Geocachers are a funny bunch.
Sort of like those who indulged in “treasure hunts” of the past and found their prizes after deciphering a set of clues, modern day geocachers use electronic “clues” provided by their GPSs. And they don’t give up when they know the treasure is close by.
Gold Country is to be commended, once again, for developing this excellent program that has showcased our region to the world for the past five years.
The Journal used to house one of their caches, but it was removed after a few short months because it conflicted with another cache nearby. But it gave me an opportunity to watch the geocachers who came seeking their treasure.
Always at least two of them, and often a family or group.
Actually, I still get to watch them because, although Gold Country removed reference to The Journal’s cache from their material, it is still included in their beautiful geotourism field guide, vol. 3 as well, possibly, on a few random websites (because you never know where your information is going to end up!)
They literally leave no rock or leaf unturned in their search. Because it has to be here, right? If I’m not totally engrossed in my work, I go out and let them know their search is in vain. Truthfully, I’m a little concerned that they’re going to start dismantling the building in their effort to find the cache.
Spring IS coming - it has to - and with its fair winds comes our tourism season.
Tourism is a clean, green industry - no one can argue about the pollution, noise or dangerous materials moving through town. We like to see tourists here, and we especially like to see them in the local businesses because these days, every penny counts.
Believe it or not, I’ve lived in communities where the benefits of tourism have been debated. Really, what’s the downside? That your favourite table in the restaurant has a stranger at it?
Let’s get ready to welcome tourists this Spring and give them something to stick around for.
Wendy Coomber is editor of the Ashcroft-Cache Creek Journal