Cache 22 – The Insider Goes Geo

In the world of ecotourism there are so many activities to enjoy. This go around, I delve into the world of geocaching to find out what all of the hype is really about. But first, what is geocaching? Geocaching is a form of high-tech treasure hunting for the whole family. The basic idea behind geocaching is to search outdoors for hidden containers, called geocaches, through a series of hints and GPS coordinates. Once you find the geocache, it's up to you to write your finding in the log book within (if provided) or go to the website login registered to that geocache to indicate you have located your loot. At this point in time it is also important to note that you are to leave the geocache where you found it so that others may enjoy the same adventure.

This Insider was lucky enough to have a couple of companions join her on the geocaching experience. Peggy Heiser, VP of Tourism Development for the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce and Pam Walker, councilmember on the Flagler County Tourist Development Council both joined in on the fun. Our first mission: Princess Place Preserve's "Green Trail" which is home to a geocache planted by the City of Palm Coast. We followed our clues and attempted to use GPS; alas we did not come across the geocache. On our return back through the park we happened upon a different geocache that is part of Geocaching.com, the Official GPS Cache Hunt site. It was our first cache find (though not necessarily on purpose) and it was exciting!

Next stop: The Florida Agricultural Museum. The clue for the geocache there was a bit vague and it was hidden well, but we did not have to go on much of a walking journey to find it but finding the geocache was like digging up a treasure. We also ventured out to Central Park at Town Center and to Graham Swamp in hot pursuit of additional geocaches planted by the City of Palm Coast. We got plenty of exercise that day and had an amazing time exploring our counties parks … and now I have another excuse to get outdoors.

Why geocaching? This is a fun way to bond with a team, your family or a group of friends while enjoying the vast ecosystem offered in Flagler County. Geocaching turns a regular hike into a journey and it can even inspire some friendly competition. Other upsides to geocaching include "Cache in, Trash out" where geocachers pick up litter while venturing to find the geocache – the ultimate eco friendly and green adventure. And geocaching is the new big thing. There's even an app for it! Groundspeak's geocaching application is available in multiple languages making one thing for sure, it's great for visitors from all over. If you're not iPhone savvy, GPS units made specifically for geocaching are also available.

So next time you're looking for something fun to do, try geocaching. All you need is a compass, GPS or any item that provides latitude & longitude coordinates and access to a computer to locate geocaching sites. Currently the City of Palm Coast offers geocaching sites; their geocaches are noted by small blue containers with the City of Palm Coast logo on them and geocaching.com has a myriad of other geocache locations to choose from. The geocache may vary as these ones are put out by a variety of individuals, but the ones I have happened upon have been clear Tupperware containers. Please be sure to leave the geocaches where you found them and be alert of your surroundings. Make sure to pack plenty of water and a snack; wear sunscreen and bug spray; and follow the rules and regulations of the park, preserve or attraction you are visiting. As always, be fun out there ... until next time!