A global treasure hunt has washed onto Logan’s shores, and locals are getting excited.
Local geocacher Rod Collins is marking a decade of participation in the activity this month.
Geocaching is like a worldwide game of hide and seek, in which participants use GPS coordinates to plant and find hidden treasure, known as “caches”.
Caches typically consist of a waterproof container containing a logbook and pen, and often a small trading item like a small toy, coin or trinket.
Once found, searchers log their details in the logbook and swap any item in the container, then record their find online.
Mr Collins said the activity was both mental and physical.
“Searching for geocaches keeps me physically active – whether it be by walking in the bush, E-Scootering along a pathway, or trying to look inconspicuous in a suburban area,” Mr Collins said.
“Some geocaches require you to solve some kind of puzzle before the coordinates for the cache are revealed – mentally stimulating, too.”
Mr Collins said some of his greatest finds required mountain hiking and kayaking, while others “took a lot of puzzling skills or ‘Googling” to work out the coordinates of the cache hide”.
A memorable geocache for Mrs Collins was one called ‘Murder Mystery’, which involved finding clues by playing a geocache-themed game of Cluedo.
“Another great cache is ‘Pages Pinnacle’ which involved climbing along the razorback ridge to fantastic views over Hinze Dam,” Mr Collins said.
“That sure was heart-pumping and extremely memorable.”
A free geocache event called GCLogan will be held from 27 September to 5 October.
Around 100 local geocachers will be in the area meeting like-minded folk, teaching others and having fun.
Events are planned for all over the city, including at Underwood Park, Priestdale, Larry Storey Park, Waterford, Loganlea Picnic Grounds, Meadowbrook, The Village Community Centre, Logan Village, Rotary Park, Jimboomba, Chris Green Park, Beenleigh, Daisy Hill Koala Centre, and the Berrinba Wetlands.
Mr Collins said locals should give the hobby a go.
“You meet fellow geocachers who become great friends,” he said.
“And sometimes you get to take part in special group community activities, like planting trees, or clearing weeds, or cleaning up rubbish.”
Find GCLogan details here: myconsultant.com.au/GCLOGAN/
