Join Us for the Geocaching Block Party Mega-Event

It’s a “Will Attend” that will fuel memories for years to come. We’re inviting the entire worldwide geocaching community to join us at the 2013 Geocaching Block Party on August 17 in Seattle. It’s a Mega-Event not to miss. This year’s Block Party weekend lasts longer, promises more geocaching fun and has plenty of events for everyone. You’ll even be able to grab a cozy spot in front of a giant outdoor movie screen for the first annual Geocaching International Film Festival (GIFF). GIFF will showcase the best videos from geocachers around the world. You and the rest of the audience will choose one lucky video to receive the “Audience Award.”

The Thursday and Friday before the Block Party, you can reserve your spot on a behind-the-scenes tour of Geocaching HQ. You’ll get to find the Geocaching HQ geocache, meet some of the folks at Geocaching HQ and see where all the geocaching magic happens.

Saturday from 11AM to 6PM, you can soak up the fun at the Geocaching Block Party. Activities include a new GeoTour near Geocaching HQ and meeting the Geocaching HQ staff and many of the volunteers that assist the worldwide geocaching community. Sound like a lot? Don’t worry. You’ll be able to refuel at the onsite food trucks. Log your “Will Attend” now, then share this new Block Party Invite video with your friends. We’ll see you there.

Still want more? Wrap up your weekend in Seattle on Sunday with the Going APE Mega-Event. The journey through a long mountain tunnel delivers geocachers to a majestic and legendary location.

Get more details on events, times, dates, vendors and more at the Geocaching Block Party website.

Adela (left) and Texas Geocaching Association President, De

Editor’s note: Geocaching HQ staff are joining geocachers at Mega-Events around the world to celebrate and share the adventure of geocaching. Adela Bahtijaragic, a.k.a. DellaBell, attended Texas Challenge XI (GCW8GT) in Port Aransas, Texas, USA in April. Adela has been on Geocaching HQ’s marketing team since 2012. This is Adela’s account of her trip.

By Adela Bahtijaragic, a.k.a. DellaBell

They say that half the geocaching journey is getting there. This much was true when I traveled to Port Aransas, Texas – home to Texas Challenge XI. Located deep in the heart of Texas, “Port A” was the place to be during the weekend of April 5. Geocachers in the great state of Texas, and beyond, gathered to celebrate what they love – geocaching.

Over the course of 11 years, the challenge has grown into a fun-filled weekend comprised of activities for people who wish to compete in the contest or those simply looking to socialize and geocache around town. With plenty to see and do, I was lucky enough to have had my very own tour guide for the day. I got to hang out with the 2011 – 2013 Texas Geocaching Association (TXGA) President, De (of Team-DnD), who went above and beyond to make this an unforgettable day for me.

Human log book

De and I spent the day exploring the city, the beach, and local geocaches. She introduced me to members of the TXGA, seasoned and new geocachers, and a number of geocachers who attended from places as far away as Australia (firesafe). Of course, I took part in some of the creative Mega-Event challenges, including a joust with a knight from Monty Python’s Holy Grail.

Adela and knight square off

A bonfire gathering at the beach (GC454VH), which included a jalapeno eating contest, potluck, and limbo was the perfect way to end a busy day. We quickly figured out that the lack of a logbook was no problem. Thanks to Travis (SKnight579) and his Hawaiian shirt, turned geocaching “logbook,” we had a conversation piece and possibly even a new tradition for future after-challenge-events.

I felt welcome and a part of a community I had never celebrated with before. The weekend of April 5 was only my very first trip to Texas, but also my very first Mega-Event. I could not have asked for a better group of people to embrace geocaching with. Their hospitality and love for geocaching goes beyond everything I expected.

Texas Challenge XI Group Photo

Kerb (middle) with geocachers BeaverC2407 (left) and BeaverC2605

Editor’s note: Geocaching HQ staff are joining geocachers at Mega-Events around the world to celebrate and share the adventure of geocaching. Kerb Lydick,  aka KerbL , attended MOGA 2013 (GC3GN2E) in Shelbyville, Illinois, USA in April. Kerb has been a Volunteer Support Specialist and part of Groundspeak’s Volunteer Coordination and Support Team (VoCS) since 2011. This is Kerb’s account of her trip.

By Kerb Lydick -

When the theme of a Mega-Event is Cachelot-Quest for the Dragon’s Cache (see the official video). there are a wizard, knights and a sword in a stone involved, you know you’re going to have a good time.  On April 5th Midwestern geocachers streamed into the small town of  Lake Shelbyville. The population of just under 5,000 swell by more than 15% by our calculations. The bright orange lanyards round the necks of attendees could be spotted up and down main street, cross farm fields, and surrounding the 11,100 acres of Lake Shelbyville which this year celebrates it’s 50th anniversary.

Welcome to MOGA 2013

In it’s 10th year, MOGA (Midwest Open Geocaching Adventure) was seamlessly organized Pam Rankin (Racer2814) and Tom Hankins (gossamer) and the team. I was thoroughly impressed with the level of attention their volunteer staff provided each and every geocacher from newbie to geocaching athletes and experts!  From the satellite events surrounding the geocacher competition to the awards ceremony seemed to doubled as a MOGA family reunion and celebration of this legacy event, this team of organizers were simply amazing.

Friday night BYO…Bash Before the Big Bash #7 (GC43CH7) included a costume contest, live music by Patchwork, and magic by local magician Anthony W. Stockton (king0806)

Youth costume contest winner LegoExplorer and The Sword in the Stone.

During one particularly feisty day of geocaching with local celebrity and volunteer Reviewer Jones, and we came across two of these friendly and resourceful folks. I can still hear Reviewer Jones exclaiming ‘You’re the man Phil’ after we managed to safely replace The X Bridge (GC2P5F3) with the help of BeaverC2407 and BeaverC2605 (Phil) of Oswego. That’s me in the middle in the picture at the top of the post, smiling because we were unscathed.

Indeed Sir! The trials and tribulations of ActMoritz faced to pull the Sword in the Stone cache rivaled that of King Arthur.

The Sword in the Stone was a handmade wonder (created by sixrows). It was later auctioned off at the tune of $330, proceeds donated to the local school and host of MOGA Central.  The craftsmanship and detail in this piece was inspiring to viewers who took eagerly jumped at the chance for a photo ops.

As I shared with all my fellow attendees during the event, it was perfection to spend a weekend with my two favorite groups of people, geocachers and Midwesterners.  It doesn’t get any better than that, unless Merlin shows up…which he did.

Check out this video of the MOGA Sword in the Stone Geocoin: http://vine.co/v/bt6TunMVjl3

See upcoming Mega-Events for one near you!

Special thanks to the MOGA Board of Directors – Mike Griffin (Brawny Bear), Bridget Griffin (BWAT), Tim + Pam Ueltzen (Tim, Pam + Molly), John Elfrank (L Frank), Laurie Elfrank(denmother), Steve Bromley (javapgmr).

The geocaching competition yielded over 61 teams and 46 individual competitors participated in this year’s competition. Winners are listed at the MOGA 2013 (GC3GN2E). Congratulations to all those dedicated geocaching athletes who participated in this amazing adventure.

Nine pieces of important geocaching gear

Whether you’re geocaching in a park or grabbing a T5 from a rappel, having right tools may be the difference between a smiley and a DNF. In fact, thanks to some clever geocache hiders, some geocaches may require certain tools to be found. The tools in the photo above are some of our favorites that help make geocaching easier and more fun. Here’s a look at 9 essentials for your geocaching pack (smartphone with Geocaching App and/or GPS device not included):

1) Flashlight

2) Spare batteries (occasionally used to power motors that open geocaches)

3) Camera – Don’t forget to post your photos on our Facebook page

4) Utility tool – this also includes a tweezers to remove log books from micro caches

5) Pen – often best to bring more than one

6) A log roller – use this to help re-roll logs for micro caches

7) A magnetic pen – sometimes metal geocaches hide in hard to reach locations

8) Swag – bring this along to place in geocaches after you’ve found them

9) A retractable mirror – a smart geocachers tool for looking under benches

Even more geocaching gear

The funny thing is, when you ask people at Geocaching HQ for essential geocaching gear, sometimes… okay, all the time, there’s always even more gear. So here are four more pieces of gear geocachers at HQ use out on the trail. And if you’re a shorter geocacher or just need to extend your range a little – number 1 might be perfect for you.

1) Grabber thing – it really works!

2) Headlamp – Free up your hands for searching

3) UV light – This is mostly for night caches with special UV reflectors

4) Metal poking device – Sometimes it’s a good idea to poke things before reaching in with your hands

In the comments below, tell us what else people should bring along while geocaching!

GPS Adventures Maze

The GPS Adventures Maze is open for exploration through May 27. You’ll be able to test your geocaching knowledge and sense of adventure inside the life-size maze. Plus, while you’re making your way through the family-friendly maze you’ll learn the inside-story of GPS technology, unlock navigational history, and discover geocaching fun facts. Those who log the maze will even earn the unique GPS Adventures Maze Exhibit cache type icon.

Courtesy of beagle39z

 Check back on Monday, November 26th for the answers. 

Sometimes a simple match won’t do for a Mega-Event fire

Groundspeak Lackeys are traveling thousands of miles from H.Q. throughout the year to share smiles, shake hands, and make geocaching memories at nearly 20 Mega-Events worldwide. Justin Dover aka dova dov, attended the Mega-Event Midwest GeoBash 2012 (GC34GFG) The Mega-Event took place in Wauseon, Ohio. Justin has served as a Lackey since 2009 and is an engineer in IT – basically he’s one of the hamsters. Here’s Justin’s account of his adventure.

Justin Dover aka dova dov

By Justin Dover:

Working at Groundspeak for nearly three years, I’ve had a few opportunities to travel.  My most recent adventure was to the great state of Ohio for the 8^th annual MidWest GeoBash.  For the fourth year in a row, the event has been held over four days at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Wauseon, OH.  This venue supports several hundred campsites with access to RV hookups and shower facilities.

I selected this destination over other options because of the hype for MWGB around the office.  Over the years, dozens of Lackeys have attended, and they each have stories that seemed almost too good to be true.  Lackey Raine accompanied me on this trip to make it his fifth time attending.  His previous experience and knowledge of regular attendees made for a comfortable and unforgettable experience.  When we arrived we were immediately whisked away via golf cart to meet up with main organizers, dubbed “the big three”:  Mike (Trippy1976), Sonja (-Eleanor-) and Pete (The Moop Along).  They explained the history of the event, why themes play an important role and the several venues that had come before the now permanent home at FCF.  It’s amazing how successful this non-profit event has become, and it’s all made possible through the hard work of numerous of volunteers and generous donations.

Mega-Event sized Jenga

During the day, this event is like most others that I’ve attended.  Cachers walk around socializing, filling out geo-bingo cards and getting to know interesting and sometimes random facts about each other.  For the past several years, there has been a geocoin Texas Hold-em poker tournament where the buy-in is three unique, unactivated geoicoins and the lot is split among the top three finishers.  Other activities include a campfire cook-off, poker run and tons of opportunities to log new finds.

Lackeys Raine and Justin at MidWest GeoBash

What happens when the sun goes down is what separates the event from many others.  Each night, at 10pm, Matt (Lord Elwood) comes out wielding a propane ditch burner and captures the attention of the masses located near the front of the encampment.  This location holds the moniker of “Area 51”, and is typically better known for pyrotechnics, adults unwinding and rekindling friendships over a drink. With torch still in hand, the rounds are made to each of the fire pits and the wood is engulfed in flame faster than thought possible.

There were other activities going on like life-sized Jenga.  Either way, you will not leave Area 51 thirsty and you will most certainly not be bored.  I felt right at home among Midwesterners. Everyone I encountered was friendly, fun, and knows how to have a great time.  As the saying goes at MidWest GeoBash “First of the day!” And I hope I get to say it again next year, especially since the theme of MidWest GeoBash 2013 is Mardi Gras.

Closing Ceremonies

Watch this video to experience the caching excitement of the Geocaching Block Party.  The Mega-Event is held outside the Geocaching.com Headquarters each year on International Geocaching Day.  Folks that love geocaching joined the “Lackeys” that run the  Geocaching.com website. A crowd of more than 2,000 made the journey the log the Block Party on August 18, 2012.

Group shot of geocachers at the 2012 Geocaching Block Party (Click on image to watch video)

The event challenged adventurers with geocaching courses, delighted children with a pirate play area, and allowed geocachers from more than a dozen countries to meet and swap caching stories. Check out the cache page for even more details: http://coord.info/GC38J9N

We invite you to join us next year for the Geocaching Block Party in Seattle on August 17, 2013.