Tips for Geocaching
As we got closer , we found the deer trail mentioned in the description . Once again , I was grateful for my hiking boots as we slid down a muddy slope to a large redwood tree that looked promising .
Sure enough , in the heart of the rotting tree was a clever cache in the form of a morel mushroom . Screwing the cap off the mushroom revealed the contents , which were squeezed into a tiny jar . I logged the cache as found and added a heart to indicate it was a favourite find . We carefully placed the mushroom back in its hole and retraced our steps up the hill to the main trail .
Our next stop was a cache named “ Bugs and Slugs .” Following another trail to its approximate location was the easy part ; finding the box hidden ten feet off the trail and behind a fallen log was tricky . We had to use the hint provided by the person who placed the cache , and it directed us to look for a “ triple tree .” Sure enough , with a little persistence , we found the hidden cache under a log protected by a couple of adorable plastic insects . Once again , I logged it as found , and we carefully hid it back where it was originally placed .
We sought out the other caches on my list , finding two out of the remaining three . By the time we were finished , both of us were tired , a little muddy , and smiling from ear to ear . The main advantage of geocaching is clear : it encourages people to go outside , breathe in the fresh air , and enjoy nature . The exercise is great , and when done with a friend , it can be a great chance to bond and work as a team .
My friend is hooked — she ’ s keen to go out again next week and find some more hidden treasures .
Jane Thrall is retired and enjoying her best life . Happiest when outside hiking , golfing , or playing pickleball , you ’ ll need to put on appropriate shoes to keep up with her .
Tips for Geocaching
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When hiding a geocache it ’ s important to place it somewhere where “ muggles ” ( non-geocachers ) won ’ t find it . If it ’ s on public land , it ’ s best to obtain permission from the appropriate local authorities . Parks and playgrounds are popular all-access locations to place new caches .
I hid mine — a small waterproof box with paper , a pencil , and three swag items — in a greenspace near my home , then used my phone to upload my coordinates . I named the cache “ Hole in the Wall ,” a play on words that describes its location but leaves enough ambiguity that it should be a challenge for some to find .