The Joy of Geocaching: How to Find Health, Happiness and Creative Energy Through a Worldwide Treasure Hunt

by Paul Gillin, Dana Gillin

This is a book about passion for a game.

Describing the exciting and adventurous world surrounding geocaching--a worldwide hunt in which treasures are located using global positioning system (GPS) devices--this book offers an understanding and application of the principles and best practices of the game. What's different is that the authors wrap this knowledge in a tapestry of human stories that range from hilarious to touching. Paul and Dana Gillin interviewed 40 of the world's 50 most prolific geocachers as well as experts in container design, "extreme" geocaching and other dimensions of the game. They tell how this global activity inspires passion that has helped people heal frayed marriages, establish new friendships--and even save lives.
 
With rich illustrations complementing secrets culled from experts, this resource gives participants new skills for enhancing their experience and provides a visual montage of the different kinds of spots hobbyists can expect to find in the field.

Genres: Nonfiction, Adventure

260 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2010

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

First the good news: this book has no line drawings of dodgy looking bearded men. You can also leave it on the bookshelf when your parents come round for tea.

Unfortunately the strap line on the cover of the book is How to Find Health, Happiness and Creative Energy Through a Worldwide Treasure Hunt. If there is anything that will stop a Brit, and probably most Europeans, opening a book it is twaddle of this ilk. However I realise that Americans seem to need this schmaltz – here we are the Chicken Soup for the Geocacher’s Soul!

But wait, it gets worse … the introduction actually contains a story of how Geocaching saves someone’s life. I kid you not! At this stage most readers will surely be reaching for the sick-bucket.

But wait, stay with it. The book that follows this very questionable opening is actually quite good. That was my initial reaction after a couple of chapters. Half-way through I was beginning to revise my opinion and thought the book rather good. By the time I’d finished it, my conclusion was that the book is very good indeed. So what does it contain?

Well just about everything that the budding geocacher needs really. It covers all of the basics – buying a GPSr, navigating geocaching.com, planning a trip, the different types of hides and geocaches, navigation and etiquette. It also covers the social side of the sport, plus specialist branches such as power trails and extreme caching.

One aspect that is commendable is the coverage of technology and the features of geocaching.com. However both move on at a pace and will necessitate future revisions of the book. The extensive coverage of GSAK is a bit galling for Mac owners though.

The true strength of the book is the way that the hobby is brought to life by Waypoints and Cacher Profiles in the book. The authors use real life examples and anecdotes from enthusiasts to illustrate why this is such a fun hobby. The authors have made some excellent choices to represent geocaching and deserve a lot of credit for this. I read the book over several months – its layout facilitates this and I enjoyed dipping in and out and reading short sections. This is a well thought-through book that is extremely well written.

So what are my criticisms of the book? There are some minor sections that are disappointing – for example the sections on letterboxing and orienteering. However my biggest criticism would be that the book is too US-centric. It would definitely be improving by widening its coverage, and probably sell more copies too. Of course this is a general sin of American media, but the Podcacher podcast is a great example of how an international perspective can be a strength.

I love geocaching, but view it as a fun hobby rather than a source of health, happiness and creative energy. Although in reality all three probably do apply, just I wouldn’t articulate such things. So after reading the book what are my thoughts? Firstly this is a well researched and excellently written book. Secondly it captures the hobby perfectly. Thirdly it illustrates why so many geocachers enjoy the hobby and get so much out of it. Finally it handles the basics perfectly, yet is equally enjoyable for the experienced geocacher.

I enjoyed reading the book and learnt from it. I also laughed at some of the anecdotes, recognizing some of them from my own experiences. I am not a beginner – I have over 1000 finds and 40 hides. That the book caters for the absolute beginner and also for me is quite an achievement. As I read the book, I thought ‘I should write a book about geocaching’. However if I dedicated a year of my life full-time to writing a book it would not be a patch on this one, so why bother?

I bought this book last summer in Cape Cod, mainly because I wanted to read about geocaching. The only other books I’d seen at the time were The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Geocaching and Geocaching for Dummies. Quite frankly if you buy one of those books in preference to this one, you’d be both an idiot and a dummy.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it a good thing or a bad thing that Geocaching is a hobby still swiftly growing in popularity, and that the technology behind it is changing? Much of what is included here is less than relevant now.

Much is also better for newbies. Depending on your experience, the kinds of caches you go after, and your 'geosense' or 'knack' you'll find things here to skip, and things that make you go 'hey, wow, I didn't know that.' And of course the profiles of avid cachers are fascinating.

So much for us, at <1K finds:

We're adding a pocket mirror to our toolkit to help look under benches etc.

Need to check out Waymarking.com more thoroughly as it's basically a listing of virtual caches which are my favorites.

One statement to Muggles that often works is "we are participating in an Internet treasure hunt."

GPS units to consider are 60CSx and Geomate jr.

Nerds should apparently learn GSAK. It looks like maybe most ppl besides me could.

Really really do not just report TFTC. Even if you've nothing interesting to say about the cache, say something about the day or your enjoyment of the game.

There's an appendix of Great Geocaches by State. Unfortunately none of the states that I currently travel in have any listings, but still a neat list.

Puzzles & tricks:

Hint decodes to "Why're you looking up there?" and cache is hanging from a wire above head level.

What looks just a little 'off?' Is that patch of bark a different color from the rest of the tree? Does that pile of leaves look like nature built it?

Feel around for invisible fishing line.

Note decoys and pranks: Hint decodes to "magnetic;" metal bench and sign are ten feet from GZ; cache is indeed magnetic but is hanging from tree right at GZ. Or, a whole bunch of film cans are velcroed to the underside of a bench... but cache is an Altoids tin ten feet away.

Is the birdfeeder surprisingly clean? Maybe the birdseed is just glued to the windows and the feeder is actually a cache.

So, all in all I do recommend this book to everyone who is interested. Just get it from your library or their ILL service, or share with a friend. I really appreciate the work that the authors put in to it, but I cannot recommend paying full retail for it. Well, maybe for a Christmas gift for a newbie!

[Squeaky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ten year vet with a modest 1,600 finds found a couple of things he didn't know in this book, plus a lot of interesting personal stories.

[Yvensong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and entertaining look into the world of Geocaching and those who are enthusiastic about caching. This book covers the basics and includes some anecdotes from long-time, experienced cachers. I was primarily interested in reading the stories, though I also took away some information that may be helpful while I'm out treasure hunting.

[PJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Goodreads did half points, this would really be a 4.5 only because some of the content is now outdated. But otherwise an awesome book full of information about my new hobby!

[Holly Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed a 2010 version of this book from the library, uncertain as to whether it would have anything to say that's pertinent to now. And the answer is yes! The technology talk is outdated, but the advice is still largely applicable. And better yet, the book is filled with cacher profiles and anecdotes from memorable cache trips and encounters, which are timeless.

[Heather Muzzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Referenced multiple sections but did not read in it's entirety. Great arrangement, photos, graphics, and index so I could glean what I needed as a newbie with no local network - yet! Still figuring out how to use the website to find the next event (near us) and meet more cachers in person.

[Maple Tea (moved to StoryGraph) · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a newbie cacher (50th find found today), I really enjoyed this book. It explained several things I had been curious about, and I liked the anecdotes. Who knew there was a geocache 7,000 feet under the ocean floor in a thermal vent?

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did get some good tips on ways people hide caches that I would not have ever expected.....gave me some new ideas for a couple DNFs I have. Otherwise the technology aspects are definitely outdated by now

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book so far.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful overview of the game/sport of geocaching. Recommended to me by the person who took us to our first find. I think we'll have a lot of fun on the treasure hunt with our son!

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well-done beginners guide to this sport, that I will recommend to anyone getting started, or even curious, in geocaching. The stories were fun, and I feel better equipped in our outings now.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very easy read and very educational in introducing the fun of geocaching.

[Cody Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good read! I've been Geocaching for awhile, but picked up a little information from it, and the stories were entertaining

[Marylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of helpful information for geocaching

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m glad this book exists as there are very few on the subject. Wish it could be updated now that a few years have passed. Love the crazy stories in one place. Many of the sites are still super helpful.

[Sandie Bushey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the great info and all the personal stories.

[Erica Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories, tips and tricks! Since the pandemic happened, geocaching has helped keep me sane. I enjoyed reading about how it has changed others lives as well.

[Asuka0278 · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a new geocacher I really enjoyed reading through this book. There was a LOT of really good information in it. At this point it's the most up-to-date book on geocaching my library has but it could do with a revised edition simply because technology and websites have changed a bit since it was written. Other than that I would say this is a fantastic go-to book for a new geocacher. There are good ideas and I enjoyed reading the stories of the geocachers some of the chapters had. I was introduced to it as a girl scout leader. We're doing the geocaching badge with our scouts this year. The more I researched the more fun it sounded. On a whim at a family picnic at a state park I found out (using the fantastic geocaching apps that are now available) that there was a geocache less than 100ft from where we were. I was determined to find it. And then my husband and two girls (who are in my girl scout troop!) decided to help. What joy when we finally found it! My girls ran off to tell all the family members and were hooked. We went to several that are near our house the following day. I used some of the things I learned in this book about proper etiquette, what to look for, what to take with me, etc. on our hunt. We logged 10 new geocaches on that trip. :) Thanks for the book. SLTNLNTFTC!!! ;)

[Russianwitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A colleague came to me with the book just before Christmas saying it would make good reading for me during the end of the year lull since he knows I cash.
I wasn't impressed at first, the cover bringing to mind 50's advice guides more than anything else.
Then I actually started reading.
The book was written in 2010 and is thus tragically out of date on a few points (if it's been updated I've overlooked this fact and apologize in advance) so some of the technical suggestions and advice could probably use a check online just in case before it is followed.
But that doesn't really matter.
What make this book are the stories of the the geocashers who were interviewed: their advice and misadventures which make the reader go out and cash again just as soon as they finish the book. It is a good starting point for anyone who is only vaguely familiar with the international internet scavenger hunt, and a fun read for cashers who have been at it for a while.
I'm not that advanced in the whole thing, and am certainly walking away with a lot of workable tips.
Easy read and clear chapter division so no matter why you've picked it up you will easily find the information you are looking for.

[Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a newbie cacher with only 10 finds, so I think I'm in the middle of the target audience for this book. I'm really glad I got this at the library, because there's a lot if good general information and best practices throughout. Heck, just the glossary alone might make it worthwhile.

However, this book is noticeably dated (Amazon probably has a more up to date selection than my library), especially in the technology section. At the book's writing, smartphones had just started taking off, so the authors focused on dedicated GPS receivers. Perhaps that's how the experts still play the game today, but I'm sure that most current novices are outfitted with Androids or iPhones, like I am.

The lack of useful information about the smartphone apps is the only major flaw that was obvious to this newcomer to the sport.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a Christmas gift from my geocaching brother-in-law, who had introduced my husband and me to geocaching a few years back. This book gives you very basic information regarding geocaching and then gets very involved in the technical aspect of various GPS models. The part I liked best about the book were the personal antecdotes from fellow geocachers. This book would be an excellent starting point for new geocachers.

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative in a easy to read format. The title was a bit overboard, but it's fun to have real people experience mixes with the information. I find everything I needed to know about geocaching.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very helpful book. I got this a few months ago after I began geocaching. It was truly a help! It made finds much easier, broke down a lot of the information they don't go into on the website. A must read for a beginning Geocacher.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't think I could have a better first book on geocaching. At times I would see people searching for things at unusual places and I think I understand why. Book was thorough, organized, and full of useful ideas. Definitely will be trying this out.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone new to the hobby of Geocaching, I had picked up the Complete Idiots Guide, and found it to be drab.

The Joy of Geocaching is the polar opposite. Personal, exciting, and intimate, this is a fantastic introductory book into the hobby and explains in fantastic detail the fun of the game.

[Lisa Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of the book is kind of a turn off but the information is right on.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great intro to the game/sport of geocaching. I did feel that it is a bit dated after being 3 years old. Caches change, GPS devices change, etc... it is just the nature of the beast

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn't all that helpful. Not sure I really needed a whole book :-0

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written guide to a fun fun pastime!