Geo-caching: Hide and Go Seek in the 21st Century + the Modern Digital Era!

Geocaching is a relatively new outdoor activity involving GPS technology and hidden treasures.

Some people say Geocaching is a sport, while others consider it merely a hobby or game — one might even call it a “tech-treasure hunt” — but no matter what people say about the advent of Geocaching, the main point actually remains simple: Use a GPS Device to explore the world and find something called a cache (pronounced “cash”). If you are curious about Geocaching and want to find out what this new outdoor activity is all about, read the below to discover Geocaching Outside:

What Is A Cache?

A Cache is a hidden treasure box with a log book in it. You probably won't find any gold coins or ruby gems in one, but you could find something of value: Baseball Cards, Small Toys, CD's or DVD's, Stickers, Prizes, Notes, etc. Anything that fits!

You are supposed to replace everything in the cache that you take with something of equal value. All caches must be digitally tagged with GPS coordinates. The log book is for signing your name to tell everyone else who finds it when and how it was you found the cache.

What Happens When I Find A Cache?

You record your time of finding in the log book (and any the actions you took to get there or a note, "Hello. I discovered this geocache on...") that should be found inside the cache. Then, part of the fun is, you're supposed to go back and post a claim online - you discovered the cache.

So, first, find one; then, log when and how you found it. Share your story with the entire online commmunity; then, once you've done all that, you have finally succeeded in the endeavor called "Geocaching."

Hiders vs. Seekers

If someone has a GPS but they don't feel like going to look for a hidden, difficult-to-find cache, he or she can still play too! In other words: People can still play if they don't want to look! Just hide a box in a place where you know it won't end up being polluted (and not on private property of unwilling participants), then mark the coordinates (degrees latitude and longitude) with your GPS.

Record the numbers exactly, then go get on the internet and post the fact that you stored a Geocache Outside somewhere.   Then people will see the fact that you hid a cache somewhere (cache locations are searchable in online databases by zipcode or city. You type yours in and they return a search offering you many coordinates of local geocaches hidden in your area. Some are not even outside; apparently they can be stuck to walls in buildings [or perhaps hidden in the floor boards or between the walls]) and eventually someone will find it...

Someone should hide a geocache in their floorboards and have a tell-tale heart inside the box. That'd be scary! Usually they are just friendly puzzles, though, like "Behind the Green Wall" or "Over the River and Through the Woods."

Part of the point is to challenge people, so there is often a mystery or puzzle involved in the process of finding a cache — for me it was jumping back and forth across a creek, and I discovered no cache there when I got to searching on the other side... that day was a failure... except for the great exercise that I got that day! I promise I'll have the full story for you posted soon...

The Popularity of Geocaching is Increasing!!!

Right now there are more than a million “caches” hidden throughout the world. Literally, right now there are more than 1,014,000 active caches out there just waiting to be found! Most are stored or hidden, usually somewhere outside, oftentimes in a park or in the woods, but occasionally in another setting (they can be stuck to walls inside buildings apparently). And, they are all just waiting to be found! Wonder what's out there waitind to be discovered?

Will you be able to find one of them?

Keep reading to find out more about

the New Outside Activity: Geocaching

Do you have what it takes!?

(Really just a GPS, a brain and an able body)

Or you're welcome to go back to GettingOutside.com's Activities Section to learn about even more Outdoor Activities!