This is a challenge cache, and it IS located at the given coordinates. Please keep reading to see if you qualify.
This challenge requires that you have found a cache in at least 5 different states and/or countries combined. It doesn't matter which ones or where, just that they are 5 different areas. You will know you have found a qualifying cache if you have the "souvenir" for such a state or country, keep in mind that caches along borders can only be considered a cache for one of those states so make sure you look closely!
This cache does not require that you find them on the same day, or after the posting of this challenge. Previous finds count. This challenge is meant to be a fun stepping-stone for other challenges of a similar nature.
There are plenty of challenges requiring all 50 states, 50 states +DC, lower 48 + DC, etc etc. so this is really meant for those geocachers who are just starting out and haven't traveled the entire country yet. As of writing this, I have found caches in 6 different states, CO, KS, WY, NM, OK, and TX, however 5 is a better round-number for increments. There is also a 10-state challenge up in Cheyenne for those who have 10 states already.
In order to qualify for this cache, simply tell me which 5 states or countries you have cached in, and provide at least 1 GC code for each state/country you are using. Feel free to be creative, and enjoy the trip down memory lane as you decide which caches to use. This challenge is not overly difficult and I understand that many experienced geocachers already qualify, just keep in mind everyone has to start somewhere and this is meant to encourage newer cachers to travel and check out other states. Keep in mind this is NOT MANDATORY and you do not have to do this challenge. It is meant to encourage those of us who enjoy traveling to find caches in many states, and also be a reward to those who already have. If you do not post your qualifications within a reasonable amount of time, I may delete your log. I understand that life happens, so as always you may either post in your log that you need a few days, or you can always do a "write note" and turn it into a "Found It" log when you have the qualifications necessary. This way you can easily sign it and not have to return a second time, especially for those of you who do not live in the area. Make sure your profile is set to public so I can validate your qualifications, or provide me with an adequate screen shot with the necessary information.
You may also feel free to post any stories or memories you have from either your first time caching out of state, or any specific trips. I love hearing about other cachers' journies, and it often gives me an idea of somewhere I may want to travel and go caching myself. I know other new geocachers who would love to know where to go as well; so feel free to help us out on where you went, if you got a lot of caches, very few caches, if you found your favorite cache of all time in another state/country, etc!
For me, I know I enjoyed my first time going out of state. I saw an event pop up in Laramie, and shortly after it was a CITO event, which I hadn't done yet at all! I had to wake up early and leave my house at 6am just to make it to the first event, the meet & greet, but it was worth it! I got to meet many cachers who I either had seen their names but not met, and others from around Wyoming I hadn't heard of before, and it was great! While there I noticed there was a webcam cache nearby, and I hadn't gotten one of those yet either since the closest one to my home is down in Boulder, and then it sparked an idea. Throuhout the rest of the day, I ended up getting a 10+ type day, and it was fun! I attended the first event, made my way across campus (during their homecoming parade mind you) to get the webcam cache, turned in a puzzle cache I had solved on my way to the CITO event which was way out of town, which also happened to be in a location with a quick easy EarthCache and even a traditional cache, then I made my way over to Cheyenne where I got a nice, old virtual cache and found one owned by egroeg38 there too, made my way back to Colorado where I had been waiting to get an LBH, finish a multi, and finish a wherigo cache all for my 10+ day, so I ended up doing a big loop and travelled around Fort Collins, Laramie, Cheyenne, Windsor, Loveland, and back to Fort Collins, and it was a very memorable day for also being the first time I found a cache out of state! Thanks to Wyochiever and Jazzeykat for hosting the events and allowing for such a memorable day!
Take care, enjoy your travels, enjoy this challenge, and I look forward to hearing more stories!