We first started geocaching when our daughter was about six months old. At first we used a stroller which works in some cases but in general was a real failure because someone had to stay on the trail while the other went for the cache. So then we just started carrying her. I was very surprised to see how a little twenty pound person can completely wear out your arm.
What the saving grace for us was that I found a “baby backpack” at a rummage sale for $30. It was the best $30 I ever spent. I’d strap her her and throw her on my back and she would be good for as long as it took. A bunch of times she even fell asleep. The only drawback is that she thinks it is funny to take Dad’s hat off and throw it on the ground. On the up side she does say “Oh-oh.” We’ve probably done half to two thirds of our caches with her and she seems to enjoy going. I think it would be fun to ride around on someone else’s back.
Now that she is starting to able to walk we like to let her walk when she can although the trip is a bit slower. She really enjoys being outside (even in this cold) and I think a good deal of it has to do with how much time we spent outside with her this summer. And without the backpack it wouldn’t have been nearly enough.
The other big benefit is the extra exercise. It really makes me not want to gain that extra twentyfive or thirty pounds.
