Gary Brown
Geocaching
Soon, winter will be fading away and summer activities will dominate our thoughts. For a Geocacher the thoughts turn to getting all those finds that were missed because of snow or cold weather. This month we will discuss getting the geocaches that are out of walking distance and perhaps using them as an excuse for a vacation.
First though, we have another question, “can we bring children to events?” The short answer is yes. As with everything though there are exceptions. For obvious reasons they are not allowed at the “Pub Night” events, but generally you can bring children or grandchildren to most events. Many events will be in a park setting with a bonfire and treats of some sort. The last Winnipeg event of 2022 on December 31st had coffee, Timbits and marshmallows (and sticks for roasting). Some events are more geared towards people on their way to work and may be at an early time like 7 am and held at a popular coffee place either inside or in the parking lot and other events may be geared towards cleaning up a popular area (known as CITO’s, cache in, trash out events). My favourite were the events held at the various ice cream parlors throughout the city.
Coming up later this month is an event that is a celebration of a prominent Geocacher who, on the date of the event is turning forty. Milestone birthdays are often used for events but he is also going to proclaim his 40,000th Geocache log at the same time. Those numbers are a real cause for celebration. One of his other accomplishments is signing 1040 logs in one day along with another avid Geocacher. It took them fourteen hours.
All events are geared towards building the geocaching family, so by all means; if your children are interested bring them along.
My wife and I tried out some of the many Bed & Breakfasts in Manitoba last summer. It was such a wonderful experience that we highly recommend it. The best part was getting ready to go Geocaching in the morning and breakfast was ready to go. We did not have to find a restaurant and wait for them to prepare our food.
The hosts were very helpful when it came to questions about the community and it felt in most cases that you were a part of the family. Bed and breakfasts in Manitoba are in most hotbeds of geocaching and can be a reasonable alternative to a hotel room. The most complete list that we found is with Travel Manitoba at https://www.travelmanitoba.com/stay/bed-breakfasts/ .
Whatever you decide for accommodations, plan your stay around not only the geocaches, but activity that may be happening at the same time. You need to determine whether or not you want to attend a festival, celebration or a Geocaching event at the same time or avoid them altogether. Travel Manitoba is also a great place to find information on your choice(s) of destinations as well as any activity that would take place during the time you may show up.
Some areas of the province are so laden with Geocaches that you could plan a stay for a week or two if you so desire. A cabin along the west side of Lake Winnipeg, a campsite in the Whiteshell, a B&B in south central Manitoba or the Westman or Northern area of the province could be a good choice for you along with some of the other activities any area of this wonderful province has to offer.
There is a possibility of an event at the International Peace Gardens with both US and Canadian Geocachers this or next summer. You don’t need a passport to attend, just Identification that would satisfy the CBSA when you come back. Keep an eye on the MBGA Discussion Group on Facebook or our website for more information. If you are a Geocacher you can join the MBGA Geocaching Discussion Group on Facebook, if you haven’t already.
It is not necessary to stay somewhere to go Geocaching at a distance, but it is easier than making several trips and it gives you time to have a look around at what the community you visit has to offer. Manitoba is a wonderful province with a lot to see and do and Geocaching will get you out to places that you would not visit otherwise.
I am looking forward to seeing some of you either on the trail or at an event.
Gary Brown is the vice president of the Manitoba Geocaching Association (MBGA) and can be reached at [email protected].
