What is Geocaching?

As it is said on the official Geocaching Website, geocaching is the sport where “you are the search engine”. If you like the excitement of a hunt for hidden treasure, the challenge of solving a puzzle, and the camaraderie of like minded people, geocaching may be for you. If you travel, geocaching and waymarking can help you discover the local treasures of your destination. If, like me, you love a strenuous hike in the great outdoors, or if you are a city person whose idea of a hike is down the street to your favorite restaurant, geocaching has something for you. If you are into technology, we play the game with GPS receivers, computers, and handheld PDA’s. If technology is not your thing, all that is really needed is the GPS receiver and an online connection to the internet. There have been many in-depth articles written about just what geocaching is, so I won’t redo that here, but following are a few of the things I like the most about this obsession, game.

When we are traveling or camping. geocaching and waymarking often lead us to discover places and things we never would have otherwise found. This is a pursuit that seems to hold the same attraction for children, teens, parents and seniors. It is not unusual to see 3 or 4 generations out geocaching together. Geocachers also hold “event” caches, often a gathering at a local pizza restaurant or park. These gatherings are great fun with cachers of all ages. Even when we are at home, there are always new caches, both urban micros and larger traditional caches to be found. In fact, the main problem is finding the time to play the game as often as we would like.

There really is something for everyone in this game. Many people just like to search out caches. Others, like us, love to also hide them. It is great fun to read the logs of people who have spent the day hiking to find a couple of our hides. Some cachers plan elaborate events. Others, again like us, love to attend these elaborate events!

Check it out, but be forewarned…. it can get addicting. See you in the great outdoors, after I log the “First To Find”!