Do you know what geocaching is?
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment. – geocaching.com
I first heard about geocaching from a fellow twin mommy friend. She used to go do it with her kids and listening to how much fun they had I wanted to do it, too. One problem: I didn’t own a hand held GPS device.
Well….this past weekend I got a new iPhone G3. Woohoo! You know how they always say “there’s an ap for that?” Well, there are several aps for GPS and geocaching. This is very exciting to me! I know…I am easily entertained. LOL
Now, I know I told Bob that I wasn’t going to pay for any aps. I thought it was a waste of money when there are so many free ones out there. But, I am going to pay the $9.99 for this one. Hey, it’s still much cheaper than buying a hand held GPS dontcha think?
I really want to try geocaching with my boys. I think they will totally dig it. It’s hiking and exploring and treasure hunting all in one! What a perfect combination for boys. Am I right or am I right? I’ve already found several geocaches listed nearby in my town, so we don’t even have to go very far to try it out. I wonder if I can get Bob to go this weekend?
Have you tried it? Did you like it? Any tips I need to know about? I’ll be sure to tell you all how it goes. I shouldn’t get lost right…I mean, I do have a GPS right on my phone…
Welcome to OhRheally?, My name is Rhea and I share stories of life raising 3 sons, my experiences as a (recently retired) 
You know I am very interested in geocaching but was thinking that we didn’t have a handheld gps either. When you mentioned about getting the new iphone I thought wait a minute my husband has an iphone with gps on it. Now I am off to see if there is anything in our area. Thanks
There were several GPS related aps and some specifically for geocaching. The one I did download already was only 2.99 (the most I’ve spent yet!) but the one sponsored by geocaching.com was 9.99. Not too bad if you plan on using it. I might try it first (with the cheap ap) before I splurge on the more expensive one.
I’m amazed at what the iPhone does! It’s crazy!
I saw a group doing this in their off-road vehicles and motorcycles out in Ocotillo Wells while we were out jeeping last spring. We spoke to the group and they said they were part of a club that does a trip to different places like that once a month. I forgot the name of the club, but they said they were based out of San Diego. Sounded really cool!
Hi George.
It does sound really cool! I’ve seen geocaches listed all over everywhere, I’m not surprised they would be out in the desert, too. What a fun ride to go on…a treasure hunt.
do it do it! just had to come on here and say it again.
for fun with the kids you want to keep to the larger caches. for fun for yourself and a little extra challenge try the micro caches. i’m not into the clue caches or virtual ones. have fun!
Thanks Lou!
btw – Lou is my twin momma friend that started me on this kick.
We always search for caches when we go camping and we’ve found all the ones in walking distance to our house. My daughter loves “treasure hunting”. Word of warning, you can still get turned around/”lost”….play around with the GPS in a familiar area before you take off in the woods
And never trust the GPS too much–batteries go dead, signals get lost, always pay attention to your surroundings!
Thanks Kimberly! Good tips!
I am so excited and really appreciate everyone’s hints.
I have been posting this for the past two years trying to spread the news of this fantastic new hobby that I and my family have been doing for the past two years. Also remember to watch out for poison ivy lol some people put out a cach when the poison ivy isn’t up and have no idea they planted it right in the middle of a patch. My old man got it last year. He is highly acceptable to it I on the other hand walked straight through it without any itching later to speak of lol but I just wanted to tell you that this is a fantastic family hobby. I actually went out and bought a new hand held GPS but I wish now I had spent the extra and bought one that took a memory card because I have down loaded hundreds but have to erase a lot of them to load more because your going to want to add more and more and more. There are so many that you will be amazed and remember to take a camera and if you like to fish bring a pole because you will find some hidden great fishing spots. There are rules to follow remember. If you take something you must replace it with something else (so you may want to bring some trinkets I like putting lottery tickets in them but that can also get expensive if you find lots in one day) If you take nothing then sign the book with your name and date. My family is called “We Are The Goonies” lol So what will you all be called? If you find a large geo coin (about the size of a half dollar) you must go online and register that you took it and you can not keep it you must put it in another geocach box later and log online where you put it. These are expensive and people track online where their coin is. There are also small coins called pay tags (size of a dime) and these you may keep by trading for them. I collect them and since they have a whole in them I wear them on a necklace. All the geo coins and pay tags have a story to tell and are very interesting so research from the owner about it. The kids love it~!!!! Sorry so long I kind of get excited and carried away when talking about geocaching. Have fun
and don’t forget the camera!!!
Wow Rhonda! Thanks for all that info! I really appreciate you taking the time. I registered at geocaching.com but I haven’t set up a family name or anything. I guess I need to think of something creative.
Thats also interesting about the coins, see, I had no idea! I’m going to start collecting some stuff and see about trying one next weekend. I really think the boys will like it. I know I’m super excited about it!
We’ve been geocaching over 3 years now. Here are some tips from the field:
1) Know how to identify poison ivy, poison sumac, stinging nettle, etc. You will encounter those geocaching.
2) Never put your hand in a log without looking inside first with a flashlight.
3) When your GPS unit says you’re within 100 feet, stop and let it count down. You’re probably closer than you think.
4) Never take geocoins or travel bugs from a cache unless you intend to log them and move them. It’s really disappointing for owners to discover that they are missing. We like to track their movements.
Caches are everywhere. They’ll even take you to places you’ve never been before. Cache on!
I really need the iPhone to be a Verizon product! I love Verizon and will not switch from them, but I am so jealous of all these cool apps!!