Geocaching

Do you geocache?  There are a lot of reasons to love geocaching.  It’s free, provided you have access to a smartphone or GPS device.  It requires that you get outside and exercise.  You’ll see some nature and explore some cool places you’ve never been before.  And there is a sense of adventure in searching for hidden treasure that kids (and most adults) – really love.

What is geocaching?  Geocaching is basically a treasure hunt.  A typical geocache is a weatherproof container hidden somewhere, which contains a logbook.  Often, it will also contain little trinkets, or “swag”, too.  The geographic coordinates of the cache are provided and used with a GPS unit, or viewed through a smartphone app.  The objective is to use the GPS coordinates or information provided by the app to locate the cache.  Once you find the cache, you record your find in the logbook.  You can also bring a trinket or small item along to exchange for one of the trinkets in the cache.  It’s a good idea to also record your find in the app or on the geocaching.com website.  If there is a problem with the cache or you couldn’t find it, you can record that information, too.  There is a worldwide community of geocachers and it is a lot of fun!

Download the app called “Geocaching”.  Once you’ve downloaded, installed and set up the app, you can use the map within the app to view nearby caches.  Use the map to locate the cache.  Click on the cache icon in the map for more information about the cache.

The app is free, but of course there’s a catch.  Detailed information about some of the more difficult caches can only be viewed if you pay for the premium version of the app.  However, there is a website that corresponds with the app, geocaching.com.  This is a great resource for learning about geocaching and it seems to provide more information about the premium caches than what is available through the free app. 

There are currently about eleven caches in or very near to the Sand Hills Recreation Area. Some were placed by AELC staff, some by others. Most of the caches are fairly easy to find.  So, the Sand Hills would be a great place for an introduction to this great hobby.  In fact, you may be able to locate some of the premium caches using only the little bit of information available in the free app.