Anybody into geocaching?

[twistidd]

Yeah, I know a lot of people think it's kind of pointless searching long and hard for a metal or plastic box full of junk, but it's actually pretty fun, especially when the ground isn't cooperating (for metal detecting purposes). I began geocaching late last year and it's something we (gf and I) both enjoy doing. Sometimes it's really easy, other times I've given up after looking for the damn cache for hours. I just got a new GPS unit that's waterproof that I'll be using for now. If anyone here is into it or is interested, let me know.

Of course, nothing beats metal detecting. But this will get you outdoors anyway.

Joe

 

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[Lowbatts]

Hey Joe, happened upon a few of those in the woods by the river(s). Sometimes I leave a long note in the notebook explaining my disappointment that it was not the ammo can or other container that I was actually looking for as the others I had already collected all contained large sums of stolen loot. Thinking about carrying along several pounds of corroded zincolns to leave one of these days.

 

[Brett]

I actually found a geo-cache when I was out metal detecting! I just was checking out this turbine wheel or whatever it was from the old mill, and found this plastic bag laying on the ground under it. I think someone tried to stash it inside the wheel and it blew out. I put my name in there are tucked it back away.

I would be interested in it, but I think it would take away from metal detecting a little bit. I think it would be a GREAT idea to mix geo-caching with metal detecting. Basically you would give the coordinates for a spot where you buried something. Obviously you would have to grid out that area to find it, and when you did it would be perfectly acceptable to bury it in a new hole within 20 feet or so. There could be beginner to advanced level caches that were buried at different depths. Not all detectors can reach the advanced levels, so that's why you would NEED the beginner levels. With a little organization and rules, this could be quite fun. The find could be changed from penny to dime to nickel to trinket to whatever. Maybe you have to post on the website what you changed it to so the next person would have some idea what they were detecting for, otherwise they'd have to dig in all metal modality.

Anywho, yeah it's been something that's peeked my interest... but I've never tried to hunt one down yet. I think I might give it a go.

 

[treasurefiend]

I am very interested in geo chashing!!! I joined a site long before I joined tnet!!! I just never bought a GPS. - LOL

 

[twistidd]

Brett,

Geocaching never replaces metal detecting for me, but it does provide the opportunity to be outdoors and to discover things on days (or nights) metal detecting isn't feasible (i.e. when the weather is too cold or the ground is frozen). I don't think I'd geocache while detecting, even though I might have a GPS unit and the knowledge that there is indeed a geocache in the area- detecting is too important! lol.

Kermit, are you on Geocaching.com? It's cool to type in your zip code and see all the different caches that are so close by. Were you with me when I found the geocache at the Boy Scout Camp? There are literally hundreds within a few mile radius. It's crazy. There are people who have become obsessed with finding some of the most challenging geocaches, and will fly to the North or South Pole, or to the tops of mountains to find the most remote caches. Some of these caches are underwater and are only accessible via SCUBA. Invariably, I am in awe at the sheer number of people who become consumed by the hobby and will do whatever it takes to get to "that" one.

Tim,

I'll tell you, if you threw some crusty zinc Lincolns in a cache, they'd probably be the most valuable items in there. I always find junk like old silk flowers or tags from shoes such as Timerland, etc...

Joe

 

[mikewaz]

Hi Joe,

I've done it with my son quite a few times, especially when we lived in Michigan. Same reasons too, something to do when there's nothing else going on. It was fun and gets you out of the house for a little fresh air.
Mike

 

[G.I.B.]

I was geocaching long before I started metal detecting. I've planted some really cool caches along the way in 6 different countries and 8 states over the years. Not all of them are active anymore, but my favorite is 'Don't Polk the Troll' (GCX6XH)

The bonus is that when I am geocaching, I find some really cool places to hunt. When I find a cache that is on someones property that I want to hunt, I contact them via the geocaching website... always get a yes!

www.geocaching.com

I've found 240 caches, which to some, is a low number. I selectively go after caches depending on where they are and what scenic/historic value they have.

My wife Letterboxes along the way. That is a craft/sport for babes... www.atlasquest.com

 

[Brett]

Very interesting stuff. Letterboxing... never would have thought of that one.

I always loved a good scavenger hunt when I was a kid.