Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location. Then they share their experiences online. The game has been around since May of 2000, and to read a brief history of how it all came to be, try clicking HERE.
Kathy and I started with geocaching back in 2004, and were soon hooked. Although we have had a lot of fun over the years, we didn't really go after this in earnest until after retirement. Who had time? Anyway, as I write this, we have now found over 1900 caches, found across 18 different states, within two countries. We hope to expand to over 2000 finds, adding 4 more states and one more country this year. We have also hidden over 60 caches ourselves. These may sound like major accomplishments, but we are really babes in this game. Worldwide there are over 2 million caches placed. Just here in Arizona, we have run across cachers that have logged over 36,000 finds during their caching careers.
In the post title I indicate that geocaching is a secret sub culture. To me it seems that way. It is really going on in secret all around you even if you don't readily see it, much like some form of underworld activity. The cachers even have a name for folks that are not part of the game... "muggles." (This with a tip of the hat to author J.K. Rowling.)
I am mainly sharing this activity with you as it is something we spend a reasonable amount of time doing, and I am sure the topic will pop up in future posts. If you would like to get involved with the game, the official site is: http://www.geocaching.com/ At this site you can read all about how the game is played, and how to get started. Geocaching is a great way to witness some pretty amazing creativity, as well as to visit some beautiful hidden places you might never have found otherwise. It is a blast, really.
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