Looking for a new hobby? Something free to entertain the entire family? You have the key to a day full of adventure in the palm of your hand. Let’s put those cell phones to work and head out on a technology bent game of hide and seek. An extraordinary amount of people around the world are participating in this high-tech treasure hunt. It’s called geocaching.
Geo, meaning, ‘relating to the earth’ and Cache meaning, ‘A collection of items stored in a hidden or inaccessible place’ come together to create an interesting activity called geocaching (pronounced GEE-o-cash-ing). Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunt using a smartphone app to find hidden "caches" in your neighborhood or out on the trails. Caches are containers of all shapes and sizes that are hidden (or camouflaged) to blend into their surroundings. Inside there will be a logbook to sign, with larger caches also containing various trinkets for trade.
I had heard about this craze years ago, but had never really understood what it was or how to participate. My daughter came home from college on break and suggested we do this as a family. We did it, and now we are hooked.
First, you must go to the website (geocaching.com) or download the app (Geocaching®) and create an account (you can pay for a premium subscription if you want to find harder caches--but the free ones are just as fun). The app shows active geocaches worldwide. You should be able to find several good caches right in your neighborhood. The website shows approximately 230 caches in Bowling Green alone! Some caches are easy to find, while others may require a long hike, so check the difficulty and terrain ratings before you go. Cache sizes are also given on the app as well.
Whether in your neighborhood, on a hike or on vacation, look at the app's map page for caches near you. Simply click on the cache you choose and begin your hunt.
A few tips to locating your cache:
Look for objects that appear out of place (unnatural piles of sticks, etc.).
Check the app for the cache size and review the hint if needed
Take your time and be patient.
The physical cache (the container you are seeking) can be a camera film container, a magnet key box, a plastic bowl… and what is on the inside will vary just as much. Sometimes you will find a treasure (toys, pens, coins, pictures, jewelry) but there will always be a logbook for you to sign/date.
When you find the cache, sign the logbook and look through the cache. You can take something from it, but it is good geocaching etiquette to put something back of equal or greater value. (Take an item, leave an item) Then thoughtfully reseal the cache and hide it where you found it. Don't leave markers for the next cacher to find it or place it in a "better/easier/harder" spot.
Next, log your find on the app and post a message to let others know you found it. These posts will be visible to everyone on the app, so try not to give away any secrets or take away the element of surprise. There is also an option on the app to say DNF (Did not find). And this happens. Don't get discouraged! Sometimes they get moved due to weather, wildlife, or being found by people who do not know what geocaching is or it was put back in the wrong place. If you cannot find the cache, its ok. Pick a new one and try again.
If you are geocaching with smaller kids, you may want to focus on finding ones with a low difficulty, easy terrain and large in size. The larger size ones usually have more treasure, while the smaller ones may only contain a log.
A few tips before you head out.
Take a pen and small pad of paper. You will need the pen to sign the log. Sometimes the log page is full or maybe it got wet due to weather. You can add a clean dry page.
If you like to trade treasure, bring along something to leave in the first cache. (sticker, pin, small figurine/toy). We always take along stickers and put one in the cache, even if we don't take anything out.
Dress for the weather, but also dress for the terrain. Some caches can be found inside logs, under rocks, up in a tree. Watch out for wildlife, thorns, and other hazards.
Be aware of your surroundings. If you focus on your phone screen while looking, it could be very easy to trip, fall, or otherwise get hurt. The app is only roughly accurate (within 30 feet) so when you are closer than this you should put the phone away and start looking.
A few items to bring along: water, snacks, walking stick or trekking pole, flashlight.
Wear sunscreen / hat.
Geocaching is fun for the whole family. You can use the hunts to introduce your kids to nature and to discover new places in your area. Geocaching can also be a fun addition to your next vacation… Look up locations on your travel route and near your hotel. You can even join The Cache Across America challenge.
According to the geocaching.com website, The Cache Across America is a series of caches that will take you on a caching tour of the entire United States. One cache is hidden in each of the 50 states. These caches each contain a numeric clue that will lead you to one final cache located in our nation's capital upon completion of the series.
The Kentucky Cache is located at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY. Any geocachers trying to complete the Cache Across America challenge must find this specific cache in order to qualify. This cache has likely been found by more out-of-staters than Kentuckians due to the nature of the cache.
If you have never tried geocaching, get out and give it a try! There is an adventure (and treasure) out there waiting for you! Be sure to come back here and let us know how you liked it! Also, share your geocaching stories below or on the QOD page!
P.S. #KYROCKS Rock Painting from anywhere in Kentucky
While on vacation in Florida, my cousin and her family stumbled across a pretty painted rock. On the back of it, they found a message: “Post on Facebook. South Louisiana Camping Friends and St. Tammany Parish Rocks * Keep/Rehide”. They continued searching for rocks and found several more from different places! When going onto facebook to post about the rocks they found, they discovered that Kentucky has a similar page! This inspired them to paint some rocks and hide them here in BG! So when you are walking, shopping, hiking, GEOCACHING… be on the look for #KYROCKS! Be sure to take a pic and share on the facebook page!
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