Costco Connection

Geocaching
A tantalizing trifecta of treasure ,
technology and travel

NEVER HEARD OF geocaching? You’re not alone. ^CachingThink of it as a high-tech treasure hunt that blends The Costco Connection the scavenger hunts of your youth with some of today’s leading technology—the Global Positioning ⁱⁿ ^on Costco.com carries hand-held GPS units. GPS systems for cars are available in most warehouses safety System (GPS) and a computer. and at costco.com.

B y M ary Hay Davis

In the world of geocaching, cachers leave hidden HERE ARE A few tips to “treasure” at selected sites, then list the cache’s coordi- placing a cache on private property. It’s also impera- keep you safe in your quest nates on www.geocaching.com, the official geocaching tive to use common sense when hiding caches. Do for hidden treasure. The

Web site, for others to track. The cache is often just not place them on infrastructures such as bridges or vast majority of caching trinkets from the local 99-cents store, but some cach- outside police stations. While geocachers will know experiences are spirited ers leave items of greater value, such as money, inex- it’s only a cache, muggles will not, and may call the adventures that end well, pensive jewelry, specimens of gems and minerals or police to investigate a suspicious device. By using but, just like a Boy Scout, collectible geo-coins. good judgment, you’ll help to keep geocaching a it’s a good idea to always

To get started on your quest, log on to www.geo safe and fun pastime for all to enjoy. be prepared.
caching.com. Click “Getting Started” to learn the Geocaching is truly an international activity, and x Remember the 3 H’s:
basics, then select “My Account” to register. Then caches are located around the globe. One fun way to hydration, heat and help.
you’ll be able to access the locations and details of connect with others is to locate “travel bugs.” These Always take plenty of water,
each cache. Enter your postal code, choose a few items are tagged and labeled, then placed in various avoid caching during peak
caches close to your home, grab your GPS and you’re caches around the world. The idea is for cachers to hours of heat exposure and
on your way! continuously move them to new locations. always let someone know
Geocaching is an ideal activity for all ages and One popular method of relocating travel bugs is where you are going and
abilities because every cache is rated by experienced to grab one before an upcoming vacation and then what time you intend
geocachers for its degree of difficulty and ease of leave it at the new locale. When you return home, to return.
access. This makes it easy to find a cache that is suited record the travel bug’s new coordinates and have fun x Take your cell phone,
to one’s ability and fitness level. Additionally, this rat- tracking it as it continues its journey around the but don’t count on always
ing system allows people of all ages to participate in world. This is a great means of personalizing geogra- being able to get reception.
geocaching—from families with young children to phy for kids, and making it relevant to their lives. A mirror and a whistle are
adventurous great-grandparents. You can get to know your fellow cachers by attend- good items to have if you
Some caches are as simple as driving up to a park- ing one of the many geocaching get-togethers held need to signal for help.
ing lot and finding a hidden cache on a transformer every month or so. But don’t expect an invitation … or x Always endeavor
box. Others are located in terrain that would challenge even an address! Geocaching parties are found solely to cache using the buddy
even the fittest triathlete. Whatever your ability level, by following updates on the Web site, where the coor- system.
there is a cache out there that is perfect for you. dinates are posted as a guide for finding the venue. x Stay on the main trail.

x

But wait! Whatever you do, beware of muggles! Once you find the location you can log that as another If you must go off trail, use “Muggles” is the term geocachers use to describe cache on your history, while enjoying the camaraderie a walking stick to poke the non-geocaching folks, who might spot you on your of others who also enjoy this wholesome pastime. brush ahead of you. Encount- quest and tamper with or steal the treasure. When So break from the ranks of your fellow muggles! ers with wildlife—from bun- caching, it is imperative to keep watch and avoid Trade in your remote for a GPS, and say farewell to nies to rattlesnakes—are being spotted by muggles. While this is easy to do at the world of the couch potato. Those arguments common. Let them know remote caches, you must be vigilant when seeking about what show to watch are sure to be replaced by you are coming. easier caches located in more populated locales. debates on which cache to seek out next. C x Avoid reaching into

It’s also important to practice good geocaching nooks, crannies and crevices etiquette. While many caches are placed on private without poking them with a properties that allow public access, you should stick first.—MHD