Fourteen Years of Geocaching Adventures: Celebrating a Milestone of Treasure Hunting Fun!

Last month, I celebrated the fourteen-year anniversary of the first time I started geocaching. I can still remember my excitement as I trusted that GPS receiver to guide my two sons and me to the hidden container. When we arrived, we had no idea what to expect or even what we might be looking for. I'd read a lot in the week leading up to that date in preparation for finding that cache. I've had a similar experience with my twin daughters several times since then.

Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity in which participants use a GPS receiver or mobile device to hide and seek containers, called "geocaches" or "caches," anywhere in the world. These caches can be found in rural or urban locations and come in various sizes, shapes, and difficulties.

Finding your first geocache can be a thrilling experience, especially if you're new to the activity. It can be exciting to solve clues, decipher coordinates, and navigate your way to the location of the cache. Once you arrive at the cache, you get to experience the satisfaction of finding something that was hidden, sometimes in plain sight, and that others have been searching for as well.

Each cache contains a logbook or log sheet where you can record your name and date of the find. Some caches may also contain small trinkets or toys that you can take and replace with something of equal or greater value. This is known as "swag" and can add an extra element of excitement to the hunt.

Geocaching can also be a great way to explore new areas and discover hidden gems in your community that you may have never known existed. It's a fun and interactive way to get outdoors, exercise, and challenge yourself mentally and physically.

Finding your first geocache can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It can provide a sense of accomplishment and adventure, and may even lead to a newfound love for the outdoors and exploration. Our joy that day allowed us to explore new areas and parks and bond with one another. We had a great time together and met several new friends along the way.

So why not give geocaching a try and see where it takes you?