To archive, or not to archive: That is the question.

As geocache hiders, we are often faced with this question.  I have had to face it several times.  Sometimes it is difficult to find the time to replace the geocache and equally difficult to archive it.  It is a decision that all geocache placers will have to face.

When faced with this dilemma we must put pride aside and do what’s best for the geocaching community.  It may be that if you can’t make time to check on and replace the geocache, you may need to archive it and open up the area for an active geocache.  In many cases, the site will remain available giving you ample time to replace the geocache and ask the local geocache reviewer to unarchive it.

In the case of “event” geocaches, we must remember to archive it shortly after the event ends.  The guidelines published on Geocaching.com is one month.  Many people will download pocket queries to see what events are available in their area.  It is an inconvenience to rummage through events that have long since ended.

How should you react when someone requests your geocache to be archived?  Instead of looking upon it as a strike at your geocaching integrity, you should look at it as an opportunity to make things better.  Look upon it as constructive criticism and see if the problem can be corrected.  It may be that archiving the geocache is the best alternative.  But remember.  An archive post is a legitimate post.  If it weren’t, it would be available to each and every geocacher.

Geocaching event to celebrate 10th anniversary of North Carolina’s first geocache has been approved.

On September 30, 2000 North Carolina’s first geocache, “Octopus Garden” was placed.  It is now ten years later.  An event has been planned to celebrate that important milestone.

“10th Anniversary of NC's Oldest Geocache” has been published on Groundspeak’s geocaching website, Geocaching.com.  The event will be held at the parking area and trail head to the “Octopus Garden” geocache.  The event will start at 2:00 PM.  Visit the Event Page for any updates to this event geocache.

Geocache find #400 – North Carolina’s oldest Geocache, GC70 Octopus Garden.

I wanted to search for North Carolina’s oldest geocache, GC70 Octopus Garden, but, I wanted it to be a milestone find.  I was approaching my 400th geocache find and decided it was time to find this 10-year old geocache. 

Milestones are points in your geocaching history worth noting.  Your first, 100th, 1000th, etc.  Sometimes the milestone just happens.  Other times you plan for a special geocache or geocaching event to coincide with the milestone.  I was wanting to find North Carolina’s oldest geocache for a long time.  Since my 400th geocache find was approaching, I decided to make it this one.  I wanted to wait for the 10th anniversary of GC70 Octopus Garden, but, I was only two geocache finds away and the anniversary was two months away.  Now’s the time to do it!

I was in Charlotte, North Carolina today scouting a location for an upcoming event (as yet to be announced).  What better time to mark number 400?  I first had to find number 399.  I chose a micro nearby for this purpose.  Sorry GC1A3T9 Altoids Sours – Tangerine.  After preparing for number 400, I found the parking area where the hunt for the Octopus Garden begins.  This was a puzzle geocache.  That means you must solve a puzzle to get the actual location of the geocache.  Luckily, the puzzle was pretty simple.   That’s good because I’m not too good at puzzles!  I solved the puzzle long ago so I already had the final coordinates.

By reading the previous logs of GC70 Octopus Garden, it was clear that the hardest part of finding the geocache was to find the right way to the geocache.  A direct course is not always the best way to get to the geocache locations.  I studied topographical and satellite maps of the area.  It was clear that a direct approach would require crossing one of two creeks.  It looks like a deviation from the prepared trail was in order.

As I left the trail it became abundantly clear that searching for the “Octopus Garden” shouldn’t be done just after a rain storm.  Well, I was already here, so, quit whining and start the swampy adventure.  After trekking through some very soft soil and knee high weeds and grass, I became completely soaked from the knees down.  I tried following a little use path.  It was taking me a little off course.  I found another “path” to follow.  It was a little better, but, still didn’t take me directly to the coordinates I had.  Time for bushwhacking!

After a couple hundred feet, I found what was surely the path intended to be used.  I was right…This time, anyway!  It wasn’t too long before I found the geocache.  It was right where I thought it would be.  Except for a few minor deviations, my planned path was correct.  There was no creek crossing involved.  It wouldn’t have mattered  because I was soaked anyway!

Me With The “Octopus Garden” Geocache

I stopped and reflected on my accomplishment.  I have just found North Carolina’s oldest geocache.  It was placed on September 30, 2000.  This was near the beginning of geocaching as we know it.  I thought it would be nice to have an event to celebrate this historical geocache.  I have just submitted an event cache.  I will keep you posted when it is approved.

NCGO Cito Event Schedule Change.

Due to scheduling conflicts, the City of Hickory has asked us to move the the event date to Sunday May 3rd. The event will start at 11:00 AM. Here is the link:

http://coord.info/GC1P0HZ

This event has also been listed as a Terracache.

http://www.terracaching.com/viewcache.cgi?C=TCDEA

Please bookmark these cache page listings for any updates. You can also visit this site for updates:

http://CITO.CarolinaCacher.org

Thank you.

NCGO State-wide CITO: NC Foothills

NC Foothills Geocachers will be hosting the NCGO State-wide CITO event for the foothills area. Each year geocachers gather at this time to clean the geocaching playgrounds of North Carolina. Please join us to give back to our communities.

The foothills area CITO will be at Geitner-Rotary Park in Hickory, North Carolina. Please visit the CITO event listing on Geocaching.com and sign-up. The event will be held on Saturday, May 2nd, 2009. The event will start at 11:00 AM. Here is the link:

http://coord.info/GC1P0HZ

This event has also been listed as a Terracache.

http://www.terracaching.com/viewcache.cgi?C=TCDEA

Please bookmark these cache page listings for any updates. You can also visit this site for updates:

http://CITO.CarolinaCacher.org

Thank you.

Introduction To GPSgames - Marion, NC

CarolinaCacher will be hosting another "Introduction To GPSgames" event. This time it will be on the flyingpita farm in Marion, NC. This event will be on Saturday, March 14th, 2009 at 4:00 PM.

Flyingpita is hosting the second annual "Creekside Campout & Chili Cook-Off" and has asked me to give a presentation on the buffet of games available on GPSgames.org. The "Creekside" event will start at 1:00 PM. This event has been posted on Groundspeak and Terracaching.

GPSgames.org is a service for geocachers. All variations of geocaching are provided, as well as several other games utilizing the GPS receiver. I liken GPSgames.org as the geocacher's buffet! Some of the games available on GPSgames.org are Shutterspot, GeoGolf, GeoPoker, GeoVexilla, and others.

If you are a not yet a geocacher, this will be a good opportunity to learn about the hobby. If you are seasoned veteran, you will be surprised at the other games available to you. I look forward to seeing you there!

Look for this lawn sign:


There will also be some "door prizes" given away! I have designed a few unique GPSgames.org items:



So, come one, come all and partake in this event within an event! A good time will be had by all...Be a part of the, now historic "Creekside Campout & Chili Cook-Off" and the Introduction To GPSgames - Marion, NC event.

NC Foothills - Geitner Park CITO (Winter)

The winter CITO event for the NC Foothills Geocachers has been set. The CITO event will be at Geitner-Rotary Park in Hickory, North Carolina on Saturday, February 28th at 11:00 AM.

I have submitted the geocache listing on Groundspeak, GPSgames.org, and Terracaching. I will post the listing Terracaching in a couple days. I will keep you updated on my CarolinaCacher CITO page and on the NC Foothills Geocachers event forum.

A CITO event is a great way for new geocachers to meet other geocachers and to get tips and tricks.

There are several geocaches from Groundspeak, GPSgames.org, and Terracaching in Geitner park, so bring your GPS reveiver!

NC Foothills Geocachers CITO events for 2009

I have submitted my schedule for the 2009 NC Foothills Geocachers CITO events to the City of Hickory Parks & Recreation department. I should hear from them soon.

The tentative date for the first CITO event is February 28th at 11:00 AM. It will probably be at Geitner Park.

I will provide updates here and on the NC Foothills Geocachers forums.

CarolinaCacher wants YOU to vote!

We often take the right to vote for granted. This right is one that people fought and died to get and protect.

There are many issues today that effect your life and is too important not to make your wishes knows. I don't care who or what propositions you vote for, but I do want you to participate! This right is too precious to just ignore.

Election day is Tuesday, November 4th. If you need to know where to vote, you can visit Vote411.org and locate you local poling place.

"Johnny Appleseed" keeps planting for GPSgames.org

My goals of holding the "Introduction To GPSgames" events is three-fold. First, to bring attention to fellow geocachers the existance and differences of GPSgames.org. Second, to hide more geocaches exclusive to GPSgames.org in my area. Third, to gather members of the geocaching community in an event to introduce them to the geocaching buffet which is GPSgames.org. Two out of three ain't bad!

Again, bad weather threatened the event up to about an hour before. The skies did start to clear and it turned into a beautiful day. The lessons I have learned is that there should be a little more time between these events to allow geocachers to prepare for it.

Instead of holding them once a month, I will try about two months (maybe a little less) between events.


I arrived about 10:30 AM and shortly after, set up shop. The park is usually more active, but the weather was a major factor. Some "muggles" glanced over. I would love for one to come over and ask, "What the heck is going on?"


The fall leaves against the lake this morning was breath-taking. I love this time of year. The weather is cooler. The insects are fewer. The colors are beginning to pop!


Geitner Park in Hickory has it all. If you haven't visited it yet, go soon! Geocaching is plentiful and there are several trails, some easy and some a little difficult.

There are now two GPSgames.org exclusive geocaches in the park. These along with geocaches from Groundspeak and Terracaching will make your geocaching experience a full one at Geitner park.

I will be planing the next event soon. Keep an eye out for it. It will probably be in mid-December. If you have any suggestions, please comment on this blog entry.

"Introduction To GPSgames II" Event

The first "Introduction To GPSgames" event was such a success, I decided that there should be a series of these events. Each in a different park in Catawba county. So, the "Introduction To GPSgames II" has been listed.

The second in the series will be held at Geitner-Rotary Park in Hickory, NC. Geitner Park is a geocache rich environment! There are geocaches listed on GPSgames.org, Groundspeak, and Terracaching. Be prepared to cache! Bring your GPS receiver and some trade items.

We will meet at the gazebo marked by the listing coordinates on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 11:00 AM. Soft drinks and bottled water will be provided. There will be door prizes available for those who attend. I will have extra GPS receivers with coordinates loaded for those who may not have one with them.

Two new GPSgames Exclusive geocaches have been hidden in the past week and there are several others to be found. Make sure to load-up your GPSr before coming! Make this a full day of geocaching!

GPSgames.org is a service for geocachers. All variations of geocaching are provided, as well as several other games utilizing the GPS receiver. I liken GPSgames.org as the geocacher's buffet! Some of the games available on GPSgames.org are Shutterspot, GeoGolf, GeoPoker, GeoVexilla, and others.

If you are a not yet a geocacher, this will be a good opportunity to learn about the hobby. If you are seasoned veteran, you will be surprised at the other games available to you. I look forward to seeing you there!

Look for this lawn sign:

The First "Introduction" Event Was A Success!

Maybe the rain and gas shortage kept some away, but, the attendance to the first "Introduction To GPSgames.org" event exceeded my expectations!

I arrived at the park around 10:30 AM. The park was pretty empty because the rain just stopped about a half an hour earlier. The skies quickly started to clear and it turned into a great day for an event.

Soon after my arrival, ChiefWings and "Griz" pulled into the parking lot. "My attendance expectations has been exceeded by two!", I said.

I started the event off by explaining why I liked GPSgames.org. I feel that GPSgames.org embodies the spirit of the original geocachers better than the other geocaching sites. I went over the history of geocaching and how geocaching has evolved into a more restrictive and centralized hobby with Groundspeak. Don't get me wrong! Groundspeak is fine. I am not suggesting that you give up the frog, but rather, enhance your geocaching activities with the buffet of geocaching games available on GPSgames.org.

We discussed the variations of the geocaching games and the other "less traditional" games available on GPSgames.org. Shutterspot and GeoPoker spiked the most interest at the event.


About two-thirds of the way through the event mr007s shows up! He likes to make a late and fashionable entrance! I am glad he came because mr007s really knows much of the geocaching history in the foothills region. His perspective on the game is well appreciated.

I guess the meeting had to end sometime. The yellow jackets hastened the end of the event. They really liked Griz and one took special interest in my neck...OUCH!

I am very happy with the first "Introduction" event. I plan to have some more in the near future. With each event there will be more geocaches hidden. I think once people see the variety of games you can play with your GPSr, GPSgames will become popular in the foothills of North Carolina.

NC Foothills CITO @ Geitner Park

The NC Foothills Geocachers will be hosting a CITO event at Geitner Park in Hickory, North Carolina.

You can participate by joining us at Gaither Park in Hickory, NC on September 21st at 11:00AM. You can sign up for this Geocache event by clicking on the link.

The members of NC Foothills Geocachers have adopted city parks in Hickory. We have agreed to walk through and pickup trash several times a year. During this event we usually have a cook out and always enjoy each other's company.

If you are new to geocaching, there is no better way to meet your fellow geocachers and pickup tips and tricks along the way! Come out and join us for a good time.

Oh, yes, there are several geocaches you can grab while grabbing the trash!

A new geocache, "Southside Park", placed in time for event.

I have some good news. First, the Newton Department of Recreation has completed the cleanup of Southside park. This means that the "Introduction to GPSGames.org" event will still be held as planned.

Also, I hid a new cache in the park today...Just in time for the event. Feel free to go out and find it. There is a confirmation code, so please write it down.

I have heard that there are some from the world of the frog may be attending. The more the merrier!

Update to the "Introduction to GPSGames.org" event.

I stopped by the Southside park in Newton, NC and say a sign that said "Park Closed". I called the Newton Department of Recreation and they told me that the park was closed due to debris from a recent storm. They assured me that the park would be open in time for the event.

I will keep an eye on the situation and if the clean-up takes longer, I will select another park in the area. Keep an eye on the cache page listing. I will post any changes there.

GPSGames.org Event Cache Coming!

You have found many geocaches. It's fun, but you may be asking yourself, "What else can I do with this GPS receiver?" There are many games to play other than geocaching!

There will be an event on September 27, 2008 at 11:00 AM. This event will be held at the SouthSide park in Newton, NC. Introduction To GPSGames.org is an event where we will discuss the "other" games on GPSGames.org.


Some of the games to be discussed are ShutterSpot, GeoVexilla, GeoPoker, GeoGolf, and others.

Refreshments will be provided to all who attend. There are plenty of playground equipment for the children. Leashed dogs are welcome!

There will be two new "GPSGames exclusive" geocaches hidden in the park in time for the event. Bring your GPSr's! If you are new to geocaching, I will have a couple extra GPSr's available with coordinates preloaded.

Bring your friends and family for a look at the next level of geocaching.

4th Annual NC Foothills Picnic in the Park & CITO

The NC Foothills Geocachers will be hosting the 4th Annual NC Foothills Picnic in the Park & Cito event at Winkler Park in Hickory, North Carolina.

You can participate by joining us at Winkler Park in Hickory, North Carolina on July 26th at 11:00 AM. You can sign up for this Geocache event by clicking on the link.

The NC Foothills Geocachers has a celebration of geocaching every year. It is a gathering of geocachers to enjoy each other's company, food, drink, and geocaching.

The NC Foothills Geocachers have adopted city parks in Hickory. We have agreed to walk through and pickup trash several times a year.

If you are new to geocaching, there is no better way to meet your fellow geocachers and pickup tips and tricks along the way! Come out and join us for a good time.

Oh, yes, there are several geocaches and a couple listed on GPSGames.org that you can grab while partying and grabbing the trash!

NC Foothills CITO @ Geitner Park

The NC Foothills Geocachers will be hosting a CITO event at Geitner Park in Hickory, North Carolina.

You can participate by joining us at Gaither Park in Hickory, NC on June 22nd at 11:00 AM. You can sign up for this Geocache event by clicking on the link.

The members of NC Foothills Geocachers have adopted city parks in Hickory. We have agreed to walk through and pickup trash several times a year. During this event we usually have a cook out and always enjoy each other's company.

If you are new to geocaching, there is no better way to meet your fellow geocachers and pickup tips and tricks along the way! Come out and join us for a good time.

Oh, yes, there are several geocaches you can grab while grabbing the trash!

GC18VGQ / TC9FX - NCGO State-wide CITO: NC Foothills

Members of the NC Foothills Geocachers gathered to do a little CITO! We cleaned the park and had a lot of fun.

The ParrotHeads did a great job coordinating this CITO event. Mrs. ParrotHead did a fine job cooking hamburgers and hot dogs. Other members brought the "fixins" and deserts. Take a look at the photo gallery below.

NCGO State-wide CITO event

The NC Foothills Geocachers will be hosting a state-wide CITO event sponsored by the North Carolina Geocachers Organization.

You can participate locally by joining us at Gaither Park in Hickory, NC on April 13th at 11:00 AM. You can sign up for this Geocache and Terracache event by clicking on the appropriate link.

The members of NC Foothills Geocachers have adopted city parks in Hickory. We have agreed to walk through and pickup trash several times a year. During this event we usually have a cook out and always enjoy each other's company.

If you are new to geocaching, there is no better way to meet your fellow geocachers and pickup tips and tricks along the way! Come out and join us for a good time.

Oh, yes, there are several geocaches you can grab while grabbing the trash!