I’m not sure what is going to happen over the coming weeks, as this coronavirus thing starts to put a hold on travel plans and create a bit of stress and difficulty for most of us. As long as you follow the current guidance from public health authorities, and adhere to social distancing standards, getting out to get some fresh air, is important.
As most of us continue to monitor the situation and travel plans start to take a back seat, there are many activities that can continue. Geocaching, which I have mentioned in previous posts, is a great way to explore on your travels. It’s also something you can do when out and about generally, as you don’t have to travel to enjoy this hobby.
If you are not familiar with it, think “treasure hunting” for adults.
Although it isn’t just about the hunt for treasure. It’s about getting outdoors, exploring and learning a little.
Geocaches are often interesting, hold a story, share information about something historical, or are just simple fun.
Exploring
When I’m on my travels searching for geocaches is a great way to get off the beaten track as well as explore the regular sights. Although there are a lot less geocaches in countries outside of the UK and USA, there are enough to help with exploring.
Is it in there?
I have visited some interesting places that I wouldn’t have ventured to if it hadn’t been for a geocache. Back home in the UK, many walks have geocache trails, and there are some interesting hides dotted around, that can be a reason to help you get some fresh air.
Learning
Often geocaches are hidden close to key sights or landmarks, and will also provide some information in the description. So geocaches can be like a mapped out guidebook, although you would probably want to supplement your searching with visiting the sights as well.
I have learnt plenty of random facts and little insights from the details contained in a geocache. People tend to put geocaches out close to home or in locations with a story to tell, so you never know what you might find just round the corner.
Getting out and about
The best thing about geocaching is that it can be a free hobby. You only need a smart phone. Even signing up as a member is free, although there is a paid subscription which is well worth it for those who want to find extra hides which are not available to everyone.
Get out and get some fresh air, enjoy the outdoors, solve puzzles and learn something. It can appeal to everyone. Watch out though as it can also become addictive.
Real treasure
Some of the best hides/finds are those that result in real treasure. At least, for me a treasure chest or box of goodies really makes the favourites list. I’m still absolutely gutted that I missed out on a search for the ‘adventure tea’ in Bulgaria when I first started geocaching. My friend and other half got it without me. However, I’ve done plenty more since then that were similar.
I try to carry small swaps when geocaching, to switch out with other trinkets, although often just leaving something for the next cacher to find. This is a great hobby for kids, seeing their faces when opening a box is just priceless.
Solve puzzles
Puzzles tend to be the blue question mark icons, although a multi (yellow box) cache may also involve an element of puzzle, but will require finding the location first. One of the best puzzle caches that I’ve completed, was whilst in Bratislava. These contained an old photo depicting a location which you needed to find the current location. Some what changed and often unrecognisable, but great fun and very interesting to see the city both past and present.
This idea led to me placing some similar geocaches in my home town in Kent. What’s great is people leave nice messages as these are usually done by the more hard core geocachers or locals who share in the enthusiasm.
Challenges
There are numerous challenges which you can try. Some as simple as finding a geocache every day, but some that will earn you a souvenir for your profile. Even Leong an eye out for a new geocache and being the first to find (FTF) is a great challenge you can do close to home. Although it’s difficult to achieve this as there will likely be many avid geocachers close by.
One of the best challenges I’ve completed is getting geocaches in three countries in one day. Particularly given the opportunity to travel although these, although they were fleeting visits.
Placing your own geocache
There are rules associated with placing geocaches around the world, but usually this is fairly easy to do. Once in place, you can follow it’s activity and get the notifications when people find/log them.
Making a container, designing a puzzle or just having a story to tell about a location, is a good reason to place a geocache.
Meet people
Although these may be limited currently, given the current situation around the world. Keep an eye out for speech bubbles on the geocaching map. These show the location of a ‘meet’. Usually a local or visitor has arranged to be in that location on a certain day. Events will vary. I’ve been at meets that have lasted a matter of minutes, to dinner on a pub. It takes all sorts and is a great way to meet people.
Then there are those caches that can create an opportunity to meet a fellow cacher. Whether just simply being in the same place at the same time during your search. Or as we have found several times, located where the chances of meeting the owner were high. I’ve had cups of tea, cake and moments of sharing this hobby in passing with many a geocacher or even just an encounter with a cache guardian (person assigned to look after the cache as the owner is not nearby).
Give it a try
So, want to give it a try. Need a reason to get out and get some fresh air. Look up geocaches in your area now at geocaching.com, see what might be hiding near to your location, and go find it. Remember, don’t draw attention to yourself and let people (muggles) know it’s there. Replace carefully so it’s hidden as before.
If you’re still not sure whether you want to give this a go yourself, I recommend you just try it and see how you go. My post – Geocaching on my travels, includes a few favourites from my travels which may inspire you further…
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