"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.

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.

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.

A new "ShutterSpot" has been posted.

What is a "ShutterSpot"? ShutterSpot is a game on GPSGames.org using pictures as the clue to your find.

You are given coordinates that is within a few kilometers of the actual location. You must find the actual location and mark the coordinates. Your coordinates must be within 100 meters of the actual location to post a find. Confirmation codes are sometimes used. Research on the internet could be very helpful.

The new ShutterSpot is 210mm German Howitzer. This is an old World War I cannon that was surrendered as a war prize and on display near Hickory, NC.

Expand your geocaching experience by trying ShutterSpot!