Fun Exercise Ideas: Geocaching
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game in which participants use a GPS to hide & seek Geocaches anywhere in the world.
What is a Geocache?
A geocache is a waterproof container which contains the following:
- A Logbook
- A “Treasure” - Which could be anything from a toy or money to a map, book, CD’s or games etc.
Getting Started in Geocaching:
Step 1: Get a GPS
A GPS is an electronic device that can determine your location within 50 feet on the planet. The price of a GPS ranges from just under $100 to a $1,000 and more. However, for geocaching the under $100 system will work perfectly. Start with one of the following recommended GPS systems:
Step 2: Signup for Free at a Geocaching Website
Websites like Geocaching.com list the location (coordinates) and other information for Geocaches already present in your area.
Step 3: Get Coordinates & Check the Difficulty Level
These coordinates will be the longitude and latitude points of the geocache.
Step 4: Find the Geocache
Compare your location to the location of the geocache and start figuring out ways to get to the treasure!
Exercise Potential:
Geocaches are hidden in numerous spots: Under rocks, in trees or inside a rotten log. Getting there may require a combination of walking/biking, hiking & even swimming! So the exercise potential is excellent. The calories burned depend on the difficulty level of the challenge. Your first few adventures will probably require walking only. So put down the number for calories burned in walking for these challenges.
Geocaching Tips:
1. Always Replace The Treasure:
Once you get to the cache and get one of the treasures, always remember to leave something behind for the next visitor. Geocaching depends on this voluntary system.
2. Start with an Easy One!
If you think finding these objects would be easy - think again! Geocaching.com lists difficulty levels for each cache, so be sure to start with an easy one.
3. Take care of Local Laws & Environment:
Any geocaching website you signup for will have guidelines on what each cache can contain and where it can be hidden. Not following these guidelines could result in environmental damage. So it’s important to take care of these guidelines.
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You’re right that Geocaching has health benefits! It certainly gets you outdoors. We have been to places and seen things that we never would have if not for Geocaching. You’d be surprise at how far you hike when you have a purpose. It’s fun! Get involved!