Geocaching

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for gps users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a gps unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the Internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is if they get something they should try to leave something for the cache.

How do you pronounce Geocaching?
You pronounce it Geo-cashing, like cashing a check.
Are there any other names for Geocaching?
The word Geocaching broken out is GEO for geography, and CACHING for the process of hiding a cache. A cache in computer terms is information usually stored in memory to make it faster to retrieve, but the term is also used in hiking/camping as a hiding place for concealing and preserving provisions.

What is a GPS device?

A GPS unit is a electronic device that can determine your approximate location (within around 6-20 feet) on the planet. Coordinates are normally given in Latitude and Longitude. You can use the unit to navigate from your current location to another location. Some units have their own maps, built-in electronic compasses, voice navigation, depending on the complexity of the device. You don't need to know all the technical mumbo jumbo about GPS units to play Geocaching. All you need to do is be able to enter what is called a "waypoint" where the geocache is hidden.

Once you enter the coordinates (waypoint), you let your GPS lead the way and find the cache. Sound easy?

HA! Sometimes it is and sometimes you will be scratching your head. A cache container can be anything from a nice big box to a magnetic container the size of a pencil eraser.

Can you find the cache in this picture??

OK, that is a very quick view of what Geocaching is.

Why are you blogging of Geocaching you might ask?

Well we have been caching since 2001 and are addicts. Since we don't get out as much now that we have the Arbor Inn, we would love to spread the word about this great activity. We also have a cache placed on our property and some of our guests have had lots of fun watching geocachers search for it during breakfast or while they are relaxing on the side porch. There are some great caches here in Prescott, as well as many, many close by.

If you are interested in learning more about the great sport of Geaocaching, let us help you. When you stay we can give you a crash course and set you up on a fun route in the area. Let us know ahead of time and even if you don't have your own GPS yet we will set you up with one to use.

Happy Caching!!!!

Common B&B Questions

Is it your first time at a bed & breakfast and you are a little nervous about what to expect? Let us put your mind at ease. There are many misconceptions out there that we would like to address. Every bed and breakfast is a little different, but we thought we would at least clear up a couple of misconceptions that we hear often from our first time guests.

MISCONCEPTION #1: We have to be home at a certain time and check in with the innkeepers.
THE ARBOR INN REALITY: Every guest gets 2 keys, one for their private room and one for the front door of the inn. Each guest is welcome to come and go as they please. We do, of course, ask that you keep the noise level to a reasonable tone when entering the inn at a late hour as a courtesy to the other guests.
MISCONCEPTION #2: The innkeepers live in the same house and will put a damper on your privacy.
THE ARBOR INN REALITY: The innkeepers at The Arbor Inn (namely us, John & Deb) have their own separate living space, but are always available at the push of a button if you need something to help make your get-a-way complete. We love to chat with guests and exchange stories and ideas and are always up for great conversation but we retreat to “the other side” in order to allow our guests the privacy they came here for.
MISCONCEPTION #3: We will have to sit in the dining room and eat with all the other guests and might feel awkward doing that.
THE ARBOR INN REALITY: Here at The Arbor Inn we offer a choice of eating areas. If you are visiting us because you love to hear about other peoples travel and adventure, please join us in the dining room and hopefully you will be joined by other guests. If life outside our inn is very hectic and loud and you would just like to be reclusive, we respect that need also. We will deliver breakfast to your room so you can eat in private. The last choices we offer (weather permitting) are our covered porches.

We are always open to questions you may have so please e-mail us or call! We would love to hear from you.