Friday, June 11, 2010

What's the Appeal of Geocaching?

Rick (click here to read his blog) commented that he didn't understand the appeal of geocaching.  I didn't either, at first.  What's the challenge in finding a cache when you have the GPS coordinates telling you where it is?  Aha, it's not quite that simple.  The coordinates just get you to the general area.  You still need to think like the person who left the cache in order to find it.  It truly is the thrill of the hunt that is appealing about geocaching.

I'm always looking for activities that Dave and I can do together.  He does football refereeing and golf which I don't participate in.  But we like to do things together, too.  Geocaching is something we can do when we are home and also when we travel.  It's an excuse to get out in nature and do some walking and sightseeing.  I had heard of geocaching, but reading Dave and Barb's blog about geocaching is what motivated me to explore this activity.  Read their geocaching summary by clicking here.  They once found 18 geocaches in one day.  That's a record that we won't be able to beat any time soon!

I was surprised to see that the library had several books about geocaching.  The activity has only been around since the year 2000, when the accuracy of GPS technology improved tenfold.  This book lists "The Complete Idiot's Top Ten Reasons to Go Geocaching":

10. It's a great excuse to use all that outdoor gear.
 9.  It's a fun way to learn GPS, navigation, and outdoor skills.
 8.  It can be exiting to feel like a secret agent.
 7.  Finding a remote geocache with a loved one can be very romantic.
 6.  You'll get some exercise, and it's more fun than dieting.
 5.  You can entertain yourself on the cheap.
 4.  You can do something together with the whole family.
 3.  It's a great way to make new friends.
 2.  You will see places you never knew existed.
 1.  You get to go outside and play!

3 comments:

  1. It sure seems to be a popular hobby that is gaining in popularity, especially with RV'ers. Thanks for the top 10 list too!

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  2. We have that book!! Its a pretty good one too.
    We also read Dave & Barb's blog and they really get into this activity and write alot about it.
    I agree with you...the challenge of the hunt is a big reason for geocaching. We also enjoy an activity that we can do together. We have discovered some historic places/things that we would not have known about otherwise. Being full-timers we are not always sightseeing famous places but many times staying in a particular area to get to know that particular region. So when we are stopped and want to "see" an area this is a great way. Good exercise and just simply getting outdoors and staying active(physically and mentally). It is just fun.
    As with all things... it isn't for everybody. Some like it and some don't. That's ok. But for those of us that do... it is fun.
    You've inspired me to get out and do some geocaching this next week. :)

    Take care!
    Mike & Gerri (happytrails)
    http://freedom2roll.blogspot.com

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  3. Fun times!!! This sure makes "taking a walk" have a whole new meaning. It replaces the humdrum aspect of exercise with a rather exciting focus. Congrats on finding your first cache.
    Jackie

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