Geocaching? What’s that?

Story by Jay Wagner, Ponca City Contributing Writer

The game was born organically way back in the year 2000 shortly after satellite technology was upgraded to allow for more open and accurate use. GPS enthusiasts were thrilled to learn of the newly released capabilities and tested the results by hiding items for others to find and report. One such enthusiast hid a stash of various items in a bucket along with a pen and notepad (for signatures) and shared it in an online forum. Several others took note of this challenge and thus the game began to take shape. The only rule at the time was to Find some stuff, Leave some stuff. Within weeks the game spread across the globe as many others copied the idea in their own communities. The caches can vary in size from small film canisters to ridiculously large items akin to a Route 66 roadside attraction. They can be found in parks, trails, trees and popular attractions. The containers can be easily identifiable or disguised for added difficulty. Your smaller finds may only be large enough to hold a strip of paper to add your name to the list of previous finders. Many seek out newer caches and race to become the ‘First’ claimant. Larger caches may contain special collectible items or small tokens for trade.

It is customary for those seeking caches to bring their own pen and some small trinkets, or Swag (as they so fondly call it), to swap in and out of their finds. You should never take, destroy or move the cache from its place so that future seekers can share in the fun. The caches can range from easy to difficult depending on the size of the container and the terrain needing to be traversed to get to the cache. There are also many options on the type of geocache adventure offered. They could be a more traditional, single location stash or it could be more similar to a wild goose chase where the first find gives clues to the next and so on using puzzles and riddles to sort out. Geocaching is a great opportunity to get outside and stretch your legs, take the kids out for a treasure hunt or just walk the dog to the nearest stash. You may even accidentally learn something about your community along the way. What’s great about this game is that you can take it wherever you go. On a family vacation or a business trip and needing to add some adventure to your day? Download a wellreviewed geocaching app on your phone and choose from the hundreds of local treasures awaiting you. You may find that the thrill of the hunt can be an exciting new hobby. Many apps are free to use but may come with upgrade options for more difficult or rewarding finds.

CONTEST RULES: Be the first to find the cache and bring in the special code for your prize. Also, inside the container will be a collectible coin to keep! The cache will only be hidden for a limited time for each issue, so hurry to find it fast!

Since these are considered temporary hides, the use of geocaching apps isn’t allowed. However, we ask that if you are the first to find the cache please retrieve the special code and coin but leave and sign the included note saying that the treasure has been found. Once the deadline has passed, the code will no longer be valid for the prize. A new Ponca City Monthly’s GeoCash will be hidden when the next issue is released.

OCTOBER CLUE: Guarding each sunrise I stand tall and proud My eyes gentle and wise My existence avowed Difficulty: Easy (located in 10-15 minutes) Terrain: Easy (mostly flat surfaces) Size: Small (size of deck of cards) Deadline: 20th of each month Bring the special code to: My Media Matters/Ponca City Monthly City Central 400 E. Central, Suite 201G