After reading Robyn’s interesting blog post about the UK company who wants to bring gaming back outside, I thought instantly of sharing a family activity I have come to enjoy over the years (one my father is VERY active in) … Geocaching! There is so much information out there on Geocaching that its been difficult for me to narrow it down, so I have included a bunch of interesting links for those of you who want to learn more about it.
I read that “more than 750,000 people are hiding and searching out caches (a hidden item can be as large as a box to as small as a mint tin… there are also “travel bugs” which travel from cache to cache with a goal of making it to a far off place) from Finland to Fresno, and clubs of geocachers are cropping up around the world. Most people post their caches and finds (i.e. things they hid, and things they found) online at the website www.geocaching.com. Through word of mouth, press articles, and even accidental cache discoveries, more and more people have become involved in geocaching. First started by technology and GPS enthusiasts, the ranks of geocachers now include couples, families, and groups from all walks of life. The excitement of the hunt appeals to both the inner (and outer) child. Today you can do a search on just about anywhere in the world and be able to walk, bike, or drive to a nearby hidden cache.”
Anyone can search for a listing of geocaches hidden anywhere in the world on the official website (I suggest taking a minute to see what’s around you! Or even check out what’s hidden in Iraq!). Most geocachers create profiles (and some pay for a premium membership which offers additional features), it seems very similar to a social networking site for people who play this fun online/outdoor game!
Geocaching official website- http://www.geocaching.com/
RANKINGS Who has the most finds? http://www.cacherstats.com/Rank1-125.html
The Documentary (award winning) from USC- (my dad Steve O’Gara a.k.a. “Ventura Kids” is in it J the “bad guy”, but he’s really not bad!)
Official website- http://www.geocachingthemovie.com/ IMDB Listing- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0818650/
“This documentary explores the emerging world of high-tech hide-and-seek called geocaching. Meet TRUROKR, family man; his rivals, the Ventura Kids, and lovable geek Aerospacecase. A humorous and poignant portrayal of four fascinating people and their feelings about competition, community, and the quest for the elusive Tupperware container.”
A News Article or Two…
USA Today Article- http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2007-01-22-geocaching_x.htm
ABC News Video on Geocaching- http://www.abc3340.com/news/stories/0208/494576_video.html?ref=newsstory
BBC- http://www.bbc.co.uk/insideout/northeast/series3/geocaching_treasurehunt.shtml
Some Companies involved in geocaching….
Jeep Sponsors Geocaching Events/Prizes- http://jeep.geocaching.com/
Jeep computer game for geocaching- http://www.jeep.com/games/geocaching.html
Unite for Diabetes (Travel Bugs & Contests)- http://unite.geocaching.com/
Magellen- http://www.magellangps.com/news/releases/viewRelease.asp?id=361
Garmen- http://www8.garmin.com/outdoor/geocaching/
Innovative Adventures (Sponsored by Nissan)- http://outside.away.com/nissan/microsite_04/geocaching/overview.html
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