Inspiration from ‘Was he worth it? Virtual Cache’
GCAA06
Several decades ago this realtime Geocacher was involved in a prototype project at a facility not far from Newman, CA.
Daily commutes included the outskirts of the city. After several commutes, one normal observation turned into an expectation. Like clockwork, before sunrise and after sunset, a living landmark did appear. A striking figure, was he, with highwater britches, long fluent strides, demonstrating diligence and determination. All the while, no matter how foul the day was, appearing happy.
On one particularly cold, wet and foggy morning, right on time, the landmark did appear. As usual our direction of travel was the same but the foulness of weather shocked realization to the surface. Happy or not, the poor fellow needed to get out of the cold.
Never was a thumb raised but an offer for a ride was accepted. As time passed, with many commutes, stopping for Ricky, as his name became known, was a common and pleasant occasion. Ricky, as chats revealed, was involved with dairy business/work. His daily marches delivered him to the little gas station/market on the north end of town and back to the farm, mostly.
If one can picture a kind, non egotistic and mild mannered resident in Mayberry, North Carolina, Ricky will fit into the mind’s eye.
Some years passed. New projects, new locations and other directions happened. Ricky became a memory seldom visited. With family visiting from out of town, a drive to Newman for lunch happened, on a whim. As we approached the establishment, there was Ricky. Recognition was spontaneous and mutual. Each of us, a bit more worn. Without argument Ricky joined our lunch party and was the star.
After lunch, Ricky, with undisguised pride, provided a walking tour of his town. That was the last Ricky experience.
Over the years, when Newman was mentioned, Ricky entered the story and brought smiles. Just about two years ago, while conversing with a lifelong resident/local Newman farmer. Ricky entered the conversation and provided knowledge of this memorial.
What is the measurement of a man’s worth?
Thank You to KEMBORG & Shred-Tec for taking the mountainous journey for FTF. NASA The Rubber Chicken is all pumped up with pride.
To validate your find:
Option 1- Include a screenshot of your navigation to the nearest active basic or premium traditional hide from GZ coordinates (include with posted find log, not message).
Option 2- Include an image (face not required) of any member/TB/personal item of your party and/or an indication of date and username, i.e. via note paper, with Ricky's memorial gift from the community (include with posted find log, not message) .
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Virtual Rewards 5.0 - 2026-2027
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between February 3, 2026 and February 3, 2027. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 5.0 on the Geocaching Blog.