On May 2, 2000, when, just past midnight, the U.S government discontinued its use of Selective Availability in order to make GPS more responsive to civil and commercial users worldwide. Twenty-four satellites around the globe processed their new orders, and instantly the accuracy of GPS technology improved tenfold. Tens of thousands of GPS receivers around the world had an instant upgrade. Prior to this date, only the military had the ability to receive accurate GPS readings. Now, the world and all its wonderful people could pinpoint their precise location. For reasons unknown, this is often referred to as the flipping of the “Big Blue Switch”.
The very next day, a computer consultant named Dave Ulmer hid a black bucket in the woods near Portland, Oregon. Along with a logbook and pencil, he left various prize items including videos, books, software, and a slingshot, then posted the coordinates online.
N 45° 17.460 W 122° 24.800
Three days later, the container was located by Mike Teague. Now, twenty years and over 3 million geocaches worldwide, later, geocaching has become a global phenomenon to get off the couch and get outside.
This cache commemorates the Original Stash Bucket in that it is a black 5-gallon bucket and has replicas of some of the original items, a slingshot, (emptied, cleaned & flattened) can of baked beans, software and a video tape - please leave these items in the cache. It also contains the usual swag, a logbook and prize for the FTF. It was previewed at the Community Celebration Event - Niceville, FL GC8JZWW. It has plenty of room for trades and trckables. Some very nices views of nearby College Pond.
Cache has been seeded with several trackables that visited the Community Celebration Event - Niceville, FL that I haven't moved on yet.
**** Note **** Note ****
This cache is located on the Eglin AFB reservation. Hunters and or wild life may be in this area as well as military personnel conducting maneuvers. It is possible unexploded ordnance could be in the area so be aware of your surroundings.
****Also note due to training and missions the areas maybe closed at certain days of the week or times. Please check this site for closures in the area before going after the caches on Eglin Reservation. Before entering the Eglin AFB reservation, you must check the current day's Jackson Guard PDF map at http://jg.eglinforcesupport.com/
A permit granting you legal access to the Eglin AFB Reservation is required to seek and find ANY cache on Eglin AFB Reservation!!! You must have this permit and it must be in your possession. The Jackson Guard will check. For $20 you get an outstanding map and a year-long Recreational Permit. The yearly permits are valid for one year from the day you buy it and it includes fishing. You can get your permit from the "Jackson Guard" either in person or by mail (send a copy of your driver's license). You can also get your permit online at (https://eglin.isportsman.net/)
Address: Eglin AFB Natural Resources Office
107 Hwy 85 North
Niceville, FL 32578
Phone: (850) 882-4164
Coords: N 30° 31.49' W 86° 29.57'
Hrs: Mon-Thu 0700-1630, Fri 0700-1800, Sat 0730-1230, Closed Sunday