Cache and carry
[Note: A very in depth article with a few pictures. Snippets below.]
CRAIG HILL; The News Tribune
There’s treasure out there, and it’s closer than you think.
At least that’s what I tell my kids as I study some computer printouts and a GPS handset with my brother-in-law, Ralph Godinez, in the front seat of my SUV.
Ralph is introducing us to his new favorite game – geocaching – and it is kind of like a treasure hunt.
drive while Ralph, known as El Pepino in geocaching circles, punches in the coordinates. He tells me where to go while the kids play with their newly claimed rubber salamander in the back seat.
After a few wrong turns, we are finally getting close as we cruise through a familiar neighborhood. Then Ralph says it’s time to park and head out on foot.
Most geocachers keep profiles using their code names on the Web site. The profile keeps a running total of caches they’ve found and stashed.
For example, Puyallup School District special assignment Principal Glen Malone, known as GEM’s, has found 1,005 caches and hidden 39.
“It can be pretty addicting for certain personality types,” said Malone. “I’ve never called in sick, but I know people who have.”
Malone has, however, run through the Snoqualmie Tunnel at 2 a.m. to get a rare geocoin stashed in a cache. He got the coin (worthless outside of geocaching circles) and got home at 4 a.m., in time to shower and head to work.