Categories: TECHNOLOGY

Geocaching in Southern Illinois: High-Tech Treasure Hunting Provides Family Fun

He slows the car to a stop at the side of the country road. “Do you think this is it?” As she gazes intently at the GPS unit in her hands she replies, “This is as close as we are going to get in the Jeep. We need to head into the woods” and off they go with a handful of trinkets, a clue or two, an ink pen and a GPS. The GPS directs them to the previously posted coordinates of the “cache” where they will find a container hidden with a log book and perhaps a few trinkets to trade. It’s not the treasure, but the find that is the real reward.

What’s all this about?

Geocaching!

It’s a fairly new hobby that began May 3, 2000, when the government allowed private use of 24 satellites around the globe. According to http://www.geocaching.com/about/history.aspx, “Dave Ulmer, a computer consultant, wanted to test the accuracy by hiding a navigational target in the woods. He called the idea the “Great American GPS Stash Hunt” and posted it in an internet GPS users’ group. The idea was simple: Hide a container out in the woods and note the coordinates with a GPS unit.” And so it began! Within 3 days, people had read about his little experiment and they had used their GPS units to find his hide. The hobby has exploded in popularity from there!

One reason this hobby has become so popular is that it uses the latest technology. GPS units have become more and more popular as consumers can see how helpful these little machines can be. However, all ages can enjoy this game. Small children love the idea of finding a “treasure” hidden somewhere, but they aren’t the only ones. People of all ages are a part of geocaching. My father is 83 years old and has become an avid fan of the game! The great thing about geocaching is that you can do it anytime you want to. If you want to go out on a Tuesday morning, have at it! If you have the day off on Thursday, help yourself.

Another reason geocaching is so popular is that it combines that technology with being outdoors. Yes, you are using this high-tech equipment, but you are walking through the woods, or climbing a hill, or hopping over a stream. It’s good exercise and it gets the kids out of the house and doing something WITH their families!

Many people will plan their vacations around geocaching, scoping out what area is abundant with caches. Southern Illinois is one of those places! The caches are plentiful in Jasper, Richland, Lawrence and Crawford counties. One recent cacher called it the “Geocaching capital of the world.” You could spend a week here and only touch the surface! Check out the “Hide and Seek” portion of the geocaching website to get an idea of how many caches are located in these areas. ( http://www.geocaching.com/seek/ ) Basic membership is free so you can look all you like. You’ll need the zip codes for these areas: Jasper – 62448, Richland – 62450, Lawrence – 62466, Crawford – 62454. Once you put in the zip code and search, it will show you the amount of caches in a 100 mile radius. If you click on the “Google maps” icon, it will give you a visual of just how many there are in a certain area. Be sure to zoom out to see the bigger picture. These hides can be as small as a breath mint tin magnetized to a bridge railing, or as big as a barrel, filled with all kinds of treasures! Those hiding the caches are only limited by their imagination!

Of course, Southern Illinois holds a lot of other treasures besides geocaching! We have numerous lakes and state parks for fishing, boating, camping, picnicking and relaxing! County fairs, numerous festivals, antiquing opportunities and other events are listed in the Southeastern Illinois travel guide. Get yours here for free http://www.southeastillinois.com/ .

If you are interested in finding out more about how geocaching works, check out the most used geocaching Web site: www.geocaching.com. Some additional resources would be the Frequently Asked Questions page http://www.geocaching.com/faq/ and also www.geocacher-u.com/ .