What the heck is Geocaching?

It occurred to me as I reviewed some of the 64 blogs I've done, I mention getting a geocache, cache for short, in each port but never explained what that is. I feel lucky a friend got me hooked on it back in 2014 because it pairs with travel quite well. Likes peas and carrots, if you ask me.

Here's a short video which is high level:

https://youtu.be/1YTqitVK-Ts

It's a world wide scavenger hunt, and while some people consider it a game like pokeman, it's really much more than that. Since it started/was invented in 2000, six benefit factors have emerged related to geocaching: physical fitness, nature experiences, learning, relaxation, autonomy, and socialization.

The parts I like best are:

1. It gets me out hiking and biking trails I might not otherwise know about

2. Many caches are placed by people to bring you to their favorite spot or a great view or a must-see attraction. Favorite points given by the geocaching community provide insight into how worthwhile it is.

3. It's free, or $35/year if you want access to premium caches

4. There are great stats, reports and maps that show where you've found caches. After this world cruise, my map will quite impressive.

5. I learn a lot. For example, on moreton Island, one cache told us the history of a row of ships which were sunk years ago to provide a reef to protect the mostly-sand island. On that same island, I did a cache that took me to the best lookout point on the island (it was great exercise too). On our Alaskan cruise, I did a cache that took us to 10 totem poles in Ketchikan. It was fascinating.

6. The main point is this....most of these great sites weren't in any travel brochure or presented by our travel consultant on board. It's locals helping visitors to see something amazing about their home town.

But what exactly is it?

As I mentioned, it's a scavenger hunt. And a cache is a container. You use your phones gps to locate caches, meaning to get within about 20 ft. Then you hunt. Some are easy to find, some are very well camouflaged and difficult to find. Some are large containers, some are very small. Most have an actual paper log inside that you sign before also logging online.

The cache page (pic above) tells you

1. how difficult it is to get to the cache (caches requiring hikes are more difficult than a cache you can drive close to),

2. how well hidden it is,

3. how small or large

4. Favorite points

5. A description of the cache, including why the individual decided to hide the cache

6. Attributes like if the cache location is kid or dog-friendly, if any special tools are required, and if there are obstacles. There are people who are ADL challenged (activities of daily living) who geocache, so wheelchair accessibility is an important attribute for them to know.

7. Previous logs from those who found it or didn't.

There's a compass feature too, which can direct you close to the cache.

Here's a pic a cache I found in Cairns. It was on the side of a path along the river, which was so picturesque. About 8 ft off the path was a cache behind a tree (not the tree in the pic) . It was easy to find, and it took me on a stroll with my lovely wife I might not have otherwise done.

Hopefully that gives you an idea what geocaching is. You can be young or not young, tall or not tall, thin or not thin. You just have to be a bit adventurous.

I met with the cruising home school mom and her story is quite a good one. I need to write up my notes for tomorrow's blog.

Take care