Check out "Law & Order" on NBC, 8 PM Central, May 8, to see how geocaching plays out on TV. Then, if you're curious and want to learn more about it be sure to attend IGO Geocaching 101 - 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 14 at Thomas Mitchell Park just south of Mitchellville, Iowa. We'll plan to meet at a parking area and shelter house (we have not made a reservation since we'll probably be walking more than sitting) at the posted coordinates on the east side of the campground road just after you cross the creek...probably the 2nd parking area you'll come to in the park.
Bring a GPS if you have one or come without and you can tag along with an experienced geocacher to hunt for a cache or two (there are three currently in the park...one virtual, one regular and one multi-cache). If those terms don't make any sense...don't worry, we'll explain the difference at the event.
If you want to learn more about the computer/technical aspects of geocaching (downloading waypoints, paperless geocaching, mapping, etc.) we'll probably have some folks on-hand to share some of that with you too.
This will be a family-friendly affair so bring the kids along for one to four hours (whatever you can accomodate) of outdoor adventure. Everyone should wear suitable outdoor clothing (long pants and sleeves if you have something comfortable...helps keep the weeds and bugs from scratching and biting) with comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. Grab a walking stick if you have one and just come prepared to learn and have some fun in a beautiful Polk Co. park.
If you already have a Geocaching.com registration please post a note to this event and let us know you're planning to be there and how many in your party. Include any questions or comments that you have in your post entry. Also check out IGO (Iowa Geocachers Organization) at
www.iowageocachers.org and register with us (it's FREE!) if you like.
Experienced cachers are certainly welcome at this event...we need your expertise so come prepared to share and just have a good time.