Geocaching a perfect summer outdoor activity

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/05/2016 (3655 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Want to go treasure hunting in your own backyard? Then considering going geocaching and reveal all sorts of treasures.

Geocaching is a game that uses GPS (global positioning system) to find a treasure. The GPS can be a handheld device or a geocaching app.

“The treasure is a container which can be any size — ranging from large Tupperware containers to very tiny tubes (as small as your baby finger nail),” said Kim Burnett, area resident and active geocacher.

Once you find the container, you sign your name to a log book and then start looking for the next one.

“It can be played alone or with several people. It is an ideal family or school activity as it involves so many great aspects — physical activity, thinking.

“In fact most educational disciplines are addressed in this great game — map reading, distance, computer skills… it’s endless,” Burnett said.

The difficulty level can vary from quite simple to very hard.

“The levels are determined by how well the container is hidden. A difficulty of one (on a scale of one to five) is intended to be fairly simple; one that a beginner could easily find without any previous knowledge of the game. A difficulty of five is hard,” Burnett said.

There are many different types of geocaches. A cache in which an actual item is found is called a traditional cache. Sometimes the geocacher needs to solve a puzzle to figure out the co-ordinates of the treasure. Puzzle caches usually increase the difficulty level of the cache.

“It is an exciting game that can be played by anyone, even those young ones who are not able to read, and those who have mobility difficulties,” Burnett said.

If you are interested in learning about geocaching, check out www.mbgeocaching.ca to find out about local events.

Carolyne Braid is a community correspondent for Crescentwood. You can reach her at carolyne.braid@gmail.com