Blue Switch Day 2023
When: Tuesday 2nd May 2023
Time: 9.30 to 10am
Where: Pondwicks Meadow Community Orchard, Amersham, HP7 0EP
Why: We rely on the GPS more than we think, it has transformed the way we live and the world around us. Our lives would be very different if we didn’t have the GPS technology we know and use daily; even geocaching falls into this category. This is all possible because of one bright day on May 2, 2000—or as geocachers call it—Blue Switch Day.
Selective Availability made the use of GPS technology unavailable to the general public. In the United States, the military was the only entity with access to this technology until May of 2000; the U.S. government “flipped the switch” and made GPS available to all. Geocachers proudly call this day Blue Switch Day, and this year we’re celebrating with a new souvenir!
With the excitement of the new accurate GPS technology in the palm of our hands, there were endless opportunities for innovation and exploration waiting around the globe. It’s no coincidence that the first geocache was hidden one day later, on May 3, 2000, the day geocaching was born!
Between Monday 1st May and Wednesday 3rd May 2023, you can earn the Blue Switch Day 2023 souvenir by finding a geocache, Adventure Lab® Location, or by attending an Event.
Who: Geocachers, old and new - everyone is welcome. If you're new to events and feel a little nervous, send me a message beforehand and I will look out for you. The venue is child and dog friendly.
Parking: Parking has been added to the waypoints, as has public transport facilities for those of you who need it. Please aim to avoid the nearby GP Surgery. There is on road parking on School Lane. Hopefully there will be spaces available after the morning school run. Don't worry, the event will be a fair distance from the school.
Public transport: Carousel buses operate the 1/1A/1B service between High Wycombe, Hazlemere, Holmer Green, Amersham, Chesham Bois, Chesham, Bovingdon and Hemel Hempstead.
Feel free to bring along: TBs and Geocoins.