On May 2, 2000, at approximately midnight, eastern savings time, the "great blue switch" controlling selective availability was pressed. Twenty-four satellites around the globe processed their new orders, and instantly the accuracy of GPS technology improved tenfold. Tens of thousands of GPS receivers around the world had an instant upgrade.
For GPS enthusiasts, this was definitely a cause for celebration. Internet newsgroups suddenly teemed with ideas about how the technology could be used.
One such enthusiast, Dave Ulmer, a computer consultant, wanted to test the accuracy by hiding a navigational target in the woods. He called the idea the "Great American GPS Stash Hunt" and posted it in an internet GPS users' group. The idea was simple: Hide a container out in the woods and note the coordinates with a GPS unit. The finder would then have to locate the container with only the use of his or her GPS receiver. The rules for the finder were simple: "Take some stuff, leave some stuff."
On May 3rd he placed his own container, a black bucket, in the woods near Beavercreek, Oregon, near Portland. Along with a logbook and pencil, he left various prize items including videos, books, software, a slingshot, and the now infamous can of beans. He shared the waypoint of his "stash" with the online community and geocaching was born:
Newsgroup: sci.geo.satellite-nav
From: Dave
Date: 2000/05/03
Subject: GPS Stash Hunt... Stash #1 is there!
Well, I did it, created the first stash hunt stash and here are the coordinates:
N 45 17.460
W122 24.800
Lots of goodies for the finders. Look for a black plastic bucket
buried most of the way in the ground. Take some stuff, leave
some stuff! Record it all in the log book. Have Fun!
Stash contians: Delorme Topo USA software, videos, books, food,
money, and a slingshot!
Come and join us to celebrate 15 years of our great hobby, Geocaching! We'll share great stories and experiences, trade trackables, discuss upcoming activities, and eat ice cream! It couldn't get much better than that!
This event will run from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm (but may run longer!) and take place at "Dairy Queen" in Norfolk, NE
Dairy Queen has many great food items, but no purchase is required to join in the fun.
Please try to let us know in advance if you plan to be there by posting a "Will Attend" so we can have tables ready.
Hope to see you there!
Hosted by a Nebraskache Member
