Minetta has a new hobby – Geocaching.  Have you heard about it?

Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location. (From Geocaching.com)  The website claims there are about 2 million Geocaches hidden throughout the world, and there are over 6 million Geocachers.  Where have I been?

I had noticed Minetta posting on Facebook about finding caches, and I was eager to learn more, so when we went to lunch in downtown Plano, I asked her about it.  She said she would show us how it worked.

Minetta has a Geocaching app on her phone (about $10.00) that is basically a GPS+.  It gave us a map with the location of the cache.  There were also clues, and hints from former hunters of this cache.

After lunch, we were ready to hunt.  Unfortunately, we first went the wrong direction, but the app let us know that we were getting further away rather than closer to our goal.

Across the street we noticed several couples searching.  We thought maybe they were Geocachers also, but no!  They were looking for “evidence”.  We were so curious, but they didn’t share.  Notice they were wearing gloves.  It was serious.

Minetta and Carolyn regrouped and had a new plan of action.

About a half block away, we found the location.  Yea!  But… we looked high.

We looked low.

We searched all around the area.

It wasn’t the cigarette.  What we were looking for was a small container (about the size of a pencil eraser) that would have a piece of paper rolled up inside.  (Some caches are larger.)  If we had found the cache, we would have removed the paper and Minetta would have signed her name.  Then she would have rerolled the paper, put it back in the container, and then returned the cache to its original location.  The hints on the app mentioned that another group had also been unable to find this cache.  We were disappointed, but it was great fun.

Caches can be in the city or beyond.  People who enjoy hiking go on long hikes to find caches.  Geocachers must find 100 caches before they are allowed to hide a cache.  I have signed up, and I am planning on buying the app.  I think this is a great way to get out and get some exercise while having fun.  Hope Hot Rod wants to do it also.

Blessings to you and yours,

Thank you Minetta and Carolyn for a fun day.