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Edition:
September 02, 2010
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NEWS
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Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Community Ed. to present geocaching
Vergas couple to present class Jan. 29 that’s a game for all ages
• by John W. Dermody
We hear the term frequently, but what does "GPS" stand for?
Is it: "Good Public Schools" or "Grandma Plays Scrabble?"
How about: "Gorgeous Photo Survey," "Goofy Politicians Suck," or "Good Puppy, Snoopy!"
There are lots of possibilities, but persons who have late model vehicles equipped with GPS devices, or perhaps received them for Christmas, know the phrase means "Global Positioning System."
The technology allows a person to find an exact spot on the globe, or report his or her position. It is also valuable when mapping territory.
No doubt, as time goes by there will be many new applications concerning the utilization of GPS systems, today's technology is updated and users become more creative.
And now there is a game for those who are curious, look for new ways to enjoy the outdoors and use GPS hand-held devices to have fun.
Geocaching at a variety of levels
Wes and B. J. Sorenson, rural Vergas, will teach a Geocaching class as part of the current lineup of offerings in the District 23 Community Education brochure.
The one-evening "In Search of Hidden Treasure" session is scheduled for 6:30-8 p.m. in the high school media center Thursday, Jan. 29.
As persons who were introduced to the activity in 2005, the explorers have stashed "caches" of interesting items around Frazee. They will be the targets of future expeditions for folks who want to engage in the cyber-search process.
Loosely speaking, participants refer to the objects as "treasures," as they follow clues to find locations where objects are hidden.
Wes pointed out that it's a worldwide game...one that you play using a Web site noted as www.geocaching.com.
"You hide something...but get permission...and record the latitude and longitude (on the Web site)," he explained. The planners give the project (or game) a name at that time.
While following the clues, players participate on different "hide" and "terrain" levels. The scale for each range from 1 through 5, from the beginners' category to the lofty realm for the most experienced aficionados.
Environmental stewards having fun
B.J. said, "You can't dig a hole and hide anything that way; the environment is not to be disturbed."
In other words, she continued, the container with the item inside might be around trees or among rocks. Quite often, it is something like a small toy, perhaps a Hot Wheels car. And when the treasure is found, some new prize of similar value should replace it and the container is then put back in the exact spot. Otherwise, the coordinates would not be correct for the next group of hunters.
While most caches the Sorensons have arranged in Frazee are at the lower end of the scales, Wes noted that "level 5" is for the addicts who might don scuba gear to find stashed treasure in San Francisco Bay.
"Climbing a mountain would be a 4 or 5 because you would need special gear," he emphasized.
B. J. added, "Level 1 will always be handicapped accessible."
The Sorensons explained that many campers like to do geocaching as part of their outdoor adventures.
While out in the woods, or on the prairie, other phenomena can be seen and enjoyed. For example, B. J. found her first deer antler that had been shed, a very nice one.
Many treasure sites
in a 100-mile radius
The Sorensons will explain the GPS pastime and note the fun that can be derived during their community education class at the end of the month.
Wes said, "We're a little nervous...we've never conducted a class before."
He works for the Case agricultural equipment firm in Fargo and B. J. works for a CPA, in the border city.
"When you search for the treasure sites, you just type in "Frazee" (or a zip code or some other address), and you will get all the caches within 100 miles," he continued.
Then, as the participant-explorers go out on a mission, they should remember to put everything back as it was found, replace the treasure, and sign a logbook, they stressed.
After starting the activity four years ago, the Sorensons have covered quite a lot of the region's landscape.
"But sometimes we seem to take the tough path in to a destination," B. J. said. "When we get there, we find a better road in another direction.
Last year, they had the enjoyment of geocaching in three state parks that have never permitted the procedure before - Maplewood, Lake Carlos and Glenalough, the latter in the Battle Lake area.
Now others can have the same kind of fun while exploring those outdoor venues.
For information or for a copy of the January brochure concerning other community education offerings, phone 334-2525 or e-mail commed@frazee.k12.mn.us.
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