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Geocaching is one of our kids’ favorite pastimes – even though we have yet to successfully discover a hidden cache! We have the incredible good fortune of living very close to these stunning woods, complete with well-cared-for trails. The location combined with the excitement of searching for hidden treasure always makes for a magical afternoon.
I asked the kids what they liked best about geocaching, and they answered: “Finding sticks and rocks.” I guess we’ve been successful in our treasure hunts, after all!
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Is this “fawn lake”? I used to love to take the kids for walks there. It almost looks like Lily is catching up to Emma!
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maryanne Reply:
May 23rd, 2012 at 7:53 am
It’s actually only about a mile from our house! The trails opened fairly recently, maybe shortly before you moved?
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We too love geocaching. We have been doing it for years- sometimes we find them sometimes we don’t but it is always fun. After we don’t find one for awhile, I try and make sure the next one will be easy to find by finding large geocaches.
Have you ever tried letterboxing? We liked that when the kids were younger. You just print out directions to find them rather than the GPS. Eliminates the arguing over who will hold the GPS device or smartphone.
I wrote a blogpost with some reasons why I love geocaching so much with the kids if interested – http://www.growingplay.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-love-geocaching.html
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maryanne Reply:
May 23rd, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Thanks for sharing your Geocaching post! I’ll check it out :)
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Lovely woods! Why is it that kids love sticks and rocks?? I find so many in our house!
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maryanne Reply:
May 23rd, 2012 at 1:53 pm
We always have a few! I love that my kids can pick up an ordinary grey rock and feel like they are holding a gem!
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What awesome woods! that’s one downside of Austin, no real woods to speak of.
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maryanne Reply:
May 23rd, 2012 at 5:19 pm
The woods near us are amazing!
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I have been wanting to try geocaching really bad! We love hiking, and I am sure we would love hunting for hidden treasure while we do it! :)
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maryanne Reply:
May 24th, 2012 at 7:09 am
I think your girls would love it!
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i’ve always wanted to do this! what a fun adventure for your family! and that first picture is soooo precious! would look great on canvas :)
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maryanne Reply:
May 24th, 2012 at 7:09 am
You’ll love it! And I love your canvas suggestion – thanks!
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That is one thing I have not done yet…I think my kids would love it! We did accidentally find one while having a picnic. The kids were climbing the wood planks of the shelter…kind of dangerous…and they found one up on the roof plank! It was rather exciting!
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maryanne Reply:
May 24th, 2012 at 3:05 pm
That’s cool that you accidentally found one!
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I’ve heard of geocaching but not yet done it – It sounds really interesting though and something that I want to give a go but I have no idea where to start
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maryanne Reply:
May 24th, 2012 at 5:38 pm
This is where we got started: http://www.geocaching.com/ – I believe it is a global resource?
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We are yet to try geocaching, but how nice that you live so close to a hiking area. I am jealous!
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maryanne Reply:
May 27th, 2012 at 8:06 am
It’s one thing I will really miss about New England if we ever move…
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We love geo-caching! I hope that soon you guys will find a cache:)- it is so fun when the kids open the box and get to sign their names (and sometimes get a prize). My kids call it treasure hunting- our favorite one so far was in a cave. Geo-caches are EVERYWHERE: urban, rural, suburban- in many, many countries!!! :) Here’s a recent post I wrote about it: http://kidworldcitizen.org/2012/05/16/geo-caching-is-treasure-hunting-with-a-gps/
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I love geocaching! That is actually where I got the name for my blog! I can’t wait til my son is old enough to help look.
Lori @ Cachey Mama’s Classroom
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maryanne Reply:
May 30th, 2012 at 8:07 am
Very cool! It’s very fun to have my kids old enough to enjoy it!
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The photos are fabulous, and I love your conclusion that they’ve found treasure after all!! Kids have the best perspective on things sometimes. :)
(By the way, I’m so enjoying catching up on your adventures! Been missing you during my internetless time.)
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maryanne Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 10:08 am
It’s great to have you back online!
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To learn more about Geocaching, go to http://www.geocaching.com. Contact anyone who has hidden or even found a cache that interests you and explain that you want to get started in the sport. They will usually offer advice to ensure you find a few caches until you develop your skills more. Many times, they will offer to meet you and help out. If that makes you nervous then just nicely decline (they will understand). Go to an event near you and meet other catchers in a nice party-like atmosphere. Most catchers are very social, family oriented individuals. I’ve never met a cacher that wasn’t, but I’m sure there are some. I think they would eschew the events and would not offer to meet you, though. I don’t think I’d meet ANYONE for a hike into a secluded area without knowing them fairly well first, though. Jump in and join us!
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MaryAnne Reply:
December 28th, 2012 at 6:42 pm
Thanks for the tips!
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