Top 6 Reasons To Get Outside During The Winter

Icy rock formation we saw while on a road trip to claim our first out of province Geocache.
January 2018
Photo Credit: Jessie C
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It's Winter here in Canada, a magical time of year to get out and explore. Mother nature hides all sorts of gems across the country under a blanket of snow, including some Geocaches. 2018 is the first year we're attempting to find some winter Caches, follow our blog to keep seeing more winter updates as we find more Geocaches through the Winter months. Getting out of the house can be hard during the winter months, staying indoors where its warm is what many prefer, but for those that love Geocaching here are some reasons to do so in the winter. It's a lot of fun exploring when mother nature lays out a fresh blanket of snow. 

The Winter Views Are Amazing!

I love this location for a Geocache, the natural glow of snow makes the reflection on the ice beautiful. The water on the lake had frozen solid with a small amount of snow that drifted onto its surface. I've got the chance to see this lake back during the Summer months, I find winter has the ability to dramatically change the look of your favourite spots. During the winter months, the lack of humidity provides an opportunity for clear long range views. There was a Geocache hidden perfectly in the tree that rested right beside this lake looking over at an amazing view.

A New View 

You may have a trail that you prefer walking more than others, a favourite trail that holds some of your hidden treasure or favourite Geocaches. Walking those trails again during the winter gives it an entirely new look. I find that trails leading to waterfalls hold the most change during the winter with the mist of the falls freezing certain areas of the trail. Seeing the falls frozen or semi-frozen is always a beautiful sight to see. Even seeing a new trail for the first time is beautiful during the winter months, the snow makes it so magical. My favourite times to walk a trail during the winter is when a new fresh blanket of snow has fallen. When is your favourite time to walk during the winter months? 

Less Crowd In The Trails

I recently walked in a trail the day after a fresh blanket of snow had fallen, I only met up with one other hiker who was leaving the trail as I was entering, it makes for a very peaceful and quiet walk outdoors. Walking trails can be lots of fun when the weather is beautiful, it's when most people want to head out and explore. Geocaching in the winter gives you a chance to walk trails with fewer chances of being seen by Muggles. Geocaching in the winter can be a lot easier in finding certain Geocaches. Often when I arrive at a cache location I can see the previous cachers trail and footprints, it doesn't ruin the game one bit though. Some cachers know this in advance and leave a mess of footprints around the cache to keep things interesting. I would be one of those cachers that leaves a maze of footprints behind in case someone would be following in my footsteps. We never know, right? hehe. 

Double The Workout!

Walking through deep snow can give the body a great workout. Your legs will definitely be doing some double pumping by the time you finished your Geocaching Hunt. Snowshoes are always a great add-on to your winter geocaching fun. It's another great way to get out with the family and have a day filled with fun in the forest. Where I live in Canada we have some events that get other cachers out in snowshoes and skis to hunt for some winter caches that get hidden during the winter months. It keeps the game going, often the older caches freeze over and they lid becomes very difficult to remove. There are many other things to do in the meantime to keep the Geocaching spirit going, try finishing some puzzles or maybe you can work on some swag you want to leave in some Geocaches you will find when the weather warms up again. 

No bugs!!

This one is easy, who doesn't like a bug free hike in the forest? I sure know I love the bug free time of the year. 

New Challenges

Getting a Geocache out from the frozen ground Winter 2018

Winter caching requires a different type of performance than when out summer caching. Often Geocaches can be hidden well in Everygreens, under rocks, under bridges, you name it. The location chosen to hide a Geocache can vary and be very unique depending on the cache owner. Bringing a shovel and other digging tools would be a great idea to bring with you during your Geocaching hunt. Some geocaches get buried pretty far under the white blanket of snow making it difficult to locate the cache, but if you're determined and have the time you can always dig your way to the Cache making the game turn into a real-life treasure hunt during the winter months, it's a lot of fun. 

When the winter comes around often you start seeing a lot of winter friendly caches keeping the game interesting all year round. 

Geocaching in the winter can be a lot of fun, I wish everyone who played this hobby had the chance to try it out at least once. 

-33c/ This was me claiming our very first our of province Geocache for our souvenir. Winter 2018

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog! 😊

* Happy Caching *

Don't forget to tag us on your geocaching adventures on Instagram we would love to hear about your cache stories 

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Everyday.Fun.Day

Famous Tobacco Container

Hello Cachers!

The Famous tobacco container!

How do you feel about Tobacco Containers being used as Geocaches? They seem to be very popular containers used as Geocaching containers in the area we Geocache. 

When I first started Geocaching I was curious about all the sorts of Geocaches I would encounter along the way. There are many common types of Geocaches out there, and many unique ones that you will only find a few times during your entire travels, however, some cache owners like to keep the game as simple as it can be. I'm always surprised when I find a new type of cache container I have not found in the past. Some cache owners are very creative and others it's more on the simple side of things. Either way, it doesn't matter, the game remains just as fun. We all love finding treasure and earning a smiley.

What are the common cache types you find in your area? Leave us a comment below! 😊

There are literally hundreds or thousands of different things you can use to hide your Geocache in. The creative side is all up to you. You would only need to make sure the container you decide to chose will survive all elements of nature, like rain, snow, wind, etc,  you want to seel everything up in waterproof ziplock too that will help keep everything dry and safe. 

Some containers make better Geocache homes than others but one Geocache container you may come across is the famous plastic Tobacco can cache container. This one seems to be very popular in the area were I Geocache. Many Cache Owners will get a hold of one of these containers, they will clean them out and use them as a cache container. They are regular in size and make great containers that hide very well in the forested areas. These containers are ideal because they have a screw on top cover, and are very easily hangable by rope or wire. 
Many of these containers are covered by a camo tape or paint to make them less visible to muggles. 
As we know Geocaching.com does has rules when it comes to hiding Geocaching in Tobacco can type Geocaching containers. The container would need to be rinsed and cleaned out very well to make sure there is not any tobacco residue left inside the container. Once that is done then you're good to go and the container can now be used. I have never hidden a Geocache yet, 2018 goal of the year when it comes to Geocaching. I doubt I would ever use a Tobacco container as when top lid would break eventually with it being open and closed so often, however, I do believe it could be an okay container to use when starting off. 

Just hanging there, Summer tobacco cache container / 2017
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This tobacco container is one that we got the chance to find during the summer of 2017. We decided to hunt for a series of Geocaches hidden along a wooded trail. Most Geocaches during this series were all placed in Tobacco containers and had been hidden during the spring of 2012. They were all dry and taking care of minus they could be re-hidden a little better but other than that they seem to be decent containers to use to hide your treasure in.
Not all were dry and perfect some that we did find were moist an damp, therefore I am unsure about this sorts of the container being used to hide Geocaches in. Where I live winter months are what we see most if the Geocache gets wet and freeze it's no fun to find during the cold months.Many Geocachers in Canada like to try to make their Geocaches winter friendly to help the game go on all year round.

Cemetery Cache Container / Summer 2017
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During a travel to the countryside during the summer months, we stopped for an easy park and grab at a very old cemetery. The cache was hiding very well inside a hole in the tree. Nothing inside the cache was wet or damaged, it was hidden very well in a hole in the tree. 
I don't think this type of container would be a container that I would pick when the time comes in hiding our first Geocache. If you do use this container as a form of home for your Geocache what are your tips for keeping it safe from the weather elements? 

A little tip I was able to get when talking with cache owners that have used this method to hide geocaches is that you want to make sure to tie the string or rope to the base of the tobacco container and not the lid. It happens sometimes that the lid pops off when wear and tear of the container and if you use the lid to tie the string to chances are if that happens you will lose everything inside the container.

What are your thoughts about Cache owners using a Tobacco container as a regular Geocaching container? 

First Tobacco container we find / Summer 2017
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Thank you for reading!
                                                             * Happy Caching *

How To Geocaching Your Way To Great Health This Year?

First blog post of 2018, this is an exciting moment for me! It's the beginning of a New Year and with that comes the New Years Resolutions. Many people aim at setting fitness goals in ways in achieving a better health. Not only is Geocaching an amazing hobby to play with friends and family but it's also amazing for your health and a great way of keeping a healthy lifestyle. Nowadays people are running around the city catching Pokemon and hatching eggs, which is a great way to keep the body moving, but how did people stay in shape the old-fashion way and still get to travel around the countryside searching for hidden objects? They played an awesome game called Geocaching. 

Read my other blog post HERE on what exactly Geocaching is all about. 

In this blog post, I want to discuss the benefits of Geocaching for your physical and mental health. We've noticed a difference in our own health since we started Geocaching, getting outdoors and walking, moving the body around is very important for your well being. It's also been a great way for us to keep our children interested in exploring and being outdoors hiking with us. It's  a family hobby we all have fallen in love with. 

How Can You Get Healthy By Geocaching?

Geocaching can be a great way to get outdoors and gradually start enjoying some physical activity. With time you can always go further with how often you go outdoors to hunt for Geocaches. Remeber to take it easy if you're only starting off if you're an expert you probably already understand your bodies limits. You can even throw Geocaching into your daily workout routines to keep everything interesting. If you do want to use Geocaching as a way to get fit and better your lifestyle I'd try and aim to add Geocaching to your schedule at least once a week for a minimum of 2.5 hours. Try working towards your diet when not Geocaching, for example, try adding Fresh fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. Always remember to bring a bottle of water with you when out Geocaching, it's important to keep the body hydrated. 

Staying active is one of the most important things your body needs, it's important for your health and wellness. Ever since we started Geocaching I find walks and hikes in the forest a lot more fun, often I don't pay attention to the distance I am hiking and realize at the end how much I have accomplished which often surprises me. It definitely is a great way to keep the time moving quickly. Walking regularly can have tremendously positive impacts on the overall health and well-being after I got addicted to Geocaching walking trails is almost all I wanted to do. 

Benefits Of Walking With Nature

There are so many benefits from walking outdoor with Nature on top of getting some exercise while out treasure hunting. Whenever you're feeling down or sluggish it's always great to " walk it off ", it's a great stress-releasing method. I'm always happy and smiling when out in the woods this theory definitely is something I can relate to. Taking a walk in nature is associated with a whole host of mental health benefits. It helps decrease depression, improves the well-being and mental health, and lowers stress. Walking is something that is inexpensive along with Geocaching, I find both go great together in helping keep the body healthy and strong for the future. It's a low-risk exercise that almost anyone of any shape and size can do combined with the nature setting it can be very powerful as a stress buster. Most people today live in the city and spend not enough time outside in green, natural spaces than people did when my great grandparents were roaming the world. Geocaching allows you the chance to step away from the city and explore the trails and forest outside of the city. 

Next time you and your family are looking for something fun to do that is going to be rewarding for your health, why not try a little Geocaching in a local trail, explore and have fun while getting some exercise. 

Top 7 Hiking Backpack of 2017

Top 7 Hiking Backpacks 

The most amazing views come from getting outdoors and going hiking. This is a shot I took while out on a hike Autumn 2017. I followed the trail alongside a dirt road to see the view from the top of the mountain.
Photo Credit: Jessie C
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      The first piece of hiking gear we added to our collection was hiking backpacks. They are a must when hiking. But how to know which one to chose from? There are so many different ones out there. Considering that the backpack will be mounted on your back during the majority of the hike you'll want to make sure it's very comfortable. Hiking backpacks can be expensive, but they are something you will want to have and if you take care of your backpack it will last you for years to come. 

My goal here is to help you chose the right back that will suit your hiking needs. Now it's time to start talking about backpacks. I've put together a top 10 list for the most popular hiker backpacks out on the market. 

In this article, I've only listed backpacks for your everyday hiking adventures which will range from 50-80 litter packs for multi-day hiking. 

Enjoy ! 😃

     7. Let's start off with the OSPREY ARIEL, This company has combined Anti-Gravity technology with the customizable fit and innovative features to create a more capable and comfortable pack for long-haul carrying on any multi-day excursion.

Features: 

• The IsoForm5 harness and CM™ hipbelt provide outstanding fit and comfort for especially heavy loads and long miles. Both components are interchangeable to provide a truly custom fit. 
• The Aether/Ariel AG™ features a continuous, suspended panel of lightweight mesh extending from the upper torso through the lumbar area of the pack and wraps the user in supreme comfort.
• Haul your gear to base camp, remove the top-lid and deploy the impressively functional DayLid™ to summit a nearby peak or backcountry picnic. This is a feature currently only available by OSPREY ARIEL.

ARIEL AG™ 55 - Woman Backpack
https://www.ospreypacks.com/ca/en/

     6. The Arc'teryx Bora, This backpack uses Hybrid materials and has an advanced suspension system that helps balance your hiking gear. It also helps enhance your mobility while carrying heavy loads on extended hiking trips. 

Features:   

• Highly durable pack body is made from 420- and 630-denier nylon fabrics and is capped with weatherproof AC fabric in areas exposed to rain or snow
• Patented RotoGlide hipbelt rotates side-to-side and glides up and down for a more natural stride that reduces chafing and improves balance
• GridLock shoulder straps adjust both in width and height for a precision fit
• Thermo-molded Tegris frame sheet and aluminum stays help distribute the load evenly between shoulders and hips
• Ventilated back panel keeps air circulating to cool your back
• Pack is top-loading, but side-access zips allow access to buried gear; removable, extendable top lid with zippered compartment
• Large-volume outer kangaroo pocket holds bulky or wet gear
• Side pockets can carry 1-liter water bottles or trekking poles; 2 mesh hipbelt pockets keep smaller essentials close at hand
• Hydration reservoir compatible (reservoir sold separately)
• Ice-axe loops

  

Arc'teryx Bora
https://arcteryx.com/home.aspx?country=ch&language=en

     5. The TETON Sports SCOUT 3400, Perfectly Sized for Youth and Light Backpackers. It can be perfectly adjusted to your torso and can be well fitted for a Youth hiker too. This backpack has aluminum stays with thickly padded straps, plenty of pockets, and a built-in rainfly. It’s a durable hiking pack with sturdy zippers, mesh lumbar support, padded waist, and shoulder straps, and bendable aluminum stays. This backpack is very comfortable on your back and shoulders. The safety yellow rainfly stays hidden until you need it, you would pull it out and it would protect your pack and gear. The main compartment closes securely with two barrel-lock drawstrings. The backpack is equipped with Gear Loops allowing you to hang ski poles, ice ax, or a shovel. The top carry-loop make it easy to load the backpack back into your car. 

Features:

Multi-position torso adjustment fits wide range of body sizes

Rugged internal frame backpack with capacity of 3,400 cubic inches large enough for 2-4 day trips

Side and front compression straps to secure sleeping bag, pad, or tents

Top and bottom compression straps to secure sleeping bag, pad, or tent

Hip padding made of durable open-cell foam with lumbar pad and molded channels provide maximum comfort and allow airflow

Integrated bright yellow water-resistant rainfly keeps your pack and gear dry

TETON SPORT SCOUT 3400
https://www.tetonsports.com/

     4.  The Baltoro 65 has supreme comfort and advanced performance makes the Baltoro 65 ideal for weekend hikers.This backpack’s secret combines trail-dominating Response A3 suspension technology with 65 liters of capacity, giving it dynamic load balancing in tough terrain plus a trim design that feels perfectly sized for long winter weekends, warm-weather multi-stagers, and shorter backcountry excursions. 

Features:

• Vented, formed back panel features Lifespan foam & silicone lumbar grip zone 
• LumbarTune removable 10mm insert offers user-customizable contouring for a precise back panel fit 
• QuickSwap 3D interchangeable pre-curved LifeSpan EVA foam harness & hipbelt in multiple sizes to precisely fit each body 
• Sidekick ultra-light, removable daypack doubles as hanging reservoir sleeve 
• Included removable rain cover stowes in its own zippered pocket 
• Top-loading design with front U-zip panel access 
• Double Barrel lid design with dual zippered pockets on top and security pocket underneath 
•SideWinder stowable ergonomic bottle holster 
• WeatherShield PU-coated hipbelt accessory pocket with YKK AquaGuard® zipper 
• Girth-hitched compression MultiStraps on bottom double as hipbelt for Sidekick daypack 
• Dual ice ax loops and upper shock locks for ice tool and trekking pole attachment
• Weight: 5.5 lbs.

Baltoro 65
http://www.gregorypacks.com/home

Back view Baltoro 65

     3. The North Face Cobra 52, this backpack is built with expeditions and Alpine guides in mind. The 52- litter Cobra technical pack is a fully featured workhorse that delivers superior performance in harsh mountain environments. This backpack comes with a neat ice tool and crampon storage to the load-hauling aluminum frame. This backpack is very durable and designed to go the distance. This backpack is part of the Summit Series collection - the world's finest alpine equipment.  

Features: 

• Summit Series represents the world's finest alpine equipment and apparel
• A guide-level, feature-rich pack engineered for alpine pursuits 
• Floating Lid
• Removable Lid\
• Metal Hardware
• Stowable helmet carry
• Removable hipbelt padding 
• Oversize crampon pocket 
• Sleek tool keepers with covered tips
• Rope Carry
• Wand pockets 
• Ski Carry
• Hipbelts pockets 
• Tool loop on hipbelt
• Hydration sleeve
• Removable frame sheet
• Lash points
• Reflective hits
• Pack can be stripped down to weigh less by removing the frame sheet, hipbelt padding and top lid

North Face Cobra 52
https://www.thenorthface.com/en_ca/homepage.html

     2. The Atmos AG 65, what makes the Osprey Atmos AG 65 a great backpack would be the Osprey's Anti-Gravity suspension system that delivers outstanding ventilation and carrying comfort. Makes it easy to carry around. This award-winning pack has earned a solid reputation with savvy thru-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. 

Features:

• Removable Floating Top Lip - The floating top lid can extend to accept oversize loads or can be removed from the pack body for weight saving lidless use. 
• FlapJacket - Osprey FlapJacket provides compression and protection from the elements for the main pack compartment when the top lid is removed. 
• Tool attachment - The dual ice tool loops and clove hitch style bungee tie-offs provide secure tool attachment and transport. 
• Dual Zippered Front Panel Pockets - Dual zippered front panel pockets provide extra storage for items that need to be readily accessible * only one model Atmos AG65 and Aura AG65
• Compression Straps - Dual upper side compression straps stabilize loads while lower, cross-functional compression straps also serve as external gear carry straps
• Internal Compression - The internal compression straps help to stabilize the load
• Stow-on-the-go Trekking Pole Attachment - Osprey's Stow - On - The - Go trekking pole attachment system is designed to quickly attach and carry trekking poles while wearing a pack or making a quick scramble through rough terrain
• Fit - On - The - Fly - Hipbelt - The Fit - On - The - Fly hipbelt pads extend 5"/15cm to accommodate different hip sizes while providing a custom fit. 
• Adjustable harness - The adjustable harness allows the user to easily adjust the torso length of the pack by using the easy release cams behind the harness yoke.
• Anti-Gravity Suspension - The Atmos / Aura Anti-Gravity back panel is a continuous panel of lightweight mesh extending from the top of the back panel to the hipbelt to provide unmatched comfort and ventilation. The seamless structure contours automatically outstanding fit and unrestricted movement.

Atmos AG 65
https://www.ospreypacks.com/ca/en/

     1. DEUTER AIR CONTACT, These backpacks have won the German 5-star design best award of 2017. They are extremely durable and come with a newer modern day look. They are more comfortable and the flexible Active Fit shoulder straps help with supporting your back when on long hikes. 

**  For female trekkers they've added the new 70+10 SL model.

Features: 

• Lid attachment loops - For quick and easy attachment of bulky, light gear.
• Lid pocket - Stores quick-grab gear.
• Daisy Chain - To secure extra gear
• Pocket on hip belt - To accommodate valuables or a digicam. 
• Compression Straps - For reducing pack volume and improved load stability also can be used to attach extra gear
• Rain cover - Comes with detachable rain cover to keep your items dry
• SOS label - Provides the most important tips in the case of emergency
• Stretch Compartment - Stretch compartment on the inside of the back to stowe sweaty/wet clothes 
• Valuables pocket - Special pocket on the inside of the pack to keep valuable items safe
• Air contact system - This is the light way to carry heavy weight. This system will perfectly adapt to your back and will hold the load close to the body's center of gravity. With every movement, a pump effect circulates air through the breathable padding with special ventilating hollow chambers. The results: 15% less perspiration than with other body contour packs.  
• Vari-Quick System - This has been a guarantee easy adjustment to any back length. Their new back panel construction creates a big contract surface making it even more compact and comfortable to carry.
• The X-frame construction 
• Adjustable lid - Height-adjustable lid with lid pocket and top lid attachment loops
• Bottom Compartment - Separate bottom compartments 
• Side pockets - Easy-grab, zipped pockets on the hip belt side pockets for maps and such
• Front Opening - Big front opening for quick access to the entire content
• Hydration system 
• Attachment for ice ax or hiking poles 

Deuter Air Contact

http://www.deuter.com/DE/en/index.html

The view from the other side of the mountain was just as great. |We got to see the view of the Windmills. This was a great view and an amazing hike.
Photo: Jessie C
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