Geocaching in Belgium: this is how it works

Just walking is not for everyone. Maybe you know all the methods by now, and basically need a challenge or are you just curious about how geocaching works? It has been around for a long time, but thanks to the ever-evolving support for smartphone apps, it is still popular. The nice thing about it is the challenge: it’s not easy to find all the geocaches. It’s a bonus that you know the area better while searching for treasure. For those who are not familiar with it, we will briefly explain the concept. During the day Geocaching Are you looking for a geocache: Often a chest or other object hidden somewhere.

There are traditional bunkers, where you simply enter the coordinates and search for a chest or container in that area. GPS location is not enough, you also have to follow the instructions carefully and be able to orient yourself well to find the geocaches. Once you find it, write down your name and the date you found the cache and maybe leave a nice souvenir behind (this is of course not mandatory). Do you want to make it really exciting? Then choose multicache: With this type of geocaches you have to visit two or more sites to finally find the geocache. So you have to take a few more steps, but that challenge is what makes it so great.

Download the geocaching app

First of all, it is a good idea to download the application at home in advance and create an account. We recommend the app from geocaching.com in. It is home to all kinds of geocaches around the world, with a handy app for iOS and Android. Traditional caches are free, and multiple caches require a subscription. If you really want to search for multiple processes and own an Android phone, the app A: Jiu useful. It retrieves data from the Geocaching.com database, but offers multiple caches for free. When you find the app that works for you, create an account. Especially if you want to keep track of caches you’ve already created or if you want to save caches when you’re near, it’s helpful to have an account.

pick cache

Once you install the application and create an account (regardless of the application), you will be shown a map with several points. Clicking on it will give you more information about what a geocache is, what difficulty it has, and how far away the target is from you. You can also check the cache size here and it will often tell if the place is accessible or not. This is very nice if you are going to look with people who can’t easily go anywhere. From the map you can start the path to the cache.

Find the cache

If you are looking for a cache for the first time, we recommend going for an easy cache and closer to civilization. This way you know for sure that you can search safely and have an idea of ​​what the cache means. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, as stashes are usually not next to a sidewalk or road. So you will have to deviate from this a little. Take a good look at what the cache is telling you beforehand, so you don’t get any unpleasant surprises.

Are you close to the geocache? Check the tips provided, or look around to see if you can find the cache. Knowing the size, the most important thing to consider is where a geocache of this size is located. Note: some of the hiders are very creative with the hints! Take a hiking buddy with you, so you can find more difficult hideaways together. You will undoubtedly encounter cues such as “Let the leaves sway” or “There is a hollow tree where the sun goes down.”

Found a cache?

Hooray, I found the lair! Depending on the cache you’ve found, you can write in the log book it contains or leave a souvenir behind. Make sure to return the cache exactly as you found it. When taking a break, it is a good idea not to leave any litter behind, so that the next finder also has a pleasant geocaching experience. You can also fill out a digital notebook in the Geocaching.com app: select the cache you found and press “Record”. Please let us know your experience so that cache hider or other geocaching experts know what you think.

Geocaching: what to do and what not to do

If you are going to geocaching, we wish you a lot of fun. We would like to ask you to make geocaching as fun as possible for yourself and other geocaching experts. Therefore, consider the following:

• Always return the found cache exactly as you found it. So it’s as challenging for the next Geocacher as it is for you.
• Are you in nature then respect the green spaces and animals. Do not get off the paths unless necessary, do not damage trees, and always check if there are special rules for the area in which you are going.
• Do not leave any waste. Take a bag or plastic bag where you can store all your waste, and you can dispose of it in the next trash can. This ensures a clean environment and more fun while geocaching.
• Did you break in recently? Then don’t go into the woods. After a big storm, it is possible that trees are about to fall or that large branches are still falling. Always check if a forestry or nature organization is giving the green light.

• Always check yourself and your friends for ticks after searching for geocaches. These creatures are no longer alone in the forests and know exactly how to fall themselves on the human or animal body in time. You can also find them in gardens and park shrubs. By detecting the tick within 24 hours, you can prevent diseases such as Lyme.

Do you want to hide a geocache yourself?

Got so excited that you want to hide a geocache yourself? which can. Geocaching.com has a guide for that, so you know what to expect and what to look for. For example, they recommend that you first find 20 geocaches yourself, so that you get a feel for the geocaches and know how to create an original geocache. They also ask you to read the instructions carefully, so that you hide a cache that is legal and environmentally friendly. You can find all the information at www.geocaching.com/play/guidelines.