Explaining Geocaching

I have had several e-mails asking for more explanations on Geocaching, so I am going to try to explain the different aspects of Geocaching.  Let me start at the beginning...

Someone who loves Geocaching (and has read the rules) gets a waterproof container.  They put a sign in log and a pencil or pen in a Ziploc bag to protect them - (some even add a disposable camera here), then in the waterproof box, they toss in the Ziploc bag, put a few trinkets like Mardi Gras beads, post cards, McDonald's toys (though not a favorite of Geocachers), Hot Wheels cars, coins,key chains, local souvenir magnets... just any little trinket to trade with whoever finds your loot. The person that hides the caches is supposed to mark it in view as a Geocache - an emblem you attain from the Geocaching team - though they don't always do that.

After they gather everything, they find a place of interest to put their 'cache'.  It is usually near something fun like a historical point, a local place they love, a neat little restaurant they want to share with us, even a little pretty spot that would normally be unknown to anyone but a local.

Once they find the location they would like to place the box (under a nearby bridge, log, rock, behind a hedge, in some plants - read hidden), then they use their GPS to get the exact coordinates of the cache.  A GPS gives you the latitude and longitude address.  Every place on earth has a different GPS address, and it will look something like this:  N 29° 40.745 W 091° 17.531

At that point, they must get permission from the Geocache staff to place their cache.  Once it is approved (a fairly simple process) they are then allowed to post it on this site giving its GPS latitude/longitude location and its basic information.  Sometimes they even give coded hints that you actually have to press a button (so it is not readily displayed) to see the hint.

At this time, it becomes fun for US!  We find a new Geocache in our area has been registered and off we go.  We usually have a back pack with all the things we could possibly need; like wet wipes, mosquito repellent, sun block, garbage bags (in case I want to cache in and trash out - pick up trash around the area) and Ziploc bags to replace ripped ones, an extra log book for cache maintenance, an extra micro log sheet, some add a pair of socks and extra shoes in case they find mud (I just toss them in the trunk), a small first aid kit, orange safety vest, rain poncho, 1 sharpened pencil and/or a pen... you name it, I have it... lol... but MINE IS IN SINGAPORE thankyouverymuch to husband's company who may have finally started shipping our things... though we are not sure yet.

Now I come into the picture.  I grab my GPS, my iPhone (with my nifty Geocache ap for that - iPhone does have a Geocache Ap) and my camera (duh!) and off we go in search of a treasure - we call it going on an adventure.  Every Geocache is an adventure - lots of fun things in our world to see!

We use a GPS coordinates to track in very close the the hide.  We look high and low for it - they have been UP in trees, DOWN in leaves, UNDER logs, and INSIDE parking lot light bases (did you know they lift?).  They have been UNDER bridges, OVER tree branches, IN fake electric boxes and little 35mm film containers.  EVERYTHING you see can be a cache!!  Some are big containers with loot, some are tiny and you just sign a log - those are called micro-caches.  All you have to know the general area it is in then the fun begins.  Sometimes you have to be very sneaky in looking - or you will give it away to muggles!  And sadly there are some muggles that find caches and destroy them.

Once you find the cache, you sign the log, add the date and trade what ever you want to trade, rehide the cache and go on to the next one.

Finally, you come back to the Geocaching site to log your find(s) - or your lack of find(s).  You just sign in to Geocaching and go to the specific Geocache and let them know whether you found it or not.  Be sure to read all about it on that sight before you start your searches - that way you know the rules and more of what to expect.  I am sure I forgot something - but now you get the idea.  

My favorite caches so far have been Oklahoma's First Travel Bug Hostel , I've Fallen and Can't Get Up!  Panfish Special  and  Pirates Abode  If you read the logs at these, they seem to be other people's favorites too. 

There is a whole lot more to this - none of it is difficult - but this blog gives you the basic idea.  I hope it answered your questions - if not, just shoot me another e-mail.  I will gladly try to help out.

Geocaches are everywhere, on every continent, in the most unexpected places.  Why don't you grab a GPS and have fun on a new adventure?  If you are bored, this is a great way to get out and about and see things you would normally have never found.  Love the hunt.  You should try it!  I want to hear if I started a new hobby for you, ok??

Now off to hunt!  I hope we cross paths some day.