The Aurora Challenge Trail Bonus Cache #3: Sourdough!
From ValarieValice.com:
What does “Sourdough” mean?
Sourdough is an Alaskan term that refers to someone who has lived in Alaska for several winters. The term likely originated in the Klondike Gold Rush at the end of the 19th Century. It was used as the opposite of the term Cheechako, which refers to those who were newly arrived at the mining camps.
Today, it means basically the same: Sourdoughs are those who’ve lived in Alaska for a while – though the duration that earns you the status varies.
Key Takeaways
- In Alaska, Sourdough is a term that refers to certain residents based on how long they’ve lived in The Last Frontier.
- The term likely originated in the Klondike Gold Rush.
- Today, you can earn Sourdough status by surviving several – or a lifetime of – winters in Alaska.
Understanding Sourdough
Not to be confused with the delicious type of bread, in Alaska Sourdough has its own meaning. It refers to those hardy Alaskans who’ve survived several of the long, dark winters in The Last Frontier.
Sourdough is a term that likely originated alongside its antonym, Cheechako. Both terms referred to those who had spend varying amounts of time in Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896 to 1899. Cheechakos were the new arrivals; Sourdoughs had proven themselves through the trials of Alaskan winter.
It’s likely that the origin of the name Sourdough refers specifically to those prospectors and settlers who brought their own bread starter with them. They had to keep their starter close to their body and stay warm enough to keep the starter from freezing. Only those who were smart and tough enough to handle themselves in wild Alaska would keep themselves – and their starter – alive.
Today, there’s a wide range of opinions on how long it takes to shake off Cheechako status. Some say surviving three winters is enough; others say it takes decades – or even a lifetime – to become a true Alaskan Sourdough.
This bonus cache is NOT at the posted coordinates. Don't go there. It will not help you find the cache. To find this cache, you must first find and sign the log of 60 or more caches on the Aurora Challenge Trail. You do NOT have to qualify for and log-as-found those challenge caches; just visit them and collect the code word that is written on the lid of the cache and on the inside cover of the log book. Keep track of those codes as you go!
Once you have 60 code words, enter them here:
Sourdough Bonus Cache Code Words
When you have 60 correct code words, the system will automatically provide you with the coordinates to this bonus cache. If you have any issues at all, just message BirkenstockReport for help or to get the coordinates.
When you have all 76 code words, email or app message BirkenstockReport, and a final pathtag and other prizes will be mailed to you! There is no bonus cache for the final level, "True Alaskan," just a happy present in the mail :)
Congratulations on becoming an Alaskan Sourdough!
This Cache was hidden by a Sourdough Member of GeocacheAlaska!
You can find a complete list of the currently active Aurora Challenge Trail caches here.