January Featured Geocacher of the Month Nominees – Add Your Comments

They put on events, they readily share geocaching tricks and tips and they challenge new and seasoned geocachers with their hides. They are the January Featured Geocacher of the Month Nominees.

December 2012 Featured Geocacher of the Month, Moneydork

Now it’s your turn to help select one of them as the Featured Geocacher of the Month for January.

Write a comment at the bottom of this blog about which of these geocachers you feel should be awarded the Featured Geocacher of the Month title.

In December, Wayne, a.k.a. Moneydork was recognized for establishing himself as one of Australasian’s most prolific geocachers. His efforts to support the community as a Geocaching volunteer reviewer and good Samaritan have not gone unnoticed. He even managed to organize New Zealand’s very first Mega-Event from 3500 km (2175 miles) away. According to fellow geocachers, Moneydork’s hides and events are legendary Down Under and he never hesitates to give his all to the sport.

Here are your nominees for the January Featured Geocacher of the Month. Some testimonials have been edited for length.

Kirret

Kirret

Mr Bluesky writes, “On November 29th, Don, [a.k.a. Kirret] will have found a geocache every single day of the year, since November 2011.  He has done this in three different countries and on two continents. This year alone he has found over 1,700 geocaches, including a grand haul of 100 on March the 27th. Don worked in Scotland in 2010 and 2011 and I got to meet him through geocaching. We immediately became firm friends. I had the pleasure of geocaching with him in Canada in July 2012 and then again on August 18th in Scotland. Don is very enthusiastic about geocaching and has, just by meeting people while out geocaching, gotten many involved in this hobby by informing them of what he was doing and how enjoyable it is. He mostly geocaches with his wife and son and is one of Guildford, England’s most prolific geocachers. He is out in all weather conditions with a smile on his face and a GPS in hand. I think his achievements this year is a remarkable feat.”

 

The Raven

The Raven

ttcm4geo writes, “If you visit Prescott, Arizona as we were one weekend, you will note something curious. Many of the geocaches you visit will have a note stating that ‘while you are in Prescott, you must find a geocache called Raven’s Labyrynth.’ So many geocacher said this that we finally decided to pursue it. The geocache itself is amazing, which I am sure took weeks to construct. Then we found out that the geocache owner has many similarly thought-out geocaches in the area. In fact, Prescott is known as ‘Ravenland.’ But, even more amazing is that if you email Dan, a.k.a. The Raven with a question, he promptly replies and tells you to call him. So we called him and got some assistance. He was very nice, and you can tell that his only goal is to help people enjoy geocaching. His geocaches are creative, well thought out and so much fun. He does all this work for people many of whom he will never meet. Therefore, I think he deserves this recognition.”

 

 

 

The Weasel

The Weasel

SuperGoober writes, “Tim, a.k.a. The Weasel is what geocaching is all about. He gives back so much more than he takes. He hosted the very first CITO in the Midwest: EIGA 2004 CEDAR RAPIDS CITO EVENT. He is an active member and Board Director for the Iowa Geocacher Organization and a volunteer for the Linn County Conservation. Tim has conducted and assisted in over 50 geocaching 101, 201 and 301 classes and workshops throughout the State of Iowa and abroad. His knowledge of the wilderness extends well beyond that of an average geocacher. He uses his extensive knowledge of the outdoors to help other geocachers by placing some very creative and educational geocaches. The Weasel has an impeccable sense as to what geocaching is all about. He realizes that cache maintenance is very necessary to ensure that geocaching is fun and that the geocache is there. He is just unstoppable.”

Comment below to tell us who you think should be the January Featured  Geocacher of the Month. A panel of Lackeys will use your comments to help decide which geocacher is awarded the honor. Each featured Geocacher of the Month will receive an exclusive special edition featured Geocacher of the Month Geocoin, along with a Geocacher of the Month hat, a Geocacher of the Month profile icon and a certificate acknowledging their contributions, signed by two of the founders of Geocaching.com. We will be accepting comments for January’s award through Sunday, January 20th.

Those whose nominees were not recognized here are encouraged to submit their nominations again next month. If you know an outstanding geocacher you would like to nominate to be a featured Geocacher of the Month, send an email to geocacherofthemonth@groundspeak.com and include the following information:

  • Your name, the name of your nominee, their username
  • A picture of the nominee
  • Description (200 or more words) explaining why he or she deserves to be the Geocacher of the Month

Please inform your nominee that you’ve submitted them for the award.

Nominations for the February Geocacher of the Month must be received by Friday, February 8th. 

Once we have received all of the nominations, we will choose the top candidates and post them on the blog. You will then get a chance to champion your favorite. Our goal is to involve the entire geocaching community in this process so we might learn from each other.

  1. Come on people, like those have posted so far, we HAVE to vote for multiple winners! If the nominees really want that like they posted, then we as cachers should support and honor that. It still looks like Weasel and Raven supporters still can’t get passed the number of vote total trying to “1 up” the other. Cone on people do the RIGHT thing and do what Dan and Tim have asked of us, it’s not that hard!

  2. I vote for The Raven. The Raven – has promoted geocaching into an economy booster. His caches have brought hundreds of tourists to our medium-small town where they enjoy his imaginative, but most of all challenging caches. He also has rescued and maintained “senior” caches which demonstrated his respect for the sport. He spends months constructing these artistic caches. He has partnered with the city of Prescott on placement of some of his caches, this has brought geocaching respect and recognition outside the geocaching community. Many of his caches are placed on public owned properties such as parks, hiking trails, historical sites, and libraries that show off our little pieces of our paradise. The Raven makes me proud to be a geocacher that lives in Yavapai County, Arizona.

  3. I vote for the Raven. I have read so much about the Raven and his caches and have had them on my to do list when I get up to Prescott. I can’t wait to get up there and do his caches and maybe met him. He seems to be a legend I hope to meet.

  4. My vote HAS to go to “The Raven”. When I go thru the Prescott, AZ area, I always know I am in for a geocaching treat if I am going after one of his geocaches. I know from a geocaching friend there that The Raven is very supportive of local geocachers and freely gives his time to help new geocachers learn the ropes. And, his Labyrinth cache is awesome! Yes, he definitely gets my vote and is most deserving of the recognition. His reputation goes far beyond the Prescott area.
    ZiasMom

  5. I am a good friend of Tim (the Weasel). And while it pains me, I am not going to vote for him, but respect his and Dan’s wishes and vote for multiple winners. I think what Tim and Raven are trying to do with doing this is a MAJOR reflection on their characters! It’s nice to see that the nominees can be so respectful to each other about this!! Geocachers of the Month!!

  6. I support the multiple winners! In my eyes they have all won already, just by being nominated. That alone shows their commitment and dedication to the geo-community. Great job to all 3 of you!

  7. We like the Weasel…he’s the real deal…there are a lot of outstanding geocachers in eastern Iowa and he’s on top of the pile.

  8. I voted for Dan (The Raven) but agree with the idea that it seems there should be more than one winner this month.

  9. I vote for The Weasel! He dedicates his time and energy to geocaching and helping others. His caches are interesting and educational for cachers of all ages.

  10. I have already posted my vote for The Weasel, but have to again post a note regarding both Tim’s and Dan’s request that this month’s voting OBVIOUSLY deserves multiple winners. And I have to really agree that out of 5+ million geocachers out there, if Groundspeak narrows it down to three ‘nominees’, well, that’s a statement in itself. I promote the idea of co-winners!!

  11. Since I nominated The Weasel for “Geocacher of the Month”
    for January 2013 I think it would be fitting that I post a “Vote: for him.

    The Weasel is what Geocaching
    is all about!
    He gives back so much more than he takes!
    He hosted the 1st CITO in the Mid-West: EIGA 2004
    CEDAR RAPIDS CITO EVENT
    Active Member and Board of Director for the: Iowa Geocacher Organization
    Specializing in Public Relations & Community Parks Development.
    Active Volunteer for the Linn County Conservation. Tim Stewart (The Weasel) has volunteered for
    any and all volunteer Event needed for the Linn County Conservation!
    The Weasel has conducted & assisted in over 50 Geocaching 101, 201 & 301 Classes and workshops
    throughout the Stage of Iowa and abroad.
    Not to mention, he has established a superb relationship
    with MANY Parks Authorities!
    Just to mention a few:
    – Dennis Goemaette, Linn County Conservation Deputy Director.
    – Tracy Spry, RedRock Lake DNR Ranger.
    – Jason Baumann, Linn County Parks Ranger.
    – Tracy Corbette, Wickiup Outdoor Learning Center
    Director.
    – Jan Ails, IndianCreek Nature Center Educational Director.
    – April Kamp, Brucemore Historical Museum.
    – Gail Barrels, Indian Creek Nature Center Educational Director.
    – Jason Shoman, Iowa Lottery.
    – Susan Carrol, Des Moines Recreation.

    His knowledge of the Wilderness extends well beyond that of
    a “normal” Cacher.
    The Weasel has an Associates Degree in Parks and Natural
    Resources.
    He uses his extensive knowledge of the outdoors to help
    other Cachers as well as placing some VERY creative educational Cache,
    some of these Caches such as, Weasel’s
    Outdoor Lesson #1–TRACKS, Weasel’s
    Outdoor Lesson #2–TREES, Weasel’s
    Outdoor Lesson #3–BIRDS, Weasel’s
    Outdoor Lesson #4– Bugs, Weasel’s
    Outdoor Lesson #5—Amphibians

    The Weasel has an impeccable sense as to what Geocaching is
    all about!

    He has created over 130 very fun to find Caches that are meticulously
    maintained.
    The Weasel realizes that “Cache Maintenance” is very necessary
    to ensure that Geocaching is fun and that the Cache “Is there”. He depicts this “necessary evil” on his The
    Weasel’s Maintenance Challenge.
    The Weasel, is a Highly
    Motivated Cacher that is seen as a LEADER and ROLE Model for Geocaching in the Great Mid-West U.S.A.
    The Weasel is one of the few people that teamed up and
    created the (original) Eastern Iowa Geocachers Organization, which has since
    evolved into the Iowa GeocachersOrganization.
    The Weasel places well thought out Caches and maintains them
    meticulously!
    He takes great pride in the Caches that he owns and sets the
    standard for Geocaching.
    The Weasel is the “Go To” man when you have any questions
    due to his extensive Geocaching knowledge and experience.
    He has been asked by many land owners in the Iowa area to provide
    guidance and help in regards to how a Cache should be placed.
    His latest task is to place a historical Cache at the Brucemore
    Historic site and community cultural center in Cedar Rapids, IA.
    I’m sure that this will be something special and something
    that all will enjoy!

    I honestly think that the “Geocacher of the Month” is the
    one that “gives back the most” to the Geocaching Community!

    The Weasel has proven this time and time again!

    He is my Geocaching buddy and best friend!
    He strives to place fun, educational and challenging Caches
    that make you think.
    I Highly recommend The Weasel for Cacher of the Month for January,
    2013!!!
    He IS MOST deserving of this coveted award and
    recognition!!!

  12. I have found a few Caches with The Weasel.
    All of these were a lot of fun!
    The Weasel’s Caches were the BEST!
    My vote goes for The Weasel!

  13. I too have had the opportunity of teaming up with The Weasel to find some Geocaches.
    The Weasel makes the journey to the Cache FUN and
    Educational!
    Thank You so much Tim [The Weasel] for what you do!!!

  14. My vote is for The Raven. The Raven’s Labyrnth cache that he built is simply amazing. Certainly a woodworking marvel, but a cache masterpiece. The Raven has truly transformed the caching culture in Prescott, Arizona.

  15. I vote for the Weasel. He’s so active in the community and helps so many people, I believe he deserves this honor.

  16. All three of these guys are winners, already! But, okay, if we have to vote for just one, I’ll give my vote to Raven. Anybody who gives out his phone number to help a “lost” geocacher… well, that gets brownie points in my book. The best to all of you!!! : )

  17. I’d like to say Hi to all those that have taken the trouble to vote for us. I am amazed at the number of people that have supported their respective candidates and wish both Dan and Tim all the best. I would also like to thank Davy (Mr Bluesky) for nominating me and to my friends in Scotland for their support. I am honoured that I had been chosen in the top 3 and a wee bit surprised considering the excellence of the other two candidates. I must admit that I am now keen to visit the sites that the Dan and Tim have set their caches as they sound like great places to venture to. At the moment the UK is under a blanket of snow but somehow I have still managed to unearth the caches on a daily pickup. Lastly I would like to wish all friend and cachers a Happy New Year and lots of caching hikes through the new year. Cheers, Don & Kirstin (Kirret)

    Ohh… and of course my vote goes to both Dan & Tim.

  18. All nominees all MORE than deserving of this award! Since I have done his caches, not taking away anything from the others , I vote fore the Weasel

  19. My vote is for ‘THE RAVEN’… The man eats, sleeps, and lives for Geocaching!!! If for some strange reason he is not chosen for this honor, it is because he should be “Geocacher of the year”!!!!

  20. I am naturally a Weasel supporter and would have voted hands down for him, however I am respecting Tim, Dan’s, and Don’s wishes and voting for multiple winners. Good luck to all 3 of you! I hope this last day does not turn into a spamming vote by any side and either dies down or only multiple winners are posted. Let’s end this contest on a positive note for everybody!!

  21. I vote for The Raven. Dan is one really nice guy who goes far out of his way to help cachers enjoy Geocaching in Prescott. He volunteered to spend the day with a group of four who came from the Payson area. He knew all the routes to all the trailheads. His puzzles are unusual and very enjoyable. The Raven’s Labyrinth may well be the most elaborate cache in the world. I also enjoyed such things as the keyhole, bitten by the bug, and best friends. Dan puts a huge amount of time into creating and maintaining caches that truly have to be seen to be understood.

  22. I have to agree with what was said earlier about sending Weasel, Dan, and Don out the best way possible. I could easily fill a page for the person I support, but I also want this to end positive and not a flurry attempt by any side to sway the vote tally. I would that Groundspeak has all they need to choose “winners” 😉 Congrats again Tim, Don, and Dan, you are an inspiration to us all!

  23. I post my vote for The Raven. Although I have not made it to Prescott yet, my brother and his fellow cachers did. The Raven spent the entire day with them and they experienced some very unique caches placed by The Raven. My brother was so impressed with his commitment to make geocaching a fun experience that I can’t wait to get to Arizona so I can do these caches as well. Due his dedication, he is getting my vote.

  24. I hate to cost my friend Weasel a vote, but I am going to cast my vote for all 3 nominees. I agree with a previous poster that said Weasel, Raven and Kirret should be sent out with a bang and all 3 should have their arms raised!!

  25. My vote goes to The Raven. I finally had a chance to make it out to “Ravenland” and meet the man himself. I have seen some great caches during my nearly 7 years in the hobby, but his caches far surpass them in creativity and workmanship. Besides his caches, he’s a nice, good guy. Good luck!

  26. I want to personally apologize to The Weasel, The Raven, and Kirret. We have turned this from what it SHOULD be, which is a celebration of all of your accomplishments into a contest of who has the most friends and who can get the most votes. We have put you guys in the middle of this “battle” for votes instead seeing the big picture of how great all 3 of you are.

  27. My vote goes for The Raven. My dad has some interesting geocaches and we would like to find some similar to his style of caches. He was telling me about The Raven and all of his unique caches and i am hoping that we could take a trip to Arizona someday.

  28. For his constant dedication to promoting the sport, conservation, education of Geocaching to groups outside of Geocaching, and his tireless work groups to allow Geocaching, I vote for the Weasel

  29. I Believe “The Raven” deserves to be cacher of the month because of his Amazing creativity and ingenuity he utilizes in all of his caches. The Raven deserves “Cacher of The Year” as well!!!

  30. Without a doubt, we vote the Raven. We’ve made the trip to the Prescott area many times to do his caches and have never been disappointed. We’ve spent many hours having a great time and marveling at his creativity and ingenuity. We can think of no one more deserving this award than Dan. He is truly a credit to the game.

  31. I am giving my full support to The Weasel. He truly deserves this award for his countless efforts of placing the BEST caches I have ever done. His work with conservation agencies has truly been an asset to our caching community to open the door for the rest of us to place caches.

  32. I am voting Weasel all the way. Your outstanding Outdoor Lessons and the numerous classes you host show your commitment to our sport. Thanks for being such a great ambassador !!

  33. The Raven gets my vote. His caches are legendary, his commitment to geocaching and the wider Prescott community is simply outstanding. Dan is so generous with his time and resources. He is the ultimate geocacher and truly deserving of this nomination. Let’s honor him with the title ‘Geocacher of the Month’.

  34. My vote would be for the Weasel, Tim has led me on some great caching adventures aklong with placing some awesome caches that I have had the privilege of finding.

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