Posted By FarmerJ on October 21, 2008

My darling Husbie and I made a spontaneous decision to grab a few caches the other night.  It was 9:00 pm,  the night was very brisk but also beautifully lit by a near full moon ~ perfect conditions for a fun-filled Fall night.  So, Husbie loaded in the coordinates, grabbed a couple flashlights and spare batteries ~ meanwhile, I’m adding layer upon layer of clothing so I can hopefully minimize the shivering and maintain a steady flashlight beam ~ and off we went into the darkness.  There were six new caches just waiting for us!

For those who are not familiar with the activity I speak of, I am referring to the ‘sport’ of Geocaching, or caching for short (if you click on the photo above, it will take you to Geocaching.com where you can learn more about it).  However, I warn you now that this sport can become addictive, and well, for those of us who may possess an addictive personality, someone might go so far as to say that one may even become obsessed.

Basically, caching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with handheld GPS devices.  The general idea is to locate containers (geocaches, or caches for short) which are hidden outdoors by fellow cachers, and then share your experiences online.  Caching is an excellent way to spend quality family time exploring places you will many times not even know exist if not for the sport of Geocaching.  If you visit the site, enter your zip code to search on caches nearby.  I guarantee you will have some of these little treasures in your area.

So, as I stated, there were six new caches that had been hidden but not found ~ too much of a rare opportunity for Team Dodge Podge to pass up.  You see, part of the thrill of the hunt is the satisfaction of being the first team to log the find.  Sort of competitive bragging rights, if you will.

We arrived near the location of the first cache around 9:30 pm.  The location being a county maintained park along the Platte River.  A beautiful park ~ even by darkness ~ with pathways meandering through the trees abound mimicking the river, signs of wildlife plentiful, and somewhere in this large park is five of the six new caches!  To top it off, there isn’t another soul around (who else in their right mind would be out there this time of night).  It’s just my best friend and me…and only one working real flashlight as the second flashlight blew the bulb as soon as we turned it on.  We found the first cache at 9:43 pm and wrapped up the adventure by signing the sixth cache log at 11:15 pm.  Husbie found four with his keen eye and tracking skills, and I spotted two ~ sometimes it helps to be a little vertically challenged…it can give you a different perspective, or at least a different line of sight!

A wonderful night, indeed.  A tranquil river park setting, clear sky, cool breeze through what leaves remain on the trees, an amazing moon and the love of my life.  All of this within five miles from home ~ who knew?

Categories: Prairie Playtime
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