Hi from Jen. Intro to blog video: http://youtu.be/I92jdjDvjvc
By definition, Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity, in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called "geocaches" or "caches", anywhere in the world. (YES! It's international! Who knew!)
A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook where the geocacher enters the date they found it and signs it with their established code name (I am Peeka29). After signing the log, the cache must be placed back exactly where the person found it.
The first documented geocache was on May 3, 2000. I was surprised to discover more than 20 geocaches within one mile of my home in Yorkville, IL.
A friend had posted that they were "addicted to geocaching" on Facebook. (A drug? A food?) I had no idea what that meant so I googled it. Now I am addicted, too.
Here is the official geocaching 101 video: http://youtu.be/1YTqitVK-Ts
Here's what to do!
1.) Download the FREE app Geocaching Intro by Groundspeak to your phone.
2.) Create a quick account: User name and password.
3.) Pick a green dot near you, press START and follow the GPS to it!
It really is that simple. The blue dot it where you are. Your phone makes a funny/cool jingle sound when you are close. Search high and low- some caches are more hidden than others.
If you found it, click FOUND IT on your phone and you can leave a message for the person who placed it. The phone app then turns the green dot into a smiling face. Then choose your next adventure.
If you live in Yorkville, begin at Clark Park- The corner of Main Street and Rt. 47. This one is pretty easy and a good beginning to your adventures.
The one by Cobblestone is tricky. It took me 5 visits to find it. (All the more reason to sneak in Cobblestone for a donut and coffee.) There's a great one at the entrance of Hoover. It's filled with fun toys and treats. Harris Hill is another place with several good ones along the beautiful paths.
I had no idea that this existed. I was blown away by how many are hidden. It's a secret community of people. It brings out the Goonie in me. Each search is a fun adventure. Think like MacGyver. Shake and shimmy everything. Look everywhere. You'll find it.
Caches come in all shapes. Most are either micro (the size of a 35mm film canister) or small (the size of small Tupperware.)
Some caches are large enough for trinkets and toys. This is referred to as "swag". By rule, if you take something out, you must leave something behind. We bought a bag of cats-eye marbles to leave in caches. Some people leave coins, toys, bracelets, key chains- something small that will fit in a box.
Some words I have stumbled upon that are used in the application: "Muggles" is a term used for non-geocachers. TFTC: Thanks for the cache. FTF: First to find a newly placed cache.
**BE SURE TO BRING A PEN WITH YOU TO SIGN THE LOG SHEET IN THE CACHE. Shoes with closed toes and pants are also recommended. Some times the paths lead you into vegetation. Bug spray is also recommended for geocaching in forest preserves. Also, make sure your phone is charged up.
You can also create and place a geocache. I think that will be in a separate blog- I have placed 2 geocaches in Yorkville. They are now part of the application and website. So fun!
In the past three weeks of geocaching, I have found 53 geocaches and have not even left my county. There's a ton more to find. It's a nice way to visit areas in your community you have never seen, and get outdoors. HIGHLY recommend to anyone.
Be sure to tell me about your adventures! We also gladly accept any/all invitations to go geocaching.
For more information, visit: www.geocaching.com
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