For many people, leisure time is an opportunity to get outdoors, have some fun, and meet interesting people. Add two pieces of sophisticated 21st century technology, global positioning system (GPS) devices and the Internet, to get “geocaching.”

The word geocaching comes from “geo” (earth) and “cache” (hidden treasure). Geocachers log onto a website to find information about the location of a cache—usually a waterproof plastic box containing small items such as toys and CDs, along with a logbook where “finders” can enter comments and learn about the cache’s “owner,” the person who created and hid the cache. Finders may take any of the items in the cache but are expected to replace them with something of similar value. They then visit the website again and write a message to the owner.

Geocaching became possible on May 1, 2000, when U.S. President Bill Clinton announced that a satellite system developed by the U.S. Department of Defense would be made public. Using a fairly inexpensive GPS device, anyone on earth can send a signal to the satellites and receive information about their position. This is basically a high-tech version of orienteering, which uses maps and compasses to determine one’s location.

Geocachers are a very considerate group. Owners are asked to think carefully about a cache’s location in order to give finders an enjoyable experience, such as a beautiful view or a good campsite. They must also consider the environmental impact of their cache since it could result in an increased number of visitors to the area. As for the content of the caches, owners and finders are asked to remember that caches are found by geocachers of all ages. Any treasures in the caches should be suitable for the whole family.

Since geocaching is a new activity governed only by the general agreement of people in online discussion groups, it is always changing. Variations include “travel bugs,” which are objects with tags that ask finders to move them to new locations, which are then tracked online. “Multi-caches” direct finders from one location to the next until they locate the actual caches. “Virtual caches” are located in parks or environmentally sensitive areas where physical caches are not appropriate. These are usually landmarks, such as monuments or historical markers.

Interested in geocaching? Look for geocaching groups and events in Europe. Russia, and the United States, or visit geocaching websites from any computer in the world.

【小题1】According to the passage, geocaching is _________

A．a good leisure activity for people who don’t like going outdoors

B．a new leisure activity with the help of some new technology

C．a golden opportunity for people to learn some new technology

D．a good chance to meet famous people like President Clinton

【小题2】Which of the following is not part of geocaching?

A．a GPS device	B．a shovel
C．the Internet	D．toys or other small objects

【小题3】Geocachers need to think about the environment, because _________.

A．their GPS devices produce electrical signals

B．they are a very considerate group

C．their activity may draw more people to the area

D．their destinations always include a beautiful view or campsite

【小题4】Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?

A．Geocaching is a new activity supported by the local government.

B．Without the owner’s permission, finders can’t take the treasure.

C．Thanks to the new technology, geocaching has many variations.

D．Geocaching is appropriate for the whole family to do together.