Geocaching is in exciting new hobby

Published 10:56 pm Monday, May 16, 2011

In the current economic condition our country is in, fun often comes at too steep a price.

This week’s column is going to work to give everyone a suggestion for a simple, fun way to spend more time with your family, get exercise and spend some time outdoors.

It’s called geocaching and it has become pretty popular with 20-somethings, including me.

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What is it?

In its most basic form of an explanation, geocaching is a 21st century scavenger hunt.

Anyone can start at anytime and you can pick up or place objects whereever you want.

Upon starting, you sign-up at the official website geocaching.com you can search for caches that are in the area, so you don’t have to use much gas while you’re having fun.

After all, this is an activity that is designed to save you money.

So if you type in Selma’s zip code you will see there are caches located all over the area, including in the park beneath the Edmund Pettus Bridge, at Paul M. Grist state park and other random locations across the city and county.

When you find something online that you want to look for, simply plug it into a GPS or some kind of map and start looking.

The caches have to have a description, so you will know what you’re looking for and about where to find it.

Once you find a cache, you can mark it on the site and the great thing about it is they can be a wonderful way to get to know a new area too. If you’re going on a trip, often times caches can be placed in some of the more famous landmarks, but they are also placed in areas that locals frequent, giving you a more authentic experience.

So, if ysou need some fun, but don’t want the costs, try this new little fad and let me know how it goes.