geocaching in Vermont (Barr Hill)

[handmade34]

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[NV Whino]

1. How about explaining what geocaching is.

I can guess, but I bet there's a lot more to it than what I can guess.

[handmade34]

2. geocaching is the hippest thing going!

Caches are planted worldwide, but very big in the U.S.

http://www.geocaching.com/

From the site: "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."

Thanks for asking... I move throughout the United States every three weeks for my job and geocaching gives me a sense of connection.

[HarveyDarkey]

3. Sounds similar to Orienteering, but more high tech

I used to do a bit of orienteering back in the day.

[glinda]

4. God. You are just so cool Handmade34!

[Celebration]

5. Here is a good article

http://media.www.dailyhelmsman.com/media/storage/paper875/news/2008/07/24/OtherStories/Geocaching.Offers.Adventure.In.TechSavvy.Treasure.Hunt-3394302-page3.shtml

A first time geocacher describes the hunt.............

[handmade34]

6. yup - he pretty much nailed it

It's not about the swag (stuff you get) it is about the search. I have climbed and waded and crawled, but for the most part there is nothing dangerous and there are warnings in the instructions when necessary.

hike in

[Celebration]

7. the idea sort of appeals to me

I would just rather hunt for birds.......because they move around and because of the eye hand coordination things. Otherwise, there are a lot of similarities, at least in the way I hunt birds, which never in any way requires a tripod or staying still and camouflaged.

Also, I can opt OUT of going through poison ivy.

[handmade34]

8. a sandhill crane I got

not a good picture, but a very nice bird. I actually got out of the car to get a picture of a big turtle that the birds were picking on, but the turtle skedaddled back into the pond before I could get the picture.

[Celebration]

9. I like the picture

I love having water in the background like that. Yup, geocaching and chasing birds around with a camera have some similarities. The attractive thing about geocaching is that it could be done equally well any time of the day.

[Sheepshank]

10. There's a low tech version

that my kids and I have done called Letterboxing. http://letterboxing.org/

You pick a town, and follow map instructions using step counts and tree and rock markers etc to find hidden boxes that contain ink pads and stamps and you stamp your own "via" book, and add your own stamp to the book in the hidden letter box. The kids thought is was so much FREE fun!