07 October, 2020 - Geocaching & Maybe a Visit to the Coast

 Dear, Mom -

Hello, Sleepy! When we talked today, you were so tired you just listened while you rested your eyes. I know that feeling all too well. I actually laid down for about a half an hour this afternoon and considered taking a nap. Instead I just stared at the ceiling and thought about stuff I needed to do. One was to get up and make some dinner because I was a ‘Starvin’ Marvin’! Then I started thinking about going to work tomorrow and how I need to get out of there relatively early so I can make it to Beaverton in time to get to my glasses appointment. I am going to trade in the pair I got and have them redo the lenses for me. I just don’t care for progressive lenses that include mid-range. It just makes me dizzy and it takes away from my near and farsightedness. I dunno. I asked for them to begin with without the mid-range, but I kind of got talked into it. I had a feeling I would regret it. I gave it a two week trial period and, since I have a 30 day return policy, I am taking advantage of it so I can get my glasses made the way I originally wanted them. So, as I say many times over, fingers crossed that it works out without a hassle.

I have decided I am going to start trying to go out once a week and go geocaching. If you don’t know what that is, don’t worry, I didn’t either. Here is the formal definition.

Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.

Basically, it is a treasure hunt. Who doesn’t like a treasure hunt? Right now, with social distancing and not being able to be in groups of people, being outside where you can distance yourself from strangers is the best way to stay active. I found I wanted something that would be more than just a hike in the woods. I wanted something more challenging. I have known about geocaching, but never really looked into it. Starting in a couple weeks, there is going to be a two week challenge on the Oregon Coast. In order to play, you have to have a smart phone with an application on it that helps you find GPS coordinates. GPS stands for “global positioning system”. It’s kind of like giving you cryptic directions via latitude and longitude and you have to find the treasure at the end. It sounds so fun that I am going to try and get my friends Mo, Kim, and Ward to do it, too. I would get Holly to, but I don’t think it’s her kind of thing. She would maybe go along for the ride. Also, I can take Elsa with me and get her out in nature, too. These aren’t always out in nature, mind you. They can be in the middle of a city. I guess downtown Portland has a few hidden treasure boxes that can be found. When you find the box, you are to take something and leave something. I think I will get arty and make something that is signature to myself and put it in the box. And maybe a sealed candy bar, too. Somebody is always going to want to find chocolate. Ha ha.

Typical Geocache. A little tub with a log book and some treasures! Some people get very inventive, as you can see by looking at the next two pictures.

This is a geocache hidden treasure spot. Someone was very clever and hid it so it just looks like the end of a steel railing. It unscrews and the treasure and log book where you write your name and date are hidden inside in a tube!

This geocache was made into a puzzle that you have to solve to be able to see what is inside. I think this is such a clever way to spend you spare time outside. I cannot wait to try it!

At the Oregon Coast, in Lincoln City, there is going to be a two week challenge that I would at least like to go for a day and see how many geocaches we could find. I think my friend Mo would be really good at the puzzle end of it. I might not do too bad, either. So, I am getting excited to read up on it and go try my hand at it. I’ll let you know when I do! It will be a fun tale to document and write about.

I did take Elsa on a nice walk this morning and found a few interesting picture for you.

Ivy-leaved Cyclamen

Baby Sage flowers

A pumpkin that grew through the middle of the fence!

Coprinaceae or Brittlestems mushrooms

Well, that’s all I have for now, Mom. I hope your day today if full of fun and friends. I hope there is a nice cup of coffee and something sweet to eat. I love and miss you. I will talk to you as soon as possible, but until then, know I love you and am thinking about you as you hear this. You are very special to me and it makes me sad that I cannot be there with you, holding your hand, stroking your hair, telling you bad jokes and making you laugh. I will be someday soon. You can bet your bottom dollar!

🥰✨Your Daughter, —-Sally Ann✨😘