Cache ‘o Mat (GC1A11C) – GEOCACHE OF THE WEEK – January 24, 2013

Cache 'o Mat - the geocache vending machine
Cache ‘o Mat – the geocache vending machine

 

Geocaches come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Cache ‘o Mat (GC1A11C) on the other hand, a one of a kind geocache vending machine, has set a new standard for unique geocaches.

It’s easy to spot, easy to get stickers and easy to see why this is a favorite geocache. Sometimes, however, it’s not as simple to log the difficulty 3.5, terrain 1 geocache as it appears. In order to do so, geocachers will need to use their geo-sense.

While the geocache sits in plain sight, it is not highly muggle-sensitive. With some creativity from the geocache owner and help from the German geocaching musical act Dosenfischer, geocachers can enjoy a one of a kind geocaching anthem (in German) at the vending machine. Now, how often do you get that kind of entertainment when you find a geocache?

Jeremy signed the logbook
Jeremy signed the logbook

Thanks to JoFrie, this clever and creative geocache has been part of the Niedersachsen, Germany community since March, 2008. Over 1,800 geocachers have claimed their smiley and awarded it 849 Favorite Points. Among those who logged the geocache is Geocaching CEO and Co-Founder, Jeremy Irish.

The extensive and elaborate logs describe a lot of fun and entertaining experiences – exactly what this geocache is all about!

Cache 'o Mat Logbook
Cache ‘o Mat Logbook

One geocacher writes, “Natürlich habe auch ich schon oft von diesem Schmuckstück gehört. Zu finden ist die Lokation ja nicht unbedingt schwer. Aber das sieht man auch schon auf den ersten Blick ins Listing. Das Auffinden der eigentlichen Dose war dann schon schwieriger, hat aber Spaß gemacht. Einfach mal alles ausprobiert, überall gedrückt und gezogen, bis nach einiger Zeit tatsächlich etwas ruckte. Klasse gemacht, wirklich. Vielen Dank für diesen tollen Cache!”

This translates to, “Of course, I have often heard of this gem. Finding the location isn’t exactly difficult. But, you can see that at the first glance of the listing. Finding the actual box was then more difficult, but it has been fun. Just tried everything – pushed everywhere and pulled everything. After some time, something snapped. Well done, really. Thanks for this great cache!”

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

If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, send an email with your name, comments, the name of the geocache, and the GC code to pr@groundspeak.com.

There's something for everyone at this vending machine!
There’s something for everyone at this vending machine!

Beyond Here, Lay Dragons (GCH52C) – GEOCACHE OF THE WEEK – January 17, 2013

A brave geocacher approaches the dragon
A brave geocacher approaches the dragon

Southshore Park, also known as Dragon Park, is a popular community park in The Woodlands, Texas. Fishing is one attraction. The park is also a great place for romantic picnics and for soaking in a beautiful sunset. For geocachers, it is popular for all those reasons and more. That’s because Southshore Park is home to Beyond Here, Lay Dragons (GCH52C), a difficulty 5, terrain 5 geocache whose size has not been revealed.

According to the cache page, “On old marine charts, they would record what they knew, and on the edges of the known world, they would write ‘beyond here, lay dragons.'” In this case, just beyond Southshore Park is a lake with a famous dragon sculpture.

And what a dragon sculpture it is. While the geocache’s size has not been identified, the sculpture is sure to be noticed, even from a distance. It is normal to see birds on the head of the dragon or kayaks floating alongside the long, green creature. The dragon is so popular that a three-day long Dragon Boat Challenge is held each year at the park. One of the events includes a “best dragon-like” boat competition.

... and off they go!
… and off they go!

To log a smiley, geocachers have to paddle their way to the dragon and follow the directions outlined on the geocache page. Over 125 geocachers have done exactly that. They also awarded this geocache 41 Favorite Points since it was hidden in October of 2003.

A group of geocachers who logged this find wrote, “LOVE THIS CACHE! It was just fun all around for us! We purchased an inflatable boat and borrowed some paddles instead of renting a kayak on the lake… We took 2 trips to the dragon: sureman & mr turdhustler were trip 1, and myself & mrs turdhustler were trip 2.

Sometimes it's just best to swim to the treasure
Sometimes, it’s just best to swim to the treasure

We grabbed the dragon by the tail, stared him in the face and battled him in an effort to get this cache!  We did not want to leave defeated! We felt like we were in the stone-age! We made a special tool from various items we had in our vehicle.  As my caching group knows, I am a picture freak, so this one was worthy of lots of pictures. Sureman (my dad) and me completed our first 5/5 cache! Turdhustlers completed another 5/5 cache to add to their list! Thank you for the milestone! What a fun cache for a Texas summer day!!!”

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

If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, send an email with your name, comments, the name of the geocache, and the GC code to pr@groundspeak.com.

The big, green sea creature
The big, green sea creature

Lamanai High (GC19505) – GEOCACHE OF THE WEEK – January 10, 2013

Descending down the temple
Descending down the temple

This week, we will walk through a rain forest and climb the highest ancient Mayan temple to log a difficulty 5, terrain 4 micro geocache.

Located in the Orange Walk District in Belize, Lamanai High (GC19505) is known for the incredible experience that comes with finding the geocache. Not only is the temple the highest exposed structure of 108 feet (33 meters) for miles, it also provides a breathtaking view of the jungle and the nearby river.

Lamanai, a Maya term for “submerged crocodile,” is one of the largest and longest inhabited ceremonial centers in Belize. It’s an imperial port city that includes ball courts, pyramids, and several exotic Mayan features. Hundreds of buildings have been identified in the two-square-mile area, among the tallest of them is a cleverly hidden geocache.

It’s been said that “the difficult part is getting there.” Geocachers have the option of driving over rough roads or taking an organized day boat trip. Once there, the climb up the steep steps can prove to be a challenge despite the assistance of the rope. However, the final destination at the top of the High Temple provides a spectacular 360 degree view of the archaeological reserve, the exotic animals and forest, and the river.

Since February of 2008, Thumbs Up! has drawn more than 70 geocachers to travel to this location and experience an exciting adventure to find a cleverly hidden geocache.

Planning for the approach
Preparing for the climb

The geocache logs describe detailed and fun-filled adventures that may otherwise not have taken place. One geocacher wrote, “What an amazing journey Team Muddyloon experienced traveling to get to Lamanai High! After securing transportation for an hour long ride into the interior of the Belizean jungle, we arrived at a floating dock to board our boat for the second part of our journey. We set out at 34.6 mph up the twisting and turning crocodile ridden New River. Approaching some fishermen in a canoe, our driver slowed down while the fishermen pointed out a big green snake swimming swiftly to shore. Proceeding onward, we spotted numerous birds and the ripples of crocodiles along the shoreline.

Approached by a local
Approached by a local

Approaching the ruins we felt like we had transported back in time, making us feel as if we were Indiana Jones. As we rounded a path the High Temple came into view. We stood in awe of the beautiful structure that was built over 3000 years ago and is still standing today. Now we had the daunting task of climbing the temple to the cache. As we reached the level the cache was hidden on we quickly searched and discovered the cache, signed the log and proceeded to the top of the temple. A beautiful 360 degree panoramic view granted us our final reward. Heading back down the river we were treated to unexpected bonus of seeing the branches of the trees along the river’s edge rippling and then seeing the long strong arms of some Spider Monkeys swinging towards us. One Spider Monkey dropped into our boat for a banana and to treat us to a close up view before swinging back into the jungle and disappearing from view. Thanks for an adventure of a lifetime!”

Continue to explore some of the most engaging geocaches around the globe. Check out all the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching Blog or view the Bookmark List on Geocaching.com.

If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, send an email with your name, comments, the name of the geocache, and the GC code to pr@groundspeak.com.

View from the top
View from the top

January Featured Geocacher of the Month Nominees – Add Your Comments

They put on events, they readily share geocaching tricks and tips and they challenge new and seasoned geocachers with their hides. They are the January Featured Geocacher of the Month Nominees.

December 2012 Featured Geocacher of the Month, Moneydork

Now it’s your turn to help select one of them as the Featured Geocacher of the Month for January.

Write a comment at the bottom of this blog about which of these geocachers you feel should be awarded the Featured Geocacher of the Month title.

In December, Wayne, a.k.a. Moneydork was recognized for establishing himself as one of Australasian’s most prolific geocachers. His efforts to support the community as a Geocaching volunteer reviewer and good Samaritan have not gone unnoticed. He even managed to organize New Zealand’s very first Mega-Event from 3500 km (2175 miles) away. According to fellow geocachers, Moneydork’s hides and events are legendary Down Under and he never hesitates to give his all to the sport.

Here are your nominees for the January Featured Geocacher of the Month. Some testimonials have been edited for length.

Kirret

Kirret

Mr Bluesky writes, “On November 29th, Don, [a.k.a. Kirret] will have found a geocache every single day of the year, since November 2011.  He has done this in three different countries and on two continents. This year alone he has found over 1,700 geocaches, including a grand haul of 100 on March the 27th. Don worked in Scotland in 2010 and 2011 and I got to meet him through geocaching. We immediately became firm friends. I had the pleasure of geocaching with him in Canada in July 2012 and then again on August 18th in Scotland. Don is very enthusiastic about geocaching and has, just by meeting people while out geocaching, gotten many involved in this hobby by informing them of what he was doing and how enjoyable it is. He mostly geocaches with his wife and son and is one of Guildford, England’s most prolific geocachers. He is out in all weather conditions with a smile on his face and a GPS in hand. I think his achievements this year is a remarkable feat.”

 

The Raven

The Raven

ttcm4geo writes, “If you visit Prescott, Arizona as we were one weekend, you will note something curious. Many of the geocaches you visit will have a note stating that ‘while you are in Prescott, you must find a geocache called Raven’s Labyrynth.’ So many geocacher said this that we finally decided to pursue it. The geocache itself is amazing, which I am sure took weeks to construct. Then we found out that the geocache owner has many similarly thought-out geocaches in the area. In fact, Prescott is known as ‘Ravenland.’ But, even more amazing is that if you email Dan, a.k.a. The Raven with a question, he promptly replies and tells you to call him. So we called him and got some assistance. He was very nice, and you can tell that his only goal is to help people enjoy geocaching. His geocaches are creative, well thought out and so much fun. He does all this work for people many of whom he will never meet. Therefore, I think he deserves this recognition.”

 

 

 

The Weasel

The Weasel

SuperGoober writes, “Tim, a.k.a. The Weasel is what geocaching is all about. He gives back so much more than he takes. He hosted the very first CITO in the Midwest: EIGA 2004 CEDAR RAPIDS CITO EVENT. He is an active member and Board Director for the Iowa Geocacher Organization and a volunteer for the Linn County Conservation. Tim has conducted and assisted in over 50 geocaching 101, 201 and 301 classes and workshops throughout the State of Iowa and abroad. His knowledge of the wilderness extends well beyond that of an average geocacher. He uses his extensive knowledge of the outdoors to help other geocachers by placing some very creative and educational geocaches. The Weasel has an impeccable sense as to what geocaching is all about. He realizes that cache maintenance is very necessary to ensure that geocaching is fun and that the geocache is there. He is just unstoppable.”

Comment below to tell us who you think should be the January Featured  Geocacher of the Month. A panel of Lackeys will use your comments to help decide which geocacher is awarded the honor. Each featured Geocacher of the Month will receive an exclusive special edition featured Geocacher of the Month Geocoin, along with a Geocacher of the Month hat, a Geocacher of the Month profile icon and a certificate acknowledging their contributions, signed by two of the founders of Geocaching.com. We will be accepting comments for January’s award through Sunday, January 20th.

Those whose nominees were not recognized here are encouraged to submit their nominations again next month. If you know an outstanding geocacher you would like to nominate to be a featured Geocacher of the Month, send an email to geocacherofthemonth@groundspeak.com and include the following information:

  • Your name, the name of your nominee, their username
  • A picture of the nominee
  • Description (200 or more words) explaining why he or she deserves to be the Geocacher of the Month

Please inform your nominee that you’ve submitted them for the award.

Nominations for the February Geocacher of the Month must be received by Friday, February 8th. 

Once we have received all of the nominations, we will choose the top candidates and post them on the blog. You will then get a chance to champion your favorite. Our goal is to involve the entire geocaching community in this process so we might learn from each other.

Gorgeous Gorge (GC2PC2V) – GEOCACHE OF THE WEEK – January 3, 2013

Gorgeous Gorge along the Katherine River

The very first Geocache of the Week of 2013 is guaranteed to add a little thrill and excitement to the New Year. Join us on an unforgettable adventure to Nitmiluk National Park in Katherine, Australia to find Gorgeous Gorge (GC2PC2V), a difficulty 2, terrain 4 traditional geocache.

Since February 2011, Gorgeous Gorge has been responsible for thrilling geocaching experiences. Geocachers from Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond have been intrigued by the location of this geocache. Thanks to bubblensqueak, more than 60 geocachers had the opportunity to relish in this one of a kind, nature-filled geocaching experience.

Nitmiluk National Park is a haven for nature lovers with its rugged landscape, dramatic waterfalls and lush gorges providing an abundance of flora and fauna. It’s also home to Katherine Gorge, a series of 13 sandstone gorges carved over the course of thousands of years by the Katherine River. Add a regular-sized ammo can geocache and a scenic view and you’ve got a spectacular, one of a kind geocaching adventure.

The ammo can geocache

The stunning gorge walls and white sandy beaches can be explored on foot, by canoe or on a cruise. Katherine Gorge waters are calm in most spots and ideal for swimming and canoeing. Be cautious though if you go into the water, your heart might start beating faster if you spy one of the areas freshwater crocodiles. The reptiles are rarely seen, but geocachers should always be aware of their surroundings.

Gorgeous Gorge loogbook

A typical hike from the parking area to the geocache location takes about an hour. Geocachers have the opportunity to explore a number of other geocaches along the way, which may result in a day-long treasure hunting adventure. Then again, it’s so easy to lose track of time when surrounded by so much beauty. The additional geocaches along the way just add to the experience.

A family who recently logged this find wrote, “Wow, Wow, Wow, what a great spot and what a great cache . After hunting for a while geo-dad and geo-junior decided to sit and read the past logs while waiting for some muggles, It was then that geo-dad realized that cache was obviously out of muggle view . So, after feeling refreshed it was time for another hunt, when cache was found and the lid opened geo-junior’s eyes nearly popped , what a hoard. Left Christmas Duck TB as he thought it looked like a good spot for a paddle, I just told him to watch out for those crocks . Thanks bubblensqueak for a great cache .”

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

If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, send an email with your name, comments, the name of the geocache, and the GC code to pr@groundspeak.com.

Geocachers are welcomed by a local