Sometimes we look at sights in nature but don't really see. While hiking in the woods the other day, it became a realization that we need to open our heart and eyes to see the beauty of the simple things in nature with each season. There is so much order and purpose in His creation. God has given us awesome beauty in this world to see and enjoy... if we would but stop to see and feel it. Join us as this blog is about stopping to see the real beauty around us...to touch and feel it... "Through the Lens".

Our Friends

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Our First Geocache


Several months ago Mike and I decided to learn more about geocaching. Many of our RV friends geocache and talk about how much fun it is. We went to the geocaching site www.geocaching.com and read about this fun activity which is technically a treasure hunt in which you use a GPS to key in your coordinates to help you locate your cache. A person can place a geocache anywhere in the world and then pinpoint the location using a GPS and then share this information on line. The main idea is to locate hidden containers, that are called geocaches, which are hidden outdoors and then share your experiences online with others. If your cache has a treasure in it you can take it but you must leave something in its place. You must also sign the log book to let others know you have been there and found the cache. There are many different “levels” to this hobby but Mike and I are at the basic entry level. This is a great activity for getting outdoors and enjoying and learning about a specific area.

Like I said, several months ago we decided we wanted to begin geocaching so we investigated into a good handheld GPS and decided to purchase a Garmin eTrex Legend HCx. Perhaps we are technology challenged, which is highly possible, but we have been experimenting and playing with this little device for awhile and today we actually figured how to get it to help us locate a cache. We ran off the clues posted on the geochaching website and placed the coordinates in the GPS and set off to try to locate our first cache. Well what do you know…….we found it!! I won’t go into how easy this geocache was rated but to say beginning level would be a compliment.

We have much left to learn about this fun activity but there are dozens of geocaches hidden in the Pine Mountain area as well as Callaway Gardens so we should be able to get a lot of practice in while we are in the area. It was a fun day!

6 comments:

  1. Interesting information on the hobby of geocaching. I never really understood what it was all about. You explained it very well. Can't wait to read more about what you find.

    Happy Hunting

    ReplyDelete
  2. congrats on joining the world of geo-caching..like you we are newbies also..we have 25 finds under our belts with a bit of help from our friends...the geocaching experts..it is a fun hobby and a great way to see places in a different way!!!..happy geo-caching !!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for sharing your initiation into geocaching. It is something I'm interested in, but haven't read much about. It's definitely a hobby I hope to try once we're full-timing! I look forward to reading future posts on what treasures you have found!
    -Connie

    ReplyDelete
  4. We signed up with the web site but never got around to trying it. Maybe it is time to actually try a search.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have heard so much about this new & exciting hobby but have not tried it at all... We recently found out there was one on a train in Fort Smith, Arkansas but after a half hour of searching with all our kids & grandkids we gave up... Maybe we'll give it a second chance... Have a great day and I hope you find all you treasures...

    Travel Safe
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  6. We have only searched for one so far, made the mistake of taking the dogs. The position was well up a hillside in a state park. Finally found it! Great activity and a wonderful way to see places you normally wouldn't. Great explanation!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking your time to read our blog and to share with us your thoughts and comments. We really do appreciate hearing from you.