Reasons I love geocaching: #3 Solving puzzles
- Library Zest Team
- Mar 29, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 1, 2022
There are a variety of different geocache types; one of which is called Mystery. Almost any kind of puzzle can be made into a geocache. Word puzzles, number puzzles, math puzzles, ciphers and codes to name a few.
One of the things I love about geocaching puzzles is the creativity of puzzle creators. For example, I solved a maze puzzle (in yellow highlighter) but couldn't figure out where to find the necessary coordinate numbers. I coloured it in with a different colour (blue, which turned it green) but still couldn't see the solution. It wasn't until I walked away and caught a glimpse of it from a distance that I saw what I'd been missing.
Another puzzle I solved was a word search. When I was growing up, I was taught to circle the words when I found them. But that technique didn't work for this puzzle. I tried shading them in with pencil but I still couldn't see anything. But when I coloured in the words using a marker, that's when the QR code revealed itself!
Did any of you play the Battleship game when you were a kid? I recently solved a puzzle where you had to map out the Battleship moves given in the geocache description. Similar to the puzzle I just mentioned, the moves drew the numbers I needed for the coordinates.
Science tells us that puzzles are good for our brains. It helps us keep our mental faculties as we age. Studies have shown that doing jigsaw puzzles can improve cognition and visual-spatial reasoning. If you are interested in seeing what jigsaw puzzles we have, you can check out our website for a list.
We also have some new Brain Exercises and Puzzles kits as part of our new 'Seniors Aging Well' programming. Essa Public Library received a New Horizons grant that will invest in our seniors' health as they age. Other 'Seniors Aging Well' programming will be held throughout the year. Watch our website or email Dawn to sign up for our programming e-blasts for more information.
Paula Hughes
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