Ringing Rocks Earthcache and Death Cave Cache in Montana

Had a great weekend with the family.  Ventured beyond Idaho into Montana.  Did an Earthcache called Ringing Rocks.   Yet another cool place we discovered because of geocaching!

Montana Earth Science is a site with great information about the Ringing Rocks formation which sits within the Boulder Batholith region in Montana (about 20 miles East of Butte.)  There are only 5 known sites like this in the world. 2 of these are in the United States.  Pennsylvania has the other U.S. site.

We had a great weekend caching our way through the trip. Because we did not follow a set route and were often in areas without cell service I found it challenging to do paperless caching on the fly. Probably could have bagged more geocaches if I had covered a big radius and downloaded several pocket queries, but we bagged a half dozen caches and had only one DNF at Death Cave Cache (GC17Y5D).

In regards to the DNF.  Here is one gem of a tip that will save  iphone geocachers  from the pain of a DNF in remote and tough terrain. When you are looking up cache information, ALWAYS, ALWAYS save for offline use as soon as the information downloads. It was very frustrating to lose both cell service, thus access to the hint,  (which we later needed) and gps coords (satellites got knocked out because of the canyon walls.)

This was an amazing area and we had a great adventure in spite of not finding the cache. Considering our kids have NO experience with either free climbing or hiking on scree, they did well with their “by fire” intro to both.

We’ll go back and pick that cache up next time we are in the area!

Happy caching!

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Geocaching In Pacific Mexico: An Amazing Adventure (and how to make the most of your time!)

First the adventure!!

Cruising with Princess for spring break.  Made port in Mazatlan, Mexico for 9 hours.  Had a stack of potential geocaches.  The following is my log entry for our first cache-

Lambchop 4 (GC1761J)  Log entry March 25, 2009

Had such a great day BECAUSE of this cache!  Made port for a few hours from a cruise. Took a cab to the drop off area for bird island and deer island. (Shared cab fare with another couple headed the same general direction for about $10 bucks.)

(City bus goes to this area if you want to keep a few extra pesos in your pocket.)  Found a super nice guy on the beach that rents kayaks and has a catamaran.  Paid $15 each for him to sail us over to bird island.  Emigdio Vasquez Tovar (Milton) His business card says Kayaks, Diving, Sailing.  His phone numbers are (669)988-9751 and (669) 101-5263.  Milton noticed that we did not have water and packed us a big bottle!

We stayed on Bird island for 3 hours. Had a blast!  Took tons of pictures of frigate birds, vultures, pipers, pelicans…Not to mention the tide pool activity.  Hermit crabs, sea urchins, fish…  There are also rabbits on the island.

Previous geocachers raised the question of  the ‘ethics’ of visiting this bird sanctuary. I have some experience in wildlife rehabilitation and animal behavior; with a special interest in ornithology, so I am familiar with birds and bird behavior.  Here are a few thoughts for protecting them. Keep a respectful distance from the birds and an eye out for nesting activity.  Take a zoom lens camera for close up shots.  My experience was that the birds were not be threatened by our presence.  We hiked to the top of the island and explored both ends that were accessible by walking on the rocky shore.

Wish we had planned to stay longer, but Milton took care of us. While still on the island he showed us how he nets lobster, and he had fresh oysters and sea roaches waiting for us on our return to the mainland.  We were so hungry that we probably would have paid any price for freshly harvested oysters-but he charged us a fair price.  I am so glad we decide to make this trip.  It will always stand out as a grand adventure!

We were able to bag several more caches while making our way back to the ship.  This is an awesome city for geocaching!

Thanks for the cache-would not have known about this excursion had it not been for you!

This cache needs a larger heavy duty ziplock bag.  The container will need to be replaced at some point.  It is not water tight. Removed 2 small stuffed bears and a   from the cache as they were moldy.  Everything was pretty damp. Dried stuff out as much as possible and replaced plastic baggie. Left geopin and bottle opener.  Took stone.  Left tb’s and coins.

Making The Most of Your Time

We have geocached in Mexico before, and always find these caches  far more exciting than caching in our hometown.  For one thing it’s all new.  It can be challenging to find your way around a city, especially if you do not speak the language.  We try and pick up a few new key phrases each time we visit.  (Usually just enough to get us into trouble!  LOL)

Every city we have visited in Mexico has fantastic public transportation.  Very affordable and easy to navigate.  If we have limited time we sometimes opt to hire a cab for the day.  It is easy to find a driver who speaks english- and this is a good opportunity to pick up more Spanish!!  We have hired a driver for between $50 and $80 dollars.  They always know where good local food is, and are always amused when we explain geocaching.  Even though we speak a bit of spanish, we always travel with printed translations explaining geocaching.  I also take bilingual stash notes/logs for caching abroad.

Here’s one thing I have learned about caching in unknown territory.  Build in extra time.  We have cut it close to missing the ship a couple of times.   The last thing I want is that kind of stress when I am on vacation.  Plan on things taking half again as long as you think they should.

When caching in tourist-y towns we learned to take a backpack with loads of “maintenance supplies.”  Baggies, logs, bilingual stash notes, magnets, duct tape, super glue, micro containers…  Most of the caches placed in tourist areas are left by tourists.  To maintain the integrity of these caches we have to be willing to pitch in help with upkeep.

Planning a Vacation Geocaching Excursion

View all potential caches in the area online well ahead of your trip and look at recent log entries.  This gives you an idea of what particular supplies you might need, and often, saves  you the disappointment of trying to find a cache that has been muggled.  Nothing sucks worse than hiking for a few hours on a time crunch and not being able to find a cache.  I also learned the hard way to take ALL information on the cache with me.  I may not read all the logs ahead of time, but when you are in the field in some far off land- trust me.  Do not go without the clues and logs available in case you need them.

Choose one general direction and plan a ‘route’ to follow.  Two words here.  Google Earth.  The geocaching overlay is fantastic! We always start with the cache that is the farthest away and work our way back (taking into account the timey-wimey bit above.)  In tourist areas most caches will be in tourist-y areas so the ‘route’ business is fairly easy to establish.  We have never had enough time to finish even half of the caches we plan.  That time factor always comes into play.

Will finish this post in a few days with links and pictures.  Hate to leave it unfinished… peace

Deployed Geocacher Plans Event Cache In Iraq For Fellow Soldiers

A fellow geocacher, teammcw, is currently deployed in Iraq.  He is helping his fellow soldiers to relieve stress and boredom by building the geocaching community at his base.

He has planned an event cache (GC1QMWT) for May 30, 2009.  Here is the topic thread on groundspeak (the online geocaching forum)

Please consider sending this soldier some stuff.  I am sending swag, trackables, cache making supplies, stash notes/log books, writing sticks and batteries.  I am also sending books I have registered with www.bookcrossing.com For those of you not familiar- it is like geocaching, only with books.  Lots of cachers use bookcrossing books as swag.

If you know anyone who may be interested in contributing to these efforts, OR if you know someone who is deployed and may be interested geocaching, let me know.  I will help!

LTC. McWilliams specifically asked for dvd’s/ music cd’s (gently used is great!)  and anything funny.  Small items, games, books, anything to help these men and women pass quality time with a smile on their faces.   He says “Funny is like gold”.

Mailboxes etc.  provides special boxes for mailing to military bases all over the world at GREATLY reduced shipping costs.  Thank you for helping!!

I included the following correspondence so that you can get an idea of what LTC. McWilliams is looking for.

THE FOLLOWING IS A COPY OF EMAILS FROM LTC. McWILLIAMS-

On Wed. April 29, 2009

Hey, thanks for the note.  Anything you can send would be awesome…swag, trackables activated or not, container material, logs.  Thanks for your support!  We appreciate it very, very much.

Cheers!

Rob
dad of teammcw

— On Thu, 4/30/09,
Subject: RE: [GEO] drgnflyz contacting teammcw from
Geocaching.com
To: drgnflyz@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2009, 1:37
AM

Oh my goodness! Wow…. I’m not even sure where to start.  I think natural cammo materials (even if artificial) might not be needed.  We pretty much have brown rocks (hey, there’s something), date palms, sand, and trash.  Lots of opportunity for magnetic caches – but I’m trying to think creatively.  We have some switch plate caches here, but not enough and they aren’t hidden in a way that would fool most cachers with more than 10 caches under their belt.  We’d love to get more.

Sign ideas —YES!!!! There are signs for everything and with a little creativity we can make some really cool ones.  Magnetic strips would be great- I’ve only encountered one here and it really has new cachers are going nuts!  I’m looking to span the spectrum – hard, tricky, and funny.  I really like the snake, spider, gnome idea, too!!!!  We’ll be able to get glue for containers, but off the wall stuff for building containers like PVC pipe, metal stuff might be tougher.  So if you have any of that send it along. Nanos and bison tubes – for sure.

There are over 100 caches here on our big base — but having spent two tours here I know we could easily double it.  I have gotten interest from cachers that live/work in other parts of Iraq that are trying to get down to us for the event.

Regular mail works fine. Did I send you my address already?  I am truly overwhelmed by your enthusiasm and generosity.  Thank you so much!

Rob

So You Want To Go Geocaching?!

WHAT IS GEOCACHING?

Geocaching is a free, interactive game utilizing GPS technology, bazillion dollar government satellites, the

world wide web; and user information to locate “caches” hidden in various locations around the world.

Here’s how to get started. Go to www.geocaching.com and sign up for a free account. Key in your location by zip code or area. Caches available in your area will show themselves.

DO I NEED A GPS?

A GPS allows you to enter or follow coordinates of the cache you want to find.  GPS’ run the gamut in price.  A very basic unit can be had for $100 or less today.  Pricier units have more bells and whistles and allow you to access information in the field, but all you need is a unit on which you can enter/follow coordinates.  For information on the kinds of GPS units available, the geocaching forum is a useful resource.

Most people find it useful to invest in a GPS unit.  But you can go geocaching without one.  Some folks find caches using only clues listed on the web page-no GPS, no compass or maps!  Below are a few links to maps, aerials and blogs of  budget minded folks.

Sascache

Adventures in Geocaching

Geek Dad

Orienteering

Google Earth

MINIMUM NECESSARY EQUIPMENT

A notebook, writing stick, transportation (legs, bike, motorized vehicle…) and you are good to go.

HINTS FOR THAT FIRST HUNT

When viewing caches in your area, look for one marked ‘easy’ for terrain and ease of find.  One star is easiest, five stars hardest.  There are also different types of caches.  The Mystery CacheThe Virtual Cache,

The Multi-Cache The Letterbox The Wherigo

There are many variations.  For your first trip, choose a regular cache  

Using your notebook, log the unique number and name of the cache you will be seeking ans well as information about the cache such as coordinates and  type/size of cache.  There may be additional clues available (some people consider these spoilers and only use them as a last resort.  You will get a feel for the information you might be comfortable with.)  There are even driving directions available to get you to the general cache area.  This can be helpful if you are in an area you are  unfamiliar with.

CACHES

A bit about cache size.  Regular caches range in size from rather large (think 5 gallon paint pail) to Nano (a magnetic container about the size of a pencil eraser.)  Smaller caches like nano’s and micros (film canister, perhaps) usually contain a log only.  People seeking these caches are doing it for the thrill of the hunt.  The finding of a cache is reward enough.  Larger caches usually contain small trinkets.  More about trade items later.

LOOKING FOR A CACHE

Where will the cache be hidden?  In a word-ANYWHERE!! Some caches have clever camouflage and are ‘hidden’ right out in the open.  A cache can blend in so well with it’s surroundings that you may spend quite a bit of time searching.  Others are designed as a ‘park and grab’.  Some caches are ‘devious.  Misleading clues designed to throw the seeker off track.  Caches can even be be flat, and did I mention the use of magnets in hiding caches?  Then there is terrain that can add  a caches difficulty rating.  Is the cache in an urban environment or in the woods?  Is it hidden high or low?    Caches are never buried.  You will not need a shovel to find a cache.  That is not to say that some camouflage is not a bit misleading.  I have seen a cache designed as a sprinkler head.  You have to pull the thing out of the ground to get to the pipe holding the log book.

• This brings to mind another point to be mindful of when searching for treasures.  I live in an area with lots of snow in the winter.  Not all caches are accessible year round.  Usually this is noted on the cache web page. Take this into consideration when searching on line for a cache.
• Geocachers should never vandalize property to hide a cache- meaning, that if you remove the cache no damage will have been done to the property holding, and/or surrounding, the cache.
• Be mindful when seeking a cache of where you are putting your hands.  Spiders, snakes, scorpions, or other debris can present a danger to cachers.

HEADED OUT FOR THE HUNT

• Print out, copy, or enter the information you need about the cache.  Even if you do not think you will use the clues provided it is a good idea to take them along as well as several past log entries.  I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to get out in the field and not have as much useful information as possible- especially if you are traveling or have hiked a long way to get to the cache site.

We keep a ‘geocaching box’ in our car.  Additional equipment I find useful.

• Hand wipes
• headlamp, pen light or flashlight.  (Kids LOVE to be in charge of these items!)
• extra logs in various sizes for cache maintenance
• duct tape for cache maintenance
• rare earth magnets for cache maintenance
• small zip lock bags for cache maintenance
• explanation of geocaching to hand out to people we may meet
• local maps
• trinkets for trade
• trash bags leave each place cleaner than you found it!
• activated travel bugs and geocoins to circulate
• digital camera to document our finds
• extra batteries for GPS and flashlight
• extra writing sticks- weatherproof is useful
• tweezers or hemostats for removing logs from nanocaches or hard to reach areas

SAFETY TIPS

• DO NOT try and navigate while driving

• Obey laws regarding parking

• Pay attention to signs marking private property

• Depending where you live, check dark holes with a flashlight or stick before putting your hand inside.  In warmer climates snakes, spiders, scorpions, etc. may have taken residence in such spaces.

“I FOUND IT!” A WORD ABOUT THE CACHE AND MUGGLES

After you find the cache, but before you remove it from it’s hiding spot, take a minute to do two things.  First, look at the cache in it’s hiding spot.  Memorize how it is hidden.  Sometimes I even take a picture of a cache in it’s hiding spot to help me remember how it should be replaced.  This is VERY important to protecting the integrity of each cache.  Nothing is more frustrating than searching for a cache and finding the remains strewn along the ground because a muggle spotted a  cacher’s sloppy re-hide.

Second, stop and look for muggles.  Some caches are hidden in low traffic areas, but others are hidden where special care (read patience and time) must be taken to protect the cache from being found out.  This means in high traffic areas you may have to wait.  You may even have to leave a cache for a less busy time.  Protect the sport and be stealthy.

• Build in extra time to account for the possibility of muggles.
• Read notes from previous finders.  This can give you clues as to traffic as well as other *spoilers*.
• Be prepared to leave a cache unsigned if it is inaccessible.  Bring a camera to document you location and GPS coords.

TREASURE! AND SIGNING THE LOG BOOK

Once you have removed the cache from it’s hiding spot, walk to a neutral location some distance from the cache coordinates.  You are going to have your attention turned to removing contents of the container, signing the log, and possibly trading items.  The cache will be safer from muggles when you are away from the hide site.   Now for the discovery!

Open the container.  I keep a large ziplock bag to pour the contents of the cache into.  Use your common sense.  If the ground is dry-just spread the contents of the cache out.  There will be a log book-probably stored in a baggie.  Sometimes there is a writing stick, but don’t count on it!  Keep a weatherproof writing stick on hand.  You may encounter a log that is damp because they are not stored in a weatherproof container or a lid was not properly restored by a previous cacher. (Decon canisters, while excellent weatherproof containers,are notorious for spilling contents because the back tab gets stuck when replacing the lid.  Watch this video for foolproof decon lid replacement.   You must hear each corner snap as you push it down.)

Space is a premium in all logs-especially smaller ones!  When signing the log, be concise. Here’s a sample of how I sign a log.

drgnflyz TFTC! T-1 TB TBXXXX L-1Geocoin OCXXX T-plastic butterfly L-bouncy ball.

‘drgnflyz‘ is my screen name.  TFTC- thanks for the cache! TBXXXX is the tracking # for the TB I took.  OCXXX is the tracking # for the geocoin I left in the cache. I took a plastic butterfly and left a bouncy ball.

You will notice many abbreviations associated with geocaching.  TNSL (took nothing signed log) TFTC (thanks for the cache)  T (took) L (left) etc. To learn the vernacular of your new favorite sport, take a look at this geocaching leixcon.

PROVIDING CACHE MAINTENANCE

From time to time you will run across a cache whose log book is full, or whose container is in poor shape.  Cache owners most often do a great job of maintaining their hides.  Just in case, I keep a few zip lock baggies handy for protecting a damp cache, or replacing a weathered bag.  I also keep extra log sheets from nano  size to large in case I find a log book is full.  I find this a fun part of contributing to the geocaching community.

If you have done some sort of maintenance on a cache, you can select “needs maintenance” icon when logging your find, to alert the cache owner of the service you provided.  I always keep the full log removed from a cache in a ziplock bag (labeled with the cache name and number) and offer to mail the log to the cache owner.  Use your common sense about removing damp or wet items from a cache and note your actions when you log your visit.

TRINKETS FOR TRADE, AND TRACKABLE ITEMS: TRAVEL BUGS AND GEOCOINS

When you find a cache with trade items or trackables, you have several options.  Some folks like to travel light.  They carry only the basic aforementioned equipment; find the cache, sign the log- done.  For these people, the thrill is the hunt and the reward is the find.  Others keep a stash of trinkets for trade.  Toys from fast food restaurants, small plastic ‘guys’/ animals, logo pencils/pens, key chains, etc.  When you find a cache item, just trade something of approximately equal or greater value.  We go to garage sales and dollar stores to restock our trade items- recycle, reuse.  Use your imagination!  (This sport is designed for people of all ages, use your common sense. Do not put fireworks, drugs, or weapons, in a cache.  Also forgo food items, candy, perfumes, toothpaste, etc. as these items may attract animals or bugs.)

Trackable items, geocoins and travel bugs, are a fun part of geocaching.  You decide if you want the pleasure and responsibility of incorporating these into your geocaching experience.  Travel bugs and geocoins are NOT considered trade items (trinkets).  When taking a trinket/leaving a trinket TB’s and geocoins are not part of the ‘treasures’.  You should only take a geocoin and/or travelbug if you intend to take it to another cache in the immediate future.  Please do not remove these items and keep them as souvenirs.

REHIDING THE CACHE AND LOGGING YOUR FIND

Maintaining the integrity of the hidden cache is all important.  Double check that you have secured the lid/closure properly.  Use your common sense when re hiding the cache.  Look for muggles.  Hide the container a well as, or better than you found it-as close to the original coordinates as possible.

Take a few minutes to log your experience in your notebook now.  You will not remember details later.  Here is an example of what I write in my personal log book.

3-20-2009

• • GCG9ZQ (It’s All About Skippy)
  • N 33 41.714 W 117 56.920
  • Found with Daron and boys.  Daron made his first discovery!  9×11 tupperware container  in juniper bushes at public park. Log book slightly damp-replaced weathered ziplock bag.  T- Orangie Bear TB 56XXX L- Movin’ Moose TB 493XXX and Iraqi Freedom geocoin MTXXX.  TNSL L-purple metal whistle.

When you go to the geocaching website to log your find, you will have the necessary information at your fingertips!

THE GEOCACHERS’ CREED

Protect the future of our sport.  Be familiar with the ‘Geocachers Creed‘  There are free resources so that you can download and print out this information to share with others.

• Do not vandalize property when creating or rehiding a cache.

• Practice cache in-trash out

• Tread lightly on nature.  Stick to trails when possible, be aware of and have respect for your environment.

• When caching outside the U.S. be mindful of language barriers.  Babel Fish can help with translations not already provided on geocaching’s home page.  We find it useful to print out calling card sized translations to hand out to curious cab drivers or others we may encounter while caching in Mexico.

LINKS FOR GEOCACHING

• Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.
• TerraCaching a community of cachers and a listing of TerraCaches hidden all over the world with a little help from handheld Global Positioning System receivers and available exclusively to TerraCaching.com members.
• NaviCache is your online geocaching community here to provide you with the resources you need to enjoy all the fun!

• Cacheopedia Cacheopedia is a wiki-based online encyclopedia, reference, and guide for the sport of geocaching. It is a source for geocaching FAQs, articles, definitions, guides, and a whole lot more.

• Google Earth is a powerful program that models the earth in 3D with aerial or satellite photo overlays. It also can display things like roads, businesses, and driving directions. Additionally, if you download the “Google Earth KML” from your geocaching.com profile page (it’s on the right-hand side column), you can view the approximate location of up to 150 geocaches at a time in your Google earth screen.

RELATED GPS GAMING AND OUTDOOR FAMILY ACTIVITIES

• Earthcaching. An earthcache is a special place that people can visit to learn about a unique geo science feature or aspect of our Earth. Visitors to EarthCache sites can see how our planet has been shaped by geological processes, how we manage the resources and how scientists gather evidence to learn about the Earth. As a part of geocaching, earthcaching is treasure hunting for the caches that the Earth has stored. EarthCache sites do not use stored containers; their treasure is the lessons people learn about our planet when they visit the site.

• 

Degree Confluence ProjectThe goal of the project is to visit each of the latitude and longitude integer degree intersections in the world, and to take pictures at each location. The pictures, and stories about the visits, will then be posted here.  The project is an organized sampling of the world. There is a confluence within 49 miles (79 km) of you if you’re on the surface of Earth. We’ve discounted confluences in the oceans and some near the poles, but there are still 10,733 to be found.

You’re invited to help by photographing any one of these places. Read the Information pages, and contact us if you have questions.

• 

GEOCACHING INFORMATION AND DOWNLOADS

• Cacheopedia is a wiki-based online encyclopedia, reference, and guide for the sport of geocaching. It is a source for geocaching FAQs, articles, definitions, guides, and a whole lot more.

• 

Information, resources, down loadable logs, articles, swag

• Geosetter For Windows is a freeware tool for Windows for showing and changing geo data of image files (e.g. images taken by digital cameras).
  Express Log CacheMate™ is a database for tracking GPS cache hunts. You can store information about caches or benchmarks, decode hints, and transfer data between CacheMate and the MemoPad application.

GPS RELATED

• EasyGPS easy-to-use software for transferring data between your GPS and your computer, especially if you own more than one GPS receiver.

• Magellan GPS Garmin GPS

• 

  Trails and Way points of the World

• 

  Travel By GPS

  Search this site to find and download hundreds of free GPS maps and tour guides for on- and off road sightseeing. Media rich content includes narrative audio and visual images, point of interest data, maps, GPS waypoints and tracks for touring through unique travel experiences.

FORUMS

• Idaho Geocachers Forum

• Utah Geocachers Forum

• Montana Geocachers Forum

• Alaska Geocachers Forum

• Wyoming Geocachers Forum

• Washingston State Geocaching Association

The Groundspeak Geocaching Logo is a registered trademark of Groundspeak, Inc. Any instances throughout this website of Groundspeak logos are used with permission. Use of Geocaching.com data is subject to the geocaching.com Terms of Use Agreement located at http://www.geocaching.com/about/termsofuse.aspx. Groundspeak Pocket Query uploads permitted under Data License Agreement with Groundspeak Inc.
View our Privacy Policy.

Coming soon:  Articles on trackable items; building and hiding a cache and more!

Signature Swag

No reason to reinvent the wheel!  If you have time to browse there is a HUGE collection of signature swag here.

For the sake of this story, I have posted a few examples of creativity

_______________________________________________________________________________

This custom swag artist-Renzo’s Custom Cache!  sums it all up by saying-

“You and I going to raise the bar for geocaching swag, without spending a lot of money. I know the journey is supposed to be the reward, but come on. If you want McToys buy a meal. Hunt micros if you need no tangible reward. I want treasure.
Now let’s make some.”

If you are caching in the Orlando area you might be lucky enough to come across some of Kelly’s custom treasures.

One crafty cacher hands out temporary tattoos-              

and another geo buttons              

Lots of folks make calling cards…

Others are creative with rocks, clay or beads-

The possibilities are endless!  Happy caching!

Geocaching: Pictures From The Field *Spoilers*

Been out caching with the family.  Just thought I’d put a bunch of pictures here.  Starting to make a few caches for hides of our own.  I am having great fun making camo containers.  Some of these are mine, others I have found in the field or online.  Hope you enjoy!  Peace

Thoughts On Geocaching

Geocaching.   I don’t remember specifically how I discovered geocaching, but it has taken our family by storm.  The sport allows us to keep physically and mentally active on so many levels. We have incorporated geocaching into many elements of our lives.  We are more physically fit for our involvement in geocaching.  On any given day we could spend less than an hour in our urban environment; discovering exciting places we, otherwise, might never have known about.

Satur day morning caching

OR, we can and have, planned an entire vacation around geocaching.

Geocaching in Sayulita, Mexico

We recently returned from a cruise through parts of Pacific Mexico, where we spent time exploring beaches, jungles mountains and cities. One day we had a particularly grand adventure- all because someone hid a Tupperware container in some rocks  on an uninhabited island in Mazatlan, Mexico. The only reason I found out about this non-tourist treasure is because I entered the location of our destination on geocaching.com, a free web site.

Rehiding the cache on Bird island

We use computer skills to research caches we want to find, then log our efforts. I like to make my own log and stash notes for the caches that we hide- so I am joining the ranks of the computer literate.   The on line community of geocachers is very social.  I have met fellow cachers from near and far, and renewed relationships with people I have know since I was a kid when we discovered our mutual interest in this multifaceted sport.  In our technology obsessed world, when it is so easy to sit for hours on the computer- geocaching helps me find balance between being physically active and the ‘virtual world’.

Another aspect of geocaching that we did not expect to encounter, is helping our family reduce our footprint on the earth.   One of the hallmarks of geocaching is it’s ‘tread lightly‘ approach when out in the field.  They also advocate ‘Cache In-Trash Out’ as one solution to cleaning up the environment as we interact with it. We never go on a cache hunt without a garbage bag.  We leave each place we visit cleaner than we found it.

Since we have branched out from ’seeking’ to ‘hiding’ caches, our family now looks at everyday objects and even the daily trash with a new and creative eye.  When we put together a box of materials for our geocaching trips, the kids had a great time going through gently used toys and picking out the best “trinkets” for our geocaching trades.  They are learning to reuse and recycle not only their toys, but other household items as well.

We save pill bottles, coffee cans, and other objects that might otherwise go in the trash and transform them into camouflaged containers for caches we hide. Stickers and samples that come in the mail now help stock our trade box.

Who would have thought that one family activity could touch so many facets of our lives.  From math skills to community pride, my kids are learning positive lessons through geocaching.  They can find their way through  back streets of unfamiliar cities,  and in remote wilderness. Geocaching has brought out the artist,  environmentalist, and athlete in all of us.

So how did geocaching start?  Here’s a great link that explains the history of the sport.  The History of Geocaching

Here is a copy of the ORIGINAL “GPS Stash Hunt” web page. Thanks to Kimbo for the link.

Here is a quick look at how another person incorporated geocaching into his life-

Hope you’ve enjoyed these thoughts- and that you may be inspired to create an adventure for yourself.  Hope your journey is as full of laughter and love as mine has been thus far.  Peace