From the Desk of the Chairman

What brilliant timing! April 2021 was a slow month, but I have an entire survey to talk about, so I’ll be using this space to report on that. 101 of your submitted responses and as a committee, we’re incredibly grateful as it gives us good direction.
 
I found the areas and number of caches found be quite broad. Most of the submissions came from Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal, and the Western Cape with over 25% each and the Eastern Cape with just over 15% and the other five provinces sharing the rest.9 out of 10 of you believe this newsletter comes out enough while the other 1 would like to see it come out more often. What was very encouraging though was that 40 people volunteered to contribute to the newsletter so you may be seeing more content very soon.
 
In terms of social media, Facebook won out, with Instagram coming second and surprise, surprise, TikTok comes in third. We don’t have a TikTok account to be clear but it’s good to know where the demand is. Obviously, we can’t do it all on our own as the social media component is very community driven so, please keep using #GeocachingSouthAfrica and/or feel free to tag us.
 
In terms of events, looks like the quicker events are preferable though only by a minor margin next to outing events with weekend sleepover events and travelling events also gaining favour, but this was the best indicator for me; answers to what appeals to you as a geocacher and “finding new places” is by far the biggest motivator it would seem.
 
As far as the other stats, those will be guiding us, and we thank you once again for giving your opinions on things like cache of the month and the like. We’ll be taking them into consideration as we go along.
 
From a non-survey point of view, it was pretty cool to go caching on the International Space Station as well as seeing Lab Caches on the map. Oh and obviously, what kind of report would it be if I didn’t remind you to log your will attends and invite your friends too for the Bay Cache Bash…only this time, you also get a pretty sweet video!
 
Have an awesome May and may you find the most awesome places on your geocaching adventures.

Blue Switch Day is Here!

Geocaching Tips for Newbies

•  It’s a GAME – have fun!
• Pay attention to the cache page (size, difficulty, description, etc.)
• If at first you don’t succeed – try, try again!
• When you get close to Ground Zero (GZ) put the GPS or phone away and look – you will over time hone your geosense.
• Read the hint, think, and search outside the box!
• Be polite in logging - There are people under those usernames!
• Write a great log – as much as you enjoy finding the cache, the cache owner enjoys reading a good log, something more than TFTC!
• Always BYOP (bring your own pen)
• Try not to look suspicious – a clipboard or high vis vest goes a long way to help you blend in
• Respect your surroundings and the environment!
• Be sure to report any problems to the cache owner but remember that just because you haven’t been able to find the cache and are logging a DNF does not necessarily mean that it is missing – there are some sneaky caches out there.
• Pack water and snacks – often a quick hour of caching turns into a morning or afternoon outing when the “just one more” bug bites.
• Be sure to bring trade items (SWAG) with you - you might find something cool to trade – no money, food, cigarettes, or other inappropriate items – remember this is a family friendly game!
• Attend events – it’s a great way to get to know local geocachers and pick up hints and tips on puzzle solving, etc.
• Pay attention to the difficulty (1-5) and terrain (1-5) ratings and start with easier caches – especially when working on puzzles.
• Try not to bundu bash your way to the cache – there are more often than not
• Read recent logs for up-to-date status of cache, hints, help, clarifications, etc.
• Use a stick to poke into holes - spiders, snakes, scorpions etc love protecting our caches.
• Tell someone where you plan to be (especially if you are caching alone) and always be aware of your surroundings.
• Wear/bring appropriate clothing and footwear – as much as we love slops, they aren’t great for tree climbs and long walks.
• Have a first aid kit with you – bug bites, scratches and splinters are common.
• Understand the concept of travel bugs and the procedure – if you take one out of a cache, discover it and move it on to another cache.
• Replace the geocache exactly as found – the cache owner knows where they wanted it placed, please don’t move it to a spot you think is better.
• It is a good idea to Find at least 20 caches before hiding your own – try find different sizes, types, etc – it will give you a good feel for the game.

Souvenir Sorting

In another new update from GCHQ, you can now sort your souvenirs on both the website and the app!
 
In the Geocaching® app (8.47.0 or higher), sort souvenir names from A to Z, or by newest first. Your sorting selection will be sticky, so it’s always in the order you prefer. On Geocaching.com, sort souvenir names from A to Z and Z to A—or by newest or oldest first. Plus, for the love of numbers, we added your souvenir count.
 
Your list of souvenirs can be found on your profile page on the app and in the left-hand menu of your account dashboard on the website.Once you click on the link to your souvenirs you will then be able to select how to organise them from a drop down menu. Your souvenir count will display in the same bar on the right hand side.
 
Clicking on the icon for each souvenir you have earned will give you more information about the souvenir, ie – the artists name and additional information about each souvenir.

Current Souvenirs