If you have to ask why...

There are some things that people do, and our first response is 'why?' Things like climbing a mountain - why? - because it's there. Sky diving from 23 miles up - why? - because it's never been done before. Running a marathon - why? - now that is a good question! But I guess there is a sense in which if we have to ask 'why?' we simply don't understand what makes that other person tick.

I enjoy geocaching. Geocaching is basically a treasure hunt. A cache varies in size from a nano-cache which could be no bigger than 1cm in any direction, to a box the size of a large packed lunch. Nano-caches are so small they can be hidden in plain sight and most people will not realise they are there - and even when you're looking for them they can be hard to spot.

This nano-cache is magnetic and is stuck to a metal ring

Can you spot the nano-cache?

Larger caches are usually well hidden out of sight, under rocks, in holes ...

Other caches will be designed to look like stones, snails, fir cones and logs etc

A cache will contain a logbook - this may be a note book or a roll of paper - for visitors to sign as they find the cache. It may also contain a pen or pencil, and other items that may be swapped. The cache is then hidden somewhere on the planet and it is recorded on an official geocaching website (such as www.geocaching.com) - along with co-ordinates and maybe a clue.

To find a cache you need to note down the co-ordinates, and enter these into a GPS enabled device - either one specially designed for the purpose or on a smart phone etc. These co-ordinates will take you to within a few feet of the cache, and you then have to use the clue and your searching skills to find the cache.

Once you've found a cache you log it on line.

I guess, if you've read this far, and you have to ask 'why?' then geocaching probably isn't for you. But if you like the idea of hunting for small plastic boxes, or even hiding your own caches then maybe give it a go. I have visited so many different locations, even within a few miles of my home, simply because I am looking for a cache.

If you're still interested then come back in a few days time and I'll tell you a bit about travel bugs and geo-coins.