Geocaching is a great hobby, but I have a hard time going solo.
This post is written in conjunction with the 30 Days of Writing, a blog challenge devised by Nicky and Mike at “We Work For Cheese.” I’ll be participating throughout the month of June. If interested, you can see my post with the details of the challenge.
Please note that some of these posts will be serious, some will be normal, and some will be an attempt at humor.
As many of you — both regular blog readers and those in this challenge — likely already know, I’m a geocacher.
Geocaching is a great little game that can take you to many different spots. But it’s not just out in the woods. It can be to small parks. Urban settings. And all sorts of things in between.
Cachers play the game in many ways — by themselves, with one or two others or with a group.
As for me — I can’t stand going solo.
Many people cache solo and it’s a fun hobby. Well worth trying.
I don’t know what it is. Mainly, it’s doing caches where people can or might see you in a spot. Such as a park or near a cemetery or near houses. I just feel awkward going out there with my GPS unit and snooping around for something. Some people will watch you. Others won’t. Sometimes people will come over and ask you what’s up.
I actually don’t mind it when people ask me about the game. It makes it easier for me to continue looking.
Still, it’s a weird feeling. Especially when the hide is basically designed to make you feel that way or made to be harder then necessary.
Personally, I have a few “urban” hides. Only one of them is one where I could see someone truly getting an uneasy feeling. And even with that, if looked for right, it shouldn’t be too bad.
In the past year or two, many caches have seemed to go in this direction. Who knows what the reason is, but it makes it more of a situation where I’ll wait on doing many caches until others are looking to go caching. It’s not a bad thing as I like the social aspect of the game.
I don’t particularly mind going solo if it’s in the woods or on a trail somewhere. Then, it’s a nice stroll and then finding the cache at the end. I can deal with that.
A first to find awaited me after a solo stroll to a new cache!
For example, a week or two ago, I was in a neighboring town getting a few things done. I finished up and it was only about 7 p.m. I knew a new cache had been placed, so I headed over to it. I wasn’t racing or expecting an FTF (first to find) as there are several in our area who go out pretty quickly to snag them when first published.
Instead, my goal was to go for a nice stroll and this was at a Nature Concervancy. I went the main trail at first and soon backtracked and went down a secondary trail. I got to the area and quickly made the find. Once I opened the cache and saw the blank log and was stoked to nab a FTF that had been out there for the full day!
The end result, too, was a nice walk to the cache and back.
And, I went solo. It’s rare for me to do it and I do look around, waiting for people, even in the woods. But this was a fun little trek to snag a cache and get out and walk for a little bit.
Going solo isn’t always a bad thing. But I’ll stick with going friends when I can as I find it more fun!
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I must admit, I hate going solo. I always prefer to be with other people. I have never been geocaching, though I know people who have.
Babs – Beetle recently posted..Going Solo
It is really worth trying. If you get a chance, go for it. And caching is fun with two or three others!
I had never heard of this before but it sounds like fun!
Linda Medrano recently posted..Going Solo
It is extremely fun. And, the caching community is quite fun (for the most part!)
I have never been a ftf! Wow!!! I have found a few solo and people look at you FUNNY! Are you on geocaching.com? I am Katherinez on there….be my friend! 😀
Katherine recently posted..It Was The Best Practical Joke EVER
FTFs can be fun. I used to be into it. I haven’t been crazy about them in a couple of years as it got too competitive. But getting FTF is fun for sure. I’m softball29 on geocaching.
I’ve never been geocaching but have friends who do. The closest I’ve come is signing the log in a natural cave.
laughingmom recently posted..30 Days of Writing – Going Solo
If you have friends who do it, you should totally tag along and check it out. It’s a heap of fun!
I really find this fascinating. I don’t have a GPS unit, or I’d definitely try it. I think I’d try going solo at first, just to get a feel for it.
Nicky recently posted..Maybe It’s Because I’m Canadian
Not sure how old your youngest is, but it might be a fun activity for the two of you. If you have a smart phone, you don’t need a GPS. I know many who use their iPhone for the most part. I use mine some, but still love my GPS.
I’ve never heard of the game. It sounds like a contemporary spin on a treasure hunt. Sounds like fun but dangerously addictive.
I’m usually solo at work. I work out of a home office, not my home. My employer is usually on the road at a show or outside photographing birds. I love silence and being alone. But, I end up talking to myself. We never argue and
always get along.
I’m always a day behind in this 30-day challenge.
Lauren recently posted..Going Solo on a Writing Riff
It is somewhat of a modern-day treasure hunt. And it can be very addictive. If you’d like more info, let me know and I can send you a few links (I’ve also written a few posts on the basics etc.)
Solo at work wouldn’t bother me. I never minded that.
Never heard of it but following all you bloggers certainly has provided me with a lot of new books, movies, games, buzz words, etc. that people in my hometown have never heard. I actually have interesting things to talk about now, lol.
Aloha nui loa
Shiels
Geocaching is a great hobby and it’s all over the world! Well worth looking into!