Credit to Izzy Lash

What is Geocaching? 

To put it simply, geocaching is a high-tech scavenger hunt across the globe that anybody can participate in. People can use an electronic compass with a set of coordinates to lead them to hidden containers called geocaches. After searching for and finding the cache, people can then open it, sign their name in a log book, and put it back where they found it. However, people are not just limited to finding caches, but can hide them for others to find too. Caches are commonly placed in public parks, hiking trails, and in urban areas, but can really be found anywhere outdoors. This makes it easy for people to get outside and see the world while also bonding with others and having fun at the same time.

How to Geocache

1. Download the free Geocaching app or go to the Geocaching.com website and make an account.

2. Once an account is made, look on the map orlist for a close geocache to look for and select it.

3. Hit the navigate button to start tracking it.

4. Follow the line or compass (whatever you prefer) until you are at the spot and start searching for the cache.

5. Once you find the cache, open it, write your account name in the log book, and log that you found the cache on the Geocaching app or website.

6. Seal the cache back up and put it EXACTLY where it was before.

What to Expect While Geocaching

When geocaching, a lot of things can happen unexpectedly, so it is better to prepare for the unexpected. For instance, weather can have a big influence on when to cache in general. Not many people like to cache when it’s cold or rainy. Caches sometimes can’t be found. Whether this is due to it being stolen, moved, or hidden really well, not a lot of geocachers have a 100 percent success rate. Terrain can also be a challenge to transverse. Walking through mud and bushwhacking might be a necessity to finding a certain cache. Lastly, you never will know exactly what you are looking for until you find it. This can become a struggle when trying to look for something big and in reality, the cache could be tiny instead.

Guidelines and Etiquette

Before starting, there are a few guidelines that are absolutely necessary to know and follow when geocaching.

Replacing items

Each geocache (unless it is micro-sized) usually contains items, toys, or trinkets that are meant to be traded. If you do decide to take an item out of a geocache, you must replace it with something of equal value.

Filling Out the Log

Don’t forget to log your geocache with your account name and date after finding it.

Don’t Spoil

On the geocaching app, you are able to comment on specific caches. Don’t comment where the cache is and spoil the fun for others.

Stealing

This rule is pretty straightforward, just don’t steal the cache.

Sealing the Cache

When closing the cache back up, make sure you have sealed everything. This is so water and insects won’t be able to get inside the cache and ruin it.

Don’t Bury the Cache

When hiding a cache, you cannot bury it. This makes finding the cache unbelievably hard, and increases the possibility of losing the cache.