And the January 2016 Geocacher of the Month is…
A few weeks ago we read about three geocachers who go above and beyond for their local geocaching community.
Staubfinger0702, wer2ys4u, and OrigamiFolder are a trio of amazing geocachers spanning two continents. Their CITO events, gadget caches, and challenging puzzle caches are loved by all who encounter them. And all three of them are known for their extraordinary willingness to share their love of geocaching with others.
Each of the nominees is already a winner, with a prize package headed their way. But only one geocaching person, or couple, can be named the january 2016 Geocacher of the Month. Before naming the Geocacher of the Month, Geocaching HQ reviews community input and blog comments.
Of OrigamiFolder, Anthony Stealth says:
“OrigamiFolder is one of the most well rounded geocachers I have the pleasure of knowing. Not only that, but he is one of the greatest people I know. I have often said, and others have as well, that it is the people we meet through the game that matters the most. There are several I have met who are not just excellent cachers but are TRULY EXCEPTIONAL people and OrigamiFolder is one of those few.”
Of wer2ys4u, Craig Wells says:
“Wer2ys4u deseves this award … and then some. Geocaching can be more than just hiding and finding things. He utilized this hobby of ours as an avenue for a higher purpose, namely connecting kids that are in the foster care system (many for years without a real family or home) to adults that were interested in adopting them. What the description above didn’t tell you is that four of those kids that participated in this actually did connect with adults who are adopting them, giving them a permanent, loving home. Those kids found a lot more than geocaches that day!”
Of staubfinger0702, Jenny says:
“My vote definitely goes to staubfinger0702! He’s created a great diversity of geocaches: multi-caches for kids (even old kids like us!) where you have to go on a scavenger hunt using a metal detector etc.; the amazing Dexter caches, where you first create your personal blood bath (still got the pics, that was a fun day!) with “Dexter 1” and then investigate a murder in a rented garage with “Dexter 2″. He’s created some fabulous night cache Wherigos, and organized an astonishing Lost Place Event at the Heppenheim Asylum. I could go on for ages. His caches are my favorite ones among the approximately 2000 caches I have found. Hardly any owner puts that much dedication to his work.”
Although all three of these geocachers deserve accolades, there has to be one winner.
The January 2016 Geocacher of the Month is staubfinger0702!
The exceptionally high quality of staubfinger0702’s geocaches was a recurring theme in comments left by the community. His geocaches, as paedeldreter says, aren’t just boxes hidden in the woods, they’re “adventures and experiences.”
The detail and precision with which staubfinger0702 writes his geocache descriptions is rivaled only by the caches themselves, which are often complex, interactive adventures that take geocachers from the middle of the woods, to the middle of a vineyard, to a spooky garage.
Staubfinger0702’s caches have garnered such fame, that geocachers outside of his province, many even outside of Germany, have his geocaches on their bucket lists. Once you’ve done a staubfinger0702 cache, lamp post caches feel like child’s play, and even a crafty birdhouse cache may garner less praise. With his caches, staubfinger0702 is raising the level the the game for hiders and finders alike.
Staubfinger0702 is often found geocaching with his family, friends, or canine companions.
Congratulations to staubfinger0702, and to all three nominees for their outstanding contributions to the game we all love!
Please keep an eye out for a few changes to the Geocacher of the Month program in February 2015.
If you know an outstanding geocacher who should be considered for the honor, simply fill out this webform. You’ll need to include the following information:
- Your name, the name of your nominee, their username
- Description (200 or more words) explaining why he or she deserves to be the Featured Geocacher of the Month. These descriptions can be written in any language.
Please inform your nominee that you have submitted them for the award.
