It's not all about the numbers.

People must think I'm crazy. After all, I can't imagine that they often see someone in a park speeding by at breakneck speed in a power wheelchair with a tweaked computer, humble yellow eTrex in one hand, and a joystick control in the other. Surely, they must be wondering, "Where is she going, and why is she in such a hurry?"

All they have to do is ask. I'm having fun. I'm achieving goals. I'm reclaiming my life. I'm geocaching.

Less than two months ago, I was sitting at home, as usual. An online friend posted in a Usenet thread something about treasure hunting using a GPS unit. I'd never heard of such a thing, so I searched Google for "GPS treasure hunt". The first hit just happened to be www.geocaching.com.

I read all about the growing phenomenon, and was intrigued. I chose a user name and joined the site and read all about caching. I joined the forums and typed my first newbie post, full of questions and asking for advice. "What GPSr should I buy? How appropriately are caches rated?" My main concern was, "Can I really do this?"

With 13 caches under my belt, so to speak, the answer to my question is an emphatic “yes.”How difficult is it for a handicapped person to cache? Granted, two of those caches are virtuals, one is a locationless, and I have one DNF. I'm very proud of the eight traditional caches and one multi that I've found. I'm also proud of my DNF, believe it or not. I've hidden two caches of my own, as well.

How difficult is it for a handicapped person to cache? I can't answer that question; it's far too subjective. How difficult is it for you? I have often pushed my limits, tossing caution to the wind when it comes to caching...haven't you? Like me, you have limitations that you either accept, or you don't. How far will a cacher push the envelope beyond their comfort zone or physical capabilities?

According to general consensus and various cache rating systems, a terrain rating of 1 is supposed to be handicapped accessible. One of my finds with an original terrain rating of 1 (the owner has increased it to a 2 since my visit) required traveling along a sandy trail, then leaving the trail and crossing a short expanse with many trees and a forest floor covered by pine needles. This would, most likely, be a piece of cake for most "bipeds", but my wheels don't maneuver well in sand or pine needles.

Because I'm determined (read stubborn), I didn't let that stop me. Every time my wheels began to slip and spin, I thought to myself, "I've really done it this time." Luckily, I was able to adjust the setting on the speed, back up slowly, and extricate myself. I won't give away the location, but the hide itself definitely isn't what I would consider accessible. A Lance Armstrong of the wheelchair circuit might disagree with me. This is why each cache is unique, and why the terrain rating is subjective to who hides it and who finds it.

My DNF is rated a 3/2.5. Did I look at that before I started? Yes, but because my power chair offers me more mobility than other types of chairs, I decided to try it anyway.I'm reclaiming my life. I'm geocaching. Without going into details, I stupidly put myself into harm's way, and have had to promise my husband and my friends that I won't take stupid risks like that again. That doesn't mean, however, that I won't attempt another cache with a rating higher than a 1/1.

Perhaps we "gimps" feel we have to prove our worth, or maybe we've just become resolved to the fact that life is just a bit harder when dealing with stairs, curbs, ditches...and fallen trees that block footbridges. Still, I'll return to my DNF one of these days, hopefully meeting with success. If I'm not successful, I'll still enjoy the misadventure.

It's a good feeling to know that, instead of sitting at home, possibly feeling sorry for myself, I'm out there, like every other cacher. So, you see, it's not always about the numbers; what really matters to me is the thrill of the hunt and the pride in knowing I gave it my all...and then some.

I'm having fun. I'm achieving goals. I'm reclaiming my life. I'm geocaching.