The Geocache Craze
By Sally Taylor
A novel recreational activity has emerged, capturing the adventurous spirit of individuals worldwide: The Geocache Craze. At its core, The Geocache Craze is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game that relies on GPS coordinates. Participants, known as geocachers, hide containers called "geocaches" at specific locations, then share the coordinates online. Other geocachers then use GPS-enabled devices, such as smartphones or dedicated GPS receivers, to navigate to the coordinates and attempt to find the hidden cache. It is in essence, a modern-day, technology-driven version of hide-and-seek, appealing to adults and families alike. While some websites offer virtual "prizes" or badges for finding caches, the primary reward is the thrill of the hunt and the discovery of new and interesting locations. A common practice is the "trade-a-cache," where finders are encouraged to leave a small trinket in exchange for taking one from the cache, maintaining a sense of community and shared experience. The Geocache Craze is more than just a game; it’s a global phenomenon.
However, the popularity of The Geocache Craze raises a question for those with a penchant for historical exploration and tangible rewards: why search for planted caches when there are authentic treasures waiting to be discovered? The American landscape, particularly the West, is rife with tales of lost fortunes, forgotten settlements, and buried artifacts. Unlike the predetermined contents of a geocache, these real treasures hold historical significance and potential monetary value. Imagine unearthing a rare coin from the California Gold Rush, uncovering a pioneer artifact that speaks to the hardships and resilience of early settlers, or stumbling upon an ancient Native American artifact that sheds light on a long-lost culture. These are the kinds of discoveries that fuel the imaginations of treasure hunters and history enthusiasts alike.
Nebraska Homestead
The allure of uncovering authentic treasures lies in the rich history and untold stories they represent. Scattered across the nation are ghost towns, silent witnesses to bygone eras. These abandoned settlements often hold remnants of daily life, waiting to be rediscovered by the keen eye of a treasure hunter. Hiking through areas once traversed by prospectors and pioneers increases the likelihood of encountering long-lost homesteads and forgotten relics. Wagon trains and stagecoaches, the lifelines of westward expansion, also left behind traces of their passage, creating the potential for uncovering valuable artifacts and lost belongings. Pioneers, often faced with perilous situations, were known to bury their valuables for safekeeping, intending to retrieve them later. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, such as untimely deaths or lost landmarks, many of these caches remain hidden, waiting to be unearthed.
The quest for lost mines represents another avenue for real treasure hunting. The legendary Lost Dutchman’s Mine, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, continues to captivate treasure seekers. Countless individuals have ventured into the Superstition Mountains of Arizona in pursuit of this elusive gold mine, but its location remains unknown. The Lost Cement Gold Mine, believed to be located near the head of the middle fork of the San Joaquin River, and the Lost Soldier Mine, rumored to be somewhere in Arizona near the Gila River bend, are just a few examples of the many lost mines that hold the promise of untold riches. These lost mines, steeped in folklore and historical accounts, offer a thrilling challenge for those who seek adventure and the potential for a life-changing discovery.
The Superstition Mountains can be seen behind these old buildings in nearby Goldfield, Arizona.
Pirates and bandits, notorious figures in American history, also contributed to the lore of buried treasure. Stories abound of pirates stashing their ill-gotten gains along the coastlines and outlaws burying their loot in remote locations. The treasures of Lake George and South Mountain in Colorado, rumored to be hidden by bandits, have yet to be found. Florida, with its rich maritime history, is considered a treasure hunter’s paradise. Numerous caches, left behind by pirates, explorers, and individuals fleeing conflicts, have been unearthed over the years, and countless more remain undiscovered. For adventurous scuba divers, the Gulf of Mexico offers a unique opportunity to explore shipwrecks, lost to storms, reefs, and battles. These underwater time capsules hold a wealth of historical artifacts and potentially valuable treasures.
The Southwestern United States is particularly rich in treasure stories, fueled by tales of lost Native American treasures, caches stolen by Spanish conquistadors, and stagecoach and train robberies. While some of these stories may be embellished, historical evidence supports the existence of many lost treasures in the region. The allure of these treasures lies not only in their potential monetary value but also in their connection to the history and culture of the Southwest. The pursuit of these lost treasures offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich heritage and uncover forgotten stories.
While The Geocache Craze offers a sense of competition and community involvement, real treasure hunting can provide similar experiences. Many treasure hunts involve collaborative research and information sharing, as teams of hunters work together to analyze clues and track down leads. Hunters often report their progress and failures to each other, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. Some treasure hunts are undertaken with the intention of sharing the discovered cache, while others operate on a "finders-keepers" basis. Regardless of the specific arrangement, real treasure hunting can provide a rewarding social experience, as well as the thrill of the chase.
In conclusion, while The Geocache Craze may offer an enjoyable way to spend a weekend, the allure of real treasure hunting lies in the opportunity to uncover authentic artifacts, explore historical sites, and potentially strike it rich. For those seeking adventure, historical exploration, and the chance to make a tangible discovery, real treasure hunting offers a more compelling and rewarding experience. As the saying goes, "Ain’t nothing like the real thing, baby."
Available at Legends’ General Store.
©2005 Sally Taylor, Ezine Articles (dead link,) updated January 2024.
About the Author: Sally Taylor is an avid gem and treasure hunter, explorer, writer, and is the owner of Rockhound Station 1, a global rockhound community website that provides forums, articles, newsletters, and more.
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