J.W. and I found the first cache (N 47 33.416 W 122 04.034) today in the Issaquah State Park. Very cool deal. I already knew I was hooked, but the moment J. spotted the cache, I knew he was hooked as well.
We're planning on tracking down another geocache on Cougar Mtn. next weekend at
(N 47 32.432 W 122 05.964).
We are also actively working on ideas for planting a cache, perhaps in the semi-urban environment. If anybody has great ideas for locations, puzzles for waypoint clues, etc., please let me know.
I've succumbed to another gadget related hobby, Geocaching. Check out Geocaching.com. All it requires is a cheap GPS unit and the motivation to get out on foot. Each cache is documented on the website by a starting waypoint, which you find with GPS and from there you solve a series of puzzles to determine coordinates for intermediate and final waypoints, tracking them down on foot with the GPS as well. I'm fortunate enough to have a couple easy-to-find caches near my house, which makes the hobby easy to get into. In case you were wondering, I'm typing this entry from N 47 degrees 33.111 minutes, W 122 degrees 3.479 minutes.
So many great things happening lately.
First, I turned 35 yesterday, which I've decided is the canonical definition of 'old'. Wait - before you react, I don't mean that in a negative way. I've simply decided that there is an invisible threshold I crossed that somehow sets me apart from many of the younger people I work and play with. I'm happily married, have two wonderful healthy kids, a nice house, 2 cars paid off and money in the bank. How can life get any better? I don't feel 'old in my bones' or any of that crap. Granted, I heal a little more slowly and I'm not quite as flexible as I once was (but who is?).
Second great thing - I made a deal with myself a few months ago to get in better physical shape and to run at least 5 miles on my birthday. Marathoners are in no danger from me, but the training has gone well. I got up the morning of my birthday and ran 6.1 miles (around 10k for the rest of the world). My wife and I then celebrated by a sinful dinner at a local steakhouse. Oops...
Third great thing: My local Tully's now has wireless. They've installed a Cometa HotSpot and it's free access for the next 4 days. I'm taking advantage by posting my blog entry from there.