Ep. 6: Geocaching!!!

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is a hobby where you use the guidance of a GPS system to find hidden "caches" all over the world, like a huge, FREE treasure hunt. When found, you sign the log (usually a piece of paper or notebook) with your "caching name" or username to prove you were there, and then log (record) the cache online so you can keep track of all the caches you've found. Then, it's on to the next one! The caches can be as small as tiny marble-sized "nanos" to "large" size metal ammo cans, with much more in between - cache owners can get very creative and even make "gadget" caches that you have to solve after finding it so you can sign the log! In addition, there are many types of caches out there, such as "multi" caches where there are multiple stages and "virtual" caches where no physical container is present, but you have to complete a task (such as taking a picture) at the location in order to log the find. There are even events where you can meet other cachers! Oh, and did I mention trackables? You should totally look into trackables. Ok, enough information for you? Let's move on.

Image: An example of an official geocaching container with a logbook

Why is Caching Amazing?

You may wonder, "So what? You go find random containers everywhere. Sounds boring." But in reality, geocaching is so much more than that. Below, I've listed a few of the countless reasons why geocaching is great for you (and everyone!).

• Exercise: While there are some "Park and grab" caches out there (good for those who are very busy!) most caches will require you to at least walk a little bit, and when you're doing a whole afternoon of caching those little bits add up. Geocaching is an excellent incentive to go on a walk!
• Going Outside: Almost all geocaches are outside, meaning you'll be exploring new neighbourhood parks, urban green spaces, and wild nature (but make sure you're allowed to be there!) while on your caching quest. Caching will add a breath of fresh air (joke intended) to your outdoor life.
• Better Awareness of Surroundings: Pretty soon after you start caching, you will (probably) end up walking down a street or park and think "Wouldn't it be great if a cache was there?" You'll get a lot better at noticing things around you, which in my case, helped me find things I had "lost" more efficiently.
• Sense of Community: I've only met a few other geocaches in my relatively short time spent geocaching, but those that I've met have been very kind and you'll soon love that feeling when you see another person (or group of people) coming purposefully towards where you're searching, and you both realise you're here for the same thing. Also, caching as a group of friends or family is sure to be some quality bonding time.
• Sense of Achievement: Nothing beats the satisfaction of finding a cache in a tricky spot.
• SWAG!!!: In larger container caches, people leave small toys, pins, stickers, etc. in the cache to be traded by other people. Just make sure you bring some SWAG yourself so it's a fair trade!

So Now What?

You've been convinced to cache and you're ready to start. What do you do? Below I've compiled some links to help you get on your way to caching success. 

https://www.geocaching.com/play  The official geocaching website to get an account and find caches near you. Has some helpful tips and guidelines.

https://www.geocaching.com/blog/ The official geocaching blog to discover more about the geocaching world and see some examples of truly amazing caches.

https://lanmonkey.ca/extreme-geocaching-adventures/ A blog with videos I found from a geocaching couple that I've seen logs of in my area.

https://thegeocachingjunkie.com/ Another cool caching blog.

For good YouTube channels that show geocaching (sorry can't put links for these) go to Hullsome and The Geocaching Vlogger. They have great demonstrations on how to actually find caches!