Geocaching: a high-tech hide and seek
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Updated: 12:04 AM Jan 29, 2010
Geocaching: a high-tech hide and seek
ARDMORE -- It's a high-tech hobby that's growing in popularity all over - including right here in Texoma. It's called geocaching, and it's being done around the world by people with a GPS and a keen eye. Shelby Levins explains.
Posted: 11:21 PM Jan 26, 2010
Reporter: Shelby Levins
Email Address: shelby.levins@kxii.com
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ARDMORE -- It's a high-tech hobby that's growing in popularity all over - including right here in Texoma. It's called geocaching, and it's being done around the world by people with a GPS and a keen eye. Shelby Levins explains.

It's not your traditional treasure hunt, but Robert Tolbert says geocaching can be just as rewarding. Using just a hand-held GPS device, Tolbert searches for a geocache - a small hidden container that can connect complete strangers.

"It's a neat feeling to connect with people you don't know and people from all walks of life,” Tolbert explains.

The high-tech hide and seek game starts online. According to the official geocaching website more than 900,000 geocaches are hidden around the world. Some are in very public places, while others are off the beaten path.

"You're getting to see places in your community that you may not have known about,” Tolbert said.

The website gives you an idea of the location with a map, and provides the exact coordinates of the geocache, then it's up to you to find it, and share your experience on-line.

Tolbert says he's only been geocaching for a couple months, but it's quickly growing into a family tradition.

"It's kind of something we do everywhere we go now if we have a little spare time," Tolbert explained.

Tolbert says GPS devices usually get you within 25 feet of the geocache - then the hunt is on.

Geocaches can range in size from a pill case to a shoe box. The larges ones, like the one we found, often have small trinkets inside.

"It's kind of a souvenir you take with you. It's part of the fun, seeing what you can find and leaving something interesting for someone else to take."

All geocaches contain a log for you to record your find. This one has been found by dozens of people before, a Tolbert hopes it will be shared by hundreds more in the future.

For more information about geochaching, click here - http://www.geocaching.com/


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