Archery Fun!

I fondly remember spending many carefree hours as a boy flinging arrows around with my little red bow.  (I somewhat less affectionately also recall running for my life more than once after shooting an arrow in the air directly above me and losing sight of it in the sun!)

I recently bought my 3 oldest sons and daughter inexpensive youth recurve bows from one of our local sporting goods store.  This past Saturday Caleb and Aidan spent some time in our backyard practicing their fledgling archery skills. Dad joined in too for some friendly competition. 

A basic bow with a few practice arrows can be purchased for around $25.00.  Pick up a hay bale or two (or an archery target) and you're all set for some relatively low cost fun.

Of course younger children should be closely supervised at all times by a responsible adult when launching high speed pointy-tipped projectiles.  Be sure to have a safe target backstop and clear background because you can expect a few errant arrows.  Also, first secure your pets unless you prefer poor Fido to resemble a hairy pin cushion.        

Aidan takes aim

Caleb at full draw

Bullseye!

Geocaching - Combining Modern Technology with Old Fashioned Outdoor Fun

 

Geocaching

We recently discovered "geocaching" as a fun new way to spend time together outside. 

 

Geocaching is a primarily outdoor activity where participants use handheld GPS devices to hide and seek various containers referred to as geocaches or caches. GPS enabled mobile phones can substitute for standalone GPS receivers. Geocaching.com defines the sport as a "real-world treasure hunt that's happening right now, all around you." With nearly 2.5 million active geocaches and over 6 million geocachers worldwide, it has clearly become a very popular recreational activity.  There are likely geocaches scattered around the area where you live just waiting to be discovered. 

 

Caches are typically small(er) waterproof containers such as film canisters, "Bison tubes" (small, metal screw-top capsules), ammo boxes, Tupperware, fake rocks and magnetic key holders etc.  They contain a logbook where the geocacher can sign their code name and enter the date found.  Caches also sometimes contain small trinkets or trackable objects.  These objects (except for the logbook) may be taken as long as you leave something of similar  or greater value behind in its place.  Caches must be carefully returned to the exact locations where you found them. 

 

To locate geocaches in your area, visit a listing site (such as geocache.com) where the coordinates and a description of the caches are recorded.  Sometimes the descriptions include hints to help you locate the caches, which can be very cleverly hidden.  Successful (and unsuccessful) geocachers can later post comments about their adventures on the listing site as well as log their finds. 

 

Geocaches are as varied as the unique individuals who create and hide them.  Some are large and others are micro-sized.  They may be quite cleverly hidden and fiendishly hard to find, or as easy as just following your GPS to the Waypoint coordinates.  Caches may include puzzles that first need to be solved. Listing sites such as geocaching.com allow you to filter your cache searches using a number of criteria such as terrain and difficulty, walking distance, accessibility (some are handicap accessible), size, date placed or last found etc. 

Today's smart phones often feature quality GPS functionality (though a standalone GPS receiver is usually better) and a number of geocaching apps are available for them.  Thus, the cost to get started may be little to nothing for many people. 

Geocaching is a great way to get off the couch and spend time together outdoors as a family while exploring new places.  Fresh air and exercise are additional benefits.  I encourage you to get our there with your loved ones (or pets) and give it a try.  Please remember to be a respectful and responsible geocacher.   

Geocaching pics

 

Fields Landing - May 31, 2014: Our (Aidan & I) first ever cache found.

  

Caleb & Aidan find a hidden cache in King Salmon on June 6th, 2014.

 

 

Geocaching together at Big Lagoon - June 7, 2014



We stopped to see some Roosevelt Elk (a small herd of bulls in velvet) along the highway not far from Stone Lagoon.



Big Lagoon.  I've driven by this beautiful spot (accessed via a short, scenic hike from Highway 101) many times and never knew it existed until we stopped to find a cache. Geocaching has opened our eyes to new places and experiences.

 

Our "quiver full of arrows" (my partners in adventure)

Aidan, Riley, Allison, Caleb, & Zane (ages between 1-13 years)

                                                               

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth.

                                                             

References for Psalms 127:4

• Cross References

• 7 127:4 - Ps 112:2

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.      

                                                                                                                      ~Psalm 127: 4-5