Geocaching!!!

Since Tonja mentioned Geocaching the other day that is about all I've been thinking about.  I thought it was neat when I first heard of it...  I wanted to go with Serena's troop when they went, but I had some sort of conflict where I couldn't go with them :o( I went to a bookstore last night to look for a "certain cookbook" and while I was looking at the discount books, I found GEOCACHING FOR DUMMIES!!!!! It is an old book (c. 2004) but most of the info is still good.  The part that is outdated is mostly how to choose a GPS unit and Josh knows how to do that since they use them at work daily. I want to get one for Christmas (if not sooner)!!  I signed up on the geocashing website and have looked at some of the offerings in my area (and up by my sisters) and it just sounds so fun!! I just hope I can have this surgery so I don't have to carry so much "extra baggage" around when I go cashing!  Just the thought of it kinda makes me tired and out of breath right now... WOO HOO!!!  Just thought I'd share :o)

Someone should organize a newbie trip -I would be glad to help coordinate, but the most I've ever done with my gps is get it to pinpoint my location on a map in my backyard which was wayyyyy cool. I'm a hands on kind of learner, and would love someone just to show me how to use the gps thingy-it's a garmin.  The funny thing is, I got it because it was waterproof and I thought if I ever went kayaking I could call people on my cell phone and tell them where I was if I were lost at sea or somthing.  Well, my cell phone has a gps locater already in it (most of them do).

fine fine...we'll go. There's no more excuses now that fall is here...and now that we have an active interest Tonja, if we're going to lead a pack of newbies, let's find a time that will work... Next weekend, perhaps?  Maybe Saturday a.m. or Sunday afternoon?  We could hit the few out at Arcadia lake and get our walking in.  Or, if we don't want muddy trails, we could hit the few around Hafer park. Once we've broken them in, we'll hit Stinchcomb     Those are just plain devilish. Thoughts? Cathy

Possibly Sunday? Around 2 pm. Just remember to wear walking shoes and bring water to drink.  You all will have so much fun that you won't even realize you are exercising!  I Promise!!! Cathy is going to post a location.  Oh, and I'll try to bring a camera so we can possibly have OH post our geocaching pics!  YEAH! So who's in? I am!

Sorry, but I can't this time :o(   #1 because of such short notice #2 because my kids are on spring break this week (Wed, Thur, & Fri) and I think we are going out of town (Missouri)  #3 gass prices... Maybe next time!  I hope to get a GPS for Christmas!  In the meantime, Josh can borrow one from work :o)

I keep reading about geocaching, but I have no idea what it is!  Whats the hype?

Shan, it's like a treasure hunt-you get the coordinates of a cache, and you use your GPS to go locate the cache.  Then you sign your name in the book and record it in YOUR log book.  Now that is the mechanics of it (sort of). It's a fun way to get out in nature, hike around and see the world whilst still having a purpose (finding the treasure).  Today's trip was my first ever and I've been wanting to do it for several years, just never found anyone to do it with before now. If you get really into it there are timed hunts and I think I read about entire weekend festivals, teams, etc.  But today I just got to meet some new people, walk my dog and scramble around in the woods, which I love.  (Plus I found a new mountain bike trail-wheeee). I can't thank the girls enough for putting it together and being so patient with the newbies-it really is something I've wanted to do for a long time.

Well, we'll all get together before too long and just have a geocaching blow out. DJ - I didn't even recognize you - that picture is so cute! T