OUTDOOR FUN EDITOR'S NOTE; During the past year, while using the Internet to do research on various locations throughout the Ozarks, we were amazed to find numerous web pages with articles telling how folks into "Geocatching" were leaving hidden "treasures" in our parks and natural areas and encouraging others that were "geocatchers" to try to find the "hidden treasure." This article is a primer describing the hobby and phenomena. "Geocaching...a Great Way to Get Outdoors" by Chuck Fitzgerald If you're tired of hiking the same trail or picnicking at the same park, then Geocaching may be exactly what you're looking for. Geocaching, pronounced gee-o-cashing, is the high tech version of a treasure hunt. Armed with nothing but a handheld GPS unit and a thirst for excitement, you're off for new adventures and the likelihood of finding a hidden cache. Here's how it works. Geocachers seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS coordinates posted on the Internet by those hiding the cache. So to geocache, you'll need a handheld GPS receiver. GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System, is the only system today able to show you your exact position on the Earth anytime, in any weather, anywhere. GPS satellites, 24 in all, orbit at over 11,000 miles above the Earth. The satellites transmit signals that can be detected by anyone with a GPS receiver. Using the receiver, you can determine your location with great precision. But just as important, you'll be able to locate other things too, such as a geocache. There are a variety of GPS receiver models to choose from starting at about $100. Once you've got a GPS unit, you'll need to know where the caches are hidden (hint: they're everywhere). When a cache is hidden, the cache's coordinates are submitted to a website for all to see (www.geocaching.com). Enter the coordinates into your GPS and you're ready to go. Did I mention there are more than 100,000 caches in over 200 countries? Sounds easy, doesn't it? Armed with a GPS and the coordinates, how tough can it be? In an urban area, easy access is typically available in the way of roads and trails. But what about on a mountain? What if there aren't roads nearby? It's entirely possible to be a few hundred feet from something and not be able to reach it (across a river or two hundred feet below the cliff you're on are good examples). After you try to find a few caches, you'll understand a number of the nuances of actually finding the cache. That's the fun part. Once you find the cache, there are a couple of simple rules. Sign the logbook and if you take something from the cache, be sure to leave something. But what about placing a cache? That's fun too. Just be sure to follow the rules as outlined at www.geocaching.com. Once you're a seasoned geocacher, you'll try your hand at travel bugs, geo-teaming and benchmark hunting. If you have only a couple hours to search for a cache, try to find one that is close by. If you have a couple days, take a family trip and make an overnight adventure out of it. Using your GPS along with your sense of adventure, you are bound to spend more time out of doors with people you enjoy. What could be better? Chuck Fitzgerald (chuck@backcountrytoys.com) is President of BackCountry Toys. BackCountry Toys provides premium gear, superb customer service and valuable information to outdoor sports enthusiasts. BackCountry Toys promotes responsible relationships with our backcountry. Subscribe to Our Newsletter: www.BackCountryToys.com   Geocaching is allowed in Missouri State parks, only if the Cache Owner first follows certain guidelines and applies for a permit. A quick visit to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources "Frequently Asked Questions" or FAQ page will reveal the following; (see http://www.mostateparks.com/faq.htm#geocache ) This activity is allowed within certain guidelines that have been established in current policy. A permit is required prior to placing a cache. Further information may be obtained by calling 1-800-334-6946. Guidelines for Geocaching in Missouri State Parks Permit application for Geocaching (You will need Adobe PDF reader to view either of these documents, click here to download a free Adobe Reader) Some of the guidelines are;   Cache owners wishing to place a cache on state park or state historic site property must complete an Official Geocaching Placement Permit. The facility manager or designee is to review the permit and the cache for policy compliance. Once the cache is placed, the applicant is to return to the facility office to record the exact location information for completion of the permit. The facility is to keep a park map indicating the exact cache locations in the file with the permits. After the permit has been completed the facility manager or designee will approve or deny the permit. For approval, the following items need to be reviewed for policy compliance: • Cache is not located in sensitive archaeological, historical or ecological areas. • No damage or disturbance of the ground will result from placement of this cache. • The cache is not located in an area scheduled to be burned during the duration of the permit. • The cache is not in an area that might cause potential danger to park visitors, i.e. climbing on cliffs/bluffs under water or in potential flood areas, etc. • Text for the cache has been reviewed, and it is accurate and complies with Missouri State Parks Geocaching Policy. Non-compliance of policy requirements will result in denial of the permit. To learm more about the sport visit http://www.geocaching.com/ where you will find an informative website detailing everything there is to know about Geocaching. So read the rules, get out your trusty GPS and head for the hills, who know you may just find something.