See Geocaching

"Caching can be a great excuse to walk more and to generally get out in nature whether in a parking lot or climbing a mountain," says seasoned cacher 2Dee2Dee (geocaching name). Thanks to you, 2Dee2Dee, for sharing the KCAL-9 newsclip that gives the uninitiated a quick look at geocachers in action. If this clip looks interesting, you can find local resources and other getting started info at the geocaching.com site--game central for all players.

Geocaching, called caching for short, is a high-tech adventure game where you use a hand-held global positioning system (GPS) to locate treasure (small objects of little or no commercial value) hidden by other players in a variety of locations. Using a combination of skills you may not have exercised since childhood, you become navigator, pirate and detective. The hide and seek can be fun for all ages but beginners should also know that, like any activity, caching has a unique culture.

There are unwritten rules and etiquette you may need to take time and discover. Geocaching clubs can be unconventional as well. For example, many may lack a formal organization structure but volunteers happily handle club business, members enjoy caching-focused listserv conversations and monthly gatherings are a mix of food and fun where you log attendance as a cache you found!

Also, one of the basic geocaching values is CITO or cache in/trash out. Players do their fair share to preserve the outdoors and thank those who maintain it by picking up trash during their caching travels. Geocaching clubs around the world participate in annual CITO public park cleanups.

Click here for a glimpse of cachers in action. Newsclip linked with help from Eric, a KCAL-9 webmeister.