Who doesn’t like to search for treasure? Many have found geocaching as a fun addition to hiking. It especially helps motivate kids on the trail, changing “are we there yet?” to “let’s find the geocache!”

Thank you to J. Gibson of Worcester, NY, who often goes geocaching with her family and friends, for sharing her experience with us.

I started geocaching about 15 years ago. I heard about it from a friend and was excited by the idea that there were hundreds of secret hidden “treasures” just waiting to be discovered.  It is also a great way to be outside and explore places you’ve never been to before.

The geocaching app is free for most caches and is a great way to get started.  You’ll need to download the app and create a username.  If you get more serious about geocaching you can upgrade the app to find more and different types of geocaches. When you open the app it will find your location and show the geocaches around you. When you select a geocache it will show you how far away it is and help navigate you to it.  Once you find it you can log it on the app, which keeps track of all the caches you find.

When you set out to find a geocache make sure to read about it on the app first. The people who hide them give hints, safety advice, as well as how difficult the cache is to get to and find.  It is also useful to check when the cache was last found and what other geocachers say about finding it.  After you’ve chosen and researched your cache make sure to have something to write with so you can sign the log book. It’s also fun to have small objects that can get wet to leave in the cache for the next person to find.  In larger caches people often leave small toys or objects to trade.

When you’re out looking for a geocache make sure to allow at least 30 minutes to find it. Sometimes it takes no time at all but sometimes you have to search for awhile. Try not to get discouraged! It’s so satisfying to find them!

Many of the places featured in the Otsego Outdoors Fall Octet Challenge have geocaches. Find out more at geocaching.com