What is Geocaching?

What is Geocaching? It is a game that started with some GPS enthusiasts in 2000 and has grown exponentially in popularity ever since. For a geocacher, the hunt is all part of the fun and the find is its own reward!

How does it work? Well, basically someone somewhere hides a cache (pronounced cash) somewhere and then other people go find it. When someone hides a cache (often an ammo box or Tupperware type container) they mark the coordinates of the hiding spot with a GPS or Global Positioning System. They then post the coordinates and description of the cache a website and other GPS enthusiasts can try to find it.

What's in the cache? At the very least the cache has a logbook. The person who hid the cache can mark it with the coordinates, and sometimes a description of what geocaching is about in case it's accidentally discovered by a non-cacher (called muggles). When you find a cache you sign the log book with the date discovered and your name. Sometimes you can leave a little message. In larger caches it is traditional to have trinkets or toys in them and trade out. If you take something, you leave something. My husband and I have been collecting pins from any cache we visit and they decorate the outside of your geocaching backpack. We always leave stickers or other "kid friendly" items.

What do I need to get started? A GPS handheld unit. These are so much more readily available now than they were five years ago you can pick one up at Wal-Mart for under $100. Other than that it's up to you what you want to bring depending on the type of cache and where it's located. Visit the Geocaching Website and log in to start searching for caches in your neighborhood.

Can I only visit caches near me? Absolutely not! A huge part of the fun is exploring new places while searching for a cache. My husband and I have geocached in Tennessee when we went to the Great Smokey Mountains, all over Texas and Oklahoma, and sometimes we even plan day trips around a geocaching adventure! Whenever we go on a long car trip we try to find caches hidden at roadside parks along the way so we break up the long trip with some caching fun!

Who can go geocaching? The youngest I've ever seen someone geocache was my baby daughter and she was two ½ weeks old. It was such a nice day and I was going stir crazy to get out of the house by that point so we found an easy cache and went for some fun! Of course, she stayed in the baby wrap the whole time but we had a nice family time together. For more tips on geocaching with a family and with small children see my article Geocaching With Kids. Not just for electronic geeks anymore, geocaching is a great way to spend quality time together, get outdoors, exercise in an enjoyable way and have some FUN!

What are you waiting for?