What is Geocaching
Zoe and Bubs in the rain looking for a cache (We still haven't found this one)
Eagle eyed views may have noticed a new item on the newly designed site - GEOCACHING - you'll possibly even have noticed that clicking it brings up an empty return, or it did until now (this post should appear there from now on). But What is Geocaching?
What is Geocaching
In simple terms it is treasure hunting for the 21st century. You download an app (either the official Geocaching one or similar) or use your GPS machine, sign up to Geocach (there is a free option or a paid option - try it for free first I'd suggest), select a "cache you want to look for (there are millions all over the world so bound to be something near you), and then follow the arrow on your device to the location.
Screen Shots of the iPhone App
Geocaching app showing the map where you can chose which
cache to look for
App showing direction you need to go and the Distance.
Compass showing direction to walk and distance.
Cache details (you have to scroll down for description and hints)
This is also where you log the cache.
Simple As That?
Sounds simple right! Well in principle it is, the tricky parts come when you realize some of the hidden caches are tiny! They range from large ammo boxes to tiny smaller than a thimble sized canisters and all you have is a clue (if you are lucky) and a grid reference. The cache (the item you are looking for) can be hidden in easy places or really tough ones, we once found one that was attached to the inside of a bench strut once.
Once you have located the cache you can usually sign a small piece of paper inside and log it on the app/account you are signed into. Larger caches may often include a little swap (a small toy or trinket that you can swap with something you may be carrying - it's advised if you plan on geocaching with kids to take a few small toys, we use little Lego type men, as they will almost always want to swap something, as it is part of the excitement), you may even be really lucky and find a "Trackable" (more on those later).
The Fun
You can spend hours searching for Geocaches, if you find an area rich with them (we had a walk not so long back where we walked around one Milton Keynes estate that is literally surrounded by caches), part of the thrill comes from the hunt, but part also comes from the secrecy! Yes that's right you are not supposed to make it obvious what you are doing. In fact part of the game is to make sure "muggles" (non geocaching people) don't see you.
The things you can find are great as well, from the joy at finding a tiny cache, hidden in thick undergrowth (hey when you search an area for 30 minutes actually finding the hidden treasure becomes really rewarding) to the items that may be in the cache. Little toys are fun for the kids but the real thrill for us oldies is finding a trackable. A trackable is an item that has been specially brought that has a code which can be tracked, you can see where this little object has come from, and where it has been, and you can take this item with the unwritten agreement that you will place it in another cache some distance away, ready for the next finder.
What Equipment do you Need?
In reality all you need is your smart phone, this will allow you to find the caches and join the fun, but you might find you want more. We don't leave the house without a small tube of trinkets to swap out, a pen and pencil to write on the, sometimes tiny, sheets in the caches (you can even buy special stamps if you want). But that is what makes it fun you don't really need to be laden with stuff to just have fun.
Geocaches are found everywhere, and can be found in any weather (we've yet to hunt in snow but have covered every other type of weather). But most of all it is great fun for all the family.
The Joy of Finding a Cache.
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