Anyone who follows the adventures of Camp Granola knows we’re nuts for geocaching, even going so far as to drive across the country to geocache the E.T. Highway.
Sometimes I sound like a broken record, always talking about the benefits of using geocaching to explore the world around us. Aside from the intriguing places this sport takes us though, it’s also a wonderful community of people to be a part of… especially when hundreds of us get together for what’s known as a mega-event.
The most famous geocaching mega-event is probably GeoWoodstock but we’re partial to Georgia’s Going Caching event that happens each fall. For the past two years the event has been held at the wonderful Skidaway Island State Park near Savannah. For those events, hundreds of geocachers descended upon Georgia’s coast to embrace a weekend of pirate-themed geocaching madness including activities such as a pirate talent show, a nighttime pirate booty treasure hunt, a screening of Pirates of the Caribbean… and of course, pirate-themed geocaches.
But the good folks of Going Caching are mixing it up this year with a History and Mystery theme that will be taking place at FDR State Park near Columbus, GA.
What to expect…
- To be obvious, lots of great geocaching: Over 100 new geocaches will be hidden in honor of the event and there are event-only challenges to be had as well.
- Food: Joining your fellow geocachers for meals is optional but highly recommended. It’s a great time to meet everyone while they’re not rabidly chasing caches and tackling challenges.
- Activities: GPS accuracy contest, vendor booths, kid’s adventures, geocoin and pathtag trading events, and a flash mob, just to name a few.
- New friends and community: Throughout the event, you’ll meet friendly faces of the geocaching community. Trust me, they’re a welcoming and charming bunch, ready to embrace geocachers of all levels so don’t be shy even if you’re new.
- Raffles, prizes, and silent auctions: These will be held throughout the event and there are many opportunities to win.
- Volunteer Opportunity: One of my favorite parts of geocaching are CITO events. It stands for “Cache In Trash Out” and again this year a CITO event has been arranged in conjunction with the mega-event.
More info…
- The event itself is technically only Saturday, October 19th but associated events will be taking place from Thursday (October 17th) through Sunday (October 20th).
- Be sure to get your swag items early since they can sometimes go quickly… plus the online store closes Sept. 19 for all event and meal tickets. Don’t wait!
- For added fun and getting to know fellow geocachers, order Cache Cards that are part trading cards and part game pieces. (Hurry! Deadline is August 31st.)
- Because of the popularity of this event, the campground at FDR State Park is already sold out for the weekend. There are other nearby lodging options though including camping and cabins at Pine Mountain, the Mountain Creek Inn at Callaway Gardens, and Meriwether Country Inn. (Mention the Going Caching event when you make your reservation at either hotel for the event discount.)
For more info on the event, the location, and geocaching in general:
- Going Caching website and Facebook Page
- Event listing on Geocaching.com
- Georgia State Parks Geocaching
- FDR State Park
- Geocaching 101 by Val in Real Life
Unfortunately, I have a conflict this year so I won’t get to be in on the awesome but be sure to say hi to Fred and George who will be in attendance.
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