geocaching

We've agreed to go geocaching. We do not own a GPS. The woman who invited us has nine of them, so I think we'll be all set. When first asked, I wondered if it was like orienteering which I always thoroughly enjoyed growing up -- taught me how to use a darn compass (put red in the shed, etc.) and a map and brought me closer to the woods. No, she said, it's not. She explained a few details and I just came from geocaching.com where I found some more. I learned it involves a computer, a GPS, and an adventurous, playful spirit. There is a strong code of ethics as far as I can tell -- if you take something from the cache -- for instance, you might find a Happy Meal toy (you will not catch me taking one of those), a CD, pennies, a bracelet, etc. -- you must replace it with something else. Food is strictly forbidden because animals might come along and ruin the cache in search of goodies. If the cache has been fouled in some way, you have an obligation to let the owner know through geocaching.com.

Our hostess says this pasttime has introduced her to spaces she would not have otherwise known and I rather like that idea. I also like the idea of a treasure hunt of sorts even if the whole treasure is in the hunt. Check back in a few days for details of my geocaching adventure.