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The Modern Day Treasure Hunt
by Julie Musil
Do you think you're too old to play a game of Hide and Seek? If so, consider this: it's possible for you to not only find hidden treasure anywhere you go, including your own neighborhood or town, but to also play Hide and Seek with the world. Thanks to GPS (Global Positioning System) technology, you and your family can begin "Geocaching," an activity for all ages that has captured the attention of adventurers everywhere.
What is Geocaching?
Pronounced "geocashing," its name originates from geo (relating to the Earth) and cache (meaning a hidden store of things).
How does it work?
Geocachers around the globe, people just like you, have hidden items identified by GPS coordinates. Those coordinates are posted onto Geocaching.com, a web site which offers free membership.
What do I need?
All that is required is a hand-held GPS unit, as well as access to a computer and the Internet. What else? Curiosity and a sense of adventure.
What if we don't own a GPS unit?
A GPS can be purchased or rented for a low price. Or, a GPS may be owned by someone you know. Check with your family and friends to see if they have one that you can borrow.
How do I start?
To begin, you and/or a parent access Geocaching.com, where there are clear directions on what to do. After setting up your free account, follow the prompts for "Getting Started." Would you like to explore your own neighborhood? Are you going on vacation and would like to hunt for hidden treasure? Enter the location you'd like to search and the web site will list the Geocaches in that area, along with their GPS coordinates. After choosing those sites that interest you, enter the information into the GPS unit. Our family has found Geocaches as close as a mile away from home and in vacations spots like Baja, California.
We've planned our outing, what next?
You're ready to go! Drive and park as close to the Geocache location as possible. Then set out on foot remembering to bring the GPS unit, extra batteries for the GPS, and drinking water. Some locations are easier to navigate than others, so be aware of your surroundings. Once you're close to the coordinates, pay attention to what is nearby. Is there a stack of rocks that look out of place? Is there a tree with a hole in its trunk that would make a good hiding place?
Be careful—when poking around new places, beware of anything that might harm you. Look around for clever hiding places. Geocaches should be hidden, but not buried. We've found Geocaches tucked in the hollow of a tree, placed in the middle of the Mexican desert, and hidden under a giant bush close to home.
What do we look for?
Most Geocaches are some sort of container such as an ammo can, a plastic bowl, or an empty coffee can. The smallest Geocache we've ever found was a tiny plastic film canister tied to a tree along the San Joaquin Delta in California.
We've found it, now what?
Don't be shy, open it up! Within each Geocache, you'll likely find a pad of paper and a pencil. On the paper write the date and the names of those with you. Are you on vacation? Mention that, too. What was your experience like? List any fun details so the next group of explorers can read about your trip.
Another cool thing to do is bring a small item with you such as a toy, a key chain, or a magnet from your vacation spot. If there are other items in the Geocache, you can take one out and replace it with something of equal or greater value. It's rewarding when you find your Geocache. Take time to enjoy the location, snap pictures, and appreciate the fun you had with the hunt. When you're finished with the Geocache, place it exactly as you found it.
Was there trash on your trail in? Practicing "Cache In, Trash Out," as suggested on Geocaching.com, is a great way to keep the area clean. When you return, you can go back onto the web site and share your experience. You can tell your own stories and share pictures. Also, was the Geocache in need of repair? You can make a note of this too, so the Geocacher who hid it can be made aware.
What if I'd like to hide my own Geocache?
Go for it! The web site gives you complete details on how to do this. It's fun to occasionally check the log from your Geocache and see who has visited, where they're from, and what their experience was like.
Geocaching.com states that this is "the sport where you are the search engine." With careful planning, modern technology, and a sense of adventure, you can join the fun, too. Now get out there and start treasure hunting!
