Geo Caching

DMan · 01-25-2012, 09:34 PM

I've been reading recently about something called Geo Caching. It sounds like it's becoming quite popular and would be a lot of fun. Has anyone here done any Geo Caching? If so, where were you when you did it?

oldsarge · 01-26-2012, 04:52 AM

I started back in 2004, before you had to have an account with Geocaching.com (Groundspeak). Shortly after you had to at least apply for the basic account, which is free in order to get coordinate to any caches. I ended up becoming a premium member and cached until about June of last year. Only have found 1695 caches throughout all those years. A few of my friend have 18,000 and over 20,000 finds under their belt. I just don't get into it that much.

I enjoy caching in the wooded areas the most, but I guess depending on where you live, you may find more urban caches in you area, which I really can't stand. It makes you feel like a creep lurking around waiting to pounce on something. The whole thing about caching is any one who is not an active geocacher is a muggle. So of course you don't want to let anyone see you find the cache container. Other players were putting hides in parks where kids are playing. I just don't like hanging around a park waiting for an opportunity to start checking under play equipment. Like I said it's creepy.

Last month I archived all my own caches that I have put out and gave them to another player. I no longer maintain any caches, but if there's some out in the woods I will go and find them. Out here in the Chicago area there is a geocaching group called GONIL (geocachers of northeast Illinois). It a good place to search the forums for any thing you may to find out and the activity. There may be a group where you live.

If you have any specific question i'd be more than happy to answer then.

Gabbie · 01-26-2012, 05:19 AM

I haven't ever done this myself but I do know of others in our area that do. They seem to enjoy it and some have been doing it for years.

Theosus · 01-26-2012, 05:45 AM

I've been doing it on and off for years, since 2002. I enjoy it but don't get into it super seriously. It was more fun when it wasn't so popular. You felt like part of a secret society or something. I had to drive twenty miles for my first find. Now they are almost on every street corner in towns. But it's a fun diversion, and something that adds to the outdoor experience. The price of gas and having a child slowed me down for a long time, but she's older now and enjoys it. Im planning my backpacking trips, with a nod towards hikes where I can run into caches.

ChadTower · 01-26-2012, 08:28 AM

I tried it about 8 years ago. Found a couple caches but never liked using the Garmin GPS I had. The interface was so painful I gave up on the idea. Well, that and my kids were 4 and 2, and at the time weren't really ready for it. I do still have that old GPS, and I'm sure it still works, but I wonder if the GPS on my Android phone would work as well. It would probably work but the battery wouldn't last long enough.

ppine · 01-26-2012, 08:37 AM

I used to think that the idea was geeky, and the way nerds spend their time in the outdoors. I spent a career trying to find stuff for real. Now I think the process would really help people with navigation skills, and help reduce the amount of rescues that take place every year.

oldsarge · 01-26-2012, 10:12 AM

Problem being is now you have folks with no navigational skills out in the woods relying on a GPS they have no experience with. Dead batteries or a locked up unit (which doesn't happen to often anymore) get a lot of folks big time lost. I enjoyed it cause it gave me something else to do while hiking. some of the puzzle type caches are fun and there is some really cleaver hides out there.

As far as using cell phones for caching, I know a lot of people who do it with no major issue other than battery life. Like the other thread about using a dedicated GPS or cell phone. I like the GPS. Depending how much you want to pursue this activity. Some GPS's come with a geocaching program to help you down load caches information. which is very helpful. There's also programs to put on your computer to manage caching files. I used to use GeoBuddy/Expert GPS, some folks like GSAK (geocaching Swiss army knife). I like Geobuddy because of the mapping program that lets you print out nice custom Topo's, satellite or photo images in any scale.

Lamebeaver · 01-26-2012, 10:48 AM

Geocaching is great fun, and often takes you to little out-of-the-way places where you would not normally travel.

We have two within 1/4 mile of our house. You'll be amazed at how many there are.

Geocaching - The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site

Marshmallow · 01-26-2012, 10:54 AM

This sounds like a lot of fun. I wouldn't want to do anything too difficult, but it would be a great outing when we were out with the grandchildren. Packing a picnic and going out to find a treasure would be a great way to spend an afternoon.

jason · 01-26-2012, 01:23 PM

I haven't gone in a year or so. Not as big on it as sarge was. Maybe in the double digits for finds. I used to take a little time out from time to time on hikes to look for them, or use them to try and find new places I might not have walked to before. It is fun though and my daughter enjoyed the few I took her on. I may try and get her out again.