Geocaching

Got a GPS device (or want a reason to get one)? Have you heard of Geocaching?

Click on over to Geocaching.com and see what's hidden in your neighborhood. That's right - thousands of people with GPSs have hidden ammo cans, film canisters, and Tupperware around the world for you to find and sign their log book! You could be living right next to one and not know it. Once you create your free account you can view the exact coordinates and walk right up to it using your handy GPSr. I use a Garmin Sportrak, FYI. Most recent GPSrs have started tending to the street direction demands and aren't as good for this as the off road variety. Look throught the comments for Geocaching compatibility. You can even view the forums on Geocaching.com for some recommended brands.

Don't want to buy into my hobby but want to participate in the global scavenger hunt? Try Letterboxing.org. It was around before GPS was invented. It's a little different, though. Instead of trading an item for another item you are suppossed to trade a stamp for a stamp. Each letterbox has a stamp log and a stamp inside. You stamp your log with the stamp inside and then leave your mark on the Letterbox's log. There are some hybrid hides that are listed on both sites, which are way cool.

Let me know if you've heard of geocaching or if you create a new account. Leave a comment in the comments and I can give you some more pointers. If you're close by I can even take you on a hunt. Kids love this stuff - just tell them pirates hid a treasure nearby and you've found one of their maps . . . my boys had a fit the first time we did it! :)

Remember to read the expected behavior on the website, trade up, and leave nothing but foot prints. (There is even an annual Cache-In-Trash-Out clean up day "CITO" on Geocaching.com).

There are more cache types as well, such as web cam, CITO, multiples, etc, but I leave that as an exercise for the class.

Happy caching!