Jrock leaving over a boardwalk to find a cache.

I had a long-time reader ask this question.. and a few people have asked beofre, too:

…can you explain what Geocaching is exactly? I’ve looked it up on-line but I’m having a hard time understanding how it works.
Thx Carmen

So here’s your answer!

It’s basically an organized, world-wide treasure hunt using a map or GPS.

So you go to http://www.geocaching.com and look for caches where you want to go. When you find a cache, you can program your coordinates into a GPS , OR you can find them on google maps and then get a basic idea of where you are heading and print the map. The first method is better, the second will do, especially in a city where you have a lot of landmarks.

Then you go find the cache! You can take a “treasure” out of the cache if you leave another behind.. our recent ones were salt shakers, rubber toy frogs, and whistles, and sign the log-book.

Spice fishing under a bush for the cache.

We do it because it gives a “reason” for a hike, other than just enjoying nature’s beauty (that was a playful jab at my husband,) but also it’s find to find stuff and see who’s been there before, and the kids love exchanging the small little toys.

By the way, this is a fun, healthy and mostly FREE family hobby – now does it get better than that? A basic GPS only costs about two hundred bucks. We got ours for free from my dad who was up-grading, but many Scouting/Guide troups have them, and you can always rent one for the day from your neighborhood outdoor store, just to give it a whirl.

Thanks for asking, Carmen!

Opening up the water-tight container to see what's inside.