For the past year, I have been spending at least part of my day,
each and every day, finding a cache. Every day. For 365 days. Some
say it’s an obsession. Some say it’s crazy. I say
… I’m glad it’s over, but I’m really glad
I did it. When I started on this streak it was originally just to
be able to do the NC Streakers
Challenge of 100 days in a row. But by the time I made it to
100 days I wasn’t ready to stop. Gradually the final goal of
a full year (365 days) came into my head as a nice number to end
on.
Thinking back on the past year of caching, I am amazed that I
made it here. On the nice sunny days of beautiful weather, the
caching was easy. I did curse the ticks, spiders, poison ivy and
heat; but then winter came and they were a thing of the past.
However winter brought snow and ice – these were harder
obstacles to overcome. During one particularly bad snow/ice storm,
I even had the assistance of one friend who came to pick me up when
I didn’t feel comfortable driving in those conditions just to
get me to a cache for that day.
When I think back to when I first started this “year of
caches”, I’m amazed at the changes I’ve made over
this past year. When I started I hardly knew any other cachers,
other than by reputation. I didn’t have those treasured PAF
phone numbers. I had hidden just one cache of my own. I had 481
smileys to my name. And I had managed just one FTF.
What a difference a year makes – I now have 1650 smileys;
I have hidden 41 caches; I have many caching friends, and
I’ve hosted an event (never thought I’d do that). Wow,
I’ve come a long way in the past 365 days. Of the things that
have changed, I’d have to say that the most important change
is the new friends I have made along the way. This is not a hobby
for loners. It is best played with friends. I could not have done
this without the help and support of my friends and family.
As the year progressed and it appeared that I might actually
make it to 365 days in a row, a new idea formed. How about a
challenge cache for those crazy enough to attempt this? This
prompted lots of eye rolling and some looks of fear. It’s
location became a bit of a sore spot for one dude who’s only
goal was to clear out all the caches within the
“beltline” (of course, I had to place it there!)
And so, I find myself at the end of my quest. 365 days in a row
completed. All that’s left is to commemorate this
accomplishment with a new cache. The challenge of caching for 365
days consecutively has been
done before, it’s not a new idea. However, I like to be
different. And this is not going to be your typical challenge
cache. Consider this more of a tribute to the hard work and
dedication that everyone who has ever attempted this type of
challenge has gone through. Please be sure to read the fine print
before attempting this non-“Challenge”.
Good luck to all who attempt this.