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The Times Advocate, 2008-09-24, Page 11Crossroads 10 Times -Advocate Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Huron Tourism learns about "geocaching" By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — It was a full board room at the Morrison Dam Conservation Area as the Huron Tourism Association (HTA) held its general membership meet- ing Sept. 17. And while there have been many reports of decreased tourism in Canada this past year due to a higher Canadian dollar and soaring gas prices, some HTA members at last week's meeting reported their tourism numbers were up this year, while another said it was the best year in five years. Others, though, said they did notice U.S. visitors were down this year. HTA chairperson Scott Evans of the Benmiller Inn said he chatted with Premier Dalton McGuinty last month when Benmiller hosted the Liberal caucus retreat. He told the premier tourism numbers were down in August and also spoke to the Minister of Tourism. Geocaching South Huron fire chief John Morgan spoke last week about 'The Growing World of Geocaching,' an activity that can be used to draw tourists into the area. Geocaching is a high tech treasure hunting game that sees participants all over the world hunting for various items using a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and sharing their experiences online. Morgan called geocaching a growing phenomenon and said there are 657,284 geocaches hidden throughout the world and more than 400,000 found in the past week. "It's amazing how fast this has taken off," he said, adding to some geocaching is a game, sport or adven- ture; to others it's an obsession. Morgan said he and his wife Joyce became involved in geocaching in 2002, saying it provides them with places to go on day trips. The Morgans have 177 finds so far; others have thou- sands. Morgan said geocaching is good exercise and takes he and his wife places they otherwise never would have gone. Geocaches can be hidden anywhere and come in dif- ferent sizes. Some are extremely hard to find, Morgan said, adding there are four caches along the MacNaughton Trail and 95 caches in Huron County. Caches can be in places like trees or under rocks. Morgan said the best caches are the ones hardest to find. Caches can be toys or trinkets or items like pen- cils, key chains or batteries. "It's a family-oriented sport," Morgan said, adding geocachers take their children and grandchildren with them. There are some rules involved — geocaching can only take place on public land and participants are encouraged to pick up any garbage they see when Worldwide game — South Huron fire chief John Morgan speaks at a Huron Tourism Association meeting Morrison Dam last week. Morgan spoke about the growing phenomenon of "geocaching," which sees partici- pants use handheld GPS devices to find treasures all over the world. Morgan and his wife Joyce have been involved since 2002. (photo/Scott Nixon) they're on their geocaching hunt. Once a cache is found, a person signs a logbook in the cache, then goes online and records the find. Morgan said you can track an item all over the world. "You have to be kind of a sleuth," Morgan said. ABCA report Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority communica- tions specialist Tim Cumming informed the group of some of the work the ABCA does to bring tourists into the area. He pointed to the Oct. 5 Bannockburn Fall Hike as something that attracts people to Huron. Hikers can use GPS units and audio files to help enhance their experience along the trail. Other draws to the area are the South Huron Trail Run and the South Huron Trail Mobile, which makes trail rides accessible to those who otherwise wouldn't be able to go on the trail. In other tourism news, Huron County tourism mar- keter Jenna Ujiye reported that a membership devel- opment contractor has been hired to get the word out about the HTA. "We're very excited," she said. Before last week's meeting some members of the HTA took a tour of the South Huron Trail. ABCA gener- al manager Tom Prout said 50,000 people use the trail in a given year, including many from other communi- ties. South Huron tourism South Huron chief administrative officer Roy Hardy said part of South Huron's strategic plan is to look at things like economic development and tourism. He said one of the "natural gems" of South Huron is the public beach at Port Blake, one of the few public beaches in Huron. Hardy added the volunteer sector hi South Huron "is unbelievable," and pointed to the success of the recent RCMP Musical Ride as an example of a small dedicated group of volunteers making an event possible. Hardy said the municipality is looking at developing a tourism map and is working with the South Huron Chamber of Commerce and the Exeter Business Association on the Business Retention and Expansion program. More Huron tourism information can be found at www. ontarioswestcoast. ca Dashwood and Area Optimists host first soap box derby .+ it* • Fast start — Soap box derby racers Emily Denomme (left) and Andy Laya come off the starting ramp on Saturday during the first soap box derby on Bronson Line sponsored by the Dashwood and area Optimist Club.At right, Irene Daters brings her racer across the finish line just ahead of Joan Hern. (photos/Pat Bolen)