This week’s featured geocacher is Misa80, a courageous woman in her forties who recently traded the familiar landscapes of central Norway for the wild beauty of the Lofoten Islands. For her, geocaching is more than just a hobby – it’s a way to find focus, joy, and purpose in everyday life, especially while navigating the challenges of chronic illness.
It All Started with the Kids
Misa80 still remembers her first cache – and its eye-catching name: Victoria’s Secret. Initially unsure whether it was suitable for children, she soon discovered that it was named after a young girl who had hidden a treasure box filled with trinkets. Her kids loved it. "They were thrilled – and completely convinced that all caches were full of treasures," she laughs.
Geocaching became a way to reconnect as a family after a breakup. Her two children, then just six and seven, took turns holding the phone and hunting for caches. The shared experience helped create new memories and kept them active outdoors.
One of their most memorable trips was to the North Cape. Each child got their own camera to document the journey, but instead of dramatic cliffs or sweeping views, their SD cards ended up filled with photos of reindeer. The joy of discovery was just as real.
Rediscovering Geocaching During the Pandemic
Years later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, geocaching re-entered her life. While in Trondheim with her now-teenage kids, she checked on a cache she remembered from earlier years. It had been archived – but the spark was lit. She created a new account and rejoined the geocaching world, this time with premium access and fresh enthusiasm.
She quickly became hooked on mystery caches. The puzzles provided both mental stimulation and a welcome escape. But the intensity took a toll, reminding her to pace herself. Geocaching became a tool for managing life with chronic illness: "I’ve learned to open the app whenever I’m in a new place. You never know what you might find nearby."
A Memorable Cache in the Dark
One unforgettable caching trip took place in October 2012, when she and her children set out to find GC1E7N2 – Svenningnesset. The terrain was rough, and daylight faded quickly. After searching the wrong wall for too long, they found the cache just as the phone battery died. Without a flashlight, the return hike was difficult and scary – with small stumbles, cold fingers, and tired kids. But they made it back safely. It’s a memory that still sticks.
What Geocaching Has Given Her
Geocaching has offered Misa80 structure, excitement, and emotional balance. "It’s like a carrot dangling in front of me," she says. Mystery caches are her favorite – not just for the puzzles, but for the learning experience. "You gain knowledge from so many different areas – it’s like a treasure hunt for the mind."
For someone living with chronic illness, having a hobby that adapts to your energy level is invaluable. Whether it’s a big adventure or a simple log in a local park, every cache feels like a victory. And even when caching alone, there’s a sense of community through shared logs and stories.
A Meaningful Hobby
Over the years, she’s shared caching trips with a sprightly 70-year-old, her sister, and a curious nephew. She prefers to cache with one or two companions rather than big groups – it keeps the experience personal and rewarding. Even if she doesn’t log as many caches as she’d like, geocaching keeps her moving, learning, and smiling.
Favorites and Tips
Here are three of her favorite caches:
GC1V47Q Fjellheisen – A stunning viewpoint over Tromsø.
GCJTDA Kirkeporten – Near the North Cape, this cache is located beside a natural rock formation with a dramatic sea view.
GC93RRN – A quirky and humorous cache, perfect for children and those with patience.
Her advice to beginners: Don’t give up if you can’t find the cache right away. Return it to its original spot, keep the mystery alive, and pack snacks – enjoy the nature along the way.
Looking Ahead
Despite fluctuating energy levels, Misa80 sees geocaching as something she wants to continue for many years. She hopes to attend a Block Party in Norway this year and dreams of a cross-country train journey with geocaching as a companion.
"Geocaching has brought me so much joy – and I hope it always will. It’s good to have a dream."
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