Everest from the geocache. Photo by geocacher EMC2+2

A rare Himalayan model, aka Geocacher Saurons_Bass, relaxes after finding the geocache.

While this geocache is rated 4 for difficulty and 2 for terrain, some might think it deserves a few more stars. The geocache description says that the 4 stars for difficulty is just for getting into Tibet. With strict controls on tourism by the Chinese government, geocachers outside of the area may have to jump through a few hoops to even have the opportunity to access the geocache. And while the physical terrain is right in line with a 2-star rating, don’t forget—the altitude is around 16,700 ft (5100m). If you aren’t acclimated to the thinner air, even a leisurely stroll can seem like a strenuous hike.

One of Tibet’s many goatcachers. Photo by geocacher rihuo.

Despite the difficulty of entering Tibet and the thin mountain air, an exclusive club of about 40 geocachers have made the journey, earned their smiley and left great logs that inspire the rest of us to reach our geocaching “peak”. “This cache is for sure amongst the more difficult ones to reach (permits, roads, coldness and over all the altitude sickness, which not a few people have up here) and therefore there is a little adventure in every find…To see the Everest was on my list since I was a child and we came on a perfect day with no one else in the base camp except us. The weather was bitterly cold, but due to only little wind and the strong sun we were able to stay there more than two hours to enjoy. The searching for the cache was something new for our guide and he was filled with enthusiasm, maybe he will be the owner of some of the first caches in Lhasa? ” said geocacher Saurons_Bass.

She said yes! Congratulations to geocachers Frank&Vanessa.

This geocache has even helped with a bit of high-altitude romance: “Wow, what a stunning view! Thank you very much for placing this wonderful cache. It provided a much needed rest in this high altitude walk and gave me (Frank) the opportunity to make last preparations for my marriage proposal to Vanessa. SHE SAID YES!!!!” said geocachers Frank&Vanessa.

Mountain summits make for some of the most scenic and beautiful geocache sites. What is the highest altitude you’ve earned a smiley at? Tell us your story in the comments.

Continue to explore some of the most engaging geocaches around the globe. Check out all the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog or view the Bookmark List on Geocaching.com.

If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, send an email with your name, comments, the name of the geocache, and the GC code to pr@geocaching.com.

Discover the wonders of the South Park National Heritage Area, a nationally designated region recognized for its cultural and natural resources. Unlock its secrets through this challenging but educational GeoTour that includes high mountain peaks, geological wonders and historic buildings. Set your own course toward finding enough geocaches to win a prize. Dozens of geocachers have already claimed their South Park Geocoin by finding 30 geocaches and even more have received a South Park t-shirt for finding 20 geocaches.

Colorado’s South Park GeoTour is expanding this summer to include even more geocaches at unique and exciting locations. Sign up for the South Park GeoTour e-newsletter to be the first to know when the new geocaches go live on Geocaching.com.

You find a geocache in an inspiring location, what log do you leave on the geocache page for the cache owner and other geocachers?

Here are 5 quick ways to inspire your fellow geocachers with your next log entry. It’s easy to share too. Just forward this email to your fellow geocachers and watch the geocache-logging knowledge spread.

Geocaching Tech Update

The Geocaching Weekly Newsletter is receiving a facelift. You’ll see an updated design with streamlined entries for Nearby Events and Recent Geocaches. Expect it to be in your inbox within a week or two.

MulderNScully – April 2013 Geocacher of the Month

The April Featured Geocacher of the Month nominees contribute to their local geocaching communities and inspire geocachers around the world. They not only hide quality geocaches, but make sure those searching can contact them to make the find, if necessary.

Thank you to all those who supported the nominees. Those not chosen as the Featured Geocacher of the Month will receive a gift of appreciation from Geocaching HQ.

The Featured Geocacher of the Month is named by Geocaching HQ after reviewing community input and blog comments. We all won seeing such great examples of how the geocaching community works together. After tallying the sentiment, MulderNScully have been named the Featured Geocachers of the Month for April 2013.

MulderNScully have been geocaching since 2008. They’re known for challenging geocachers with inventive Puzzle Geocaches. They support their local geocaching community by organizing events. One geocacher who commented about MulderNScully wrote, “My vote is for Mulder and Scully. They have been mentors to many new cachers and are always willing to give a helping hand to a fellow cacher and some of my most memorable caching adventures are because of them. They aren’t about the numbers, they are about the places geocaching takes us to.”

MulderNScully will receive collector’s edition Featured Geocacher of the Month Geocoins, along with Featured Geocacher of the Month hats and a certificate acknowledging their contributions, signed by two of the founders of Geocaching.com. See a list of all the Featured Geocachers of the Month here.

If you know an outstanding geocacher who should be considered for the honor, send an email to geocacherofthemonth@geocaching.com. Every nomination must follow these requirements. Please include:

• 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 Featured Geocacher of the Month

Please inform your nominee that you have submitted them for the award. Nominations for Featured Geocacher of the Month are accepted at any time.

Congratulations again to MulderNScully for being recognized as the Featured Geocacher of the Month for April.

The Most Found Geocache in the world is a distinction currently shared by two geocaches in this European city

Prague bridges geocache (left) Terezka geocache (right) both have been found more than 12,400 times

The ‘most found traditional geocache’ in the world is a distinction that’s currently neck and neck.  Two traditional geocaches both have more than 12,400 finds. That’s more than twice as many finds as the Geocaching HQ geocache in Seattle and more than any other traditional geocache in the world.

Prague bridge 1 – Karlov most

The most found geocaches are both hidden in the capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague. In fact, they’re just across the famous Charles Bridge from one another. The geocaches each rack up about five “Found it” logs during the work week and about 15 “Found it” logs each weekend. As of this writing, Prague bridges 1 – Karluv most is currently a few finds ahead of  Terezka.

Both of these geocaches have several similarities. Both offer tourists a chance to discover more than the average traveler and they’re both micro caches with interesting camouflage. While each of these geocaches has unique qualities that make them incredible finds, there are certain traits that help boost them to the top of the find count. If you’re looking to hide the next most-found geocache, take note:

1) They’re placed in inspiring locations that are well-traveled by tourists.

2) The geocache pages tell an interesting story in more than one language and include pictures.

3) They geocaches are not too hard to find. They have clear hints and easy-to-find spoilers.

4) The geocaches are well maintained.

Near Terezka

Geocacher Benjo5 owns and maintains Prague bridge 1 – Karluv most. And while this is the most popular of his 26 geocaches, it was his very first hide. He says, “When I wanted to make my first cache, I have seen that Charles bridge, one of the top monuments of Prague and whole Czech Republic is without a cache. It is the oldest bridge in Prague, so I made a cache about it. And as I felt to make just one cache about the most famous bridge a bit unfair thing to the other bridges, I started to make a Prague bridges series, publishing every month one cache about a bridge. The series is numbered chronologically, as the bridges were built.

Charles bridge was my first cache and I wanted it to make it easy for everyone, so it is totally non-problematic 1/1 geocache. But not even in my dreams would I imagine in the day of placing, that it will be once the top visited of those 2.000.000+ geocaches [in the world]”

The owner of Tereka, termiter.cz, owns just two geocaches.

While the find counts for each of these geocaches is incredible, it’s not all about the numbers. Each geocache that’s hidden has a different purpose. Some geocaches are designed to be so difficult and rewarding they’re found just a handful of times a year (if that many). It’s all part of the allure of geocaching. You’re able to choose your own adventure.

Thank you from Geocaching HQ to both geocache creators for providing memories for thousands of geocachers.

See below for the most found traditional geocaches in the top 5 geocaching countries.

Germany – Alexanderplatz more than 9,850 finds

United States – Original Stash Tribute Plaque  more than 6,700 finds

Sweden – OTTT #2 – Changing of the Guard more than 4,600 finds

United Kingdom – From a Swan to the Canary: Tower – Save me! more than 4,500 finds

Canada – Banff Micro Cache more than 2,500 finds

What do you think make the elements of a geocache that draws in thousands of finds? Add your comments below.

Geocacher 2muchsoccer33-5 tests the Head Case for any signs of mutation.

The hunt for this difficulty 2, terrain 1.5 geocache starts with a clever story told by the geocache creator Ecylram. The Head Case began as a micro container. However, due to mysterious circumstances and nearby military testing, the original container mutated into what it is now. Geocachers are tasked with ensuring that the Head Case remains locked in its container, making sure that no further mutation has occurred and signing the correct log (which is easier said than done).

When asked about what inspired this geocache, Ecylram said, “I wanted to place a geocache that offered an interactive experience for the geocacher that was unique. I took the “find the log” idea and twisted it by having a log for each day of the month. The cacher is required to sign the log that corresponds to the find date.” He went on to add, “I then wanted to add humor to the find so I decided to attach the log containers to a wearable hard hat.  I then built a large wooden container to protect the hard hat from the elements and to provide a place for swag and trackables. I then started work on writing a story for the cache description that tied together the unique cache and the location. Once I decided to go with a mutant cache theme the story wrote itself.”

Found the correct log and no new mutations to report! Photo by geocacher Grandma Nan.

Since the geocache was placed, over 200 geocachers have earned their smileys and awarded the geocache over 140 Favorite Points. However, the best part is looking through all of the amazing photos posted in the Found It logs. Geocacher Chihuahuahs-3 (C3) wrote, “We were in the area today checking on one of our nearby caches and decided to stop by this one to show our grandchildren what a cool cache this is. The two of them had a ball getting in to the cache then finding the log!!! Our grandson was the lucky winner. He also could not resist putting it on his head! Does it tingle!?!?!? Thanks so very much for adding a very special element to our wonderful Easter weekend with our grandchildren”

And the geocache creator loves reading the logs as well, “I’ve absolutely loved the response. Most cachers seem to really enjoy the experience and have written some wonderful logs. I wish I could thank each one in person for their thoughtful logs and favorite points… Also, look for my next cache “Tin Man” to be released in the end of June. It will be a 6 1/2 foot-tall ‘robot’ made out of 14 ammo cans. It will be very memorable.”

The hat you have to wear is obvious with this geocache, what other “hats” have you had to wear while geocaching? Tree climber? Scuba diver? Super Hero?  Tell us in the comments.

Continue to explore some of the most engaging geocaches around the globe. Check out all the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog or view the Bookmark List on Geocaching.com.

If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, send an email with your name, comments, the name of the geocache, and the GC code to pr@geocaching.com.

After retiring, Karen and Mike found themselves with a few bad habits: eating more and being less active than in previous years. That is, until a local outing for retired and active police officers. This is where it all began to change for Mike and Karen. “…Officer Sean Sullivan was present at this one. At the end of our dinner, he showed me a key ring of “path-tags”. They, of course, looked cool and he told me he has collected them “Geocaching”. I didn’t know what he was talking about. He explained the whole process to me that evening, and I was intrigued,” said Mike.

Mike and Alex on the hunt.

Later, Mike dug out his older GPS device he had used for boating. Admittedly, he hadn’t learned to use it properly, but spent a few days reading the manual and getting the basics down. From there, Mike and Karen created a Geocaching account as NHBucket and set out for their very first geocache. “We ventured out and found my first cache (Rhoades Cemetary Pt 2, Alexandria, NH)….in thigh-high deep snow. I was hooked, right then and there,” Mike wrote.

Since they earned their first smiley, Karen says, “We have gone geocaching in New Hampshire in Andover, Franklin, Tilton, Laconia, Lochmere, and Belmont. We took a vacation last week in Maine and spent every day geocaching.” During that vacation in Maine, the couple found 47 geocaches. And they’ve begun to see the benefits, too. “Mike and I are both benefiting from geocaching because it makes exercising fun. Before we know it, we have walked 6 – 10 miles a day. Mike is also seeing his diabetes come under control with his numbers dropping,” said Karen. Mike added, “In the couple months since, I’ve lost 20 pounds, I eat less, have reduced my [blood pressure] & [blood sugar] levels overall, and just plain feel better about myself.”

Mike and Karen have shared the geocaching love with others, as well. “I’ve taken my wife, my 16-year-old son, and my 8-year-old grandson out geocaching. I’ve also introduced my brother Chris, and his wife, Carla to geocaching…Now, she (Car-Crazy) is hooked with the GC Bug worse than me. AND, she “hooked” her father (Yogi1940),” said Mike.

Thanks Mike and Karen for sharing your story with your fellow geocachers. If you have any inspirational stories about how geocaching has changed yours or someone you know’s life for the better, share it in comments below. Happy geocaching!

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.

I’m expecting Fred and Wilma to walk out at any moment. Photo by geocacher trinamixx

Out of the numerous things geocaching has taught me, one of the special skills that has carried over into my day-to-day life has been to look more closely at everything. For example, at first glance, the photo above may just be a pretty picture of another amazing rock formation. However, if you look a little closer, you’ll notice a door…and windows…and a roof. Then you’ll see that it’s a stone house that looks like it came straight out of the Flintstones.  Once you see that, you can take an even closer look to find Lameirinha (GC16670), this week’s Geocache of the Week.

We’re super excited about this geocache, too! Photo by geocacher acaferreira

The Casa do Penedo was built in 1974, between four enormous boulders in the northern hills of Portugal. The entire home, except for the doors, windows and roof, is constructed of rock. Inside, a more rustic style prevails with logs for stairs, furniture and railings. While it may sound pretty lush, there’s one caveat: the stone house doesn’t have electricity. Its owners had to use candles (and maybe GPS) to find their way through the halls.

The geocache! Photo by geocacher Hippocaching

The stone home is amazing, but that’s not all you get see from ground zero. The surrounding hills are dotted with windmills that help create a gorgeous vista. Most of the Found It logs on the geocache’s page mention something about the view.  “Magnificent place with spectacular scenery. Also enjoyed seeing the house, fits well in the environment. A cache this in a spectacular location. TFTC Team Ogalo,” said geocacher Ogalo (Translated from Portugese). A log from geocacher Hippocaching reads (also translated from Portugese),”The cache was in a spectacular site! The house, the landscape, windmills, horses are all elements that make it very desirable to cache! While we were out walking by the place we realized that two more teams found the cache! Thank you!”

Looking out on the windmills from GZ. Photo by geocacher trinamixx (who took some amazing photos of this geocache)

This geocache is all about looking beyond the first thing you see. What special skill has geocaching taught you and what have you found because of it? Tell us in the comments.

Continue to explore some of the most engaging geocaches around the globe. Check out all the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog or view the Bookmark List on Geocaching.com.

If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, send an email with your name, comments, the name of the geocache, and the GC code to pr@geocaching.com.

Geocaching is ripe for one more acronym. Move aside BYOP* and TNLN** —get ready for GIFF. It’s the Geocaching International Film Festival. The finest videos from the global geocaching community will be showcased as part of the 2013 Geocaching Block Party in Seattle on August 17.

You’re invited to submit up to two entries. All entries should be one to five minutes in length. The GIFF final entries will be judged by geocaching organizations around the world. They’ll vote on winners in five categories, including Most Instructional, Best Cinematography, Most Inspirational, Most Adventurous and Most Creative/Experimental. Those watching the final videos live in Seattle on August 17 will choose the winner of the Audience Award.

Will your video show on the big outdoor screen in front of a projected crowd of more than a thousand geocachers? The answer to that question begins by checking out the Geocaching Block Party website. You’ll find rules and information about GIFF. And get ready to use one more acronym… LCA (lights, camera, action!)

* Bring Your Own Pen

** Took Nothing, Left Nothing

Check out the Call for GIFF Submissions video to learn more.