I have always wanted to try Geocaching ever since I first heard about it years ago. I mean, who doesn't like a good treasure hunt every now and then?

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt where you search for "caches" anywhere in the world with the assistance of a GPS device. The first documented geocache was hidden in May 2000 in Oregon.Since that time geocaching has been embraced by so many that thousands of geocaches can be found all over the world.

Once you find a cache, the protocol is to take objects from the cache as long as you leave something of equal or higher value in its place for the next geocacher. The cache also contains a logbook where information about the owner of the cache and visitors can leave notes.

Geocaching is a fun activity for all ages, and is a great learning opportunity for children. It also gives us all the chance to learn more about our surroundings, not to mention the opportunity to get some exercise.

More than 1,800 caches hidden around Las Vegas Valley

By SONYA PADGETT
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

Longtime Clark County Parks employees Ralph Johnson and Russ Cassedy came up with the perfect way to educate the public about the county's history: Gather a bunch of trinkets, put them into 10 canisters and hide them in the desert.

You're probably wondering: How will this teach anyone a history lesson? Well, you have to find those stashes to answer that question. And believe it or not, there are countless people from around the world who are thrilled at the chance to do just that. In fact, more than 118 people have found them since the items were hidden March 15.

First, you need a hand-held GPS device and Internet access. It also helps to have a desire to hunt down worthless stuff hidden in places you might not otherwise think to look. Once you're equipped with all that, you're ready to embark on a search for those stashes, or, as it's commonly known, go geocaching.

County officials sought ideas to get people out to historical sites and to learn more about valley history, Cassedy said. He and co-worker Johnson suggested combining their hobby of geocaching with some historical information, hiding their treasures -- called caches -- in 10 spots across the valley.