Another new souvenir, survey responses still needed, TB on Mars and more…

Well would you look at that? April already and so much has happened. We’ve been to the beginning braai (my first and a lot of fun) in Johannesburg. We’ve been to Mars. For those of you completing the Wonders of the World challenge, don’t get too close to the sun. Then of course we’re elated with a new Science of Discovery souvenir challenge and trust that those who got lab cache credits have been put to good use.
 
Something I’m rather proud of is finally getting another South African cache of the week. Congratulations to vespax! And thanks for the contribution to the South African geocaching community. Generally, I’d be alarmed that a cache which just achieved cache of the week has not been found in the month since it was awarded but I understand the difficulties of caching during these times.
 
I’ve also been filled with excitement of the future of geocaching from the responses to our survey. If you have not taken it yet, you can do so here. We’re giving a little more time to fill out the survey so we can increase the number of responses and give good and clear feedback as well as align our work accordingly. What I will share in the interim is that it appears that most of our contact happens through Facebook and few people have registered for the newsletter. Some are not even aware of the website...and many want more engagement on other platforms so it’s important that we get this feedback. Thank you to everybody who has shared their feedback already.
 
I now have another mission for you. That is to get more of your lukewarm caching friends more invested in geocaching. So those who aren’t aware of the tools on our website, let them know…and those who claim to miss caching, encourage them to get out and do a couple.
 
I’m always encouraged by logs from new names and while I was in Johannesburg last month, the coolest thing happened. I had just found a cache and then gone on to the next one. When I was driving past the first again, I noticed a mother and her young child searching for it. I pulled over, chuckled, and told them I had just found it and the child responded that it was only their second cache ever and they love it.

I look forward to hearing more such stories and indeed we’ll start looking at them for the newsletter in the next few months but for now, I’m off to try complete the Wonders of the World and encourage more people to log their will attend to the Bay Cache Bash. Subtle, hey? *winks*

After a trial period in Canada and Norway, GCHQ have rolled out two new voting buttons for logs – “Helpful” and “Great Story” You can now vote for logs which you feel include story worthy moments, an inspiring tale about the journey to the cache, or helpful tips. Let’s hope that this will encourage finders to log more than just TFTC 😊 Voting is only available via the website and the in the authorized developer apps Cachly (iOS only) and Geooh Go (Android only). For more info on this new feature please visit this page

According to the confirmed souvenir moments list for 2021, there will be yet another souvenir up for grabs at the end of the month, from 30 April to 2 May, as soon as we receive more details from GCHQ, we will share via the WhatsApp group and our social media accounts.

Now this makes for an interesting souvenir challenge! Adventure Labs are the main focus of this new souvenir – finding them will earn you points which will in turn earn you up to 4 new souvenirs.

If you haven’t tried your hand at Adventure Lab caches yet, now is the perfect opportunity! Good luck and have fun!

The GOSA committee has taken the decision to put the Cache of the Month on ice for a couple of months until we have decided on how to tweek it so that there would be more interest in the concept.  Nominations have been sparse lately and even though a winner gets selected from the nominations, it doesn't necessarily mean it's the best in that category if more nominations aren’t received. If you have any suggestions, please mail them to

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.