Geocaching is a high-tech version of high and seek using a GPS. “Caches”, which could be anything from a film contained to a 40 litre drum are filled with goodies (mostly stuff from the $2 shop) and hidden around the world. The GPS co-ordinates of the location are posted on the internet and anyone with a GPS can try to find it. When you find the cache, you sign the log book, take an item, leave an item and register your find on the web site.

Bookcrossing is a pastime whereby books are left lying around anywhere (in pubs, on the bus etc) for people to pick them up and read them. In the book is a unique code number and instructions on how to register that you have found the book. The idea is that someone will read the book, note it on the web site and then leave the book somewhere else. Ideally, you should be able to track the book as it travels around your city or even the world.

Last weekend I set up a Bookcrossing Geocache. To find it, you need to search through the bush with a GPS, but instead of the usual $2-shop junk, the cache is full of books which people can take and release. As I write this, two books have already been released and I hope to be able to track them soon.

The local cafe has also gotten in on the act and has a bookshelf where you can release books.