National Trails Day: Introduction to Geocaching Walkabout

This hike is hosted by Steve C, and cross-posted with Calabasas Day Hikers.

To celebrate National Trails Day, COSCA (the open space agency of Thousand Oaks) has asked me since 2012 to lead an event to introduce hikers to a new activity to further enjoy the 75 miles of trails here. Never heard of geocaching... this is you chance to learn! This event is for people who would like to learn about the sport/hobby/addiction ;-) of geocaching.

Statistics: We'll hike along some easy trails starting at Triunfo Community Park in Thousand Oaks / Westlake, going about 3 miles, searching for about a dozen geocaches along the way. We will be climbing some hills along the way, but not too steep, with a total amount of climbing of 500-600'. This will be a loop and we'll return by walking about 1/2 mile along the road. We'll search for completely different kinds of geocaches along the road!

This hike is expected to take 3-4 hours or so, much longer than you would expect for the distance because we will spend about 10' at all the caches we encounter along the way.

Some interesting facts about geocaches and geocaching...

• There are dozens and dozens of geocaches hidden along the trails in Thousand Oaks and nearby.

• There are hundreds more hidden in the neighborhoods, commercial areas and shopping malls.

• You can see their locations on the Thousand Oaks Geocaches Map (http://www.venturacountytrails.org/GeocachesInThousandOaks.pdf).

• The vast majority of people have never heard of geocaching nor have found a geocache. However, most people have seen geocaches but not realized what they were looking at.

• The number 1 geocacher in California has found more than 161,000 geocaches - Talk about addiction! - As of April 2017, I rank 392nd in California. The rankings end at 9165th with 200 found caches. There are lots more who have found fewer than 200.

• "Cache" is the short form for "geocache."

https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/d/5/9/600_449628473.jpeg

Geocachers use Geographical Positioning System receivers (GPSr, also GPS's) to locate the geocaches, or use apps for their smart phones. The former start at about $100 and can easily cost several hundred dollars. The latter are free or cost a few dollars. For this event we will have extra GPS's to share, so you don't need to invest any cash to try to find some caches!

After this event, you can boast to your friends, "I use billion dollar military satellites to find Tupperware in the woods. What's your hobby?"

Cache Coordinates: A file containing the coordinates and descriptions of geocaches we'll visit is called a 'pocket query.' The pocket query for this hike is not ready yet, but it will be available at least a few days before the hike. You will receive an email when it is ready, with instructions on how to retrieve it.

Directions: Exit the 101 Freeway at Westlake Blvd in Thousand Oaks. Go south for about a mile and then turn west (right) on Triunfo Canyon Road. This will lead you to Triunfo Community Park. Turn left onto Tamarack St and turn into the second parking lot on the left. We start at the far west end of the parking lot.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.

If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group, its organizers, and sponsors from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

No "Plus Ones" permitted - if you want to bring a friend, have them sign up for the Meetup group and register!

All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Sorry, dogs are not allowed on this hike.