X Marks the Spot

A treasure hunt! Gone are the days of X marks the spot on a crumbling pirates map. Geocaching is the technogeeks foray into the scavenger/treasure hunt of today's world. Utilizing the Web, the Geocacher acquires the coordinates of the treasures he wishes to attempt. Then, using a GPS, the adventure begins. Boonie stomping through all sorts of terrain in search of a waterproof container just to sign it, replace it, and go on to the next treasure. It can be an easy or very difficult find. The draw is in the challenge that the puzzle presents. Perhaps Geocaching should be listed with exercise programs since there is a potential to do a fair amount of walking. More than the destination is the journey. The nest of wild turkey eggs, the baby turtle no bigger than a quarter, the lake hidden from everyday eyes, or the discovery that the world around you has more to offer than just what is seen from the road. There is also the negative side, I suppose, poison ivy, mud, snakes, thorns, or a myriad of other things. You have to admit, though, that life has positive and negetive aspects too. How much do we miss if we only play it safe? Perhaps going on pretend treasure hunts could serve to develop the daring to begin seeing life as a type of treasure hunt adventure. You never quite know where the treasure might be found, but if you refrain from taking part in the hunt, it is certain that someone else will enjoy the treasure you could have had.