We challenge you to learn more about Challenge Caches!

Written by: Mcgmarauders (Trevor) Do you enjoy Challenges caches as much as we do?! Would you like to locate these easily and determine if you already qualify? One easy-to-use tool is contained in Project-GC (https://project-gc.com/), if you have a paid membership*. On the opening page, tap on “Tools” in the top row, then find “Challenges” in the middle row of the dropdown menu, then tap on “Map of challenge caches”. The screenshot below shows filters for Fairfax County, VA but this can be set up for any location throughout the world. The icons are small on the map created, but look closely for those with a green checkmark as you are already qualified for that challenge! If there is red no-entry sign, then you don’t yet qualify. If there is a yellow smiley face, then you already logged it as found. If there is a small pencil, then you have … Continue reading

Mystery/Unknown/Puzzle Caches???

Article written by: Gary [USMA77] Which is it; why so many names; and what are they?  This ‘type’ of geocache (cache) has a much wider range of uses than the other more narrowly defined ‘types’ of caches, such as Traditionals, Multicaches, Virtuals, etc. The “Your Statistics” tab in Geocaching.com identifies this cache ‘type’ as UNKNOWN Caches.  Project-GC stats labels them as MYSTERY Caches.  Geocaching.com defines MYSTERY Caches as follows: “Also called a ‘puzzle cache’, players might need to solve a puzzle or bring a special tool to reveal the next waypoint or final coordinates.  Most often, the final container is not at the posted coordinates which is noted in the cache description.” But Mystery/Unknown/Puzzle Caches can be so much more.  Here are some of the ways this ‘type’ of cache is used along the geocaching trail. Puzzles solved at home: Some final coordinates can be solved from home with puzzles … Continue reading

Love Favorite Points

Favorite points, marked by a heart icon, is a Premium feature that let geocachers celebrate standout caches and track memorable adventures. If a cache brings you joy, giving it a Favorite point is a simple way to say thanks and help guide fellow geocachers to a great find. Reclaiming points from archived caches give you additional points to keep spreading the love. Here are a few fund facts about how Favorite Points work: 📚 Memory Keeper: The “Favorites” tab on your Lists page is a useful tool. You may use the list to recommend caches. It is an especially useful tool when looking for nominations for the NoVAGO Annual Awards which occurs in the Spring of each year.   💚 Appreciation Made Easy: Every cache found is a smile, but haven’t we found caches that just wow you? A quick tap of the heart thanks the cache owner for their creativity … Continue reading

25th anniversary Locationless cache available!

25th anniversary Locationless cache available! @mcgmarauders, NoVAGO feature article writer Did you know that there are “Locationless” caches to be found? Here is the latest one which is available throughout this year. About 16,000 cachers have logged it so far! You just have to find the number 25 on display (anywhere!), advise where it is, and snap a photo of you and that “25” for your log. Have fun! Find “25” and celebrate the 25th anniversary with a new Locationless Cache!  … Continue reading

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How Far Will You Go for a Trackable?

Trackables are fun to find in a geocache, or trade at events. But, did you know that there is a trackable on the surface of Mars? NASA scientists came up with the idea for including a trackable on the Mars Perseverance Rover. Printed on a glass disk, it is a calibration target for the rover’s WATSON camera to focus on. When you log the trackable, you’ll earn a souvenir. Lucky for us, we don’t need to leave home to get a glimpse of this trackable.

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Are pathtags works of art?

It’s true—Pathtags are tiny, tangible masterpieces that merge personal stories with artistic flair, adding another element to the geocaching hobby. Geocachers often use pathtags as personal signature items, leaving them as swag in favorite caches or trading them with fellow cachers. Unlike geocoins or travel bugs, pathtags do not travel; instead, their imaginative designs make them an enjoyable side-activity. Pathtags, roughly the size of a U.S. nickel, feature custom-designed artwork reflecting the cacher’s interests or personality. Pathtags include a serial number on the back, allowing them to be logged, traded, and tracked on the online platform [pathtags.com]. Additionally, at no extra charge, you can include a NoVAGO logo on the back of your pathtag. They are especially popular at large events, where they often commemorate the gathering. These events typically have pathtags available for purchase or include them in event packages. Sometimes, pathtags are earned by finding a series of … Continue reading

The origins of Geocaching.

@mcgmarauders, NoVAGO feature article writer Most of us know that modern-day geocaching started on May 2, 2000, when the great blue switch was activated. Twenty-four satellites around the globe were suddenly accessible, making GPS technology available to the general public. However, did you know that the origins of geocaching actual date back to 1854 when the “game” of letterboxing was invented? It all began in Dartmoor, Devon, England when a well-known Dartmoor guide (James Perrott) placed a container for visiting cards at Cranmere Pool on the northern moor in 1854. Hikers on the moors began to leave a letter or postcard inside a box along the trail (sometimes addressed to themselves, sometimes a friend or relative)—hence the name “letterboxing”. Interest in letterboxing in the US is generally considered to have started with a feature article in the Smithsonian magazine in April 1998. Geocaching.com added Letterbox Hybrid caches on May 7, … Continue reading

Geocaching 101 Class in Winchester, September 28, 2024

Want to learn more about geocaching? Join NoVAGO at the Handley Regional Library in Winchester on Saturday, September 28, 2024. There will be a “Geocaching 101” presentation at 12 noon hosted by NoVAGO’s president, Gina Thompson. There will be a scavenger hunt inside the library to get you in the mood. Local geocachers will be on hand from 11am-3pm to answer questions. All geocachers are invited to attend the event, whether this is your first “find” or you have thousands under your belt. We look forward to meeting you! Visit the Handley Regional Library website for more info. … Continue reading