Trying geocaching had been on my list of new things for several years. I finally got around to giving it a go, and absolutely loved it!
So, adding it to my list of 52 new experiences, here’s more about what it is, what the experience was like, and how you can try it too.
Firstly though, I feel I should apologise to the people at Geocaching HQ for my misinformed preconceptions. I had originally thought this was a super nerdy hobby. That was until I signed up, gave it a go, and discovered it’s like an amazing world wide treasure hunt combined with an escape room!
It was really cool!
What Is Geocaching?
If you haven’t heard of it before;
- A Geocache in its traditional sense, is usually a waterproof container with a log book inside, hidden somewhere outdoors.
- Geocaching, is the activity of finding the hidden cache using GPS, and recording the discovery in the logbook. The cache is then put back in the hiding place ready for another geocacher to find.
The Caches
Whilst I’ve described a very basic cache above, they actually come in all shapes and sizes. Some are more difficult to find than others – they have a rating so you know how much seeking you’ll need to do.
- Some traditional caches may simply contain a piece of paper for seekers to log that they have visited.
- Others contain every day items which the finder can take, and leave something in its place. (There are rules and recommendations around this).
- Multi-caches are when there is at least one additional stage before finding the final physical container. The stages provide additional information to move a step nearer to finding the cache.
- Some are virtual caches, which require the finder to find answers to questions from a specific location in order to claim the cache.
That’s just for starters. There are lots of other, different types of caches for finding, and there are bound to be some not too far away from you right now!
Who Hides The Caches?
Caches are hidden by other Geocachers, but only once they have completed at least 20 finds themselves.
So you know when you’re out searching for a cache, that it’s been hidden by someone who enjoys the game and wants to help it continue to grow.
Geocaching HQ provide thorough guidance for hiding, and regularly review and adapt them as the game and environment constantly changes.
History Of Geocaching
Back on the 2nd May in the year 2000, something happened which changed the way of the world. 24 satellites orbiting the earth received some new instructions which meant that anyone on the planet could make use of the Global Positioning System.
Whilst most of us regularly rely on GPS now, back then it was relatively new. A chap called Dave Ulmer wanted to check out how accurate it really was.
Coining the phrase ‘Great American GPS Stash Hunt’, he put a logbook, a pencil, and a couple of everyday items into a bucket. He then hid it all in the woods in a place called Beavercreek in Oregon.
Uploading the coordinates into a GPS user group, he left the simple instructions for anyone who found the cache to ‘take some stuff, leave some stuff’. Just three days later and two people had hunted down the ‘stash’ using their GPS trackers, and posted their experience online.
This evolved over the years and went through various name changes, and has grown to become the world wide phenomena known as Geocaching.
You can read about the full history and evolution at the Geocaching website.
What Is The Point Of Geocaching?
I think the main point of it is getting outside. It’s fun, and it’s a way to explore a local area, and beyond.
There’s also the sense of community, as you can see who else has found the cache, where they are from, and where else they have been.
Who Is Geocaching For?
Anybody can sign up to become a geocacher, and it’s completely free to get started.
When I uploaded Geocaching as a new thing on Instagram, a couple of people responded, saying they had done it with their children. It’s definitely not exclusively for kids, but it’s an engaging way to get them outside.
If you’ve got a phone, or a GPS tracker, you can give it a go.
What It Was Like Trying Geocaching For The First Time
Registering with geocaching was easy and only took a few minutes. An email landed in my inbox which had some helpful tips, and a brilliant, short video explaining more about it.
Looking on the Geocaching map at my home town of York, there were lots of icons indicating caches available for me to go and find. I wanted to look for something physical for my first outing, and chose a micro cache with a relatively low difficulty rating.
I knew where it was on the map, so headed out to the location. The map alone didn’t tell me exactly where it was, and whilst the description was helpful, I did have to use a hint to help me pinpoint the more precise position.
Peering into various nooks and crannies probably aroused some suspicion from the neighbours, but judging by the number of previous finders, I think they may be used to it.
I felt really pleased with myself when I found the teeny-tiny little log book hidden well away. It certainly fulfilled the brief of being a micro-cache! It had taken a fair bit of searching to seek it out in its clever hiding place. Unfortunately the log was a little bit damp, but I was still able to add my name, and return it for the next finder.
I claimed the find on the website, which changed the icon to a smiley face, and recorded my discovery. My very first find!
The map showed another physical geocache just a few hundred metres away, but with the light fading I decided I’d come back and find this on another day.
Why You Should Try Geocaching
I love the fact that I think I know where I live, but there are still plenty of things to discover. I now know that places I regularly walk past have caches hidden within them, that you’d never ordinarily know about.
It’s a way to see and do something different in a place you may know well.
It it a great activity to do with children, but you can easily do it alone, in a group, with a family, and at any time of the year.
Seeing how many caches other people have found might fire up a bit of competitive spirit; can you find them all in your neighbourhood? Will you find one every time you travel somewhere different? What’s the most unusual cache you can find?
You’re never too old for a good treasure hunt, so why not give Geocaching a go, and see what you can find where you live?
Want To Try It Yourself?
- Firstly create an account at Geocaching.com
- It’s quick, free and easy to do, and they’ll send a welcome email with a really useful video that is worth watching to get you started.
- There are lots of videos available on the Geocaching site all about what Geocaching is and how to get started, and they’re very helpful.
Cost Of Experience
- It’s completely free to sign up and create an account.
- There are additional membership options which have a cost if you want to upgrade.
Recommendations
- Charge Up. Make sure your phone has enough charge to help you find your cache.
- Take a pencil or pen. Physical geocaches usually have a logbook so you can write your name and the date you found it.
- Be aware. You’ll probably need to look at your phone for the description and hints to find the cache, so just remember to be aware of your surroundings too.
I have never heard of this. I always loved a treasure hunt but this is ingenious !
Thanks for sharing, I now want to do this but might also suggest it as an idea in my village !