Geocaching (n): Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for gps users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a gps unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is if they get something they should try to leave something for the cache.

So Jonathan and I went to Sedona today to hike and find our first cache.
We hiked on the trail that jumps back and forth Oak Creek in search of the Christmas tin full of silly unknown treasures... with Mike's GPS in hand. We see the "christmas tree"

we are looking for and make our way to the base of it by climbing up some rocks... I was the first to spot it hiding underneath a pile of rocks.

I do the honors by opening to see what we've got and find a ring box.... hmmm. I open it up and find this:

Jonathan then got down on one knee and proposed and brought out the real ring.

Turns out he went up Friday with no luck in finding the cache. Running short of time, Mike suggests going up Friday night after our movie. Mike, Jared and Jonathan all drove up to Sedona about 1:00am to find the cache and place the fake ring in the Christmas tin.... in the middle of the night, not knowing the trail. They arrive to their "final destination" at 4:45am and then got home around 7:30am. Thanks to all for putting this together. It was a great surprise! Very sweet and super idea!! :lol:

So you're saying this guy went up to Sedona 3 times in less than 24 hours? What a weirdo :lol:

But I guess it's a good enough story to begin a new book on. So congratulations Jonathan and Sister Dana.

Jonathan's first Sedona trip (in his Nissan):
Friday
2:00pm start out after getting maps and a brief training with GPS
4:30pm parks and starts hiking but can't find way into canyon 1,500 feet below. Hikes back to truck. Tries new approach. Almost gets shot by bunkered in hunter.
7:00pm must give up and drive back to Phoenix to meet Dana at movie so as not to arise suspicion.
9:00 get back to Phoenix and go to 10:10 movie

Jonathan's second trip to Sedona (in the Xterra):
Friday night/Monday morning
1:15am starts out with Jared and I
2:15am park and begin hiking
4:45am successfully find cache and hide ring
6:00am drive back to Phoenix to meet Dana to go to Sedona as to not arise suspicion.

Jonathan's third trip to Sedona (in the Jeep):
Monday morning
9:00am start out after getting maps and a brief training with GPS
Arrive in Sedona with Dana, not act tired, and hike the trail again.

But it all worked out great and she never suspected a thing which is hard to do with a Dana. :)
My alibi was sound tight. Who wouldn't believe J and I went fishing for 7hrs in Arizona and didn't catch any fish?

Hiking Oak Creek Canyon at night was fun though. Geocaching during daylight is for plosers.

We know what you took, but what did you guys leave?

Its about time. :lol: Congrats to both of you. Pretty soon there will be more little Jeepers running around. I guess that makes Mike and Bob next. :o

From the wife of the newest "jeeper". I am soooo excited for you both. Jonathan, I am proud of you for not overthinking it for too long and Dana, I think you got yourself a good guy. Congratulations to you both.

nate wrote: I guess that makes Mike and Bob next. :o

So mike since you look so good in a dress can I be the man?

Way cool on the new finger bling... Cangrats your two! :D :D :D

fatbob309 wrote:So mike since you look so good in a dress can I be the man?

I was hoping you'd ask

You both will make a great looking couple. You too Dana and Jonathan... :lol:

Congrats you guys. And bravo to Johnathan for a great proposal idea. Good story for Dana to be able to tell her friends. It's always the second thing girls ask, after can I see the ring?

Thanks everyone! Jonathan keeps catching me looking at the ring. 8) l

nice! sounds like it was a big suprise! Congratulations!

Any idea on a date?

That is so cool!!!!!! Congrats to the both of you

Congratulations to both of you. I am just glad that you didnt figure out what we were doing, Mike and I were wondering if the fishing thing would work. He really played it out though, packing all of our fishing poles and tackle boxes.

I am really happy it all worked out and Johnathan, great idea and planning. Now hurry up on some kids so my daughter dosent have to play with my brothers son. We all know nothing good will come of that.

We put a frisbee in the tin.

Ha, no kids yet speedy. I've got nursing school to start and complete. :D Good luck with Aubrey and the cousins, eek! :wink:

Dear Jonathan and Dana,

First of all, congratulations on your recent engagement! Second, as the owner's of the Sedona Oak Creek geocache we wanted you to know that we were so moved by your story that we decided to feature it on the front page of our website, XperienceTheOutdoors.com. The site is dedicated to all things outdoors, including hiking, 4-wheeling, geocaching etc. While you're there, be sure to check out the XtO User Blogs. Register for free and you can start your own user blog. We'd love to hear about your 4x4 trips! Come check it out!

Sincerely,
Thom, Jaime and Ed (a.k.a. Salty Dog, RainbowRunner and Challenger)

Thanks Rainbowrunner, and welcome to our site. Glad to see our story made the front page of your site. It was definately a great proposal!:)=) Will be sure to check out your site!