Secret Code Hidden in Leap Day Souvenir Revealed

When someone becomes a geocacher, they begin to see things others do not. Sticks are just a little too straight, every rock suggests a secret compartment and even lamp posts become suspicious. And to think that the majority of people go through life oblivious to the hidden delights all around them!

In the spirit of hidden delights, Geocaching HQ’s Designer Roxxy Goetz decided to encode a secret message in the 2016 Leap Day souvenir. Take a look:

Souvenir_LeapDay2016_vFINAL_Event

 

Did you catch it? Read on for clues and a behind-the-scenes look at the Leap Day souvenirs.

What do you do at Geocaching HQ?

I’m a graphic designer in our Creative Studio. We manage and create most of the art assets you see on our social media, like Facebook and the Geocaching Blog, and in our Shop. I personally handle many of our Geocoin designs, and I was one of the illustrators at the start of the Souvenirs project.

BlockParty2014_Roxxy_Signal
Roxxy is a big fan of Signal the Frog.

What is your username?

Over the last couple of years I keep being asked if I’m that Roxxy, the one who designed this souvenir or that geocoin, and the rest was a bad joke waiting to happen. My username is Yes, That Roxxy.

Tell me about the Leap Day souvenirs. How did you and your team come up with the theme?

We really wanted to make something special for the community, something that was unique and not like anything else being put out there. We started by designing a Leap Day theme, which we used for the Leap Day Geocoin as well as the two souvenirs.

Our inspiration came from the Roman origins of Leap Day as we record it on our modern calendar. There aren’t many modern traditions for Leap Day that fit naturally with a geocaching theme, so we decided to call out the day itself. We looked at imagery that reflected the passage of time and the unique circumstances that gave us Leap Day to begin with.

The finished Leap Day souvenir has elements of a sundial, to reflect the passage of time over one single day, as well as imagery depicting the orbit of the earth around the sun, representing the passage of a year.

LeapDayGeocoin
The 2016 Leap Day Geocoin, designed by That Roxxy.

For the Leap Day Event souvenir we decided to draw imagery not just from our own planet, but from the other planets around us. We wanted to reflect the way our own personal experiences are a part of a much greater system, a sort of celebration of those experiences coming together into something bigger.

The theme even carried over to our Leap Day Geocoin, which featured the Roman god of the sun—Sol Invictus—on one side, with the planets in orbit around his crown. The other side was a functioning sundial, which is not as easy to design in as some might think.

I hear there’s a hidden message encoded in the Leap Day 2016 souvenir for attending an event. How do we decode it?

You caught me! I love trying to hide little messages for our community—I can’t help it! I guess I’m a Puzzler geocacher at heart.

I’ll give you two hints: one for those who just want a starting point, and a second for those who want to get right into decoding the souvenir…

Hint #1:

Nine are the planets

Nine are the rings

Nine are the letters

in the finding of things

Hint #2:

Each orbit has a pattern, a series of dashes, repeating all the way around. These dashes spell out a letter in Morse code. Each orbit represents only one letter.

Have you discovered any secret messages or hidden surprises while geocaching? Tell us about them!

 

SPOILER: And the hidden message is… DISCOVERY!

Leap Day Banner

Extra Day, Extra Fun – Leap Day Weekend Only

Once every four years, Leap Day gives us one extra day of geocaching. We think that’s worth celebrating! Of course, we are marking the occasion with a new souvenir. Heck, there will even be two souvenirs.

But to adequately underscore the gravity of this day (seriously, people wait four years to have birthday cake), we’re upping the celebration. For this one special weekend only, all geocache types in the Geocaching Intro app (including all terrain and difficulty ratings) — usually available only to Premium members — will be available to everyone for free.

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Pretty exciting, right? We think so. To make the most of this once-in-four-years opportunity, we recommend you use the app to:

  • Find an EarthCache — You can send your answers to the cache owner directly from the app.
  • Challenge your mind — Try out a Mystery Cache or higher difficulty geocache. (Hint: If you’re stumped, message the cache owner for hints.)
  • Explore the outdoors — Hike to extraordinary vistas by finding a higher terrain rated geocache.
  • Go streaking — The geocaching kind, of course. Explore different elements of the game by finding a variety of geocaches.

Download the app for iPhone or Android.

How can I earn the Leap Day souvenirs?

The first souvenir can be earned February 27-29 by getting outside and finding any geocache (events excluded). The other souvenir can be earned on Leap Day itself — February 29 — only by attending a geocaching event.

How do I see all advanced geocaches for free?

Just open up the Geocaching Intro app for iPhone or Android during February 27-29! Advanced geocaches — usually available only to Premium members — will be unlocked for everyone. By logging a geocache, you’ll even earn the Leap Day weekend souvenir!

Will I be able to find Premium Member Only geocaches?

When a cache owner hides a geocache, they can opt to have their geocache only available to Premium members. We always respect this designation so Premium Member Only geocaches will not be unlocked during Leap Day. All other geocaches — including all geocache types, and terrain and difficulty ratings —  will be available to basic members to find and log in the app.

What is a souvenir? 

Souvenirs are digital awards you can earn by completing a specific geocaching achievement, like finding a geocache in a new country or finding a geocache on Leap Day. You can view the souvenirs you’ve earned on Geocaching.com and learn more about souvenirs in the Geocaching Help Center.

Not seeing unlocked geocaches in the Geocaching Intro app?

You should see advanced geocaches automatically unlocked for you in the Geocaching Intro app during February 27-29. If this is not the case, please try the following:

  • Make sure you have the most recent version of the app. (Unlocked geocaches went out with the last release.)
  • If you have an outdated operating system, please update to the newest version. (We do not support anything older that iOS 8 or Android 4.1.)
  • Try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

Hopefully one of those does the trick! If not, please contact us through Facebook, Twitter or the HelpCenter.

Leap Day Banner

When there are 366 days in a year…

This Leap Day, Get Outside!

It only happens every four years. It gives us 366 calendar days which means we all have one extra day to go geocaching. So of course, we’re celebrating with a souvenir — actually, make that two!

The first souvenir can only be earned on Leap Day itself — February 29 — by attending a geocaching event. The other souvenir can be earned all weekend long (February 27-29) by getting outside and finding a geocache. 

Plan an Event

Why does Leap Day exist?

Leap Day exists to correct for the difference between the calendar year and the astronomical year. The 365 days of the calendar year represent Earth’s movement around the sun every 365 days. But Earth just ate a pizza and is actually moving a bit slower than that: it takes 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds for Earth to revolve around the sun.

And so, the calendar is adjusted to compensate for that extra time, by adding an extra day to the year about every four years (but not every four years). If we didn’t correct for the difference between the two calendars, the northern hemisphere would eventually end up celebrating New Year’s Eve during summer. In the southern Hemisphere, more cities might see a snowy Christmas. By the year 2736, the US would celebrate the 4th of July in deep winter.

And if you like swirling down an interesting internet search spiral on the mixed-up history of the Julian and Roman calendars, click here.

 

Geocaching near GC322MF in Croatia.
Leaping at GC322MF in Croatia.

Our Newest Geocaching Country Souvenir: Türkiye

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The Republic of Turkey is transcontinental—spread across Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is surrounded by three seas: The Mediterranean, Black Sea, and the Aegean Sea. The unique geographic location and varied landscape give Turkey a diverse cultural richness that is evident in every region of the country. You’d be hard pressed to find a more passionate, fun, and cosmopolitan group of geocachers anywhere in the world.

And here’s the big news: Turkey is the newest Geocaching country souvenir to be released this year! Souvenirs are virtual pieces of art that are displayed on your Geocaching profile page when you find a geocache in certain locations.

5 Wonderful geocache you can find in Turkey
Just five of the many wonderful geocache you can find in Turkey

To celebrate, we are also highlighting five must-see geocaches from this marvelous land. Come with us, won’t you?

 

First stop: IstanbulA gorgeous city that straddles two continents, ranks as the world’s 5th-largest city proper, and is the largest European city.

Istanbul is an enormous city that connects Europe and Asia, East and West

GC43K3Y – TOP 10 POI Istanbul

GC43K3Y - TOP 10 POI Istanbul
GC43K3Y – TOP 10 POI Istanbul

This Mystery Cache acts as a tour guide for the Sultanahmet district—a must see for any visitor. Framed as a mystery, this geocache leads you through the center of the Old City of Istanbul and many of the city’s points of interest (POI). You’ll need at least two days to solve this Mystery, but you’ll experience Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia/Ayasofia Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and Basilica Cistern so it is definitely worth it.

 

GCG3W3 – Pure Pearl

GCG3W3 - Pure Pearl
GCG3W3 – Pure Pearl

This Virtual Cache is found at the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, also known as the Second Bosphorus Bridge, which crosses the Bosphorus strait and connects Europe with Asia. You’ll need to visit by automobile (on top) or boat (underneath). No pedestrians and certainly no stopping on the bridge allowed!

 

GC42RCW – TAG you are it !! – OMActivities

GC42RCW - TAG you are it !! - OMActivities
GC42RCW – TAG you are it !! – OMActivities

Enjoy the 24-hour hustle and bustle of Istiklal Street, bursting with shops, cafes, bars, and nightlife. No cars are allowed in this area, and the streets are full of locals and tourists alike looking for some fun. Find this beloved Traditional cache full of great Trackables and SWAG, then write a heartfelt log from a lovely street cafe over wine or coffee.

 

Next stop: Bodrum. Previously a simple fishing village, Bodrum has become a tourist mecca with idyllic beaches, boutique hotels, and a shining marina over the last few decades.

Bodrum is located in the southwest Aegean Region of Turkey
Bodrum is located in the southwest Aegean Region of Turkey

GC1HN97 – Gokart15 [Bodrum Castle]

GC1HN97 - Gokart15 [Bodrum Castle]
GC1HN97 – Gokart15 [Bodrum Castle]
Site of a long ago Turkish invasion, construction began in the 14th century with the  Knights Hospitaller and has continued into the 20th century. Bodrum Castle is a stunning array of English, French, Spanish, and German-influenced Medieval architecture. The cache is a small tin box that you’ll find between a rock and a hard place.

 

Final stop: Antalya. Antalya is full of beaches, mosques, churches, Turkish baths, and museums.

Antalya is the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast
Antalya is the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast

GC1FG1A – Duden Waterfalls

GC1FG1A - Duden Waterfalls
GC1FG1A – Duden Waterfalls

This EarthCache is a series of several waterfalls created from two large karstic sources that merge, go underground, and then resurface to form the falls. This geocache is best experienced from a boat for a truly spectacular view. But if you decide to take a boat, make sure you’re alright with the possibility of getting soaked.

 

Inspired yet? Turkey has so much to offer in terms of scenery, culture, and geocaching.

We’ll unveil one new souvenir every week until all FIVE are officially released and awarded by mid December. Souvenirs that are currently available can be found here. A list of of currently available Geocaching souvenirs and even the ones you’ve already earned can be found on Geocaching.com. And, if you’ve already found a geocache in Turkey, we will retroactively add this souvenir to your profile after all five country souvenirs are announced.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or right here on our Blog to find out which countries are next.

Do you live in Turkey, have you ever been, or will you travel there in the future? Tell us your experience in the comments below!

A Guide to Geocaching in Estonia

Since the beginning of the game, geocaching and technology have gone hand-in-hand (quite literally) in the form of GPS units and smartphones. It’s therefore no surprise that Estonia, a global leader in high-tech, loves geocaching. Estonia is the newest country to be added to the growing list of country souvenirs.

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The farthest north of the Baltic states, Estonia is bordered by Russia, Latvia, and the Baltic Sea with Finland a short hop via ferry to the north. It’s a small country, about twice the size of New Jersey, with a population of just over one million. Those relatively small numbers have produced a wealth of high-quality, fun, creative geocaches. Here we feature a few of our favorites.

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This traditional cache is hidden in St. Catherine’s Passage, a medieval alley with a romantic vibe in old Tallinn (Estonia’s capital). At one end of the passage you’ll find large, ancient tombstones that used to line the inside of St. Catherine’s church. At the other end are a series of workshops where artisans make stained glass, ceramics, jeweler, quilts, and leather goods and hats. The cache is tucked away somewhere in between.

GC3T538 "Invasion of the Geocoin Designers" is hidden in St. Catherine's Passage, a popular destination in Estonia's capital, Tallinn.
GC3T538 “Invasion of the Geocoin Designers” is hidden in St. Catherine’s Passage, a popular destination in Estonia’s capital, Tallinn.

 

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GC31V9H is a cache inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. When you find it, you’ll understand why. It’s a great example of the type of attention to detail found in a lot of Estonian geocaches. In fact, if you don’t say, “Awwwwww” the minute you see it, we’d be surprised. The multi-cache waypoints take you on a beautiful walk through fields covered alternately with berries and mushrooms, depending on the season.

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You might come away with handfuls (if not buckets) of seasonal berries if you follow the path of this multi-cache.

 

2015-11-24_12-59-56GC151N3 is one of Estonia’s coolest EarthCaches. It’s the site of a series of meteorite craters near the village of Kaali, on the Estonian island of Saaremaa. The 9 craters all result from the impact of a single meteor, which broke apart into fragments upon passing through Earth’s atmosphere, some 7,500 years ago (though the time range of the craters’ formations is debated). The location is utterly unique, replete with geological and social historical oddities.

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Arrive at GC151N3 and take one guess as to where the ancient meteorite crash landed.

 

2015-11-24_12-59-56This cache is one for the adventurous. Just 42 minutes outside of Tallinn lies the Rummu quarry, an old limestone mining site. While the quarry was operational, inmates at the nearby Murru prison made up its workforce. When the prison was closed and its water pumps shut down, the quarry filled with water, drowning several buildings, and making for an excellent (but unsupervised!) swimming and diving spot. The cache takes you to the top of an ash hill above the quarry, where you’ll find an unmatched view at sunset.

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“Rummu” (GC3RD66) is located at the top of an ash hill above an old quarry.

 

2015-11-24_12-59-56This D5/T5 multi-cache is at least a full-day’s adventure. It’s located on one of Estonia’s largest islands, Naissaar, which is covered in protected coniferous forest. But stroll for a while along the nature trails and you’ll eventually come upon artifacts and ruins from a long history of military activity on the island. These include cemeteries for British sailors from the Crimean War, Soviet bunkers, and deep-sea mine anchors. If you’re taking this one on, bring a flashlight, friends to keep you company, and some common sense.

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GC2FMR0 is a 20-stage multi-cache across the island of Naissaar.

 

2015-11-24_12-59-56This cache in south-eastern Estonia requires special equipment. Namely, bog shoes. It’s no surprise that bog walking, a cousin of snowshoeing which has one trudging across pudding-like peat moss rather than snow, is a popular activity for both tourists and locals: about one-fifth of Estonia’s mainland is covered by bogs and mires. And many of those bogs and mires contain geocaches, such as this one hidden at the end of a hike through beautiful, soggy, and boggy landscapes.

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Don’t forget your bog shoes if you’re going for this cache!

 

What geocaches are on your Estonian geocaching trip bucket list? Find a geocache in Estonia, and you’ll earn the brand new Estonia country souvenir!