GPS Treasure Hunts Turn Vacations Into High-Tech Adventures
Asheville NC (SPX) May 05, 2008 Destinations across the globe are urging travelers to use Global Positioning System (GPS) units for more than just navigation to and from the hotel. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to Floridas Gulf Coast to Route 66, the tech-savvy sport known as geocaching allows destinations to unfold like a mystery novel, one clue at a time. Starting May 20, Ashevilles geocache hunt-The Ultimate AsheCache-will lead travelers to unexpected sites and, if theyre clever, to big prizes.
What is Geocaching?
Geocaching Adventure: The Ultimate AsheCache - Designed by world-class geocache expert Graeme McGufficke-second in the world for hiding caches-The Ultimate AsheCache will lead participants through natural terrain, urban areas of intrigue and, if successful, to one of five themed treasure caches hidden throughout the area. - Prizes befitting each themed cache-art, culinary, outdoor-inspired, couples and shopping-will be replenished weekly through June 23. Prizes include a couples massage at The Spa at Grove Park Inn, Highgear Alterra watch, French Broad whitewater rafting trip and original artwork from Jonas Gerard. - Top secret clues and coordinates for The Ultimate AsheCache will only be given to visitors staying at one of ten participating accommodations.
Statistics - As of April 2008, more than 560,000 active caches have been hidden in 250+ countries from Antarctica to Egypt to 19,000 feet high on the peaks of Mount Everest (geocaching.com). - North Carolina is home to more than 11,500 active caches. More than 75% of those caches can be tracked within 100 miles of downtown Asheville (geocaching.com). - More than 8,700 active caches are hidden in both urban and wilderness areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains within 100 miles of downtown Asheville. Urban geocaching is growing-there are more than 645 active caches within 10 miles of downtown Asheville.
Other Destination Geocache Programs - Route 66 - Pennsylvanias Allegheny National Forest - Canadas Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve Attribute to geocacher Graeme McGufficke, designer of The Ultimate AsheCache and ranked second in the world for hiding caches: - I enjoy geocaching because it takes me to places that are generally off the beaten path. When Im traveling on business or pleasure I get to see spots that other cachers think are cool, interesting or fun. - Western North Carolina has an incredibly diverse geography and is very cache dense. If you want the long hikes in the forest or mountains, there are caches out there for you. If you are more into prowling an urban environment looking for small or deviously hidden caches, we have those too. Related Links Asheville Treasure Hunt GPS Applications, Technology and Suppliers
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