Welcome Traveler!

Geocaching has been around for a while now however as technological advances occur, the way in which we geocache evolves as well. We’ve gone from basic log books and sharing cache locations in web forums to being able to utilize GPS to find the caches others hide for us.

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is the outdoor social movement of placing objects in miscellaneous areas around the world for others to find. Sometimes this occurs in more urban areas, other times some of the most rural places you can imagine. I actually found a geocache in rural Idaho up the Selway River! was crazy to see all the others who have found it there and where they’ve come from.

If you’re looking for more detail on what Geocaching is, I’d recommend checking out the book the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Geocaching. It provide a simple overview and lets you know what you need to get started. Or if you’re not into reading here is a short Geocache Documentary DVD on the sport.

GoGeocaching has a great video to introduce you to the topic as well.

Where did Geocaching Start?

The first documented placement of a GPS-located cache was placed by Dave Ulmer of Beavercreek, Oregon in 2000. The location was posted online and by May 6, 2000, it had been found twice and logged once. According to Dave Ulmer’s message, this cache was a black plastic bucket partially buried containing software, videos, books, food, money, and a slingshot. There is now a plaque called the Original Stash Tribute Plaque at the site. According to GeoCache’s website there are now over 1.4 million caches hidden around the world! A far progression since 2000.

What am I Looking For?

Geocaching has evolved over the years to include a wide range of caches and missions. It started with simple placement of items in waterproof containters such as ammo cans, with various trinkets in them that you would exchange for your own. To accompany these items left in the containers you would sign a logbook sharing your experience finding the cache.

Since these traditional caches, many other types have been introduced including virtual, puzzle, earth, and many others. I’ll describe the various types in a later post. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if eventually drones are brought into the sport of geocaching more and more frequently for harder to reach locations as this site points out (Best Personal Drones). Does this seem like a sport you’d be into? If so read along to learn more about Geocaching, the supplies used, and where to get them!