Exactly! Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor scavenger hunt that is conducted through the use of a GPS. The goal is to locate geocaches, which are hidden everywhere and contain all types of random stuff, through the use of certain coordinates (longitude and latitude for the win!). People from around the world can play anytime, anywhere.

Fun! How do I play?

Playing is pretty simple, and the official rules can be found on www.geocaching.com. To get started, you visit the aforementioned website and type in your zip code to view the hidden caches near you. Each cache has its own set of coordinates that you then put into your GPS (you can use a handheld device, a smartphone app, or a car GPS). The cache page not only gives you coordinates, but also a description of the container, its size, any specialty items inside, and sometimes even hints. Believe it or not, there are over 2 million active geocaches and over 5 million geocachers worldwide!

What’s inside a cache?

There are many different types of caches that can be found, ranging from large ammo cases to nano-sized rock decoys. Inside every cache, aside from whatever else you find, and no matter how big or small, is a log book. Everyone that finds the cache gets to log their name inside; once that’s done, you can also mark it on the cache page online to let everyone know what you found (or didn’t find).

You are typically able to find items inside larger caches. Many themed caches exist, where fellow geocachers can take and leave things like CDs, or music, or foreign currency. Don’t start geocaching just to turn a profit, though; if you take something, you must leave something of equal or greater value. You might also find trackables inside a geocache, which are basically dog tags that travel the world living in different caches (sort of like a Where’s George dollar).

Some of the most unique caches I’ve found in the past include a fake spider on a tree in a park, a magnetic fake bolt underneath a guardrail, and an ammo container in the woods that contained foreign currency. I currently am trying to figure out where to place a cache that looks like a piece of chewed gum, but is really a tiny magnet! I doubt anyone will ever discover it, but I still want to find the perfect location so it doesn’t get lost or stolen.

Some High 5-ers take the plunge…

I took some High 5-ers on a rendezvous to find one of the caches hidden in Madison Square Park in New York City. The weather did not cooperate during our first attempt – it poured the whole afternoon. Being determined geocachers, we went out looking anyway but came up short. The second time we went it was beautiful out, and using the hints given to us, we were able to find the cache! That tricky bugger was magnetized inside a street post – you would have never known it was there unless you were looking for it. We all had a great time flexing our detective skills and looking like weirdos in the park!

Go out and play!