I have a new addiction.
Geo-caching.
This is a game played via the internet by people all over the planet using handheld GPS (global positioning system) units. People hide 'caches' in all sorts of places, then publish the GPS co-ordinates on http://www.geocaching.com , along with a few hints and clues to help other Geo-cachers find it. A geocache usually consists of a small waterproof container with a logbook and a few swappable items inside (eg. key-rings, fridge magnets, figurines, hacky sacks, etc). The 'treasure' is usually to be found in the location, which should be something of historical interest, a great view, a secret swimming hole, a nice picnic spot, or unique in some other way. You sign the log book, and if you want to, take something from the cache, as long as you leave something of your own for others to find.
So far I have found 11 caches, failed to find one (I wasn't the only one to miss it), and today I hid one of my own. Can't tell you where though, other Geo-cachers might be reading. I've just listed it. Some Geo-cachers really like to be FTF (first to find) when a new cache is hidden, so it usually doesn't take long to be located. My cache does have a 4 hour, rather steep hike to go with it though, so it will be interesting to watch.
Here's the a couple of shots of the view from very near the cache site. Worth the climb I thought...
The cache I have hidden is a 'traditional' cache. The co-ordinates given lead directly to the cache site. There are also multi-caches. These have two, three, or more positions to be found, in order, before the final cache can be located. At each position clues can be found (often using words and dates on memorials or signs) which will lead to the next position. There are micro-caches, no bigger than a 35-mm film canister. There are virtual caches, with no container to find at all, but a great location.
There are Travel bugs, and travel bug hotels. A travel bug is another odd twist to the game. You can purchase a set of dog tags with a unique serial number on them. You attach the tag to something (mine is attached to a small plastic crayfish) and 'release' it by placing it in a cache. The serial number can be used to track the bug on www.geocaching.com while it is moved around from cache to cache by other Geo-cachers. You can even give your tracking bug a goal, or a destination and other Geo-cachers will try to help it get there. When they find it they simply enter the serial number online to find out the bugs history and its current goal. (for example there is a kiwi cricketer figurine touring England famous cricket grounds right now, and my crayfish is going to try and visit as many different islands as possible). Near airports and trainstations you'll find "travel bug hotels". These are special larger than normal caches designed to hold travel bugs, so that Geo-cachers arriving or departing can pick up or drop off 'passgeners'.
The coolest thing about geo-caching for me is that it goes so well with my other hobbies like photography, kayaking and kite flying. Its given me another reason to get of the couch and out there.
(ps. Briggsy, Milky, Barely... you should try this game to enhance your walkies. Of course you GPS unit would have to co-ordinate (get it) with your sticks specailised walking poles ; )
10:16:02 PM 
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