A Geocacher Looks Back at One Year

[greyhounder]

Can a year of geocaching simply be summed up in 235 geocaches?

My first geocache involved 2 slips on ice and a tumble down a slope, but success nonetheless. My last geocache of the year involved several months of puzzle solving, lots of crumpled up paper and pleas for help — one even answered by a stranger at a nearby table in a Chinese restaurant. And it ended with a lovely walk on a brisk New Year’s Day, with a fine view.

In between there have been a number of puzzles solved, emails sent, mud and rain, bumps and bruises, caches found and not, walks enjoyed and brambles not. And along the way I’ve learned a thing or two.

Always have batteries. Nothing can make a 1/1 into a 5/1 like dead batteries. However, you do get the opportunity to realize how much of a gouge the convenience stores can take out of your pocket.

Watch where you’re going. Or else spend the next day at work explaining that it was, in fact, a tree branch that thwacked you in the eye and caused that shiner — and not a night out on the town.

Housework — schmousework. All you really need is something soft to sleep on at night. If you really care about presentation, hire a maid.

Mom really is always right. When she says that the waypoint or cache is “right there” — trust her. Otherwise the given amount of time you share with her afterwards can be quite humbling.

Finally! You have reason to dump out that junk drawer. Or junk dresser, or the kid’s toybox, or the car…

Mud is amazingly sticky. Honestly, I think it has a life of its own and likes shoes about as much as Carrie Bradshaw from Sex in the City. And along those lines, ice can be amazingly thin…over a creek, in February.

And a year later, I’m still at it. It’s not just about the journey, it’s also about those people you meet along the way. People, who without even knowing it, have made me a better person. One who will blaze a trail, or better yet, will let others lead. One who is able to give help where able, but also knows she can turn to other with all her dumb questions about big honking spiders. One who is actually able to be herself and be comfortable with that.

I look forward to the next year of geocaching (that should be about 265 more, right?) and am so glad I stumbled upon this hobby/sport/obsession. Never has life held such enjoyment, surprise, challenge and kinship.

So next time you see me on the trails or at the event, I’ll be smiling. And I think you’ll know why!

(thanks! Bec)

[This message has been edited by greyhounder (edited 01-17-2005).]

[This message has been edited by greyhounder (edited 01-17-2005).]

[LightningBugs Mum]

quote:

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Originally posted by greyhounder:

Housework — schmousework. All you really need is something soft to sleep on at night. If you really care about presentation, hire a maid.

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I knew there was a reason we got along so well!

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Team LightningBugs
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“I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.”
~ Sarah Williams

[Linus4Cache]

That was a very nice journey log Bec! I’m glad that you’re having such a great time with Geocaching! And I’m glad that I’ve had occasion to walk and talk with you. I hope the next year brings as many smiles as has the last! Happy Caching Bec!
~Linus

[GrouseTales]

What a fun journey Bec. It’s fun to look back and recollect all the people we’ve met and all the places geocaching has brought us

[Ray]

We have enjoyed the parts of that walk that we have been able to share with you.

[ecorangers]

I also share your thoughts on housework. My house looks “lived in” because it is! I’d rather be out geocaching and cleaning mother earth than cleaning my own house. Glad to finally meet you (and your mother) at the State Of Mind Event. Happy “journeys” on your second year of geocaching. Tami

[Hotdogs_Off_Trail]

“Two slips on ice and a tumble down a hill” …..I wonder where that could have been. I wanted to do another Caching Through the snow, but bonnie said everyone would remember that little “hill” and noone would show up. You did well!! And congratulations and best of luck on your new year of geocaching!

[greyhounder]

quote:

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Originally posted by hotdogs_off_trail:
“Two slips on ice and a tumble down a hill” …..I wonder where that could have been.

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Actually, that was Wild Turkey Roost that I made my inital falls at. By Caching Through The Snow, I was almost a pro at slipping and sliding and in general falling on my butt. I loved that hill though (in retrospect, not at the time!) I remember thinking, “if this is what geocachers do, I am so not going to be able to do this!!” I was so pathetically out of shape that near the end of the day, both of my calves were cramping at regular intervals. Now I actually look at hills as a fun challenge (Mystery of the Troll’s Treasure comes to mind!)

So I say, bring Caching Through The Snow II: Jack Frost’s Revenge!

Bec

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