Treasure Hunting! (geocaching)

This week-end, my Spoiled-Rotten-Little-Sister the kids and I started a new hobby.

Treasure Hunting!!

Nope, we didn't pull out the eye patches and buy a parrot or get a boat.
We started Geocaching!


From Geocaching.com-
Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for gps users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a gps unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is if they get something they should try to leave something for the cache.

This was the first cache we found.

It contained a log book, several trinkets to trade, and oooh the the excitement!!

this one had a Geo-coin!!!

("Geo-coins" or "Travel bugs" they each have a unique serial number on them. when you find one you log the number and location on geocaching.com, and leave it inside another cache for someone else to move. Its really cool cause then you can track that particular geo-coin and see where it ends up. They go all over the world!)

We decided to take the flashlight and leave a deck of cards.
and we took the geo-coin to relocate in our next cache.

I was amazed when I first heard about geocaching because it is such a HUGE deal all over the world and I knew NOTHING about it! There are thousands of geocachers all over the world!
I did a search using my zip code on geocaching.com and found 122 caches within 10 miles of our farm! We are in a TINY town!!
They are everywhere!! And I had NO clue!
Most caches are left in a place that is cool to see, has a great view, is historical, or just a out-of-the-way spot you'd never find otherwise.

We found 7 yesterday. Several were in some really old cemeteries. Beautiful peaceful surroundings. It was really cool to walk around and learn about our area.
A few were in little parks that were tucked away and I had no clue existed.
Two were near historical markers, so we learned some things about our area's past.

Its a great way to get exercise too!
Some caches are really well hidden, some you find right away.
Some require a several hour hike through the woods.
Some (all they we found) were within 100 feet of where we parked our car.
Some are tiny as a pill bottle (sometimes even smaller!), and some are larger Rubbermaid plastic tubs.
Its exciting to search and find them!
All you need is a handheld GPS unit, internet access (to find the coordinates on geocaching.com). and your off!
Geocaching is a GREAT family activity that costs very little to no money (once you get your GPS unit , Thanks Mom! Happy Birthday to me!!)
Young and old can enjoy getting outside and exploring your area.

Each of the kids found one of the caches, you should have seen them beam with pride! Mom found a few too! Oh yeah.. My Bratty-Spoiled-Rotten-Sister found one too!

Now the kids and I plan to put out some of our own caches for others to find.

I'll keep you posted about our geocaching journeys...
If your looking for a great family fun thing to do ... I strongly suggest Geocaching!!!!