Geocaching allows you to search for hidden containers at your own pace,
whether they be easy and close to your urban parking spot or sneakily
camouflaged at the end of a three-hour hike through the wilderness. It takes
you to places in your own hometown that you never knew existed, like that tiny
little park with the duck pond, or that great view from the top of the historic
bell tower. Geocaching makes you pause to appreciate interesting locations you
would otherwise never have sought out—a collection of bronze gongs behind a
church, or a quiet cul-de-sac with a secret path into the back end of an
enormous riverside park.
Geocaching teaches you to become more aware of the subtleties in your
surroundings: that railing by the library could have a small magnetic container
under it, and why is there a hole in that old brick wall beside the bakery,
anyway? Geocaching adds another layer to your business trip, your family
vacation, your trip to the mall. You can hunt for geocaches for as long or as
short as you want, no matter where you are.
Geocaching encourages you to prepare for the unexpected—do you have a
First Aid kit in your car or geocaching backpack? How about extra logbook
paper, in case the log you find is wet? A flashlight, headlamp, or light app in
case it gets dark, or if you need to peer into a mysterious crevice to search
for an elusive container? What if the geocache doesn’t have a pen inside?
Better bring a couple of your own—they run out of ink at the darnedest times.
Some helpful geocachers even carry small replacement containers and pens, in
case they find a geocache that’s been damaged or burgled. And if you or your
children like to trade small items, best to have a handful of fun little things
from the dollar store for swapping.
Geocaching gets you outside and moving around. Its tech aspect is a
great way to get the indoor geeks outside and enjoying themselves—my father
loves to control the GPS
unit when my parents go out geocaching. This hobby helps you appreciate a
well-maintained trail or road, readable street signs, and the adventure of
heading out into the unknown…even if it’s just around the corner or down the
block. Your GPS unit will always tell you where you are and
where you’re trying to go, but getting there is so much easier when the signs
are clear and the way is smooth! (Of course, there are those who appreciate the
bumpy road not taken…)
Geocaching lets you venture forth alone or with as many people as you
can find. Many eyes searching for a sneaky hide makes the discovery more fun,
but some days, you just want to hear the sound of your own thoughts, or the
rushing water, or the birds, and that’s okay. Geocaching lets you take your
dog, your children, your camera, and your phone, and often these companions
enhance your experience. People ask fewer curious questions when you’re chasing
your dog or taking nature photographs, or if you’re crouching down next to your
daughter’s pink stroller while your hand is fumbling around below the bush
behind you, hoping to feel the nice plastic container you’re searching for.
Geocachers will sometimes use a lifeline and call other cachers for a hint if
they’re having difficulties in the field. And posting pictures of your
adventures on the online geocache pages can make your experience come to life
for others, too!
Geocaching is the most flexible hobby many people have never heard of.
Grab a GPS unit or download a geocaching app and see
what’s hiding in your neighborhood. Who knows what you will discover when you
step outside your door?
"Death is the hardest puzzle to solve. Margarita Williams escaped
death at a young age, but its shadow has followed her all her life. Now, amidst
the chaos of a new Australian roommate and mysterious, menacing neighbors,
Death has set the puzzlemaker a puzzle of her own. Someone is killing her
fellow geocachers, one by one." First to Find
5 comments:
Morgan, I'm curious. How did you start this unusual hobby? I guess for some folks in the know it is not unusual, but this is the first I've ever heard of it.
Interestingly enough, my parents got me into it. My mother's a photographer and my father's a tech gadget junkie, so this hobby, with its buttons and signals and plenty of outdoor visuals, was perfect for both of them. They gave me my own GPS unit for Christmas one year, too. How could I resist after that? I've been grateful ever since. I've learned a lot about people, places, and myself in the nine years I've been geocaching.
I've been geocaching so long that it occasionally does surprise me when I encounter someone who's not familiar with it. But that's the beauty of a planet with billions of people: there's always something new to learn. I love learning new things, and I'm glad I could share a new thing with you and your readers. Thanks so much for hosting me, Maryann.
I started geocaching after reading First to Find. Only 23 logged finds so far, but got my first FTF this morning. Whoopee!
I'm so glad you were able to be my guest, Morgan. I can see where this hobby would have great appeal for folks who are into gadgets.
My daughter took us geocaching when she visited us from Northern Ireland. She'd collected a few sites in our neck of the woods. Despite our efforts, we never found the caches. We did get very cold, though. My other daughter's outdoor club had an 'intro to geocaching' hike, where we had more success--of course, they'd planted the boxes in fairly easy-to-locate spots.
Terry
Terry's Place
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