So I’m going to start this entry with its title – Have You Heard of Geocaching?
I ask this question, because, honestly, I hadn’t…until now. I consider myself a pretty outdoorsy type a guy. Like many of you, I grew up camping and hiking, but before the age the GPS, electronics, and, to the possible chagrin of my nephew, the iPhone!
So the combination of electronics and the great outdoors intrigues me. Frankly, I don’t know what to think. On some level, I’m a purist and I camp to get away from modern society, which includes (sorry nephew), all items that require a charge.
Yet, at the same time, I also appreciate gear, even that which requires a battery, so long as it promotes outdoor life, particularly among kids. Hence, my interest in Geocaching.
Okay so what is it?
According to Wikipedia, Geocaching is “an outdoor sporting activity in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called ‘geocaches’ or ‘caches’, anywhere in the world. A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook where the geocacher enters the date they found it. Larger containers such as plastic storage containers can also contain items for trading, usually toys or trinkets of little value. Geocaching is often described as a ‘game of high-tech hide and seek.’ ”
If that doesn’t clarify, here’s a video I found on YouTube:
It looks like a great way to enjoy nature with your family, particularly a way to get your kids…or ehem…nephew…away from that game boy and out of doors.
Apisphere Geomate Jr. Handheld Geocaching GPS
If you’re interested, check out the Apisphere Geomate Jr. Handheld Geocaching GPS on Amazon. It’s an inexpensive way to introduce your little ones to the game.
According to the product description, “just switch it on anywhere in the U.S., and be directed to your closest geocache. It’s really that easy! With over 250,000 pre-loaded geocache locations covering all 50 U.S. states, it’s an outdoor adventure just waiting to happen anywhere, anytime, straight out of the box! No downloads, internet connection, or typing in coordinates necessary.”
By the way, if you have a lot of experience with Geocaching, please comment below. Share your thoughts.
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