Geocachers are the nicest people: My trip to the 12th Annual GCHR Picnic Mega-Event

GroupPhoto
Can you spot the Geocaching HQ’er? (Hint: Look for the green sunglasses.)

Editor’s note: Geocaching HQ staff are  attending dozens of Mega-Events around the world, shaking hands, sharing stories of adventure, and of course, geocaching. Each person at Geocaching HQ brings their own unique talent to advancing the adventure. Some write code for the website, others design images for the apps, and some shoot videos explaining it all. Paige Edmiston is a Communications Specialist for Geocaching HQ. She recently traveled to Hampton Roads, Virginia to attend the 12th Annual GCHR Picnic Mega-Event. Here’s her story.

I was the lucky Geocaching HQ staff member who attended the 12th Annual GCHR Picnic Mega-Event in Hampton Roads, Virginia. The event takes place at the crossroads of nature and early American history, where the best of both are highlighted through unique geocaching experiences. But that’s not what makes this event so special. This event is special because it has an extraordinary power to bring people together into community.

At my first Geocaching Block Party, a geocacher gave me a pin that read “Geocachers are the nicest people.” I thought it was cute, so I’ve held onto it all these years. But now, for the first time, I think I fully understand the truth behind that statement. It only took 2400 miles, hundreds of geocachers, and a dance with Signal the Frog (more on that later) for me to finally “get it”.

Geocachers really, truly are the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

What I learned from the 12th Annual GCHR Picnic Mega-Event:

NewGeocachingFriends
My geocaching chauffeurs.

You can show up knowing no one and leave with friends for life. In what world can you go to a party without knowing a single soul and immediately feel like part of the family? The geocaching world, that’s where. Heck, the geocachers at the 12th Annual GCHR Picnic made me feel welcome even before the event started. A lovely group of geocachers who had driven from Pennsylvania to Virginia for the event waited at the airport to greet me. Showing up at the farewell breakfast the morning after the big event felt like catching up with old friends.

Geocachers are always prepared — and happy to share. Virginia has a few wonderful things Seattle doesn’t, and a few not-so-wonderful things: namely, chiggers and ticks. Luckily, a geocacher at the event had come prepared with enough bug spray to share with an unprepared Geocaching HQ’er. In addition to bug spray, the delightful event organizer Penguincacher equipped me with a yellow, trackable Jeep so that I could drive around in style. And yes, this Jeep was inspired by the Jeep Travel Bugs!

Love is in the details. Sometimes, it’s the small things that reveal how kind, caring and, well, detail-oriented the people you meet along the geocaching trail can be. Just a few examples from Hampton Roads:

A larger-than-life log book.

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The brains behind the log book. Think there’s enough room to sign your name?

A contest filled with creative challenges designed to reveal the true “GeoSurvivors.” I’m happy to report my partner Maingray and I took second place. I think that means we would survive a Zombie Apocalypse. Maybe.

GeoSurvivor
The epic slow walk of GeoSurvivor (second place) champions. Photo by steve-n-kim.

A special Lab Cache created to make me feel welcome.

Lackey, VA
Note: Lackey, Virginia. Photo by Monkeybrad.

And, of course, no portable toilet would be complete without a bouquet of flowers.

PortaPotty
An extra dose of geocaching love.

And finally, being quirky is awesome. Geocaching is about exploration, adventure, and discovery, but it’s also about being a part of a community that challenges you to step outside your comfort zone and, at the same time, appreciates you just for being you. I never dreamed I would ever be in a position where I had the opportunity — and the support — to show the world my love of goofy dancing by tangoing with a giant Signal the Frog. Then again, I should have known: geocaching is always full of surprises.

The Ultimate Hiding Tool — Swiss Army Knife of Geocache Containers (GC53TZQ) — Geocache of the Week

Unfolded and ready to work! Photo by geocacher JerLin_c_seekers
Unfolded and ready to work! Photo by geocacher JerLin_c_seekers

Geocache Name:

Swiss Army Knife of Geocaching Containers (GC53TZQ)

 

Difficulty/Terrain Rating:

2/2

Why this is the Geocache of the Week:

The Achiever!
The Achiever!

Tweezers, magnifying glasses, flashlights, log rollers, backpacks—the sheer number of Tools of the Trade (TOTTs) for geocaching is incredible. But most of these go for finding geocaches? What about for hiding? Well look no further than the Swiss Army Knife of Geocaching containers. With this handy geocache, you’ll be ready with a container for any situation. This geocache is something that brings the “wow” factor into the find and is a magnet for Favorite Points. Not to mention, the resemblance to the Achiever icon for the Seven Souvenirs of August is uncanny!

 

What the geocache owner, eatdonutsfirst, has to say:

“There are so many cachers I know of that have a cache next to where they live. When I am invited to their house to start a day of caching I am given a GC number and not a street address. It is so fun to pull up to a find and not just a house. I put out this cache for that reason.

“The idea for the Swiss Army Knife of so many of my favorite cache containers brewed in my brain for months. It had to fit many containers, it had to fold well, it had to be durable, and it had to be fun. With those basic needs in mind I collected containers from craft stores and friends for about a month. Assembly took just a weekend.
“The positive logs make me smile. I am so lucky to use a woodworking talent to share a fun cache with others. The wonderful logs probably make me smile as much as the cachers who have found the cache… Thank You so much to all of you cache hiders. It is because of you that the game keeps going on. Keep being creative and keep challenging me to get my smiley. I love to work for the find.”

What geocachers are saying:

“We truly enjoyed finding all the logs – and signing them, just to be sure. We couldn’t remember if the ‘real’ log was a red herring or not. We really appreciated the effort and time you spent to create such a unique and FUN cache. Thanks!” – TrekkingTurtles

“When we arrived I wasn’t sure quite what to expect but soon had things figured out and the cache in hand. It’s one of the most interesting caches I’ve found as well as being one of a kind. Loved it!” – MrWalkie

“travelchick raved so much about this cache that I determined to stop by for a visit. My chance came this morning, and I grinned with delight as I explored this marvelous, ingenious “knife”. Bravo for a job superbly done! Thank you for a unique, clever, marvelously constructed cache! Another Favorite point for this one, and I wish I could give it more!” – charliewhiskey

Photos:

All the tools you could need. Photo by geocacher JerLin_c_seekers
All the tools you could need. Photo by geocacher JerLin_c_seekers
I guess you could say this cache is jaw-dropping. Photo by geocacher wearn3
I guess you could say this cache is jaw-dropping. Photo by geocacher wearn3
Happy geocachers with the find. Photo by Spitfire03
Happy geocachers with the find. Photo by Spitfire03

What’s geocaching Tool of the Trade (TOTT) do you never leave home without? Tell us and post photos 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, just fill out this form. Thanks!

September’s Geocacher of the Month: Event Extraordinaire!

Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Kings must have difficult and weighty responsibilities—but none so difficult as naming the Geocacher of the Month, we think.

 

The nominations for September’s Geocacher of the Month include a globe-trotting ‘cacher, the founder of a GeoCamping group, and a man whom many tribute as the greatest CO in Sweden.

The earned, never for sale, Geocacher of the Month geocoin
The earned, never for sale, Geocacher of the Month geocoin

Nominated as an “unsung hero”, cincol’s accolades are certainly not going unsung anymore! This “gentleman and a geocacher” is credited with planting the seeds of geocaching in the United Arab Emirates. Christie says, “The UAE has a strong GC community and I could not be more grateful to him that this isn’t just something I can do when I visit the US in summertime. We will likely never meet but thanks cincol on behalf of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman!”

fatkidsOTWunite is the driving force behind the Georgia Geo-Campers—a group of folks who mesh camping and geocaching in Georgia’s state parks. JunkingNGeorgia says, “[fatkidsOTWunite] puts a tremendous amount of work into these events every month, and always has a smile and laugh for all of us.”

1000sjöar is widely hailed as a “Swedish legend”. In Sweden, 10000sjöar is known as having hidden the most creative, interesting, and clever geocaches around (in the area? check out GC500Q5). Lok5 says, “This man has inspired a whole region in Sweden to start geocaching! He is always there if you need help in any way. With his creative logs, well-built hides, his sense of humor and his gentlemanly manners, he is with no doubt on of the uncrowned Geocacher Kings in Sweden!”

Drumroll please…

The September Geocacher of the Month award goes to fatkidsOTWunite! Hailing from Georgia, USA, fatkidsOTWunited has been geocaching for 7 years and has over 2,600 finds, but she stands out because of her incredible propensity to make others feel welcome in the game of Geocaching.

Congratulations to fatkidsOTWunite!
Congratulations to fatkidsOTWunite!

Although her work for Mega Events (like Going Caching), undoubtedly makes them incredible experiences for all, her specialty seems to be bringing smaller groups of folks together. fatkidsOTWunite is the driving force behind Georgia Geo-Campers, which geo-camps in a different state park for an entire weekend every month. In her nomination, LionsLair says, “She dedicates tireless volunteer hours working hand in hand with Georgia State Parks and each individual park manager to provide all attendees an experience that is not often offered to the general public.”

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Everyone has something sparkling to say about the Geo-Campers group. Jane says, “Attending our first GA Geocampers event and not knowing a soul, [fatkidsOTWunite’s] friendliness, enthusiasm, and geo-spirit just amazed me and immediately made sure we met everyone! Now thanks to her dedication and hard work, we have a new monthly adventure of caching at a different GA State Park! Janet arranges moonlight ranger hikes, frogwalks, you name it!”

fatkidsOTWunite inspires other geocachers with her dedication to the geocaching community
fatkidsOTWunite inspires other geocachers with her dedication to the geocaching community

Scott says, “[fatkidsOTWunite] gives to Geocaching way more than she receives. [Remember] the old caching saying “Take something, leave something of equal or greater value”? Well she always leaves a “higher value” trade behind in everything she does.”

With her “terrific sense of humor” and “selfless” attitude, we’re happy to name fatkidsOTWunite as September’s Geocacher of the Month. And guess what? So were the 80+ folks her left nice comments about her.

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“[fatkidsOTWunite] is very deserving of this honor and has always been a good steward of our sport. Very dedicated and always volunteering to help new and old cachers alike enjoy their adventures in caching!” says JB.

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Thank you fatkidsOTWunite for all you’ve done to inspire and enthuse the geocachers you meet!

Three cheers for fatkidsOTWunite! Share your congratulations with her below.

 

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

 

1,000,000 Reasons to Get Outside Now Hidden Throughout the U.S.

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Each square represents a cluster of geocaches

A milestone 14-years in the making reached yesterday at 7:45 am as the millionth geocache was published in the U.S.

1,000,000 reasons for Americans to get off the couch and explore their neighborhoods are waiting to be discovered and some are likely within walking distance. Geocaching.com launched in 2000, listing just 75 hidden geocaches. As of 7:45 am EST on Sunday, September 14, the 1,000,000th active geocache in the U.S. was published on Geocaching.com. The 1,000,000th active geocache is called Daddy’s Fishing Hole, located near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

As of 9:00 am PCT on Monday, September 15, the 1,000,000th geocache has only been found only three times. To celebrate the 1,000,000th active geocache in the United States, the staff at Geocaching.com named the top 8 most amazing geocaches for beginners in the U.S.

The 8 Most Amazing Geocaches for Beginners in the U.S.

  • Just outside Milwaukee, WI, adventure-seekers will have a little extra help from some geocaching chickens.

  • Geocachers in Hershey, PA will be able to channel their inner Indiana Jones with this adventure.

  • Visitors to Fremont, CA, will learn the best way to catch a geocacher (and it might just involve a giant mouse trap).

  • Follow the yellow brick road to this geocache in Saratoga, Springs, NY.

  • Unlock a 1890’s history lesson involving Moon Towers in Austin, TX.

  • Visitors to Blackshear, GA can discover a newspaper box that’s out of the ordinary.

  • Stop by Denver, CO to find a geocache that’s a puzzle and a fashion statement.

  • One AA battery is all new geocachers in Seattle, WA need to unlock this geocache.

Geocaching events will be held near each of the sites the weekend of the September 20 to cheer on the 1,000,000th geocache and welcome new geocachers to the adventure. Expert geocachers will attend each of the geocaching events to guide new people through the free adventure. They’ll also give insider tips and tricks, and help find the geocache. New geocachers should register for the events and anyone can find a geocache near them now.

There are more than 6,000 hidden geocaches in Alaska alone
There are more than 6,000 hidden geocaches in Alaska alone
More than 2,000 hidden geocaches are waiting to be found across Hawaii
More than 2,000 hidden geocaches are waiting to be found across Hawaii

 

Geocaches can be found in all 50 US states

 

  • California holds the record for the state with the most active geocaches, boasting more than 130,000 hidden geocaches.

  • The oldest active geocache in the U.S.. published in May of 2000, is located in Mingo, Kansas.

  • Texas A&M just published an independent, CDC-funded study on the health benefits of geocaching.

  • Geocachers occasionally arrange their geocache hides in the form of county-sized art.

  • Nearly 11 million people have registered for accounts on Geocaching.com since 2000.

  • Germany is second to the U.S. in active geocaches with 325,000.

  • There are currently 2,487,221 active geocaches hidden around the world – in 2013 alone geocachers were found 75,453,001 times.

finding a geocache 2
Geocaching is increasingly popular with families

 

Geocache containers can look like almost anything... they should never be buried and should always be clearly labeled.
Geocache containers can look like almost anything… they should never be buried and should always be clearly labeled.
Most people in the U.S. walk or drive by dozens of hidden geocaches nearly every day
Most people in the U.S. walk or drive by dozens of hidden geocaches nearly every day

 

 Congratulate the 1,000,000th geocache owners in comments below!