The Roswell Firelabs Makerspace established a Geocache in mid-2019 and it has become a popular and much-loved site.
So, what is a Geocache?
A Geocache is a hidden container (cache) that is logged by GPS coordinates on http://geocaching.com. Users plug the exact location of caches they want to find into their phone, GPS, or the geocaching app, and follow the pointer to within feet of the cache. Then there may be clues posted on the geocaching website to get them to the cache itself.
Inside the cache (often a plastic or metal weatherproof box), there is usually a log that they can sign to indicate that they were there and they can log the find on the geocaching website – sometimes with messages and photos. Some people try to find as many caches as possible, some look for the most interesting or out-of-the-way caches, and some just look for caches that are along a path they were going to travel anyway. The geocaching website holds events, challenges, and contests, too.
The cache at the Roswell Firelabs Makerspace has attracted many visitors over the past year; 70 of which have commented and logged the find on the geocaching site. Of those who have commented, the feedback about the makerspace has been universally positive.
Here are a few log comments:
“Great fun. Signed log. Talked to William.”
“I love the place where it is hidden”
“Thanks! We had a nice time. We’d love to learn more about Firelabs!”
“Never knew what y’all did here until this cache. Cool space!”
“Very good hide. Took nothing and left nothing but signed the logsheet. Thanks for the smiley.”
“Nice art work and great use of this old station. I am excited you guys are there and doing well. Thanks for the cache.”
“Giving this clever hide a favorite point. What a cool spot. The hint led us right to it.”
“Quick find after work. I drive by this station every day and never realized it was no longer a working fire station.”
“My son always loves the big caches that are hidden in a neat way, so we stopped by to let him give it a look. He was more interested in what the cache was hiding in that he forgot about the container at first. Thanks for the fun find with my son today!”
The geocaching community is enjoying this small addition to the Roswell Firelabs Makerspace. If you think you might be interested in learning more about geocaching, or even trying it out for yourself, check out the official website!
Special thanks to Tim Walter for submitting the information and pictures for this blog! If you are interested in sharing something through the Roswell Firelabs Makerspace blog, please feel free to reach out directly to mary@roswellfirelabs.org.