It started as an activity for tech-types looking for some fun with their Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) devices, and quickly caught on with the mainstream, earning the name geocaching. The activity continues to attract fans to these modern-day treasure hunts, and for anyone interested in learning more or getting an update, there will be a free workshop from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. this Saturday, April 12 at the Coos Bay Library, about which more in a moment.

For the uninitiated, a bit of background. Utilizing the capabilities of an array of government satellitese, GPS was developed by the US military in the 1970s and early ‘80s, and made available to the public in 1983. This spurred the sales of hand-held GPS devices, which had become popular with hunters and other outdoors people as a way to navigate on land and water. Shortcomings, technical problems and data blockages were eventually resolved, although there are aspects that reveal this is still somewhat a work in progress.

Nevertheless, the main thing is to have fun, which in this case involves hiding a cache or container or box and then posting its location within 10 feet. Caches are usually hidden in easily-accessible public places. Trespassing is taboo, as is hiding caches without permission on private property.

Anyone with a GPS unit and Internet access can participate. Many geocachers continue to use handheld units, which others use smart phone apps. Some even use both to zero in on their quarry.

When they find a cache, geocachers open it and write on a log sheet inside, recording the date of their find. The caches range in size from “nano” (tiny capsules) to “micro” (plastic film canisters) to larger containers and boxes. The caches sometimes have little items inside intended to be taken as keepsakes. Other times, geocachers leave items for future visitors. Kids love this aspect!

Part of the fun is finding challenging ways to hide caches. Some people are notorious for the ways they’ve hidden caches, referred to as “evil hides.” A notably fiendish hide was inside a discarded cigarette butt on the pavement outside a local convenience store. Others were disguised as electrical plugs, metal straps, big bolts that were hollowed out, even piles of fake dog droppings.

Enthusiasts cite the physical benefits of geocaching, as it sometimes involves a bit of moderate exercise traipsing around the countryside. Geocaching is also a great way to discover new places and connect with nature as caches are often hidden in scenic locations. Participants also develop critical thinking skills as they solve puzzles to locate caches. Additionally, geocaching can be enjoyed alone or with others.

Industry statistics claim there are over 3 million active geocaches worldwide, with over 200 million finds registered in the Geocache Logbook. The oldest active geocache was placed in 2000 and has been found more than 10,000 times!

As for this Satuday’s “Geocaching 101” workshop at the Coos Bay Library, organizer Gene Iparraguirre says “We'll spend time understanding the basics and then explore ways to test your newly acquired skills. You can team up with experienced cachers who will share their knowledge and stories from the field and help guide you on your way.”

Gene will give a brief history and explanation of GPS device types and terms, then explain GPS and satellite technology. Participants can learn how to use www.geocaching.com and apps, and get help setting up their geocache account and logging their caches. There will be hands-on demonstrations with different types of geocaches you could discover.

Those interested can also check out the South Coast Geocachers Facebook page

(Shopper columnist Tom Baake is author of the local guidebooks.)

Some interesting sights happen this time of year that illustrate the variety of experiences in the South Coast region. Like the annual salmon run or the passing of migrating whales, these phenomena occur at a certain time of year when conditions are right.

There are actually many things that make only fleeting appearances in the course of a year. The aforementioned salmon is an example. In the realm of fishes, other seasonal migrations range from smelt to shad to striped bass.

In the plant kingdom, it’s an ever-changing palette of conditions through the seasons. Many things -- such as mushrooms and wildflowers – have brief bloom times.

In the natural world of elements -- such as the ocean – there are other short-lived occurrences, ranging from King Tides in winter, to luminescent summer tidepools.

All manner of celestial events such as eclipses, meteor showers and planetary alignments have equally narrow windows of opportunities for viewing and enjoyment.

Getting back to seasonal plant showcases, one of the best is Shore Acres State Park near Charleston. It’s often referred to by its complete name -- Shore Acres Botanical Gardens State Park – for its unrivaled show of rhododendrons and other species of flowers and blooming plants.

A lesser-known but equally impressive rhodie show happens now at the Hinsdale Garden east of Reedsport. Once part of an estate -- most of the buildings are gone --  and now a Bureau of Land Management site, it’s open all year with free admission, Some of these awesome plants are over 100 years old. Further flowering specimens in the 55-acre showcase include magnolias, camellias and azaleas.

Getting there

From the intersection of US 101 and Highway 38 in Reedsport, go 3 miles east on Highway 38. The Hinsdale Gardens are about a quarter-mile beyond the O. H. Hinsdale Interpretive Center. Look for the unmarked entry road on the north side of Highway 38. A gate keeps out vehicles but can be walked around by visitors. Parking is limited. Park well off the highway and don’t block the gate. GPS N 43°41’45.59” W 124°01’00.79”

You can also visit during one of the upcoming Spring-season opening days, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 or Saturday, May 10. Park at the nearby Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area for a shuttle to the garden.

Another seasonal appearance is the 1929 wreck of the steam-powered cargo ship Sujameco, which missed the Coos Bay entrance by a few miles and ran aground directly west of today’s Horsfall Beach.

You can walk right up to it, or view it from a sturdy, wheelchair-accessible ramp/vista structure. In a winter with an average number of storms, the Sujameco gets slowly unburied from her sandy tomb so that you can see her outline along with some interior features.

Getting there

From the Bay Area, go north on US 101 and cross McCullough Bridge. In 0.9 mile turn left (W) on Transpacific Parkway and cross the causeway. Just past Boxcar Hill turn right (N) on the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Horsfall Beach access road and follow it to the beach The road has some high-water spots so it might not be recommended for low-clearance cars. A $5 day-use permit or seasonal pass is required.

Here’s hoping you can visit one or both of these places – time is short!

(Shopper columnist Tom Baake is author of local guidebooks.)

Riley Ranch County Park near Hauser is a fun destination any time of year, but you’ll likely have it mostly to yourself during the off season. There have been improvements and additions since the park’s inception. The park is mostly for ATVers, with direct access into the Oregon Dunes for campers and day-use visitors.  There are also rental cabins.

Hikers are welcome, although if they’re headed out to the dunes, they have to use the same access road as ATVers. That isn’t a problem this time of year, but it isn’t as much fun in summer when there’s more vehicle traffic. On a recent visit I saw only two dirt bikers.

A highlight is 20-acre Butterfield Lake, a little freshwater gem regularly stocked with trout. Anglers have also caught bass, perch, bluegills and crappie. Anglers can fish from the shoreline, too. Use of the lake is free and so is parking if you use the two small lots above the boat ramp. If you park in the larger lots farther up, a $4 daily fee or seasonal permit is required.

Another nice thing is the apparent absence of the invasive aquatic plant called hydrilla that plagues the bottom of most other Dunes Country lakes.

On a recent visit, I launched my kayak from the boat ramp and headed south along the lakeside. This stretch has a remarkable assortment of cast-up driftwood and weather-twisted branches, although this is the only part of the lake with that phenomenon.

I followed the shoreline west toward an opening under a short railroad trestle. A narrow channel held plenty of water (this time of year) to slip into the west arms of the lake.

Unseen from the rest of the lake, these arms are like wonderful compact fjords, with gigantic waterlogged trees floating in the deep, dark water. Thick stands of wild rhododendrons, huckleberry and salal frame the setting, with tall timber growing through the dense understory, and many ghostly old trees leaning at precarious angles..

Because of all the logs and debris, access in these narrow fjords may be completely or partially blocked. You may be able to bump through but don’t get trapped!

The arm to the north goes about two-tenths of a mile. Here is yet another interesting sight: Partially submerged floating logs serve as miniature nurseries supporting bonsai-sized samples of tiny rhodies, huckleberry and salal, along with mosses and glowing-green lichen.

To the south another quarter-mile stretch of lake was tempting albeit challenging thanks to many floating logs. The views really opened up, with big expanses of sand dunes and Dunes Country lakes sparkling in the sun.

Back in the main body of the lake, I checked out the lake’s eastern arm and its source-stream inlet. Along one section, chipmunks created trails and hideouts in the brush roots clinging to cliffs, and ran alongside chirping nervously.

And so I eventually drifted away . . . and paddled back to the boat ramp, and made an easy landing. Still nobody here! You gotta love the off season.

Getting There

Go north from North Bend on US 101 for 6 miles to the park entrance. Follow signs to the north to the lake. If you’re in a vessel, unload it at water’s edge, then park your vehicle in the lot above.

(Shopper columnist Tom Baake is author of local guidebooks.)