Geocaching is a recreational activity that combines "high tech" with enjoyment of the outdoors. Using the Global Positioning System (GPS), Geocachers place a container (also known as a "Geocache") in a hidden spot & mark the position with their GPS receivers. The coordinates of the container's position are posted on the Internet (www.geocaching.com). Other Geocachers enter the container's coordinates into their own GPS receivers & seek the container. When found they sign the logbook and may exchange items. They then place the container back into its original hiding spot & then log their visit online. Last year, the geocachers who logged the most finds in Ontario, won a multitude of prizes from the Ontario Geocaching Association (www.ontgeocaching.com).
What are the rules in Geocaching? 
Geocaching is a relatively new phenomenon. Therefore, the rules are very simple:
1. Take something from the cache
2. Leave something in the cache
3. Write about it in the logbook
Geocaching in Greenstone
Geraldton Community Forest Inc. (GCF) has established 15 caches throughout Greenstone from Orient Bay to Nakina to Longlac.
Finding a Cache
To find caches in your area, first you need to visit the Geocaching.com website's search utility. (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/)
Put in your postal code in the search box and click the search button. You will find the closest caches to your location. Easy, right? Not so fast. First, visit the page on Geocaching.com that gives you the steps to finding a cache. Rushing out without the information could just end up in frustration. (http://www.geocaching.com/about/finding.aspx
)
The Basics are :
1) Research the cache - read the cache description to find out more about things such as terrain and difficulty. See if you need any specialized equipment or knowledge before you set out.
2) Preparation - take adequate gear which may include extra water, pens, paper, maps, compass, dry socks and of course your GPS.
3) The Hunt - Finally! When you reach the area, it is suggested that you mark the location of your vehicle (even experienced cachers have become lost in the woods). Follow your GPS to the general area, staying on the trails as much as possible, even if it means walking past the cache site to find the trail in. Once you reach the cache site (within about 10-20 metres) then pocket your GPS and start hunting. Look for obvious hiding spots (stumps, rock piles etc) and try not to disturb the area at all while searching.
4) The Find - Hurray! Usually you take an item and leave an item, and enter your name and experience you had into the log book. It is suggested that you "trade up or trade even" when trading. Caches are not a place to deposit broken toys or useless items that you would have otherwise thrown out. Make sure your trade item is safe. A suggested list of items that should not be placed are ones that are not kid friendly (i.e. no weapons, alcohol, cigarettes, adult or illegal materials). Also, to prevent animals from destroying a container, no food or scented products (e.g. candles, lip balm) should be in a geocache. Finally for safety's sake, no matches, lighters, fireworks, ammunition or other explosive/flammable items should be inside a cache. Knives are also not recommended, although the occasional pocketknife can be found as a trade item.
Make sure to seal the cache and place it back where you found it. If it had some rocks covering it, please replace them. It's pretty straightforward. Leave it just as you found it (or hidden a bit better if you found it in the open).
Go home, log your find on the Geocaching.com site. Write a note about the experience without giving too much away for the next person.
Once you have found 6-10 caches, you can now place your own.
Also check out the geocacher’s creed (http://geocreed.info/). It's a great resource.
Local Contest
GCF has obtained some modest prizes for local geocachers. Find as many of the 15 geocaches GCF has established by the end of September as you can. The highest numbers win a prize. If many people find all 15, there will be a draw for the prizes. Visit GCF for more information