Looking for hidden treasure in Bluffton
Look around you. What do you see? Did you know there may be hidden treasure nearby?
Of course, the Lowcountry itself is filled with treasures unimaginable, from the life-filled marsh to the sun-sparkling rivers and sandy beaches.
No, I am speaking of actual hidden containers that are filled with items and sought by a team of international competitors who are so focused on their quarry that they may travel many miles in order to find them.
These containers may be hidden behind the roots of a live oak, in the folds of a palmetto tree or even under your favorite bench in the park. These “treasures” are part of an international game of hide-and- seek called geocaching, in which participants use a GPS or similar device to precisely locate the coordinates of a hidden container that can be concealed anywhere in the world…even in Bluffton.
Geocaching - and the idea of locating hidden items hidden in a real-world treasure hunting manner - has its roots in the nearly 200-year- old game of “letterboxing.”
In May of 2000 the federal government removed “selective availability” from the 24 orbiting global positioning satellites and for the first time the public was able to access highly accurate GPS technology. That improved civil navigation of all types and also gave birth to this highly unusual game. A computer engineer in Oregon hid a single container and shared the coordinates with the public.
Soon, people were “discovering” this simple item and signing their names to the logbook inside. Thus, geocaching was born. Today there are millions of geocaches hidden worldwide with just as many enthusiastic treasure hunters seeking them.
The Lowcountry is filled with geocaches of all types and skill levels.
They range from simple Tupperware containers to hide-a- key magnetic boxes. Visitors to our community search and locate geocaches as part of their vacation fun or come specifically to find these items.
Some local business owners are aware of the game and welcome geocachers, often allowing a geocache to be hidden on their property. One local business owner recalls the joy of seeing a puzzled-looking family or visitor holding a GPS device and walking in slow circles. A friendly hello, a little hint and the cache is found…and the grateful geocachers stay for lunch or a quick snack before moving on to the next find.
The game is also popular in other areas of the country. Blackshear, Ga., a small town about two hours from Bluffton, has helped establish a geocaching challenge that seeks to attract visitors. Geocaching is a challenging game that can take you from a small town to the wilds of nature or the busy streets of a large city. No matter your destination you are sure to find adventure.
So, if you’re wondering what to do with the grandkids next time they visit or how to add a challenge to a weekend getaway, then geocaching may be for you.
My family and I have been geocaching in the Lowcountry for over five years and never stop enjoying the adventure. Our small children are growing up with both the thrill of solving these puzzles and the enjoyment of working together as a team to locate a hidden item.
The game has taken us to fascinating locations, allowed us to experience nature and revealed interesting historical or cultural facts that may have remained unknown.
Geocaches have been hidden in Antarctica and in the Amazon – from the bottom of the sea to the highest peaks. No matter your skill level or time, you are guaranteed to enjoy the adventure.
If you want to slow down, turn off the main road, look around you and discover something new, then try geocaching.
Bluffton resident Matt Richardson enjoys taking day trips with his family and exploring the Lowcountry. To see more pictures from his adventures, go to www.Flickr.com and search on the username “greenkayak73.” He can be reached at greenkayak73@gmail.com.
Geocaching 101:
Geocaching can be as simple or as complicated as you like.
You can participate by using your smartphone or a simple hand-held GPS device. These can be easily obtained on Amazon or retail stores and generally cost about $50. Once equipped, simply go to http://www.geocaching.com/play/search and begin your search for the nearest geocaches. Membership is free but you can obtain a “premium” membership that will allow additional navigation help and access specially hidden geocaches.
There are some basic commonsense rules of the game. Respect private property and if you take an item from a geocache, replace it with another.
Laws have been passed in various states and countries concerning the game that help regulate where geocaches can be hidden. For instance it is unlawful for a geocache to be located on federal property. In South Carolina, cemeteries and other special places are protected from intrusion.
You can hunt in your spare time or enjoy a diversion over a long weekend. Geocaching can add a new level to the family vacation or help with downtime during a business trip.
There are geocaching groups that have “meet-ups” and annual events. The Rails-To-Trails Conservancy in South Carolina has helped establish “geocaching trails” to encourage visitors and provide additional adventure for biking and hiking.
You can go to http://www.geocaching.com/play/searchfor more information.
This story was originally published June 29, 2016 at 1:19 PM with the headline "Looking for hidden treasure in Bluffton."