A great family hobby: Geocaching

[Kathy]

If you haven't heard of this hobby, its a treasure hunt based on a GPS unit and an internet site.

Its sorta like this: you basically punch in GPS coordinates on your handheld GPS unit, and they will lead you to within 10-50 feet of a "cache" that someone has hidden (usually in the woods off the trail of a park, but some other interesting places as well).

The "cache" is usually a tupperware box, an ammo box or coffee can with a plastic lid, well-hidden, that contains a log book and other stuff/trinkets/treasure!

Once you find it, you sign the log book, and take something and leave something if you'd like. Then you post on-line that you found it, etc.

If you know your GPS coordinates, go to www.geocaching.com and enter them. It'll show you the list of caches in your area. Some of them might be fun!

If you don't know your GPS coordinates, you can enter a zip code for a good start.

Does anyone geocache?

[lynnk]

Kathy, That's too cool!! I looked up the website and put in our zipcode; a bunch of information came up for this area. I guess I'm really out of touch, I never heard about this before. Thanks!!

Lynn

[showme girl]

I'm going to try this!!!!!

SOON!

[PositivelyMental]

Hubby brought this up a few years ago and we've yet to try it. First need to invest in a gps - just waiting for them to get cheap enough.

Our family does Scouting so we hike and camp quite a bit and it would be a fun troop/pack activity, too.

Hadn't thought of this in awhile. Thanks for the reminder!

Michelle

[mommanuci]

We do a lot of geocaching (www.geocaching.com)
What this is.... purchase or borrow an inexpensive gps system. At the website you can enter your zip code to find what "treasures" have been placed in your area.
The "treasures" called caches are typically small containers filled with trinkets, toys, team signature cards, and a log book to log your visit.
At the website they give you the coordinates of where to find the cache. You follow the directional on the gps and away you go! Modern day treasure hunting! What a way to get the family out of the house!!!
We have planned entire days around this! What fun! Check it out! :D

Jill

[Kathy]

Oh, good! Someone to tell us more about Geocaching. I merged your thread with my thread and would love for you to tell us more about geocaching.

How long have you been geocaching with your family?

[Firefly]

Sounds like fun. I sent your Geocaching link to my father and to our son as it sounds as if it's "right up their alley," as they are the GPS technology lovers of our clan. LOL

[stampinscout]

If you don't have access to GPS, try another activity with the same idea....Letter Boxing!

www.letterboxing.org

We have done this with our family and have had a blast. The next time you are going on a trip or vacation, check the website to see if there is a letterbox in that area. They are so fun to find!

[QuiltAngel]

I did a search for Geocaching and found this thread. I got interested in this several years ago and had even registered at geocaching.com. I finally got active a few months ago. Sadly, I am in an area where there are not many hides or cachers so I am trying to do some when am on road trips. Decided the navigation system we already had was great for that and purchased a hand held one a few weeks ago. This one is a bit more accurate.

Anyone on here get active doing this?

[minimom]

Both of my sons are Eagle scouts and they LOVE this. My younger son (who has more time on his hands!) is especially drawn to this activity. He has found some really neat stuff, usually leaves it there but he adds something of his own. His boss also does it (they both work for the scouts). Great outdoor activity and it gives him some good exercise.

Pam
:dance:

[Chatdecalicot]

Wow! I'm happy to see other people know about Geocaching! My husband and I got into it a couple of years ago and haven't been in a while do to gas prices, health, etc. I hope we can start up again soon, I really miss it!

[MickeyLou]

I just learned about it and can't wait to start. I showed my husband the website and told him this is our new "stay-cation" .... I have 5 caches within 1/2 mile of my house.

[QuiltAngel]

Enjoy it. I like how it gets me out of the house.