Year: 2014

/ Derek H /

Knock knock… — Who’s There? (GC3Z1EY) — Geocache of the Week

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Geocache Name:

Who’s there? (GC3Z1EY)

Difficulty/Terrain Rating:

2.5/2

Why this is the Geocache of the Week:

First, check out the video up top—that should clear up most of it. This geocache shows an incredibly creative use of the Arduino computing platform. We’ve seen geocaches with pretty creative locks, but never one where you actually have to knock before it will let you in. Furthermore, this geocache, which seems like a pretty complicated device, was conceived and built by a CO with no technical background. His dedication to learning the proper way to build and program is a great example for geocachers looking to hide the next Geocache of the Week.

What the cache owner, Mr. 0, has to say:

What inspired this cool locking mechanism?

It was coincidence, really.  I happened to see a copy of Make Magazine (vol 25) on the shelf for the first time.  I picked it up because it looked interesting.  There was an article showing how to build a secret knock gumball machine that would dispense a piece of candy when the correct knock was given.  I immediately realized that this could be adapted to lock a geocache.

Do you have a programming or technical background?

None at all.  Before this project the most I had done was poorly solder some speaker wires together in an old Jeep, and I once got about 200 lines into a Zork knock-off in Basic on my C-64 when I was a kid.  I just picked up an Arduino Uno, a soldering iron, some parts, and started reading.  Thankfully Arduino microcontrollers are designed to be easy to program and use, and there’s a very helpful community behind them.  Going from nothing to the completed cache took about 3 months of occasional dabbling.

What has been your reaction to all of the positive logs and favorite points?

I wasn’t really sure how it would be received. I figured some would appreciate the novelty, but they might ultimately be put off by it not being a park and grab.  It can also be a little fiddly, so I was worried it wouldn’t work right and just frustrate finders when they couldn’t get it to open up.  I’ve been very pleasantly surprised by the comments, favorites, and messages I’ve received about it.  I’m happy to give the local community something a little different to find.

What geocachers are saying:

“We decided that we wanted to do a fun one today, and this cache came to mind. Hlemont, Denver, and I had a great time. The containers for both stages were awesome! Definitely looks like a lot of time went into both stages. Thank you for sharing this cool idea, and neat spots in the park. Everything is in great shape. Favorite point added :D” – Limont

“One of a couple very select caches today. This has been on my “to do” list since it was published and it exceeded by expectations.” – captphil

“This was a really unique cache. I liked how it combined deep woods hides with 21st century technology. The two stages were nicely balanced. Be sure to pay attention at stage one or you will have to go back. Our first several tries at stage two didn’t work, but we finally got our timings aligned and OPEN SESAME the cache revealed itself to us. This was a great excuse to hike in a park I had not previously visited. Very enjoyable. It gets a solid favorite vote from me. TFTC” – TimeSeeker

 

Photos:

 

The device in stage 1. Photo courtesy of Mr. 0
The device in stage 1. Photo courtesy of Mr. 0
What you'll find when you open stage 2. Photo courtesy of Mr. 0
What you’ll find when you open stage 2. Photo courtesy of Mr. 0
If you find the rhythm, you'll get the reward. Photo courtesy of Mr. 0
If you find the rhythm, you’ll get the reward. Photo courtesy of Mr. 0

What has been your favorite geocache that involves solving a puzzle? Tell us in the comments.

Continue to explore some of the most engaging geocaches around the globe. Check out all the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog.

If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, leave a comment below with the name of the geocache, the GC code, and why you think we should feature it.

/ Alex /

What’s in Your Username?

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The first rule for choosing a username – make sure it fits in a tiny logbook!

 

The username is the geocacher’s calling card, signature, or tag.

It’s as primeval a mark of territory as a bear scratching trees in the woods. It’s “I was here!” yelled at the top of the lungs on a steep mountainside at twilight next to a small Tupperware container.

Like the superheros who grace the pages of dime store comic books, every username has an Origin Story. Some usernames are born great, some usernames achieve greatness, and some usernames have greatness thrust upon them.

We asked geocachers in and around Geocaching HQ how they chose their usernames—or did the usernames choose them? Read them, then answer the question at the end. 

Some usernames are unexpected.

Gunguy&fam – Is a forensic firearms examiner who started geocaching with his family.
Sparkle Donkey – Is a fan of the Sparkle Donkey brand of Tequila (El Burro Esparkalo).
Grillography – Was given a ‘Big Green Egg‘ Grill for his birthday and is also an avid photographer.

Some usernames evoke personal memories.

ThumbsGarcia – Had an intimate encounter with an X-Exacto knife that came abruptly and aggressively to life during a design project.
Ursa_Minor – A personal nickname used fondly in conjunction with her close friend’s nickname, Ursa Major. Little Bear and Big Bear.
SalemPirates – Started geocaching for the first time in Salem, Oregon, during a family member’s ‘Pirate’-themed 40th birthday party.

Some usernames just work.

Eliot Mechanism – Is a perfect anagram of this user’s real name.
Moun10Bike  – When this user signed up in 1990, AOL only allowed 10 characters in a username, hence the shortening of the name. (His son’s username: Moun10Tyke)
Prying Pandora – References the bit in The Phantom of the Opera when the Phantom calls Christine, “You Little Prying Pandora!” after she pulls his mask off. Pandora…Boxes…Geocaching. Voila!
Love – “Is all you need.”

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The joy of seeing your name in the FTF spot: priceless

It’s a requirement of Geocaching.com that every username be unique. But we think it’s more the story behind the alias rather than its characters that creates distinction.

Now we ask you—what’s the story behind your username?

 

 

/ Eric Schudiske /

The Newest Geocacher of the Month is….

he earned, never for sale, Geocacher of the Month geocoin (sun flare optional)
The earned, never for sale, Geocacher of the Month geocoin

Feel’n down? Feel’n like the world’s missing good people? Check out the comments in the North American Edition of Geocacher of the Month. All three nominees for Geocacher of the Month contribute to their local communities and inspire geocachers around the globe. They’re good-hearted, welcoming folks who are passionate about sharing the joys of geocaching.

Each of the geocachers will receive special recognition and a prize package for their contribution to the adventure of geocaching. Before naming the Geocacher of the Month, Geocaching HQ reviews community input and blog comments. Each comment is read and posts in native languages are encouraged.

hurleyanne – Geocacher of the Month

In a tough decision, the irrepressibly enthusiastic hurleyanne is named the Geocacher of the Month for April 2014. One comment reads, “She’s enthusiastic about teaching others and makes sure no one is excluded. She’s a superb asset to the geocaching community!”

Another read, “She is one of the most generous cachers around, always quick to offer assistance to newbie cachers online and in person, and has the experience to back it up. She has taken it upon herself to compile lists of caches in the area that need maintenance and organize maintenance for those geocaches by those willing to help, and other interesting ‘bucket lists’ of caches, that inspire people to get out of town and explore our beautiful province. Just to show how much she enjoys the friends she has made through geocaching, she made her own wedding into a geocaching event!”

Congratulations again to hurleyanne for earning the Geocacher of the Month for April.

If you know an outstanding geocacher who should be considered for the honor, simply fill out this webform.

/ Derek H /

Dive in and earn a smiley! – The Blue Hole – Half Moon Caye (GC2KFB8) — Geocache of the Week

A bird's eye view of the Great Blue Hole.
A bird’s eye view of the Great Blue Hole.

Geocache Name:

The Blue Hole – Half Moon Caye (GC2KFB8)

Difficulty/Terrain Rating:

1.5/4.5

Why this is the Geocache of the Week:

After receiving a little more rain in Seattle, I couldn’t help but daydream of somewhere sunny, warm and tropical. I remembered a place I’ve always wanted to go scuba diving and decided to see if there was a geocache nearby—and of course, there was! The Great Blue Hole in Belize was once named one of the top 10 scuba diving sites in the world by Jacques-Yves Cousteau. The Blue Hole was formed through thousands of years of geologic processes, including earthquakes and rises in sea level. The deep blue color comes from its depth: 480 feet (145 m). And now, in addition to enjoying the tropical paradise of Belize, you can also learn about the formation of this amazing geologic attraction while earning a smiley for this Earthcache.

What geocachers are saying:

“Awesome! This is my first EarthCache and my 5th cache of any kind. I was so thrilled to get one in such an out of the way spot!” – 1fish-2fish

“My husband had been waiting forever to dive the Blue Hole on our trip to Belize. How awesome to have a geocache too! We’ve done at least one cache in every country we’ve traveled to. This was the only one we could do since we were staying on the Turneffe atoll as opposed to the mainland. Thanks so much for placing it. One more EarthCache/new country to add to the list. ” – dadsgps

“Worked on this island for a tour company, so I know the area well. Got excited to see that there’s a smiley I can log because of my work! ;)” – tigerkity

 

Photos:

 

Geocacher Luninia smiling after earning her 500th smiley at this Earthcache.
Geocacher Luninia smiling after earning her 500th smiley at this Earthcache.
If you aren't a diver, I guess you'll just have to hang out here. Bummer! Photo by geocacher Free-bird
If you aren’t a diver, I guess you’ll just have to hang out here. Bummer! Photo by geocacher Free-bird
Exploring the Great Blue Hole from within. Photo by geocacher kinderarzt
Exploring the Great Blue Hole from within. Photo by geocacher kinderarzt

What has been your favorite geocache you’ve found while on vacation? Tell us in the comments.

Continue to explore some of the most engaging geocaches around the globe. Check out all the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog.

If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, leave a comment below with the name of the geocache, the GC code, and why you think we should feature it.

/ Derek H

Share the Joy of Geocaching & See the Results

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It’s a fact: geocaching is better with friends. And another fact: geocachers love stats. Now you can bring your friends along, share the high-fives and earn a few more stats with the brand new Geocaching Refer-a-Friend page.

Many geocachers found out about their favorite hobby from a friend or family member. You can invite your friends, family, acquaintances, favorite pizza delivery person, hairstylist… You get the idea.

Share your personal invitation link on Facebook and Twitter, or with an email. And remember: as your friends find and hide geocaches, you can see a brand new set of stats start to climb. Invite your friends now and go geocaching!