As we look forward to up to 4,000 new Virtual Caches to be published over the coming year, we’re sharing some fun, quirky, and downright cool caches that you can go out and find right now! After all, a Virtual Cache is all about discovering a location rather than a container.

Here’s a quick background on Virtual Caches for those who are new! The requirements for logging a Virtual Cache vary — you may be required to answer a question about the location, take a picture, complete a task, etc. In any case, you must visit the coordinates before you can post your log. Although many locations are interesting, a Virtual Cache should be out of the ordinary enough to warrant logging a visit.

You may have noticed “Part one” in the title, and you’re right! This is only the first post in a three-part series. There are already so many great Virtual Caches waiting to be found that we couldn’t include them all in one post. Be sure to keep an eye out for part two and three in the coming months!

*Part two and three will be announced via the weekly newsletter, are you subscribed? Check your email preferences to make sure!

Now, without further ado, we give you four themed categories for Virtual Caches and some fun examples for each of them!

Natural
Geocaching started when a bucket was hidden in a forest and today geocachers still enjoy exploring the depth nature while hunting for smileys. Some Virtual Caches can be found on top of a mountain (GC8510 or GCJX6T), among beautiful desert scenery (GCD86E) or among a swampland, and a primeval forest (GCQC0N).

Remote adventures
Virtual Caches are a great way to discover spots that you won’t find in your travel guide. Some lead on a 40-mile round trip hike to the ruins of the Anasazi Indians, others take you below the ocean to long-forgotten ships!

Task
Some Virtual Caches require you to fulfill tasks in order to earn your smiley. Tasks range from simple: take a photo at the posted coordinates, to more engaging tasks such as a walking tour to several different locations, discovering the local history along the way.

Quirky
Whether you are traveling someplace new or adventuring near home, there are always unusual and quirky places you can stumble upon with a little exploring. On your next adventure, a Virtual Cache might lead you to one of those places such as an off-the-wall museum (GCB6A8) or a unique sculpture park (GCJ8M8).

Have a favorite Virtual cache? Share it in the comments!