What is the appeal of geocaching

[GPS-John]

I still very interested in hearing from forum members about what they like about Geocaching and what got them started in the sport. Is it about finding stuff, using technology, being outdoors, or something else?

 

There have been over 45 responses so far and I thank all those who took the time to tell me about what they like about geocaching

 

The No1 reason people like the sport is that it gets them into the outdoors , closely followed by finding new places.

 

What is your reason for going geocaching and why does it appeal to you? I would be very interested in hearing from you via the forum.

 

 

GPS-John

Edited June 5, 2010 by GPS-John

[+Snoogans]

I still very interested in hearing from forum members about what they like about Geocaching and what got them started in the sport. Is it about finding stuff, using technology, being outdoors, or something else?

 

There have been over 45 responses so far and I thank all those who took the time to tell me about what they like about geocaching

 

The No1 reason people like the sport is that it gets them into the outdoors , closely followed by finding new places.

 

What is you reason for going geocaching and why does it appeal to you. I would be very interested in hearing from you via the forum.

 

 

GPS-John

 

Gosh. I meant to give a serious reply to this thread, but forgot.

 

When I discovered geocaching quite by accident, there was a fundamental appeal for me. I was hunting my first cache less than 12 hours later. After attending 150 geocaching events, I can say with authority that's a common thread of conversation. A mutual fundamental appeal for a new and interesting game of hide & seek. Hide & Seek is the very nature of nature if you give it some thought.

 

We as a species, started out as hunter-gatherers stalking game and seeking the food hidden by nature that we needed to live. Hide and seek was probably the very first game. It would have honed the skills of stone age children to take the place of their parents in providing food.

 

That instinct to hide and find is greater in some of us and thus the appeal. (This is a Discovery Channel edge-a-ma-cated guess on my part.)

 

In my wife's case, her instinct to find air conditioning when it's hot outside totally defeats her desire to find caches. Well that and the fact that she views the entire activity as dumber than a bag of hammers.

[+Chokecherry]

It's not just the appeal of the outdoors that gets me caching. I wanted to see places other people thought were cool and learn some local history. I wanted to go on a hike with some purpose, not just to make another trip around the normal hiking trail loops. I wanted to find something I could get my mom out of the house to do too. And something I could do with friends or alone.

 

It seemed to fit right when I stumbled on it.

[FaithCacher]

I was looking for something for the kids and I do this summer that would get us all out of the house for some exercise (and get them away from their video games for awhile). A friend told me about geocaching, and we're hooked!

[+groale]

It's free, it's fun, it's rewarding, it's family time, it's sort of small club of people, it's peaceful, it's challenging, it's teamwork....oh yeah - and it's free and fun!

 

---it's nice to see that other people care more about the environment, spending time with their families, hiking around, etc...than hanging out at the mall wasting money and energy on useless disposable items. I think it's really rewarding to know there are others out there like us...

Edited June 6, 2010 by groale

[+ihatethistles]

For me I had a bout of congestive heart failure, I almost died. I was so weak I could not walk across a parking lot. I used Geocaching as a way to rebuild my strength and take my mind off my problems. I got really depressed at the time. I allways feel better in the woods. I started slow and now my heart is almost back to normal, I just get out of breath on tough climbs. It really think it saved my life.

 

I have Multiple Sclerosis. I walk with a cane, can't walk far, or walk on an incline. I can only do up to Terrain #1.5. I just started and I am walking better and longer, and my depression has improved. There was nothing in my life that was exciting. I love the outdoors and learning about the history or science of a place. There's nothing like an obsession to get your mind off problems. I worried all the time and it was killing me. I think geocaching is going to save my life, too.

Edited July 10, 2010 by ihatethistles

[+TheAlabamaRambler]

If you are a geocacher, no explanation is necessary. If you are not a geocacher, no explanation will make sense.

Now that's a great bumper sticker!

[+brodiebunch]

I like the outdoors, getting exercise. travel, numbers, the internet and using my analytical skills (that I have left), geocaching lets me do a combination of two or more of those.

 

You are hooked on geocaching?

 

With 5 finds in 5 months..........

[GPS-John]

I still very interested in hearing from forum members about what they like about Geocaching and what got them started in the sport. Is it about finding stuff, using technology, being outdoors, or something else?

 

There have been over 58 responses so far and I thank all those who took the time to tell me about what they like about geocaching

 

The No1 reason people like the sport is that it gets them into the outdoors , closely followed by finding new places.

 

What is you reason for going geocaching and why does it appeal to you. I would be very interested in hearing from you via the forum.

 

 

GPS-John

[+Mark+Karen]

“One should always have a definite objective, in a walk as in life. It is so much more satisfying to reach a target by personal effort than to wander aimlessly” - Alfred Wainwright

[+A & J Tooling]

Forum interaction.

 

 

No really, getting out with my kids and doing something together.

[GPS-John]

“One should always have a definite objective, in a walk as in life. It is so much more satisfying to reach a target by personal effort than to wander aimlessly” - Alfred Wainwright

 

What a great quote and so true. I wonder what AW would have made of GPS and Geocaching.

Edited May 3, 2011 by GPS-John

[Andronicus]

I love the blend of tech and outdoors. I have always loved the outdoors. I was raised camping and hunting. As for tech, well I am a bit of a tech geek.

[GPS-John]

I am still very interested in hearing from forum members about what they like about Geocaching and what got them started in the sport. Is it about finding stuff, using technology, being outdoors, or something else?

 

There have been over 63 responses so far and I thank all those who took the time to tell me about what they like about geocaching

 

The No1 reason people like the sport is that it gets them into the outdoors , closely followed by finding new places.

 

What is your reason for going geocaching and why does it appeal to you? I would be very interested in hearing from you via the forum.

 

 

GPS-John

This post has been edited by GPS-John: 05 June 2010 - 04:54 AM

Edited February 1, 2013 by GPS-John

[+JKMonkey]

Just being out in nature and the thrill of the hunt were reason's enough for me to get started, but once you start paying attention to your find count and other stats you kinda get addicted.

[+BAMBOOZLE]

The cool places it takes me and the great people I meet.

 

+1.......short but says it all.

[GPS-Hermit]

Take me somewhere interesting that I have never been too. That is what it is all about. Can't wait to see why you brought me here. I love new trails,cliffs,Rock Formation, Lakes, streams, Veiws, Hikes,boating. Anything of REAL INTEREST. The appeal is dwindle-ing with meaningless caches, guardrail, quik grabs,LPC, road side strings, Most micros and a ton of time weeding them OUT.

 

I like to find a container with trade items and a cache with a story and a place I would love to come back to with my friends. I have used caching to get to know an area. Lots of fun has been had coming and going to the caches. I love the exercise and a clever hide. I truely love a beautiful place. I still am impressed with the GPS and what it can do! I still amazes me - hope it always will.

[+Off Grid]

I would be very interested in hearing from forum members about what they like about Geocaching and what got them started in the sport. Is it about finding stuff, using technology, being outdoors, or something else?

 

I got started in Geocaching because I stumbled across a geocahe by accident whilst out walking. I already had the GPS for hill-walking navigation and I am now hooked on Geocahing as a sport. The appeal for me is the combination of using technology , being outdoors and walking and , of course finding stuff.

 

GPS-John

 

G'day almost the same as me, I am ex military and police (I use to go find IEDs trained observer) and one day out hiking with my daughter I noticed something out of place with a rock covering a hole. So I went and took a look and found a cache.

 

Had done caching in the early days (2002)with a few mates but never was that interested more into fire arms and explosives back then ;-) but now it gives me and my daughter some reasons to go hiking and outdoors.

[+Off Grid]

I cache for all the food, spare ammunition, and cigaretts I find in 'em. Duh.

 

No kidding, I found (so far) 4 joints 2 shot gun shells 3 5.56 rounds 4 cigs and of course 2 condoms (not used!)

[JayTheZenLunatic]

Knowing about something hidden in plain sight that others don't makes me feel like a secret agent. Going on the quest to track it down makes me feel like a pirate. Who doesn't want to be a secret agent pirate?

[+ShaunEM]

I was bored at lunch. I downloaded the app.

 

Since then I have found many green spaces I didn't know about.

 

I now also have a much better understanding how Light Poles are constructed.

 

Shaun

Edited February 2, 2013 by ShaunEM

[+humboldt flier]

Sharing cool spots.

Companionship of caching with others.

Solitude of caching alone.

Figuring out clever hides/puzzles.

Making up clever hides/puzzles.

The secrecy.

 

All of "Too Tall John's"

 

Plus this from the perspective one who discovered geocaching after a heart attack and assumed that life as I once knew it was over.

 

There was and continues to be a future. The old guy can once again hike over hill and dale, scale mountain tracks and take in the amazing places highlighted by cache owners and their hides.

 

The knowledge that "The Old Guy" can still negotiate true 5 star terrain. Gives me affirmation that I am once again "living" and that warms my inner soul in a manner that ...

 

The friendship shown by the geo-caching community has been a wonderful gift.

[+sparklefingers]

Getting away from stress and worries for a couple of hours. That's what does it for me.

[+BlueDeuce]

Finding a hidden container that someone posted the coordinates online. Call me crazy.

[+Michaelcycle]

Finding a hidden container that someone posted the coordinates online. Call me crazy.

 

And, of course, most of our non-caching friends do!

[+BlueDeuce]

Finding a hidden container that someone posted the coordinates online. Call me crazy.

 

And, of course, most of our non-caching friends do!

 

I will not sit here and be confronted with the truth.

 

 

 

bd

Edited February 3, 2013 by BlueDeuce

[+Ma & Pa]

Here is something I posted some time ago

 

Caching is not simply about going out and finding caches. Caching can take over your life. Here are some of the positive aspects of caching which keep us busy, active and mentally fit.:

 

*Making new friends

*Events

*Travel

*Spending the day caching with friends

*Meeting cachers in far away places (UK, USA, Other provinces)

*Caching adventures

*Hiking & Biking

*Discovering back roads and new places

*Entertaining the grandsons

*Solving puzzles

*Learning and using new software and hardware.

*Reading interesting logs

*Corresponding with cachers about puzzles, etc

*Moving TB’s and coins

*Reading forums and other caching sites

*Writing in forums

*Learning and sharing techniques for hides, camo etc.

*Enjoying & Marvelling at some of the wonderful intrigung caches.

*ETC ETC.

 

Here is a summary of some of our recent adventures. And the more I think about our caching , the more I think that it t is always an adventure.

 

 

***********

Today would be day 358 of our streak but a storm is on the way. The Weather network said the storm would not start until at least 1:00 am and will bring about a foot of snow, so we decided to go for this one just after midnight. However PA decided that we could kill time at the casino until midnight. So we got to the casino at 11pm and PA went to his favorite machine. Luck was on his side and the machine slowly but surely started to increase PA’s investment. By 12:30 he was ahead $55 and was very reluctant to leave. But there was a cache waiting and a storm on the way.

 

We got this cache at 12:50 and were very pleased to do so because otherwise we would have had to go walking in Mapleton Park in the dark with a big flashlight.

 

****************

This was our cache of the day. The cache is certainly winter friendly but it is certainly tough to get to the tree after a storm. A 300 meter walk through an open field with the cold wind howling around us, and deep snow. PA volunteered to climb the tree which wasnt too bad even with the high winter boots.

 

When the cache was reached, PA dropped a mitt. brrr. Then when he finished signing he dropped the lid to the cache. He had to descend partway down the tree to get the lid from MA, and then had to climb back up to the cache.

 

*************

Here is PA in the tree

 

 

******************

[+wmpastor]

Geocaching is a great reason to accidentally stumble upon attractive female nude sunbathers.

 

 

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

Uh, do you have the coords for that location?

[+wmpastor]

I was bored at lunch. I downloaded the app.

 

Since then I have found many green spaces I didn't know about.

 

I now also have a much better understanding how Light Poles are constructed.

 

Shaun

Oh, yes, & don't forget to mention all we've learned about guardrails!

[+Team OPJim]

It takes me places I would never have gone otherwise.

[Zerpersande]

I would be very interested in hearing from forum members about what they like about Geocaching and what got them started in the sport. Is it about finding stuff, using technology, being outdoors, or something else?

 

I got started in Geocaching because I stumbled across a geocahe by accident whilst out walking. I already had the GPS for hill-walking navigation and I am now hooked on Geocahing as a sport. The appeal for me is the combination of using technology , being outdoors and walking and , of course finding stuff.

 

GPS-John

 

I like the outdoors but hiking has never been my thing. Hiking to a camp site, yes. Hiking to where I was going to rock climb, yes. Hiking to take my dog for a walk, uh, ok. Walking around the city to see the pretty bridges and historical sites.... Say WHAT??

 

But walking and hiking are good exercise and at my age I need more of that. GeoCaching puts a little puzzle of a goal into the activity and breaks up a long hike into interesting little segments. I place caches like Groundspeak intends sometimes. But I also place them to break up long hikes to existing interesting caches, much like chumming. Some GeoCachers don't like that. So? Don't stop and look for them. Sorry I put that little cache under the bench placed out there for weary hikers to rest upon. If it doesn't add to your trip to find out that little multi means you should watch for any easy to spot landmark up ahead and grab an easy cache, then don't bother.

[Zerpersande]

Take me somewhere interesting that I have never been too. That is what it is all about. Can't wait to see why you brought me here. I love new trails,cliffs,Rock Formation, Lakes, streams, Veiws, Hikes,boating. Anything of REAL INTEREST. The appeal is dwindle-ing with meaningless caches, guardrail, quik grabs,LPC, road side strings, Most micros and a ton of time weeding them OUT.

 

I like to find a container with trade items and a cache with a story and a place I would love to come back to with my friends. I have used caching to get to know an area. Lots of fun has been had coming and going to the caches. I love the exercise and a clever hide. I truely love a beautiful place. I still am impressed with the GPS and what it can do! I still amazes me - hope it always will.

 

I can appreciate your type of person and the desire to see new things. It's not me, but I can see it. But for an experienced geocacher it wouldn't seem that hard to weed out the caches you don't like. Myself, I'll leave some caches that may fall into your 'meaningless' category as I am making a long, uneventful trek to a 'meaningful' cache. And I will also be more inclined to visit that meaningful cache(which can often be known to be meaningful by the pics) if there are a few caches to break up the hike.

[+shuccrum]

I love discovering hidden things but there are many other reasons. I have seen a lot of interesting places that I wouldn't have seen. I love being sneaky. My daughter loves to geocache and we can do it together.

[+TheWeatherWarrior]

It strictly started out for me (in 2002) as way to discover (or rediscover) places. It also has something to do with putting a goal oriented task for simply walking out in the woods.

 

Game has completely changed. I mean there is 5x the amount of caches within walking distance (1 miles lets say) of my home then there was in the entire state of Maryland when I started.

[+JKMonkey]

it makes you feel like your on a treasure hunt every time you go out for a cache!