“Cache the Fever” in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Grab your GPS and navigate to Florida to experience one of the newest trends in outdoor activities. Geocaching, which combines the terms “geographical” and “cache”, is an outdoor adventure that sends seekers on a treasure hunt for a small container of trinkets and prizes. Geocaching opportunities abound in the Sunshine State as several destinations around Florida are zeroing in on the fun.

Statewide – VISIT FLORIDA and the Columbia County Tourist Development Council have partnered to develop the first official VISIT FLORIDA geocache. The I-75 Welcome Center is giving visitors the chance to “cache the fever” and explore geocaching in the Sunshine State. A geocache is hidden on-site with the coordinates posted here, http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=c6f431dd-7540-478.... This multi-stage cache includes the coordinates for another cache located elsewhere in the state, which then leads to another. There are a total of five caches hidden for days of fun.

North Florida – Natural North Florida highlights “hidden treasures” and off-the-beaten path places on their treasure map of geocaches. One of America’s first treasure hunters, Hernando DeSoto explored the region in 1532. For more information on the North Florida geocaching trail, visit www.OriginalFlorida.org or call 1.877.746.4778.

Central Florida – Outdoor enthusiasts can hike scenic trails in Central Florida while participating in “Trek Ten Nature Trails.” Each of the ten trails contains a geocache with a stamp that will allow visitors to track their progress and complete the Celebrate Nature Passport Journal. To obtain a passport journal visit Polk Outpost 27, Central Florida’s Interactive Visitor Center located on Highway 27, ½ mile south of I-4, Exit 55 or call 1.800.828.7655.

South Florida – To have some fun in the water, check out The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail in Lee County. The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel is creating a dozen caches at Blueway launch sites and landings on the 190 mile trail. Visit www.greatcalusablueway.com for more information. To learn more, visitors can attend The Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival that will feature information on “how to geocache the blueway from your kayak.” The festival is Oct. 25 – Nov. 2.

“Geocaching is a great way for outdoor enthusiasts to get out and see all that the Sunshine State has to offer,” said Kevin Mims, VISIT FLORIDA’s Outdoor & Nature Expert. “Whether you’re a novice or an experienced geocacher, there is an adventure for everyone.”

Visitors should check out www.visitflorida.com/geocaching for more information.

All information contained herein provided by Visit Florida.

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