GPS and my Hobby

There’s hidden treasure throughout the county and elsewhere. All you need is a GPS device to find it.

With that handheld Global Positioning System device you can find “treasures” It’s usually just a trinket or a small toy, but on occasion searchers might even find a small gift certificate for coffee. But one thing for sure when you find it you always get a “Smile”

Some questions that I have been asked.

1. What is your hobby?

My hobby is geocaching. This is hunting for treasure all over the world. It is a hobby that mixes technology with activity, critical thinking skills and nature. The treasure or cache (pronounced cash) is found by using a handheld GPS.

Hidden caches are the size of your small fingernail to the size of an Ammo Can. These containers are located everywhere in the city, county and the world. The object is to find the creatively made containers and log your find on the Internet and leave the container for the next cacher to find.

2. Why do you like it?

I like it because it helps me to keep walking as I try to strengthen my back and lose weight.  It keeps me busy and active finding caches in parks, public places, trails and even bike trails.  It gains more appeal when I get my family to join in the adventure.

3. How much time do you spend on it?

I can spend as much or little time as I want; no pressure with this hobby. I try to go a few times a week. Most of the time I go by myself but once in a while my wife or son will join me. 

4. What’s the most challenging thing about it?

It is finding a uniquely hidden cache that is placed in such a way that it blends in with nature and makes it very hard to find. All caches are rated with a terrain/difficulty rating from a one star, which is easy, to a five star, which is very difficult to find. The one terrain difficulty would be from a level area or path, which would be wheelchair accessible to a five star, which could be a tree climb or a need for special equipment like a boat or kayak.

5. How can others start?

You can get started by logging into the geocaching website at www.geocaching.com. It is free. I started with the app on my smart phone and then branched out and got a Garmin 450.

Why not give Geocaching a try today after all who doesn't like a treasure hunt?