Geocaching turns 20, let's celebrate!!

Ok, now that COVID restrictions have passed, lets try this again! This event was originally scheduled for May 2nd to coincide with Blue Switch Day, but as with all events it was postponed until level 3 restrictions were eased.

Let's make it a fun event, but let's be COVIDsafe by:

keeping in mind social etiquette and social distancing,

practicing hand hygiene, and 

staying at home if you're sick.

What happened 20 years ago?

Glad you asked! On this day 20 years ago (May 2nd, 2000), the US Government led by President Bill Clinton, switched off signal degradation for non-military GPS, known as "selective availability". This led to enhanced GPS accuracy for civilians, and became a pivotal moment which sparked an idea for the game of geocaching. This has since become known as  Big Blue Switch Day, though no-one is sure why as there was never really a physical "switch" to turn off selective availability, let alone a blue switch.

The very next day, Dave Ulmer hid a bucket near a road in the forest outside of Portland Oregon containing a logbook and pencil, along with various items including videos, books, software, a slingshot, and a can of beans. He posted the GPS coordinates on the internet and within 3 days, 2 different users had found the container using their own GPS, and shared their experiences online. Throughout the next week, others began hiding their own containers worldwide and posting the coordinates, and hence the game of geocaching as we know it was born. 

So what is an event?

Its simply a chance for cachers of all ages and experience levels to get together and socialise! The event runs from 2pm-4pm, but you dont have to stay the whole time, just attend when you can.  All are welcome to join us and catch up with old friends or make some new ones.

What will we talk about?

We thought it's a great chance to celebrate the 20th anniversary of geocaching by getting together as a community, and sharing our experiences of what makes this game/hobby/lifestyle/obsession so great. Take a moment to reflect on what drives your passion for geocaching, and what has brought you joy, then come along and tell us about it. It could be:

• How geocaching has changed your life in some way
• Your favourite geocaching find or experience
• Other geocachers you've met who have inspired you
• That time when something really crazy, dangerous or unexpected happened

 Where will it be held?

At Bullocky's Rest, a SEQwater recreational area alongside Lake Samsonvale.  We will occupy one of the tables between the playground and toilets, for convenient access to both. There's plenty of space for kids to roam, and ample parking close by. Dogs are not permitted and watercraft are not allowed on this part of the lake. If it rains, it rains. We shall not be deterred!

What should I bring?

Bring along your experiences to share, and any TBs geocoins and pathtags you'd like to swap or be discovered.  Bring a chair if you'd prefer to sit, as seating is limited. Don't forget to bring water or a beverage, and maybe sunscreen and bugspray.

Sounds like a party, will there be cake?

Yep, we still intend to serve a big birthday cake🎂  Don't forget to log your "will attend" so we know you're coming.

Anything Else?

If that's not enough reason to join us, just for attending you'll get to be among the first to receive the unique 2020 Community Celebration Event icon AND you'll receive the Community Celebration souvenir for your profile, as well as the International Geocaching Day souvenir.

No domestic animals are permitted at any time, and kayaks are prohibited from being launched near this location. 

Community Celebration Events - 2020

Community Celebration Events - 2020
This Event is part of a limited release of Community Celebration Events to celebrate 20 years of geocaching. Geocachers hosted events between May 2, 2020 and December 31, 2021. Learn more about Community Celebration Events on the Geocaching Blog.