Paintbrush to Compass: My Geocaching Journey

Finding the First Geocache Hidden in Colorado

My love for geocaching has been renewed recently, thanks to my friend Deb who re-introduced me to the excitement of the hunt. Our family originally started caching back in the mid-2000s, when the kids were little and geocaching felt like a brand new adventure. Back then we would go online, look up caches, and print the details out on paper before heading out with our trusty GPS unit. No apps, no quick searches on the fly, just paper in hand and a lot of determination.

Road trips were our favorite time to geocache. Before we’d head out, I would plan stops along the route, making sure there were caches for us to find along the way. It was the perfect way to get the kids’ little legs moving and add some adventure to our travels. Those memories are such a sweet part of our family’s story.

Fast forward to now, and my geocaching looks a little different. Not only am I searching for hidden treasures, but I’m also leaving a little art behind as I go. I’ve painted small watercolors that I have ready to tuck into caches. Sometimes I even bring along my travel watercolor kit, and if I’m feeling inspired, I’ll sit near a cache and paint a mini plein air piece to leave. Every trail, mountain, or hidden corner of the woods feels like a canvas, and I love sharing that joy with whoever finds the cache next.

I’m also passionate about CITO (Cache In, Trash Out). To me, geocaching isn’t just about finding treasures, it’s also about taking care of the trails we explore. Picking up a few pieces of trash along the way keeps these spaces beautiful for everyone and makes the adventure feel even more worthwhile.

I’ve got a few new trackables in my pack, each carrying a little watercolor painting. I love the thought of them journeying from cache to cache, picking up stories along the way. I can’t wait to see where they end up and how far they go!

So if you’re out caching and you happen to come across a little watercolor tucked inside a box, it may be a little piece of my passion. And if you ever spot me sitting near a trail with my paints spread out, just know I’m probably adding a little art to the adventure before I tuck it away for another geocacher to find.

If you’ve never tried geocaching, it’s easy to jump in. All you need is the free Geocaching app or an account on Geocaching.com. From there, you can search for caches near you, follow the GPS map, and start exploring. Some caches are big enough to hold treasures and trackables, while others are tiny and just have a log to sign. It’s a fun way to discover new places, get outside, and add a little adventure to your everyday walks or road trips. And don’t forget to bring along a small bag so you can practice CITO—cache in, trash out—helping keep the trails and wild spaces clean for the next adventurer.

Here’s to clean trails, hidden treasures, and a splash of paint along the way.