The days of treasurehunting at random are over. Technology has taken over, but this does not make it less exciting. Nowadays you can go look for so-called GeoCaches if you own a GPS device. The co-ordinates of these treasures can be found on the internet, and then you go out into the forest to find them. Happy Hunting!
Ever since Risa told me about EMP's newly discovered hobby - GeoCacheHunting - I have been very eager to join in. So, as a result of this, Pacilia, Risa, EMP and Willow met on Friday evening for an exciting trip. Before departure, EMP gave the rest of us a quick crash-course in map-reading and the wonders of GPS. Ready to set out on the treasurehunt, the group carried with it a total of 15 items: the GPS device, an additional map of the area, 3 cameras, dry clothes, 3 bottles of water, a chocolate, a pack of bisquits, a packed, dry meal, an apple and kleenex. Ready, set, GO!
The first GeoCache was quite easy to find. It was hidden under some stones nearby a brooke. Excitement was high upon opening the box. What would it contain? Who had been there before? The box contained all sorts of small things: candy, a ladybug keyring, a map, crayons, a black doggybag etc. The names of all treasurehunters were carefully written into the log-book, as were the photos taken to document our treasurehunt. Taking the ladybug out, we put a pack of gum in. Packed it, and left it as had been found. And the group continued.
The next GeoCache was a whole lot more difficult to find. On our way further and further into the forest, we stopped by a beautiful lake with silent water. The reflection of the trees in the water was just gorgeous. As Pacilia opened her packed pizza, we realized we were not alone. Ducks were approaching to have a free swim-in meal. After a short water-chocolate-bisquit-pizza-duck-feeding-break, we continued. And then it started raining. Good thing we had brought extra clothes! Searching and searching, where could the second treasure be? The description found on the internet said it was hidden in a cavity under a spruce, but there were lots of cavities and spruces in the area. In addition, the GPS's accuracy is only a 15 meters in every direction. But eventually - we found it!! A pack of kleenex and the ladybug in, hiddeous sunglasses out. Log-book signed, photos taken and the quest went on.
Walking a bit faster now, due to the rain, the GPS led us deeper and deeper into the forest. Afortunately we met no Trolls nor Ents, but we had some thunder and lightning. The third GeoCache was found nearby an old mine from the 18th century, very well hidden. Hiddeous sunglasses in, map out. Signing a new log-book, taking new photos and that was it. It was almost dark. Treasurehunters were ready to go home.
Facts and figures:
Total length of treasurehunt: 7,5 km
Total time of treasurehunt (including breaks): 2 hrs 45 min
Number of GeoCaches searched: 3
GeoCache discovery success rate: 100%
Mood: excellent
Excitement: high
Company: the best
Wetness: moderate/high
Tiredness: moderate
Final reward at home: wafles, orange spiced tea and a lovely, comfortable sofa
3 comments:
*sigh* Mr Hansom was busy selling beer and small norwegian flags to Russ and other customers. "Shopping-frenzy" is a good descripiton of the way people behaved! From what you have written about the treasure-hunt, it's a good chance that I'm with you next time:) I love forest, my friends, treasures, rain and ducks(5 in one). Today: Sitting in the sun with a cup of coffee and LoB1, "teksthistoriske linjer", isn't that bad..But, Mr Hansom has an idea.
A great day indeed! We must do it again some time :o)
!!Muy bien Willow!! muy interesante esta nota, me gusta mucho como lo haces!!!!! sigue escribiendo mucho y yo siempre me emociono cuando vos lo haces...
Ciao
Tito
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