Category: Community

Geocaching is delightful because of the people who play it — adventure-seekers, makers, parents, astronauts and (sometimes) celebrities. Read their stories.

/ Alex /

An Achiever’s Reflection on the 7 Souvenirs of August


Bri Suffety is one of the awesome Geocaching HQ lackeys who participated in this month’s 7 Souvenirs of August promotion. Here, she tells us how she became an Achiever. 

 

You can’t see me, but my head is held high as I admit that I have a competitive streak.

Not the every-man-for-himself kind; it’s more like I’m in a constant competition with myself. So from the announcement of the 7 Souvenirs of August (7SofA) promotion, I began loosely crafting a plan for which caches I should save for the month. The next thing I knew, Geocaching HQ was split into teams to compete in a 7SofA cache-a-thon.

7SofA partners for life!
7SofA partners for life!

The game had changed, and with it my strategy.

I was going to be out of town during the first part of August and I couldn’t accept lagging behind. With a cup of coffee in hand I sat down to scour the map for caches in Michigan and Ohio. By the end of my “research” session I had all of the caches picked out with the exception of an event cache. There were a few options but none that were logistically possible. [Insert groans of frustration here.]

In order to earn The Socializer souvenir, and with it The Achiever, I was left with two choices: waiting until my return to Seattle to attend an event, or creating my own in Ohio. I don’t know about you, but I always find my stomach a flutter when I arrive at an event where I don’t know anyone. So with much hesitation I found myself with the event cache form filled out and my mouse hovering over the submit button.

I bit the bullet and sent it off.

The event itself was small (unsurprisingly, since it was on an island) but I found myself chuckling not only at the conversations we had but at myself for being nervous.

You might not know who’s going to show up at an event, but they aren’t strangers. You all share a love of geocaching and once you get through the initial exchanging of names, the conversations start flowing.

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There’s no such thing as strangers at a geocaching event!

I knew the 7 Souvenirs of August was going to rock, but I didn’t know exactly where it would take me. The month is now winding down and I’ve attended six events including my own. Each one has been a different and stellar experience. There is something to be said about finding others who are as wildly excited about the game as you are. Not to mention, it’s nice to have a break from the blank stares your muggle friends give you when you geek out about a cache.

Tips for hosting the (geocaching) event of the season:

  1. Location location location! It can be as easy as meeting at a local park, a restaurant you love or a pub you’ve been wanting to try. Remember that entrance into and participation at the event needs to be free.

  2. Pick a time. What does your availability look like? Make sure to pick a time when you are unlikely to run late or miss your own event. And don’t forget the golden rule: the event form needs to be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date!

  3. Recruit a friend. Reach out to your geocaching friends or acquaintances and let them know about the event. You could even bring that muggle friend who is always following you around the woods while you search for tupperware.

  4. Ask questions. Find out what everyone’s favorite cache is, their best geocaching day or if they’re working on any challenges.

  5. Relax. It’s going to be great!

So close to clearing out the whole island. Back next year!
So close to clearing out the whole island. Back next year!

 

Think you’ve got a compelling 7 Souvenirs of August story? Tell us what it took (or will take) for you to become an Achiever!

/ Carly /

Parent Insider Tips: Getting Your Kids Outside with Geocaching

Muddy Boots and Geocaching
Muddy Boots, Kiddos and Geocaching

By Dani Navarre

As a parent, you learn to appreciate the little victories in life, whether that means celebrating a win after a soccer game or reveling in the triumph of getting your child to eat all their vegetables. However, nothing quite beats the satisfaction of watching your child grin from ear to ear as they win their own small victory by exploring and discovering the world around them through geocaching. With over 2.4 million geocaches waiting to be discovered worldwide, every location can be turned into an adventure and each family outing a victory.

Recently I sat down with real-life Geocaching dad Monte Michaelis to discuss his experiences geocaching with his children:

How do you explain to kids what Geocaching is?

“I tell kids that Geocaching is like a treasure hunt that’s happening all over the world, all the time, even in their own neighborhood. I have them imagine playing a videogame where they are the main character, only the game isn’t played on a screen. It’s real life, in real places, and there’s no telling what they might find.”

How do you keep kids motivated to start or stay Geocaching?

“I think the secret is to make Geocaching a family activity. The kids should feel involved in choosing the geocaches you look for, ones that cater to their interests. I would also encourage parents to use Geocaching as a reason to try things for the first time.”

Why should parents Geocache with their children?

“I’m the father of two daughters, and I want to spend time with them. I want to talk to them about what’s going on in their lives. I want to share experiences and have adventures. Geocaching is the perfect way to do these things, because the whole point of it is to be in the places you love with the people you love.”

Kid Swag
Kid SWAG

So are you ready to hit the trails? If you want to know what kind of geocache you should look for on your first kid-expedition, you came to the right place! Make your child’s first adventure a success by choosing geocaches that are age-appropriate. Geocaches are ranked by difficulty and terrain, so start easy by choosing ones with one or two stars. Try to select geocaches with multiple favorite points, as they sometimes prove to be the most intriguing. Before heading out, do a little research by checking the Recent Activity log of the geocache to see if it has been found in the past few weeks. Bonus points for combining a day of geocaching with other family activities, like a walk to the local library, a trip to the zoo, a short day hike, or even a stroll around the neighborhood.

Getting in Touch with Nature
Getting in Touch with Nature

Here are some insider tips from Monte and other geocaching parents to make your first time geocaching with your little tyke a success:

  1. Let the kids be your guide. Children are eager to participate, so let them take the lead through navigating or looking under each rock and bush for an elusive geocache.

  2. Be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is contagious. If you are genuinely excited about geocaching, your kids will be, too. So start practicing your happy dance and be ready to break out those moves when you find one!

  3. Become a pirate. Choose regular to large-sized geocaches that will provide fun toys and trinkets that your kids can trade for. Remember to trade up or equal, so have your little ones bring along some knickknacks to leave behind.

  4. Make memories to last a lifetime. Bring a camera to capture all those memorable moments.

  5. Bring snacks. They can mean the difference between a fun day at the park and a before-dinner meltdown.

No matter where you go or what you find, geocaching can make every family adventure into your own little victory.

Victory
Sweet Geocaching Victory!

 

/ Derek H /

Epic Adventure, — Wet Surprise (GC1YV80) — Geocache of the Week Video Edition

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Geocache Name:

Wet Surprise (GC1YV80)

Difficulty/Terrain Rating:

2/5

Why this is the Geocache of the Week:

This was an incredible adventure and is a perfect example of how geocaching can take you to places you never would’ve visited without it. For more, check out the video above.

What geocachers are saying:

“Swam to it in my undies!  I gotta say, in 6+ years of caching, this is probably the coolest cache i’ve done so far…” – Thuescapades

“This cache experience was my favorite of all time.” – reidsomething

“What an amazing adventure! …Beautiful lake, amazing view of the mountain, and a cache full of awesome swag…what more could a geocacher want??” – AKprincesswarrior

What the geocache owner, Freak of Nature, has to say:

“I’ve always enjoyed geocaching away from urban areas. I have a background in forestry, and love the outdoors…I’ve known about this area since the late seventies. I have backpacked around here many times. Lots of local history here.

I love all of the positive feedback! This is really what geocaching means to me. Discovering places and things I might never have known of, but for someone placing a cache nearby.

Everybody knows of a special spot or location that means something to them. There are lots of adventures waiting to be had.  Don’t be afraid to share it with others. Thanks to all for this most enjoyable hobbie, and cache on!”

Photos:

Mount Rainier views on the hike up.
Mount Rainier views on the hike up.

 

Ben, of benandjayme, surveying the lake.
Ben, of benandjayme, surveying the lake.

 

Lackey AKprincesswarrior making her way to the island.
Lackey AKprincesswarrior making her way to the island.

 

Hiking up to the lake. Photo by geocacher Boonie-Medic
Hiking up to the lake. Photo by geocacher Boonie-Medic

 

What’s most fun you’ve had during a day of geocaching? 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!

/ Alex /

August’s Geocacher of the Month: I hope you’re not afraid of awesome

New to geocaching? Talk to one of these three veterans.

 

ikolor, knee-deep during a hunt for a cache
ikolor, knee-deep during a hunt for a cache

The nominations for August’s Geocacher of the Month go beyond the norm for geocaching…in all the best ways.

With a total of 40,779 finds between them, there’s no shortage of geocaching wisdom gained through experience. Together, Trekkie79, ikolor, and Team Geo-Rangers embody the best elements of a geocacher: passion, creativity, and a determination to make the game inviting to new and old players alike.

Although it’s tough, there has to be a winner.

This month, the recipient of this award comes from the land of sunshine, oranges, alligators, and geocaches.

Her name is ikolor, or “I-hopeyou’renotafraidofawesome-kolor”, as one ‘cacher put it. She’s been called “the backbone of south Florida geocaching,” and it’s not hard to believe it. With over 6,600 finds and 162 hides, you’re more likely to run into ikolor on the way to a potential FTF than on the way to the grocery store. What’s more astonishing? Her find rate is currently at 3.79 caches per day.

But her geocaching stats aren’t why she’s our newest Geocacher of the Month.

One geocacher says, “[ikolor] embodies all the positive qualities of Geocaching. Every Geocacher I know considers her a friend. She is always there to lend a helping hand. Her events are always fun and eagerly awaited. No puzzle can guard its secrets from her solving skills. She really enjoys getting out there and finding a cache. It doesn’t matter if its a simple park and grab or a difficult multi stage hike in the woods. Her caches are many and well thought out. Overall she is very deserving of this honor.”

ikolor got her start in 2009, when she read a newspaper article about geocaching.

She quickly became a part of the local community, as affected by them as they were by her: “My husband, radioman84, and I love to cache and do it as often as we can. In 2011 radioman84 had a massive stroke while we were out on a caching spree. He almost died. The caching community pulled together and showed us how truly amazing these people are! They were totally there for us. I grew to love caching, not for hiding and finding caches, but for the people that make up this crazy sport!”

ikolor and radioman84
ikolor and radioman84

Another ‘cacher confirms it: “Although we only cache part time in her neck of the woods we are always welcomed like old friends at her events. She has a way of bringing cachers together not only as a team but as social groups who have a great deal of fun. She embodies not only the spirit of caching but also the skills of a great cacher..”

ikolor (front and center) at one of many CITO events
ikolor (front and center) at one of many CITO events

Congraulations to ikolor…and thank you for everything you do! Your presence as a player of the game has clearly had a significant positive impact on those around you.

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The earned, never for sale, Geocacher of the Month geocoin
The earned, never for sale, Geocacher of the Month geocoin
/ Derek H /

Whovians unite! — Doctor Who #13 (GC56Y0Z) — Geocache of the Week

The TARDIS in the wild. Photo by geocacher Lost From New York
The TARDIS in the wild. Photo by geocacher Lost From New York

 

 

Video: Spoiler Alert!

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Geocache Name:

Doctor Who #13 (GC56Y0Z)

Difficulty/Terrain Rating:

3/1.5

Why this is the Geocache of the Week:

First, check out the video above. If you’re still scratching your head and wondering why this is Geocache of the Week, here are a few reasons:

  • The creativity and craftsmanship that went into the container
  • The awesome theme and decoration
  • All of the positive logs and favorite points
  • A dedicated geocache owner

Not to mention, the threat of extermination via Daleks is a pretty unique feature for a geocache.

What the geocache owner, carlep_99, has to say:

“While watching Youtube videos about geocaching I kept seeing all these different field puzzle caches.  So I decided I was going to try and create one myself and dedicate it to my favorite tv show (Doctor Who) to celebrate the new season beginning August 2014.”

“I actually was surprised at the reaction some had with this cache.  I wasn’t expecting it to be as popular as it turned out to be. Don’t get me wrong I was hoping people would enjoy it but when I saw what people were saying I got teary eyed and got a feeling of euphoria (i guess would be the best way to describe it) it was such an awesome experience…I wrote in the description a definite for Doctor Who fans, I was wrong, it’s turning out to be a definite for the whole geocaching community. A very much appreciated thank you to the geocaching community for all the logs posted  and logs to be posted for “Doctor Who  #13″.”

What geocachers are saying:

“One of the Best caches I’ve found in our tenure as geocachers! I wish I knew about the Dr Who series before finding this because after a first failed attempt to enter the Tardis I did my research. That just added to my appreciation of this cache when I returned to successfully log it! Simply awesome, a masterpiece of engineering and workmanship!” – Timpat

 

“Great cache. Lots of hard work went into this one. Very creative. No need to force anything to get this one. Use your brain, not muscle to get to the log book.” – Sunrunner

 

“Wow, what a great cache to end this series (at least for now)! I’m actually a little disappointed that I can only give this 1 favorite point, but I’m sure you’ll collect a bunch. Thanks to you for a great cache series commemorating a great TV series, and thanks to the landowner for their permission.” – sky-raider

Photos:

The TARDIS puzzle. Photo courtesy of carlep_99
The TARDIS puzzle. Photo courtesy of carlep_99
During construction. Photo courtesy of carlep_99
During construction. Photo courtesy of carlep_99
EXTERMINATE! Uh oh... Photo courtesy of carlep_99
EXTERMINATE! Uh oh… Photo courtesy of carlep_99

What’s the best field puzzle you’ve ever solved? Tell us or 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!