ProAuthors Article Directory

Geocaching – say, what? That happens to be the usual response I get when I mention my passion. To put it simply, geocaching is an activity the whole family can enjoy with the help of a bit of technology.

You will need a GPS or a SatNav, a bit of energy and some time, and you are set.

Okay, so what is a geocache? Simply put, it is a container with a pencil and log book, which you sign when you find the cache. More often than not, the cache will also contain some treasure of varying value – a cute eraser, a game, or, if you are really lucky, a travel bug. But more about that later.

The aim of the game is to track down the container, show you have found it by signing the log book, then logging your find on the Groundspeak website. If you like what you find in the cache, you may take it. But be polite – always trade for equal or better value. So replace whatever you take with something that may delight the next finder. Be creative and have some fun.

There is only one request with trades – please be responsible.

• Absolutely never leave food in a cache, that includes candy of any sort. Animals have a strong sense of smell and will destroy the cache container in attempting to get at the goodies inside.
• Do not leave money in a cache either. There is no sense in encouraging vandalism.
• Be aware that small children love to play the game and are the first to open caches, so avoid any dangerous or potentially lethal articles.

Ah, I hear you ask, what is a travel bug?

A travel bug is anything you make it – a fluffy toy, a special stone or even a shell. Attached to this is a dog tag which has a unique series of numbers engraved into it which identifies the bug. The travel bug is logged on the Groundspeak website with its own page, given a description of its aims in travelling around the world, and is usually accompanied by its photograph.

One of my travel bugs is called Sir Gawain who is a knight of the Lego Order. He travels the world with his sword and shield, wanting to revisit Tintagel Castle in Wales. Most recently, he was taken to Austria, where he enjoyed the wonderful views from the highest mountain in Austria called the Grossglockner. He is on his way to a cache near an airport, so he can return to England and find the castle of his dreams, and maybe the maiden, too.

Geocaches are hidden in the most surprising places. I have discovered many delightful places I never knew existed just by following a geocache trail. The folk who hide caches are also ingenious in finding sneaky hiding places. Some are disguised as logs, others hidden so well in gorse bushes you almost dare not go in there. But the area you are drawn to is usually beautiful or of some significance, so the journey is always worthwhile.