I coach a group of kids between (12-15)years old in a competition called YHEC (youth hunter education challenge). Consists of 8 events at the state level (written exam, wildlife ID, Hunter skills trail, orienteering, light rifle (.22 cal w/fixed 4x optics), black power iron sites, sporting clays, and 3-D archery. They then go on to a international comp.

Last weekend was the state level competition while my kids did great that’s not why I’m posting. At the orienteering venue the director of the event (a 1st Srg. there at Ft. Hood) told me about Geocaching.com this looks like a ton of fun. Since I have a gps we are going to find our first cache this weekend.

For people of similar interests here is the web site and some brief information.

[url]www.Geocaching.com[/url]

As of today, there are 17785 active caches in 121 countries.In the last 7 days, there have been 10413 new logs written by 3392 account holders.

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for gps users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a gps unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the Internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is if they get something they should try to leave something for the cache.

What are the rules in Geocaching?

Geocaching is a relatively new phenomenon. Therefore, the rules are very simple:

1. Take something from the cache
2. Leave something in the cache
3. Write about it in the logbook

Where you place a cache is up to you.

This is neat! How do I hide a cache?

What is usually in a cache?

A cache can come in many forms but the first item should always be the logbook. In its simplest form a cache can be just a logbook and nothing else. The logbook contains information from the founder of the cache and notes from the cache's visitors. The logbook can contain much valuable, rewarding, and entertaining information. A logbook might contain information about nearby attractions, coordinates to other unpublished caches, and even jokes written by visitors. If you get some information from a logbook you should give some back. At the very least you can leave the date and time you visited the cache.

Larger caches may consist of a waterproof plastic bucket placed tastefully within the local terrain. The bucket will contain the logbook and any number of more or less valuable items. These items turn the cache into a true treasure hunt. You never know what the founder or other visitors of the cache may have left there for you to enjoy. Remember, if you take something, its only fair for you to leave something in return. Items in a bucket cache could be: Maps, books, software, hardware, CD's, videos, pictures, money, jewelry, tickets, antiques, tools, games, etc. It is recommended that items in a bucket cache be individually packaged in a clear zipped plastic bag to protect them.

Chance, I am a Geocacher too.  It is a blast.  Your kids will love it.  It is a great way to spice up a hike.  I have found about 20 and placed some caches in the Portland, OR area.  One point of caution, Geocachers come is every political color.  Most do not involve politics in caching but every now and then you find some liberal point of view.  I do my part for the cause by leaving a mini copy of the founding documents in caches.  I get them from the CATO institute for .80 cents a piece. You can find me on Geocaching.com as (shocking): markl32. Welcome to the sport!

Man this does look like a bunch of fun. Esp since some of the cache locations are right out my back door....  [:)]

Cool I'm going by Chance72, but I have not posted.  What kind of gps do you have?