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Geocaching In YYC

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This past weekend was not only Father’s Day but it was also daddy’s birthday. No pressure, right? Well thankfully for me, he’s easy to please.

Unlike me on Mother’s Day who dreams of a quiet spa and alone time to bask in the peace and quiet, daddy just wants to spend a fun day with his family with as little stress as possible.

Solution = Geocaching.

Come on kids, we’re going treasure hunting!

Geocaching “is a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.

And get this…IT’S FREE! A free downloaded APP on my iPhone and we were off and running.

The first 2 geocaches we targeted were only a short 5 minute drive away at Canada Olympic Park. I have been driving by, running by and dismissing this historic landmark from the 1988 Winter Olympics for a decade. Looking for a geocache on site was a great way to see a tourist attraction that I’ve been taking for granted for years. The kids even stood on the medal podium and sat in a 4 person bob sleigh.

 

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The next 2 geocaches we went searching for were inner city by the river. We sent daddy in to the bushes for the last 2 metres but he returned with the camo covered cashe box. The kids had their very own “Goonies” moment when we lost sight of dad and could only hear rustling in the bushes, oh the suspense and adventure. Then Stella found a micro cache under a park bench while her sisters ran around chasing gophers.

Treasure hunting is hard work and like any good hunter we needed ice cream to keep our energy up. We saw some geese and even stopped at a huge used book store to find some non-geo-caches. I scored the 2nd and 3rd seasons of West Wing on DVD! (don’t you judge me)

The end of our geocaching day brought us to Princes Island Park and the newly built Peace Bridge.

I have to say that I love the idea of exploring what ever city you happen to live in or travel to. With over 2 million official geocaches worldwide, this game can really change a vacation and turn a trip to the beach into a real adventure. The kids gave the day a 2 thumbs up for fun and excitement. They are all finally at the right age to go for long rambling outings; that kind of fly by the seat of our pants type of day. They’re officially hooked. There were even flags on the map for our very own neighbourhood! No more boring walks around the block, lets go hunting.

 

Wait, before you run out the door to find your first cache, here are a few things I learned on our first day of geocaching.

1) Wear runners. I made that mistake and my flip flop wearing ass was face to face with a huge ant hill on the way out of a gully. EEEEEEKKKKKKK!!!

2) Bring bug spray. Most caches are in wooded areas. April showers bring May mosquitos.

3) Carry a small pencil and a stash of treasures. As per the official rules for Geocaching, if you take something, leave something. Think small.

4) Bring a camera or take pictures with your phone. Memories people, this is what it’s all about.

5) Take some time to enjoy your surroundings.

 

Happy Hunting!

Comments

  1. Cousin Will says:

    Great post Tiff. Looks like an awesome day!!

    Will

  2. Tara Page says:

    We went to that same Geocache on Father’s Day lol! Did you see the GIGANTIC ant hill?

  3. Kathryn says:

    That sounds so fun. I’ve driven by Canada Olympic park a few times and have yet to go in too. Sounds like you had a great day!
    Kathryn recently posted..Side Table: Drab to Minty FreshMy Profile

  4. Jenn says:

    I have heard so much about this but never attempted it! Its on our summer bucket list!
    Jenn recently posted..Wordless Wednesday ~ Baby Birds!My Profile

  5. What a great way to spend the day! I had heard about this and once my grandsons are old enough we are definitely going to partake locally! Thanks for sharing!
    Donna @ dh-designs recently posted..Friday Find–June 14My Profile

  6. Sounds like a fun time! I’ve always wanted to geocache, but haven’t done it yet. Maybe once my daughter is old enough….I am sure she would love it.
    Kelly Marleaua recently posted..A Swell Giveaway: Geographic DesignerMy Profile

  7. Samara Bressette-Lay says:

    I have to say, I never tried geocache and always wondered what exactly it was, so this is cool. Something I would live to try, even just hubby and I as the girls are too young yet

  8. Oh my goodness – this sounds like so much fun! I’m so going to check it out (I’ve done a little car rallying and I think I’m in love with treasure hunting type of things!).

    Also, My Dad’s birthday is on Mothers’ Day weekend every year (and very often ON Mothers’ Day), so I know how you feel!
    Bewildered Bug recently posted..Comment on First class travel to & from London on Virgin Trains! by Serena MMy Profile

  9. How did I miss geocaching when the kids were young? Sounds like so much fun!
    Dani @ lifeovereasy recently posted..How To Make Beautiful Flower ArrangementsMy Profile

  10. Bernice Hill says:

    Hi! Glad you enjoyed Geocaching 🙂 We’ve been at it for years and this great hobby has taken us all over the world and to some amazing places.
    Once in a while I mention it on my (mainly) food blog.
    Geocaching to me is more than just finding ‘tupperware in the bush’. It is also about friendship and community. Most of my friends are geocachers. I hope all of you give it a try and for sure there are geocaches you can find with very young children in tow.
    Cheers!

  11. Kim McD says:

    I am going to have to do this when my kids get older, looks like an awesome time!
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  12. Looks like you guys really had a great time!
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