Kontan.

OK, this geocaching thing is NOT easy. I installed a new app on my phone that has been much easier to use than the last, and I think it is more accurate b/c we have actually been successful!

Our first find was a quick hunt in town center. The trick is to make the find without drawing attention to the hunt. One of the first questions people ask is what do you find in a cache. Most of the time, not much. There is a log and a few small items,- coins, toys, etc…usually. The game isn’t about what you find, it is about the challenge and I have really enjoyed learning.

After another two attempts we called it an afternoon and came home. We were rather close to our second find, but I did not want to subject my nine year old to poison ivy so we gave up and decided to try again later. I think we were off in our coordinates. After bringing her home I looked at a few maps, re-read and wrote down the clues, then went back out with a determination to find a few more.

Success was mine!

Find number two was not terribly difficult, but it was a little trick. It was a smaller cache, and hanging. Not easy to spot. Not much would fit in the cache and I decided to TNLN (take nothing, leave nothing).

After looking around the area, I discovered it was necessary to CITO- cash in/trash out. This can go along with the blog green initiative. It isn’t something I have blogged about much, but we make a point to pick up trash when we are at the park. If you aren’t careful, this can consume an afternoon.

The most difficult part of the third find was sitting inconspicuously at the cache site completing the log while nature lovers walked the trails nearby, then replacing the cache and not getting seen.

The last find of the day was a PNG (park-n-go). I expected to see a small park or somewhere appropriate to park while you searched for the cache. When the hider called it a PNG he meant it. You literally had to pull over on the shoulder, put your hazards on, and look in the nearby bushes. The micro-cache hides are difficult for me to see, but after almost giving up I found this one and went on my way.

I have learned that you cannot rely solely on your GPS. Once you get to a certain point you have to try and think like the cache hider. By investigating your surroundings, you can see great places to hide a small/medium/large container and recognize evidence of previous hunters. Evidence of previous cache seekers is most helpful. It is usually subtle…grass laying at an odd angle or something similar. I have also learned that searching for the cache keeps you moving and not paying attention to the heat and energy you are exerting…great exercise! Bug spray, hat, and water- absolute must! Each cache seek is a new adventure and I have discovered a hobby that makes me smile.

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