May 8, 2025 - 3:30 PM to 4 PM
Mateship
In both the UK and Australia, 'Mateship' is a cultural idiom that embodies equality, loyalty and friendship. It is a concept that can be traced back to their early colonial times. The harsh environment in which convicts and new settlers found themselves meant that men and women closely relied on each other for all sorts of help. A 'mate' is more than just a friend and is a term that implies a sense of shared experience, mutual respect and unconditional assistance.
Having said that, the term 'mate' can also be used for the first time you meet someone, especially when you don’t know their name. For example, 'Excuse me mate, sorry I bumped into you!!' or 'Hey mate, are you geocaching?' or when someone needs help, 'Hey mate, do you need a hand with that?' This last example, however, is not to everyone's taste, nor is it acceptable in certain situations. For example, 'Not guilty, you say? Cheers mate!' or 'Let's get married, mate!'
For the last four years, on the 8th May, Bruce (Calypso62) has held an event to celebrate one of the best things about geocaching, the Geo-Mates one meets through this great activity. It’s a time when we can catch up with old Geo-Mates and make lots of new ones, and celebrate that friendship. As many of you have done, I’ve made so many great geo-mates all around the world.
Here’s to a fabulous celebration of great Geo-Mates."
(Mateship paragraphs were quoted from a cache in London)
One of the very best things about this activity we all love called Geocaching, is the great friends one makes along the way. I've met lots of wonderful people, in the USA and elsewhere. In Australia (and other places) the term 'mate' is used for a friend. Thus the term Geo-Mate is a geocaching friend. Calypso62 in Australia has hosted multiple Geo-mate days and May 8th is the perfect date for that so lets join them.
There are places to purchase food nearby if you so desire. I plan on having some Australian snacks. Come and meet Geo-Mates old and new on GeoMay8 Day. Come when you can. Leave when you must. Hope to see you there.
Reference: GCB2VVF
Geocaching Forums - GeoMay8 Day - 2025
GCB3Z87
GCB3XP7
GCB46P9
GCB43Y7
GCB4H1G
GCB5J2K
GCB4R7Y
GCAW0F4
GCB5KBY
GCB5MGD
GCB4H1G
GCAK971
GCB4Z6P
GCB5K4V
GCB5A67
GCB4FRB
GCB692T
GCB60H0
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