship and safety, the volume offers sound advice for hiding and seeking geocaches. It provides information on the appropriate size and type of cache containers and methods of concealment in addition to a variety of search techniques.
The author is a freelance writer whose works have appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report. Assisting as technical reviewer is Kelly Markwell, a technical support technician and an avid participant in the Groundspeak geocaching forums.
The book is smartly organized with an index and a natural progression of chapters, each published with organized subheads. Containing many diagrams and photos with references and a bibliography, the material presented is easily utilized. Also included are two appendices, one devoted solely to safety.
Sherman discusses geocaching etiquette, trading ethics, CITO (cache in, trash out), permission acquisition, and cache maintenance. He explains how GPS receivers work and how to find one suitable for your needs. Maps, compasses and navigation tips are spelled out in detail in a manner that directly applies to geocaching. Other geocaching gadgetry such as chronometers, altimeters, pocket PCs and FRS radios are described, too. The book even provides a section on map care and folding techniques.
Suggestions throughout the book remind cachers how to identify and hunt caches that appeal to them (after all, according to the author, this is supposed to be fun). Effective methods for searching a website for special categories of caches are spelled out in detail. The author also describes with photos how to use the various on-line maps available on the major geocache listing sites. He explains Clayjars terrain/difficulty rating system and Buxley’s Geocaching Waypoint as well.
And for variety, Sherman suggests, for the GPS/hiking enthusiast, a variety of alternative GPS games with descriptions and websites. He also encourages creative cachers to design their own GPS variations: more fun than a satchel of satellites!
Everyone who has been touched by the magic of geocaching should read this book and reserve a prominent place for it on their bookshelf. It is published by Apress and available for (US) $19.99.