Geocaching

"A sport where one uses expensive global positioning technology to locate useless dollar store items in remote locations of the planet."

"The most fun you can have with 12 billion dollars in military hardware (Without getting to blow anything up)."

If you have never heard of geocaching, check out the top website for the hobby at www.geocaching.com and you'll be amazed at what's been hiding near you. I have found over 40 caches now and it has been a great way for the kids and I to get out of the house. If you want a great summary of geocaching, check out this short article in the Costco Connection.

I pride myself in planting caches that take you somewhere interesting. I don't plant caches just anywhere for quick hits, so you can enjoy the hunt and enjoy the find. You can see my cache list at geocaching.com by clicking HERE.

Something to consider when looking for some of my caches: There are actually three roads into the Fort Stevens area, only one of which is gated off in the evening, 6:00pm during the summer and 4:00pm in the winter. A couple of my caches can't be reached after the gate is closed, but there are more that are accessible via the other two roads.

Check out EVIL HIDES, a page showing many of the ways that caches can keep themselves from being found.

For an interesting variation on this hobby check out:

Letterboxing, an intriguing pastime combining navigational skills and rubber stamp artistry in a charming "treasure hunt" style outdoor quest.

Virtual Geocaching in Second Life. Second Life is a 3-D virtual world created by its Residents. You couldn't possibly explore it all as it's growing too fast. If you want to try out SL Geocaching start by learning the basics of Second Life first. After you have that down, check out the SL Geocaching website to get signed up with that. Have Fun! If you do happen to become a resident of SL, look up Mysphet Zilz and he'll show you around.

Here are my Hides

	JUST LONG Hidden 9/10/2008 This hike may be the toughest one you have ever done with no elevation change, but it is well worth it to enjoy the amazing view. Odds are that you won't have to deal with muggles when finding this one.
	OPPOSITE DISAPPOINTMENT 7/10/2008 You might cuss me when looking for this one and then cuss me some more when you find it. Doubtful you will find this one without the hint.
	AIRCACHE Hidden 5/31/2008 In addition to the basic find, here you can find what I think are the best burgers in Clatsop County. People will actually fly in for them. Many don't know that there is a branch of geocache devoted to pilots and although this cache is open to everyone, more information can be found at http://www.airportgeocaches.com/.
	MUGGLES WELCOME Hidden 5/30/2008 The muggle friendly cache has been put together with the idea that there are many people out there who would love to geocache who have never heard of it. If you get the opportunity to make any potential converts to this great hobby, please let me know in your online log entry.
	PIER INTO THE PAST Hidden 5/22/2008 How come this looks on my GPS like it's way out in the water? That's because it is. This is the 132 year old Hanthorn Bumblebee Cannery and if the parking is available you can drive right on out. There is even enough room for two vehicles to squeeze past each other if someone is coming from the other direction. Check out the exhibits while you are there. You may even get a chance to talk to one of the old cannery working who might be in the area.
	PRE-FORT FIND Hidden 5/12/2008 This should be a relatively quick hit in an area that is often passed by. Listen for voices as muggles can sometimes instantly appear when you least expect them. This longhouse is a great replica that should not be missed when visiting Fort Stevens. If you have time, head 200 feet to the north and check out the view of the river. If you have even more time, catch the truck ride and the Battery Mishler tour.
	ELLIOVATTE Hidden 5/7/2008 I was very pleased to get permission to have a cache here. This spot will give you a unique perspective on Astoria and you will notice things that you would never have known existed from the ground. You will not want to forget the camera and try to do this hunt when you have a little extra time, not that the hunt is hard, but you'll want to be able to hang out, relax and enjoy the scenery.
	IREDALE OUTPOST Hidden 3/25/2008 The Peter Iredale is such a neat location that it absolutely needed a cache, but where to place it. Actually having it on the wreck would be out of the question for many reasons. I searched around and finally found a spot that is neat to visit, secluded and still close enough to bring people to visit the old ship. There are actually two parking lots here and paved trails head off in two directions fort some great bicycling around the Fort.
	BATTERY RUSSELL Hidden 3/20/2008 After seeing a few caches go missing that were hidden outside in the ferns and such, I devoted some time to finding a good location INSIDE the battery and was fortunate to find a location that has been referred to as "one of the BEST hides EVER". Because it is hidden inside I think it will be easier to find without getting spotted by muggles. I enjoyed playing up the paranormal aspect with this one and I'm waiting for someone to notice the ghost in the picture!
	FORT TO SEA Hidden 3/4/2008 I was a bit surprised that a cache had not already been placed up here SO Himilecyclist and I made the trek up to the area to add one. The sign said the trail was closed, but it couldn't be that bad, right? We had to go over, under and around so many trees that we lost count. When we came back down, someone had strung danger tape across the trail. When improvements are made, this will be a great hike with varying options for approach or hiking through.
	SO CLOSE, BUT YET SO FAR Hidden 1/13/2008 Sometimes the shortest route is not always the best. This cache exploits the tendency of cachers to expect their GPS to take them the easiest way and, in the process, gives them another great view of the Columbia River, Astoria and some other state across the water. Don't hammer me too hard. I was born and raised in Washington and only recently became an Oregonian. This will bring you to an area of the park that is even more overlooked than where Easy Plot Line is located.
	THROUGH THE DARKNESS II (TWICE) Hidden 1/20/2008 (Replaces "Through the Darkness") The old listing had to be archived because this became a multicache. Don't let the fact that this is a multi turn you off. It's only two parts and it is simple. The locations are very close to one another, but far enough away to double the fun of the original. What you find here is not on the maps of the area and isn't even known about by the camp hosts and volunteers. In my explorations of the Fort Stevens area, if I encounter any other interesting areas, you can be sure I'll place caches so you can enjoy them as well.
	THROUGH THE DARKNESS Archived (Originally hidden 4/1/2007) Through the Darkness has been archived and replaced by Through the Darkness II (Twice). Which is a simple multicache using the original TTD location as the start point for the new two-part cache. If you have never visited TTD you can check out the archived listing and read the logs and such. This cache received the best reviews of all my caches. The only reason I didn't just simply update this one was because it became a multicache. At one point, cachers discovered camping gear that had been stolen and reported it to the ranger. If you check the logs you'll see how much people enjoyed this one.
	EASY PLOT LINE Hidden 1/28/2007 Many people have said that, even though they have been to Fort Stevens several times, this cache brought them to an area of the park that they have never visited. Because cachers are prone sometimes to taking the "as-the-crow-flies" route, this one has been difficult at times. That's OK though, because I have done the same thing in my hunts. After finding (or not) this cache, check out the nearby battery with all it's dark tunnels and after that work your way around the perimeter and see other areas that you may have missed in the past.
	WHAT IS THIS PLACE? Hidden 1/14/2007 My first multicache is in a park that, like Hammond Hideaway, is unknown to many of the locals. People have had weddings up here and it is a serene place with a few trails branching away. I believe the first cache here was removed by a groundskeeper, so Himilecyclist was gracious enough to donate an ammo can and help me find new coordinates nearby. There are picnic tables and covered areas up here, so this would be a great place for a picnic.
	HAMMOND HIDEAWAY Hidden 12/29/2006 This was the first cache I ever planted because I thought this neat little tucked away park was largely overlooked by tourists and many locals alike. It has also been my biggest problem child. I've only had one other cache that needed to be replace (What Is This Place) and this one is currently at it's third set of coordinates. The first time it was muggled and the second time it was ravaged, the contents were scattered and the container brutally stabbed multiple time, so hopefully it fares better in it's new spot.

What's it look like?

Here is Ricky showing you the three quart container painted green that I use for most of my caches. There are a few of my hides (What is this Place and Fort to Sea) that are in ammo cans thanks to the generosity of my caching friend Himilecyclist. Ricky is 15 years old now and still going strong for such and old dog.