Blue Switch Day

GoSA Grapevine May 2021

GoSA Grapevine

Survey results, Big Blue Switch Day, Tips for Newbies and more…

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.

Adventure Lab Caches Update

The Geocaching® app just got a little more adventurous! You will never miss out on an Adventure Lab cache again as GCHQ has added Adventure Lab® pins to the map in the app for Premium members. You can now easily search, filter, and discover the Adventure Labs right from the app.

Adventure Labs take you on a contactless, socially distanced scavenger hunt to unlock fun stories, solve puzzles, and explore new places. Adventures are represented by their own pin type, so they are easily recognizable on the map. Premium members, look for this hot air balloon pin:

Tapping on the icon will show you the name of the Adventure Lab, the distance to the first point, the overall rating for the lab and how many stages it consists of. Once you then tap on the informational pop-up block you will be directed to the Adventure Lab® app which can be downloaded here!

Don’t forget that there is the Science of Discovery Challenge that is currently running – you earn the most points toward this souvenir by finding Adventure Labs so check out which of the 77 South African Adventure Lab caches are closest to you and get adventuring!

Blue Switch Day is Here!

When GPS was first developed, it was only available for use by the U.S. military. Eventually GPS was opened up to civilians but with Selective Availability. This meant that although everyone had access, the accuracy was lowered for civilians. On 2 May 2000, the U.S. government “flipped the switch” so high-accuracy GPS was available to everyone. For reasons unknown, geocachers know this as Blue Switch Day. However, there really wasn’t a blue switch!

Opening up accurate GPS technology to everyone around the globe launched a flow of innovation and new cutting-edge technology that changed the world forever. It created an entirely new world of possibilities. It’s not a coincidence the first geocache was hidden on May 3, 2000, and the game of geocaching was born!

Starting from 2 May 2021 until 31 December 2021, you can earn the Blue Switch Day 2021 souvenir by finding a geocache, Adventure Lab®, or attending an Event.

Community Feedback

Its always good to get feedback from the community, we recently got an email from newbie cacher, Neilke Pretorius AKA Gypsy*7, which she has kindly agreed that we can share in the newsletter:

“I love Geocaching so thanks guys for all the effort that you put in. I am planning to grade up to the premium app…. So excited!! Attached is a geocache that I did in Rosendal a few weeks back with my log of 103 geocaches. Keep well and hope to see you’ll at a social sometime.”

Well done Neilke on your finds so far – keep caching and having fun!

Have a story or photo you want to share with the community? Please send us an email on

Geocaching Tips for Newbies

I recently came across an article with a list of tips for newbies, things that have become second nature to some of the more experienced geocachers and thought it would be a great idea to share some of them.

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.

If you are a newbie (or just new-ish) geocacher, we hope this list was helpful. If you are a veteran geocacher, what tips would YOU add to the list? Please drop us a line and let us know – maybe we can make this a regular feature in the newsletter.

Have you started to plan your visit to the Friendly City for The Bay Cache Bash on 25 September? Don't just see it as a big event that would give you the opportunity to add a special icon to your profile. See it as an adventure, a full package experience!

Start by watching the promotional video the PE team has put together.
Plan a road trip and line up a whole series of caches along the way. Visit some "must see and do" caches-en-route.
Research the area and make a list of all the caches you want to make sure you do during your stay.
Plan a holiday and not just a caching trip.
Arrive early and spend a few days in the area to grab as many of the awesome caches in and around Port Elizabeth during your stay.
Attend some of the events being organised in the week before and the week after.
Join some of the outings, walks, excursions, and activities being planned in the week before and after.
Link up with a local cacher and let them show you the best caches the area has to offer.

We are currently on 211 Will Attend logs for the event and this number needs to reach 300 before we are able to apply for Mega status. Please assist us to get to this magical number as soon as possible so that the planning for the event can go ahead full steam.

Please log your Will Attend today at – The Bay Cache Bash 2021. If you have any enquiries you can send an email to –

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

Souvenirs are virtual pieces of art that you can earn, discover, and display on your profile page. They are associated with a particular location and may also be bound by time.

We are always on the lookout for photos from events or cool caches, as well as any fun, interesting, unusual or exciting geocaching stories to share with the geocaching community. If you want to share yours, send it to us by emailing it to our newsletter writers.

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