Gang Encounters The Big Blue Switch π°οΈ
Tuesday 2nd May 2023
The BlueBird Cafe
South Dr, Ferring, Worthing BN12 5QU
09:15am - 09:45am
Your host for the event will beΒ ChapmanGang.
Β
Geocaching has evolved, and so have geocachers. On May 2nd, celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the birth of geocaching with a Big Blue Switch souvenir! Find any geocache or attend any event on Monday 2nd May 2022 and youβll earn a new digital souvenir for your geocaching profile!
What is βBig Blue Switchβ day?
On May 2, 2000, 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 βBig Blue Switchβ.Β
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. The geocahce is not there anymore but there is a plaque to honor it. The GC code for the plaque isΒ GCGV0P.Β
N 45Β° 17.460 W 122Β° 24.800
Three days later, the container was located by Mike Teague. Now, twenty-two years later, geocaching has become a global phenomenon to get off the couch and get outside.Β
Please feel free to bring TBs or coins to pass along or to be discovered.
If the weather is kind on the morning we will gather on the outside tables at the cafe, if it's not so much we will look to sit inside.Β
New cachers are especially welcome to come. A good opportunity to pick the minds of the seasoned pros in the area, who are all full of great tips and hints on geocaching in general or on any caches in the area that you might be having a little trouble with.
Look forward to seeing you there.
ChapmanGang