Treasure quest

High-tech hunting game participants have a different perspective on our neighborhood

Few outside of the geocaching world consider cassette tapes, Legos and ratty notebooks treasures. Geocachers seek more than trinkets, though. For them, the real — and less tangible — treasures include adventure, diversity and community.

Geocaching is a game with one basic goal: go to a specific location using GPS coordinates and either a smartphone or a GPS device. In its simplest form, geocachers drive around until their device shows they are near their target, then leave the car to find the cache — a hidden object, often camouflaged, containing a logbook and maybe some dollar-store trading items. If geocachers choose a more challenging target, they may be asked to figure out the coordinates by solving riddles, cryptograms or sudoku, which can take hours to months. Extreme geocachers have even repelled down caves, donned scuba gear and climbed overhanging rock walls to hide or reach caches.

Lakewood is home to an active geocaching community. Kevin Darbe, North Texas representative for the Texas Geocaching Association, says there are easily 500-1,000 dedicated geocachers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Within five miles of the Dallas Arboretum, you can find about 400 caches.

“You do what? Why?”

When Darbe hears these questions, he tells non-geocachers they must experience

“Best decision I ever made! Wish I was able to do it sooner.”

— Tom, 29 geocaching to understand it. His reasons for his more than seven-year geocaching career: it’s a great way to exercise, you can find caches for any age or ability (he knows two geocachers who are each missing a leg) and

Whether you’re considering clear aligners, retainers or today’s braces, Lakewood Orthodontics is the smart choice. Dr. Patricia Simon is a specialist in straightening teeth and aligning your bite. She has three years of education beyond dental school, including a surgical fellowship. So she’s an expert at helping you get a great smile – that feels great, too.