I have been geocaching for over 2 years now.  The first time I heard of this hobby was when a girlfriend told me about this original fun date she had just gone on. Even though I had no idea what she was talking about, I was intrigued!

I bought my first GPS unit, a Magellan Sport Trek and started fumbling through the various Geocaching sites online. In the beginning it was a chore.  I'd sit at my computer and try to plot which of the thousands of caches in my state I'd go after first. I would then write down the coordinates and head out.  I found myself lost and back tracking many times in the beginning.  I really had no idea what I was doing, and my dog just thought it was a fun adventure.

As I started meeting other Geocachers, I began to hear about Paperless Geocaching.  The first time I went out with a Palm Pilot and my GPS unit, it was HEAVEN!  No longer did I have to stop and head back home for more coordinates, or look ridiculous walking around in the forest with random pieces of paper in my hand.  I felt like a pro!

There are some basic tools you need to go paperless geocaching.  First a GPS unit that you can load Geocaches onto.  I currently have the Garmin 60C and it's a kick to see all the little treasure boxes on the map, just waiting to be found!  Next you will need something along the lines of a Palm Pilot.  Once you have both of these tools, you will need to download Cachmate for the Palm, and GSAK (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife) to track your Pocket quieries and Geocaches.

Now you just need to load your Pocket Quieries onto your GSAK, export the Waypoints to your GPS unit, and load the Cache information into your Palm Pilot.

Enter the dating part of geocaching.  I was tired of dating guys and doing the same Dinner and movie themed evening.  So if given the opportunity I would generally suggest geocaching after dinner.  It's a great way to get out and hike around while having great conversation with your date.  It's best to give them a brief overview and then let them find the location on the GPS unit while you assist. 

I've found that many men get turned off if I just jump in and find the cache everytime.  Having found more then a hundred caches, I have begun to think like a cacher.  If I see random bark laying across something on the ground, I automatically think there must be a cache there!

Of course there are a few precautions a person should take.  Geocaching should be done in a public area until you get to know your date more.  I would never suggest driving out in the middle of nowhere with a stranger.  Save that for later in the relationship.

For guys that are planning the date, pack a picnic and take her to some caches that you've already located and know they exist.  Nothing is more frustrating then a new cacher not being able to find the geocache. It's also good to have preplanned the perfect setting and area for the picnic.  Trust me, your date will be thrilled to have gone on a unique date.  Unless of course she hates the outdoors, but then why would you want to date someone like that?  Also, make sure she dresses appropriately.  Hiking around in heels is a definite strike against getting a second date.