Thrill of the hunt
So, I’m not sure what got me thinking about this again, but the other day I did a quick internet search for “GeoCaching“.
GeoCaching, for those of you who don’t already know, is a pretty new hobby (even considered a sport in some circles, but I’m reserving judgment on that for now). It’s a real world adventure game played by all sorts of real people all over the real world each and every day.
Basically someone hides a “cache” – usually consisting of a log book and perhaps even a reward to the finder – somewhere out in the wild world. That person then posts latitude and longitude coordinates and any hints or riddles to help the searcher find the cache.
The searcher (aka GeoCacher) then uses a hand held GPS device to get within meters of the cache. The hints and riddles then help them zero in on the target.
When the GeoCacher finds the cache they sign the log and can take whatever reward is in the cache (and in turn place some reward for the next person to find the cache).
Each individual hunt is rated for difficulty and terrain. Some for example may require a long hike through a national park, or may only be reachable via kayak. Others are placed within large cities or at some under appreciated point of interest and require only time and urban navigation skills to reach.
Some caches are single target hunts. Others may be multi-part hunts, giving the hunter what they need to find the second target within the cache of the first target.
This sounds like alot of fun to me. I’m pretty sure I’m gonna buy a GPS unit and give it a shot. I mean a) it will get me out of the apartment more 
b) as I complete more and more of them in the city I’ll be forced to move to the harder ones (anyone have a kayak I can borrow?) and c) I think it would be alot of fun to PLACE a cache and watch who finds it and what they think of the hunt. (I think I could come up with some pretty entertaining multi-part hunts).
So as I read over some reviews of basic GPS units … I thought I’d blog about it. Maybe it interests some of you. Maybe some of you are already doing it? What do you think about the idea? Have you done it?
Todays Link: GeoCaching.com
David Meade ... Indianapolis based vlogger, geek, rock star, ham radio operator, protector of innocents, defender of the weak, and role model to millions of children everywhere.
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Doug
19 Jan, 2005
Did u buy that GPS device yet?
David
19 Jan, 2005
No I haven’t yet. I’m thinking I may make a weekend of it and get one this weekend .. and set off in search of my first find.
The other thing is … it’s FREAKIN’ FREEZING in Chicago right now. I’d probably be wiser to start this hobby in the spring. I dont actually have the patience to wait that long, but if the cold keeps from doing it for a week or so no real harm done.
I’m also still trying to decide which model of GPS device I want/need. There are basically two types in the running: 1) without maps 2) with maps. The price difference is 50-60 bucks.
Taylor A
20 Jan, 2005
Wil Wheaton (of Star Trek fame) blogs about this once in awhile on his website – wilwheaton.net. Sounds like fun. I’d splurge and get the unit with maps.
By the way, I’m giving up on logging in. Perhaps it’s a FireFox issue?
David
20 Jan, 2005
So … I’d have the same hobby as Wesley? Hmmm.
Whats even more shocking however is that you know of his website … or what he blogs about.
(Not sure about the login issue … didnt know there was a problem. I’ll try to find some time to test with Firefox)
David
20 Jan, 2005
ok I visted wilwheaton.net and … it’s not a bad site! Who knew he was a computer nerd? I mean … I knew his character was … but… anyhow…
So Taylor I take back my taunt that somehow knowing what Wil blogs about was suspect in some way.
And Wil if you are reading this: nice site! Thanks for the pics of geocaching in action … it’s only doubled my inspiration to get a GPS device and try it out for myself.
Anyhow, it’s a decent site. I’m off to read his GeoCaching stuff in greater detail.
David
20 Jan, 2005
ok I’ve been reading WilWheaton.net … lol this is a great site. He’s got a site very much like those you know and love from The Triad – he built it all himself basically just for the sake of having an online presence.
Admirably he did it all himself despite having to learn how (he’s a big shot he could have had a team of people do it just for the sake of putting it on their resume … but he did it himself).
And … he’s funny. You should read his warning to first time visitors.
… he’s also a computer gammer … Hey Wil, we just started a guild in WoW, interested?
Taylor A
20 Jan, 2005
Oh sure, take a cheap shot at me and now you’re reading his entire website. That’s OK, I’m used to people thinking I’m crazy only to later find out I’m genius. Actually, his site was voted “best celebrity blog” by somebody.
I don’t agree with some of his politics, but his blogs are pretty good. It also sounds like he isn’t the richest of the rich. Apparently his wife already had children when they were married – sometimes I get confused when he’s talking about his family.
Not bad though – pretty smart guy and pretty funny too.
Doug
21 Jan, 2005
Well for starters…
1) Will does have a great site. He’s a poker player to I believe.
2) Sadly he’ll never comment here because you called him Wesley… I mean would you comment here after that?
3) You just in a political mood lately, Taylor, or what? Since when does some one have to have your politics to warrant a good review without the “BUT…”
4) Will Wheaton… wanna be friends?
David
21 Jan, 2005
Yeah I think he was on Celebrity Poker?
Haha … hes an actor, I’m sure he’s used to people calling him by his characters names. And yes I would comment here after that I think. It’s not like invoking the name Wesley is a sin or something.
I was going to comment on his site and tell him I enjoied the GeoCashing pics, but I cannot find an appropriate place to post such things.
Ah well … Today is Friday thankfully, perhaps I’ll be in a “woo hoo it’s Friday” mood after work and be able to bring myself to go to best buy and get the dang GPS device.
Taylor A
21 Jan, 2005
Doug ist’s “Wil” not “Will”. Geez – he probably doubley not going to comment now that Dave’s called him Wesley and Doug’s called him Will.
Since his politics are major part of his site, I was simply pointing out that DESPITE (that better than “but”?) the fact that I don’t agree with his politics, I still enjoy his site. In other words, I highly doubt you’re taking in a lot of RushLimbaugh.com because of his politics. I am reading wilwheaton.net even though many of his blogs are politics AND I disagree with him because his OTHER blogs are amusing or at least entertaining.
And I’ve never set any precedent for reviews of other people’s website. I suppose I could have left out the fact that I disagree with his politics, but (there’s that word again) since it’s a major part of his website, I guess I felt it necessary. Don’t want people to think I’m some sort of pinko-commie!
Hmmm… maybe I am in a politcal mood lately given the events occuring this week!
Doug
21 Jan, 2005
Are calling my good friend WIL a pinko-commie?!?!
And what makes you think I’m not reading Rush’s site??
You’re not assuming anything about are you??
(you may or may not be right but I think many would be surprised… and besides… you know what they say about assume)
Taylor A
24 Jan, 2005
I don’t read Rush – so I ASS-U-ME-D you don’t read Rush either. Am I wrong? (I seem to recall you slamming Rush on your website at one point in time…)
And no, Wil’s not a pinko-commie. Maybe just a pinko!