Written by Michelle Peters
Australia is (mostly) warming up now that Spring has finally arrived! The days are getting longer and if you’re like me you’re itching to get out of your period of hibernation. But if you have found yourself on the hunt for a new activity that you can do alone or with as many friends as you can bring along, not to mention one that costs absolutely nothing to do, then I have the activity for you: Geocaching.
If you’ve never heard of it before, then to put it simply, Geocaching is a global scavenger hunt combining technology, exploration and logic. All you need is access to a smartphone with the free Geocaching app installed, GPS, and a good sense of adventure.
Caches, which can range from miniscule containers up to huge cases, are hidden with navigational directions, and hints. They vary in size and difficulty and often include an assortment of small items that are to be taken and replaced with something else. Most importantly, a small paper log is found inside, where finders add their name as evidence of their found treasure.
As an avid Geocacher, I boldly recommend this activity to all. There are millions to be found worldwide, and I would bet there’s one near you. There are many within towns and cities to find, or in harder to reach areas, such as within bushland, or even underwater – the opportunities to explore really are endless.
Occasionally you may get the odd, strange look when you’re spotted crouched over, searching under benches, or beneath a “Welcome to Town” sign, however, you can simply smile and wave knowing you know something they don’t know.
Another risk worth mentioning is that any road trip you make, for the rest of your life, may be doubled in travel time. For, if you’re like me, you will be making detours every half an hour, to find yet another cache.
So, this Spring, give Geocaching a go. I guarantee you’ll find yourself hooked in no time at all.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
