The Hobby of Geocaching

Geocaching is a 21st century treasure hunt involving GPS (Global Positioning System) units, and a thrill for the outdoors. Somebody hides a waterproof container outdoors in places like (and not limiting to) public parks, hiking trails, rock climbing cliffs, bottom of the lake, or even Wal-Mart parking lots. The coordinates for the newly hidden container are marked with the GPS, and are then published on the Geocaching web site along with a brief write-up containing hints, location information, and difficulty ratings. It is then up to the seeker to see the listing on the website and use their GPS to go find the container. A typical container ranges in size from nano caches, bison tubes, and film canisters to Lock n' Lock containers, ammo boxes, and even 5 gallon buckets.

The contents of a typical container includes a logsheet and pen for people to sign for proof of visit, as well as some simple trading items in the larger containers. The rule of thumb to remember is if you take something from the cache, you leave something in its place. After signing the log sheet and trading, the cache must get replaced in the same location in which it was found for the next group of cachers to locate.

Geocaching is a family friendly activity that promotes spending time in the outdoors. If you have a love for the outdoors, and even the most remote since of adventure...then chances are you will enjoy Geocaching.