What is Geocaching? Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.
Where are these little “puppies” located? Geocaches can be found all over the world. It is common for geocachers to hide caches in locations that are important to them, reflecting a special interest or skill of the cache owner. These locations can be quite diverse. They may be at your local park, at the end of a long hike, underwater or on the side of a city street.
I began my journey by researching the game extensively. I gathered as many locations as I could within approximately 10 miles of each other; 6 sites total. Not a bad number to start with. There are cache types and acronyms and sizes, oh my! As advised on the video which features, “How to find your first cache and what you’re looking for” it said to bring a first aid kit, water, food, and good hiking shoes. Oh, and a pen to record your find in the log! Ask me, what did I bring? A pen, and only a pen which I happened to lose. Oh well, I didn’t find any treasures…..YET! ::insert sad face here::
The image of the site that I’ve included in this story depicts my trying to find the needle in a haystack. But, come on people! Do you honestly think that I’m going to stick my hands in that brush? Nuh uh! Not me! No way! Who KNOWS what could possibly be living in THERE! Mental note to self: “Self, next time bring someone with you or at the very least an extended snake catcher!”
All in all my first experience was quite an adrenaline rush although a complete and epic bust. “Deal or no deal,” it was just the fascination of the game that kept me going. And trust me when I tell you, I’ve only just begun! I cannot get over how huge this phenomenon has become and how it’s possible that I’ve never even heard of it?! Well, up until this day. I was absolutely astonished when I dug deeper into my research and viewed the maps. These caches are EVERYWHERE!! I realize it would be so much easier to HIDE than SEEK but where’s the fun in that??! I dig me a good challenge!
I highly recommend that you engage in this activity whether you go it alone or get your family and friends involved. I’d be real curious to hear about your experiences and, if you got as excited as I did! Happy trails & hunting! ::insert happy face here::
To learn more about Geocaching go to www.geocaching.com or its history by visiting www.geocaching.com/about/history.aspx
