Geocaching HQ Lackeys attend dozens of Mega and Giga-Events around the world, shaking hands, sharing stories of adventure, and of course, geocaching! Heather Walicki, Engineering Manager at HQ, recently traveled to Portugal to attend North Weekend | No berço da nação! (GCAV4E1)

On a warm dark night in July, hundreds of geocachers stand under a sign brightly beaming above: “Aqui nasceu Portugal” (“Portugal was born here”). We’re in Guimarães, a town in northern Portugal that’s known as the birthplace of Portugal. Our guide Ricardo, one of the organizers of the North Weekend Block Party (GCAV4E1), is leading everyone on a night tour of the city. We walk past a handful of historic sights, each aglow against the inky sky, while geocachers snap photos and exchange stories. Near the end of our route, we all pile onto the steps of the Oliveira Square and take a group photo.

This is just the beginning of a lively, eventful weekend. Although the history and beauty of Guimarães provide an awe-inspiring backdrop, the most impressive part of the weekend is the warm and welcoming community gathered here.

From the moment I stepped into the Event, I was greeted by a stream of excited geocachers eager to take photos, exchange trackable tags, and share their passion for geocaching. One attendee has a trackable tattoo of Signal the Frog®. Another excitedly regales me with a description of the francesinha, a local sandwich topped with an egg and red sauce. Many geocachers tell me stories of meeting friends, connecting with nature, and appreciating the value of the journey instead of the destination due to geocaching.

Back in the main Event hall, a repurposed tannery from the 19th-century, dozens and dozens of boxes, each hand-assembled by the Block Party’s organizing team, create a fortress around the ongoing activities. Throughout the weekend, there are workshops, trivia, raffles, side events, trackables, Adventure Labs, and local sweets and port wine. A 3D replica of the “Aqui nasceu Portugal” wall serves as one of the logbooks, along with a banner depicting the city.

On Saturday, Signal the Frog® shows up to help lead activities. I’m invited onstage to give a talk about working at Geocaching HQ. Toward the end of the night, the cultural minister of the city pays a visit, and everyone excitedly gathers around to sing happy birthday to geocaching’s 25th, while blowing out candles on a gigantic trackable cake.

Many multitudes of thanks to the warm and inviting community in northern Portugal, and especially to the North Weekend organizing committee, also known as NorthLanders. Their energy and excitement for the Event is hard to express in words, and they worked tirelessly to support the community and continue the spirit of geocaching through all of their organizing. I won’t forget their warmth and kindness – obrigada!