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  Merge the thrill of a treasure hunt with the joy of being in the great outdoors.  That's geocaching a global, GPS-based game where players hide and seek containers, or "geocaches," at specific locations marked by coordinates. From city streets to mountain hikes, geocaching will take you everywhere.  Whether walking in the woods, strolling in a park, or strolling in an urban area, the excitement of finding a hidden "treasure" never gets old. The following is a guide that will walk you through everything you should know to start geocaching, ranging from its history to equipment, rules, and advice on how to make your first find. A Brief History of Geocaching: Geocaching began in May 2000, shortly after the U.S. government improved the accuracy of GPS signals for civilian use.  Dave Ulmer, an enthusiastic GPS user, on May 3 hid a container in the woods near Beavercreek, Oregon, and posted the coordinates online inviting others to come and find it. The idea caught ...

  With today's fast-paced online existence, more individuals are hungering for a move back to nature and there's no finer means of doing so than by camping.  From a peaceful escape from urban existence, an inexpensive getaway, or an energetic family adventure, camping provides an opportunity to reconnect with the great outdoors and rejuvenate body, mind, and spirit. For the new camper, the idea of sleeping in the great outdoors under the stars is an exciting but intimidating idea.  What do you bring? Where do you go? How do you protect yourself and stay comfortable? This book has all you need to know to start your camping experience and have a great time. Why Go Camping? Before discussing the "how," let's discuss the "why."  Camping isn't only an outdoor activity it's a means to reboot your life.  #1 Mental and Physical Health Benefits: Less stress: The outdoors has been shown to decrease cortisol (the stress hormone) and enhance mood. Increases...

  With summer surrendering to crisper days and longer shadows, the mountains come alive with one of nature's most stunning displays the kaleidoscope of fall colors as leaves change from green to bold hues of red, orange, and gold.  Autumn is ideal to head outdoors, and hiking on the mountain trails in autumn offers breathtaking scenery, crisp air, and the soft rustle of leaves below.  This article discusses some of the finest autumn foliage hiking trails in North America and beyond, and tips on how to make the most of your autumnal excursions. Why Autumn is the Perfect Season for Hiking? Autumn is perhaps the ideal season to go hiking in mountainous areas.  Here's why: Glorious Scenery: Colorful deciduous trees bloom with beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows, transforming mountains into a colorful tapestry. Moderate Weather: The temperature is pleasant, perfect for physical exertion, and minimizes the risk of heatstroke or dehydration. Less Crowds: Since the summer ...

  Organizing a family campout can be one of the best ways to connect with family members and experience the beauty of nature.  But, unless it is well planned, it can easily turn out to be a source of stress or disappointment.  From selecting the best location to packing the necessary items, each step is important in making sure that everyone has an experience to remember.  This is your step-by-step guide to planning a family camping trip that's great for all ages and interests and most importantly, that everyone will enjoy. #1 Get Everyone Involved at the Start: Getting everyone involved in the beginning creates excitement and allows everyone to know each is doing something.  Ask your family: Do your kids want to swim, hike, or ride bikes? Do the grown-ups want relaxation or something more challenging outside? Does anyone have medical or dietary requirements that need to be accommodated? By involving everyone in the planning process, you provide each member of t...

  Spring break is not all about beach parties and crowded resorts.  It's the perfect time for nature lovers to immerse themselves in nature's beauty as the world comes out of winter sleep.  As flowers burst into bloom, the sun gets warmer, and the animals start their usual activities, spring is the perfect time for a range of outdoor activities.  Regardless of whether you want mountain air, picturesque hiking trails, wildlife vistas, or peaceful riverside retreats, there is an excellent outdoors for all.  This article examines the best spring break trips designed for nature enthusiasts, tranquility, and stunning vistas. #1 Hiking in National Parks: One of the best ways to mark the onset of spring is to get close to nature's blooming beauty by going on a hike.  National parks across the United States and the world offer some of the finest spring experiences. Top Picks: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina): Renowned globally for wild...