Winter Geocaching!

Geo-skiing!!!

When I first got into caching, I wondered if it was done in the winter. Of course, it can. But, depending upon where the cache is, the type of cache and how it is hidden, and the amount of snow on the ground, this can be problematic. Sometimes, just getting to the cache can be a hassle.  Take GC3B8C for example. It’s in a beautiful piece of National / State forest in Michigan.  Normally, it would be an easy hike in any season other than winter. However, due to the average snow fall here, a cacher would either have to snowshoe in or ski in (cross country ski, that is!).  I have been an avid cross country skier for about 3 years now. I can’t believe I haven’t tried it earlier in my life. Downhill skiing (alpine) is just plain BORING! In Michigan, at least, you’ll spend far more time on the chairlift than you will actually skiing. Then, there are the crowds of pushy skiers. Lastly, if you haven’t had to pay for a lift ticket, you’re in for a surprise.

Cross country skiing and geocaching go hand-in-hand!! Imagine going to a state or national park, skiing and caching ALL DAY in the peace that is true nature….. and all for the cost of a parking permit (around $4-6, in Michigan).

If you’ve never tried cross-country skiing, please, give it a try! It’s amazing exercise and very inexpensive! For instance, in a local used sports equipment shop, I bought my first set of skis (skis, poles, bindings, and boots) for about $150. The equipment was in next-to-new condition, too. You’ll find a lot of used cross country ski equipment in this condition; people run out, buy new equipment, find cross country is a little strenuous (especially at first!), then sell it.