Why Geocache?

[+Team V3]

Geocaching means so many things to so many different people. Sometimes we forget that this simple fact alone is what makes Geocaching the beautiful and awe inspiring hobby that it is. We let our differences in opinions cause the occasional dispute in how our game should be played. Instead of doing this, lets take this time to share what it is that we like about geocaching. Personally, I have many reasons why I like it. The biggest reason is I find it a wonderful way to combine the Outdoors with Technology. There are not many other things in life that bring these two often opposing forces together so well. I also love that it is a very positive community bringing together people from all walks of life. The majority of geocachers I have met and interacted with are some of the most generous and caring people that I know. My third favorite feature is the creativity. Whether it is the cache design, puzzle, or signature items I come across, I have often been amazed by the staggering amount of creativity out there.

 

Please share what you like about geocaching!

[+niraD]

Sometimes, it's an excuse for a trip, whether that trip is a short detour on my commute, a long hike through the woods, a drive somewhere off the beaten path, or a chance to try something new (e.g., kayaking).

 

Sometimes, it's about interesting places, whether those places are historic, scenic, or artistic. (I especially enjoy caches that draw attention to public art.)

 

Sometimes, it's about the challenge, whether the challenge is solving a puzzle, finding a well-camouflaged cache, or retrieving a cleverly placed container. (I especially enjoy on-site puzzles and caches with 4-star camouflage.)

 

And sometimes it's about companionship, although I don't make it to events, unevents, and group hikes very often...

[+Roman!]

I love going out and finding the caches I feel like finding and then coming to the forum an hearing how those caches are ruining the hobby.

 

Seriously, it is amusing.

[+The_Incredibles_]

I go geocaching to get out in nature and away from my family.

[+-CJ-]

Many things that I like about geocaching. For instance, wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with interesting places when you're abroad - places that are probably off the popular tourist routes and are commonly passed by. One more reason is non-stop learning - about history, architecture, nature, etc. Geocaching is also a way to make people happy: when you read all that "thank you so much!" regarding your geocache or your event you feel that you managed to add positive notes to some people's lives and that's great. I've also made acquaintance with very nice people through the game; some of them later accompanied me in other, non-geocaching activities; for example, when we fought fire in 2010 in Moscow region our volunteer team was all consisting of geocachers.

 

The other side however is that since geocaching is by its nature open to everyone and can be played very differently, it attracts very different people. My common circle of friends and colleagues (apart from geocaching) consists of people whose opinions and attitude to various events I (generally) share. For example, I rarely deal with agressive, narrow-minded, selfish people; I simply don't have to because my life/work allows me to luckily avoid such characters. In geocaching I face them from time to time and have to communicate with them because they visit my geocaches and I have some responsibilities as a CO. This has been the dark side of the game to me.

[+BAMBOOZLE]

Geocaching means so many things to so many different people. Sometimes we forget that this simple fact alone is what makes Geocaching the beautiful and awe inspiring hobby that it is. We let our differences in opinions cause the occasional dispute in how our game should be played. Instead of doing this, lets take this time to share what it is that we like about geocaching. Personally, I have many reasons why I like it. The biggest reason is I find it a wonderful way to combine the Outdoors with Technology. There are not many other things in life that bring these two often opposing forces together so well. I also love that it is a very positive community bringing together people from all walks of life. The majority of geocachers I have met and interacted with are some of the most generous and caring people that I know. My third favorite feature is the creativity. Whether it is the cache design, puzzle, or signature items I come across, I have often been amazed by the staggering amount of creativity out there.

 

Please share what you like about geocaching!

 

Nice post, I think you pretty much nailed it. I like the exercise and driving around seeing whats around the corner which is even more fun when you leave home and drive around the country.

Great hobby, as you said, something for everybody.

[+Riverview CacheAways]

Some places have a sense and character all their own. I enjoy the history of the places I visit. It's like finding a memory.

[+FalseFruit]

Sometimes, it's an excuse for a trip, whether that trip is a short detour on my commute, a long hike through the woods, a drive somewhere off the beaten path, or a chance to try something new (e.g., kayaking).

 

Sometimes, it's about interesting places, whether those places are historic, scenic, or artistic. (I especially enjoy caches that draw attention to public art.)

 

Sometimes, it's about the challenge, whether the challenge is solving a puzzle, finding a well-camouflaged cache, or retrieving a cleverly placed container. (I especially enjoy on-site puzzles and caches with 4-star camouflage.)

 

And sometimes it's about companionship, although I don't make it to events, unevents, and group hikes very often...

+1

[+narcissa]

We geocache to enjoy nature, to spend time together, to explore, and to challenge ourselves.

[+zoothornrollo]

We geocache to enjoy nature, to spend time together, to explore, and to challenge ourselves.

 

That sums it up for me, too. We have always traveled around the U.S., camping, hiking, visiting national parks and historical sites. Geocaching gets us into national forests, unpaved roads, and back roads more often that we did before. We also visit our state parks and take weekend camping trips more often.

Edited August 7, 2014 by zoothornrollo

[+wmpastor]

I love going out and finding the caches I feel like finding and then coming to the forum an hearing how those caches are ruining the hobby.

Seriously, it is amusing.

As Cerberus would say, which is it?!

 

Caching gives us all a change of scenery, with as much or as little challenge and physical activity as we want that day. We see new places, often even when we're close to home.

[+TerraViators]

I rarely geocache alone, now. I prefer going on road trips with friends and while on vacation.

[+cerberus1]

I love going out and finding the caches I feel like finding and then coming to the forum an hearing how those caches are ruining the hobby.

Seriously, it is amusing.

As Cerberus would say, which is it?!

 

Caching gives us all a change of scenery, with as much or as little challenge and physical activity as we want that day. We see new places, often even when we're close to home.

And Cerberus would say, "Why are you quoting me when I'm not participating in this thread?"

[+Shinook & White Juan]

It's about seeing something that we never knew existed, seeing places we've never been, this is why we geocache, we don't always find what we want, but occasionally, there is an ever inspiring scenery or site that makes us say to ourselves, "this is amazing".

[+JL_HSTRE]

Geocaching takes me interesting and/or scenic places. Sometimes I even get to learn things.