The Earth takes 365 days and almost six hours to circle the sun each year. Therefore, every four years an additional day is added to February to catch up with those extra quarter days. Since it doesn't take quite 365¼ days to go around the sun, Leap Year doesn't happen every fourth year...
But enough science, how does Leap Year affect geocachers? Well, it's cosmic!! It's a rare chance to fill in Feb 29 on our Finds for Each Day of the Year calendar! This is that elusive day you've been waiting for. It's an extra 24 hours to cache that you didn't have in the past three years and won't have in the coming three. Yes, it's a BIG deal! Signal is excited--it may be his favourite day!
But this is Alberta and February is wintery. Caching conditions are not to everyone's liking. Leave the snowy blizzard, slick ice, freezing temperatures, numbing wind chill and blinding sunshine behind and step into something more summerlike. Log an event to fill in your calendar. Swap stories, travel bugs and geocoins. Celebrate the day over lunch with other geocachers. There is even a Leap Year souvenir to be earned by attending an event on this date!
Here are the details:
What: A bring-your-own-lunch event to celebrate Leap Year 2016 together. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, water, juice and pop are available for purchase.
Where: Kerry Wood Nature Centre. An announcement will be made several days before the event as to whether we will be meeting in the lobby seating area or in the Marjorie Wood Gallery just to the left of the entrance. For out-of-towners, please note that there is NO access to the Nature Centre from 67th St. Come from the south via 55 St and 45 Ave. Free parking is available.
When: Monday, February 29, noon to 2 pm. LEAP in as you are able or come for the duration.
Who: Geocachers new and experienced, from near and far, young and old, geocacher wannabes and retirees.
Why: Geo-jabber, friends, a calendar day filled in, lunch, a Leap Year souvenir. If time permits before or after the event, wander through the Nature Centre's newly renovated interpretive exhibit or explore the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary (just out the back door). (No charge for either.)
What you need to do:
- include the number of attendees in your log to ensure that there will be sufficient seating
- bring your bag lunch, stories, questions, TBs, GCs
- sign the log so you can post an Attended log
Many thanks to Fern and the KWNC for allowing us to meet here at no charge and to JREnarson for the inspiration for the event!
We hope that you will take the LEAP and join us!