Before I get into details, please understand in most cases this is my opinion and therefore it could be wrong.  Caveat Emptor.  If you wish to add something constructive to the comments or even write up your own rebuttal, please feel free.  If you keep it family friendly and polite, I’ll most likely publish it.

The Regional Mega Events

Midwest GeoBash (MWGB) this was at one point a roaming event but has found a home in Waseon, OH.  This was the first Mega Event I attended and is more of a social event than anything else.  Consider it a massive multi-day party for Geocachers.  People gather at the fairgrounds (many camp onsite) and during the day they either hang out or cache around the area.  Being in Northwestern Ohio it makes it easy to grab caches in three states.  There are education sessions so you can learn things, there are contests (closest to the pin, etc.), and there’s is a massive travel bug exchange.  Vendors come out selling things.  Geocoins, and pathtags are in ample supply for trading or just ogling.  ”Bash” is a great event during the day and gets a little more interesting at night.  Area 51 the public campfire area is one of those things that Bash is known for.  Some people like it, others don’t, personally I think it’s a a lot of fun and has expanded over the years.  Area 51 is basically a bar (or bars) where donated adult beverages are poured.  Parents are not encouraged to have their kids in Area 51 after a certain time.  When I attended my first Bash, I knew nothing about this and thought it was one of those super secret, invite only places… I know better now.  Bash is an event you can go to for just one day if you can’t take the time off.  I think it is a great first Mega-Event for anyone who would like to check one out.

Midwest Geobash is a multiday event  they have a different theme and  bird mascot each year.  Onsite camping is a big part of the social aspect of this event.

The Event Page is active and if you plan to go it’s July 25-28

GeoWoodstock this mega roams around the country (last it was in Southern Indiana, this year it is in Florida) and you never know where is might show up next, so planning ahead is only possible one year in advance when they announce the next location.  It is traditionally held the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, although that has been moved to around the 4th of July (which was why I could finally attend).  Woodstock for some is considered the grandaddy of mega events.  Woodstock is one day with, in most cases other events before and after sometimes these can be weeks before the actual event.  It is a social event, again there are the typical GPS accuracy contests and educational sessions, for the most part this event is for people to go cache in the area and meet people.  Like Bash, vendors are around and there are places to trade pathtags, trackables, and coins.

The Event Page is up and if you plan to go it’s happening on May 25.

MOGA (Midwest Open Geocaching Adventure – I asked a bunch of folks in attendance what MOGA stood for, no one gave me the same answer- so “thank you” Google). MOGA is a slightly different animal from the other two mega events.  It is a roaming event in the midwest (2013 was in Shelbyville, Illinois and 2014 will be in nearby Athens, Ohio).  While Woodstock and Bash are focused on the social aspects of geocaching including education events for newbies- the day of MOGA seems to be focused on the competitive nature of caching.  Individual and team competitions are the major focus for the day even though of the over 1200 attendees only a little over 200 actually competed.  As with any mega event the area has an overwhelming number of published caches and and numerous caches that participants were given the coordinates to prior to them being published.  So where many mega events are focused on getting everyone together MOGA seemed to be about giving people caches to find and giving them the time to find them. The main area which at most Mega events is brimming with people mulling about through out the day, was virtually empty once the day started with people returning for the awards ceremony.  The competition portion of MOGA was held on one day with other events, and I’m guessing (having only driven in for the day) the more social aspects occurring prior to and after.

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Preparing to Attend a Mega-Event

First and foremost understand what kind of event you are attending, and check out the other events in the area.  In some cases the event isn’t really just a day, it takes the entire weekend (or week before) plan ahead, know what you are getting yourself into.

Create a route and load the caches in the area.  An event like MOGA they had hundreds of caches that went live after the event, either make sure you have a computer or make sure that you have read enough about the event to know what you need to do to get the coords for any special caches.  Are there Whereigo caches, have you downloaded the cartridges for them?

Ask around about the event- find out what it’s like from those who have attended it.  Are there special parts that should not be missed.  Worst case, contact the event organizers and ask them.

If you know you are going- register ahead of time – or you’ll miss out on valuable opportunities for SWAG and getting up to date information about the event.

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Almost but Not Quite Mega-Events Nearby

The Indiana Spring Picnic is held annually in May (I already wrote something about this event) the event bounces around and is usually help somewhere North of I-70.  There is a pitch-in lunch and door prizes along with an auction.  It has a number of sub other events surrounding it although the actual event is one day.

The Indiana Fall Picnic is held annually in September.  The event bounces around the state but is traditionally held South of I-70.  There is a pitch-in lunch and door prizes. One of the highlights of the Fall Picnic is GeoSurvivor a team competition which can be rather amusing to watch.

Moonshine is held annually the first weekend in September (aka Labor Day weekend) just outside of Indiana in scenic Moonshine, Illinois (pop. 2).  It is nothing special, just an opportunity to have the best burger ever from the Moonshine Store and there is a door prize raffle.  I know it isn’t in Indiana, but it is a great event, nearby, plus we’re talking about Moonburgers! mmmm… Moonburgers.

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Putting on a Mega Event:

Each event (Mega or not) requires a lot of work and a team of volunteers  I could go on and on about it, but instead I had the chance to talk with some members of last years GeoWoodstock Planning Committee to find out what it takes to put on a Mega-Event like a GeoWoodstock.

So how do you get to do GeoWoodstock?
- You have to bid on hosting GeoWoodstock. You often hear, “Why isn’t it closer to me?” or “I think it should be in the west.” Most people don’t have a clue there is a bidding process.

What requirements are put on the planning committee for Woodstock?
- The catered dinner is not optional for the host. It is required!

Are the dates for Woodstock set in stone or can the planning committee be flexible?
- The host(s) have the option of choosing either Memorial Day weekend or July 4th. If July 4th is in the middle of the week, they can choose either the weekend before or the weekend after. No other dates are an option.

What about financial assistance? Surely the planning committee, starts with something?
- There is no funding for GeoWoodstock. You begin with zero dollars. That may be the same for some of the other Megas. It might not apply to Bash since it’s the same people each year.

What about Groundspeak?
- Groundspeak and/or Geocaching.com do not host Mega events (except the Headquarter’s events they just started having).  It seems to be a large number of people’s opinion that GeoWoodstock is a Groundspeak event.  (Also) As of June, 2013 Groundspeak will not allow Garmin as a sponsor.  Don’t look for any Garmin GPS’s to be given away at a Mega listed on the Groundspeak website.

So who is part of the planning committee for something like GeoWoodstock?
- GeoWoodstock is run by everyday ordinary cachers. I’m sure this is the case with most of the Megas.

About how long does the planning committee work to get everything together?
- Megas are a lot of work for the hosts. We worked on ours for about 2 years if you include the bidding process.

What about the whole “secrecy” thing?  How does the whole bidding process work?
-The location of the next GeoWoodstock is a secret. You are not allowed to tell at all. Other than our spouses, our families didn’t even know. The bids are reviewed by the past hosts and they make the decision of where the next event will be held. The last few years they have decided on the next two location at the same time. This may or may not always be the case. Guess it just depends on the bids submitted.

Anything else you want to share?
- One of the things that many people don’t think about is the fact that all hosts have to follow local rules and regulations. For instance, this year dogs or other pets are not allowed. This was not their decision is a rule in all the Florida state parks. Alligators eat our furry friends for lunch!

- I always tell people that every event no matter how big or how small is the vision of the host and really can’t be compared to any other event. With that said, there really isn’t any good or bad events. Just what the host wanted it to be.

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Other thoughts…

Since this was such a large article I did ask for some input from the editorial board (Amazingly, I’m not the only one on the other side of the screen, and I don’t mean just Cecil) And would like to share a few anonymous comments from the mysterious “Editorial Board”

“My take on MOGA…having followed it, but never attended, is that it started out all about the blood and guts, run through swamps and forests, get back to the finish line first, competition; but has expanded in the last few years to offer something for everyone. I suspect you are right about hitting their actual event site at the right time, before everyone clears out and does their own thing.”

“…often have that discussion about the balance of a social caching event where you are compelled to hang out for almost all of the day and don’t get much caching time because there is so much going on vs. the ones where you are more likely to go out caching and then you feel like you didn’t even attend an event. The best conclusion we’ve reached is that at Mega Events (and even the spring and fall picnics) the key is learning to build the event you want… …(At the Fall Picnic) we used to grab our registration packet and head out caching, return for lunch, watch Geo-Survivor and stay the rest of the afternoon at the event. For us, a posted schedule of events and hopefully previous experience or advice from friends help us pick and choose which of the Mega-Event activities we want to do and when we can go caching or do other things. ”

“This Mega-Event would be worth adding too as it is a very different from the other area Mega-events and is relatively close to Indiana. http://www.westbendcache.com The key components of it are $1,000 in real cash is given out and dozens of new permanent caches placed each year making West Bend the self-proclaimed “Geocaching Capital of the Midwest” with over 900 caches in a 10-mile radius. The caches placed also tend to be unique and not just film canister park-and-grabs.”

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I know the hard work that goes into putting together an event of this kind, I applaud everyone who takes the time to make these things happen, The geocaching community is strong because of the wide variety of events that are available for all cachers no matter what their expertise.  The effort of these volunteers shows in the number of caches placed, and the detail put into every part of the event.  I suggest if you haven’t had a chance, check out the next Mega-Event near you.  If not the Indiana Spring Picnic is coming up and if that isn’t a social event, I don’t know what is.

As always I attempt to update events whenever possible, but that doesn’t always happen.  If you want to see the most up to date list of events in Indiana you can click on the “Newest in Indiana” link on your profile page and scroll through the list.  It will get a lot easier after May the Fourth when all the WWFM events slide off the list.

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May 3

The Second Annual May The Fourth Be With You (5/3)
by go-purdue | GC49K2X | Avon

May 4

“WWFM X” Area 51 “Grey Invades Oubache Trails “
by Darksky1 | GC45DA6 | Vincennes

WWFM X – Bathrobe Jedi Flashmob it is
by Cecil-EGCM | GC493FG | Indianapolis

WWFM X – Let’s Clown Around & After Event
by graciedi | GC4692Z | Evansville

WWFM X–Goat’s 4th Annual Paddle Event
by dbbolling-goat | GC46E53 | Indianapolis

WWFM X – 2013 Indy Mini & 5K Sat May 4th
by geowinnies | GC495V3 | Indianapolis

WWFM X – Light Saber Duel!
by Mr. Incredible! & Yoda | GC47FDA | Fort Wayne

Pyramid Mound CITO
by the_drake_man | GC47ZE3 | Vincennes

World Wide Flash Mob X: May The 4th Be With You
by Team Jedi | GC491KJ | Lawrenceburg

WWFM X/Broad Ripple Flash Mob-5
by dbbolling-goat | GC48W3Y | Indianapolis

WWFM X- An Elegant Weapon For A More Civilized Age
by Jay Kay El Em | GC49F9K | Avon

May 5

The May 5th Celebration
by Black Chrome | GC49KN9 | Lyons

May 6

The MCC Doesn’t Get Lost at The Lost Frontier!!!!
by seekersearcher | GC4A366 | Thorntown

May 14

It’s Time For A Rendevous
by indymonk | GC4A01X | Westfield

May 17 – Start of Spring Picnic Weekend!

Friday Night Campfire Event 
by superstutz | GC4A4XT | Miami State Recreation Area

May 18

2013 Indiana Spring Picnic
by lakedawgs | GC40W6E | Lake Mississinewa Observation Mound Shelter

Zombie Attack Event
by Terry&Charlie | GC49ZTD | Worthington

The Rock and Roll Reeducation of &Sarah
by Team Shydog | GC48PX3 | Miami State Recreation Area

May 19

Hurry Up and Git Breakfast Event
by Geo Minions | GC48HYH | Miami State Recreation Area

GSC CITO
by The GSC | GC4B3HN | Indiana

May 21

2 Late 4 Lunch? #52
by Pirate 4 Hire | GC4B45N | Indiana

May 25

2 Late 4 Lunch? #52
by Pirate 4 Hire | GC4B45N | Indiana

May 30

TMBG: A GATHERING OF GLOCKENSPIEL/ACCORDIAN LOVERS
by jkparmfamily | GC46P66 | Indianapolis

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June 1

Monticello’s Second Annual Trivia Event
by Da ruda lova | GC4B1KY | Indiana

June 4

2 Late 4 Lunch? #53
by Chutch1035 | GC4B5Q7 | Indiana

June 8

CITO Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore 2013
by superstutz | GC47WMD | Indiana Dues National Lakeshore

June 15

Spring Fling at Camp Woodsmoke III
by palestar | GC48WGZ | Clarksburg

June 22

GSAK 101: An Introduction to GSAK
by Lord Elwood | GC4BRW5 | Indiana

GSAK 301: Updating Database & Custom Profiles
by Lord Elwood | GC4BRWY | Indiana

June 29

South Hogan Creek Paddle Event
by jaypit and Darksky1 | GC482CQ | Aurora

The way it works is this, you go to the site and search around for a project that interests you.  You then pledge a certain amount of money to the project.  Simple as that.  In some cases you get a reward determined by your pledge.  Some sites ask for your payment instantly, others wait until the project reaches its deadline and then if it has reached its goal you have to pay.

So what does this have to do with Geocaching?  Every once in while I get asked to post something about someone’s project here on IndianaGeocaching.com  One of these days I’ll add advertising to the site, so maybe it will pay for itself, but until then I don’t endorse anything – caveat emptor.  But still I get asked and I thought I’d at least post something since there are some interesting (and not so interesting) projects out there that involve in some way Geocaching.

Just one of the trading cards created for the Kickstarter project: Geocaching Trading Cards-History Series

On Kickstarter there have been a number of projects- the one I recall the most had to do with trading cards.  Personally, I supported this one, I liked the idea and thought helping out would be nice, and I now have a set.  Other projects are things like sending a geocache into space or writing the great geonovel.  Others… well, it is interesting to see people who have no clue about geocaching try to come up with projects to tap the caching community (this isn’t always the case, but it’s easy to pick out the inexperienced cacher’s idea) fortunately these done’t tend to get funded.  Search Kickstarter and see what geocaching projects they’ve had, it is fascinating.

Indiegogo is another crowdfunding site and right now it has just two projects ROVE (a gadget to pull cache from your smartphone to your GPS) and a project to support Geocaching in Lithuania.  Look at the pages for more details as to what each project’s is about, what their goal is, and how they are coming along.

What’s the difference?  Kickstarter only charges your credit card (through Amazon.com) if, and only if the goal of the project has been reached.  If the project doesn’t make the goal, you aren’t out any money.  Indiegogo the funds are, in most cases, received at the moment of the transaction. You can use Paypal which is nice, and no matter if the goal is reached the project gets the money you have donated.  The one thing both have is a deadline for funding.  ”Act now, supplies are limited.”

I do encourage geocachers to look at the cool creative and sometimes amazingly helpful projects available through these and other crowdfunding sites.  Just remember if it’s a geocaching related project you can always check on GC.com the actual credentials of the person putting the project together.  If they pontificate about their undying love for caching, and how wonderfully life changing it is, but only have 10 finds… you might want to put your money elsewhere- but that’s my opinion.

April 6

Going to the Dogs!
by Pudletrax | GC47ZA4 | Indianapolis

April 8

South Central Indiana Geocachers Spring Fling
by Gallopin’ Grandma | GC47339 | French Lick

April 16

2 Late 4 Lunch? Round 49
by Pirate 4 Hire | GC4895A | Indianapolis

April 20

Earth Day Weekend CITO-Ritchey Woods-Fishers,IN
by dbbolling-goat | GC46Y1P | Fishers

4/20/13 Fishers Lunch Event
by dbbolling-goat | GC46YPP | Fishers

Broad Ripple Flash Mob-3
by dbbolling-goat | GC48W4A | Indianapolis

April 21

Matter Park CITO 
by Honkeon | GC41H8P | Marion

NEI-GEO Earth Day CITO
by Lord Elwood | GC4549F | Fort Wayne

April 23

2 Late 4 Lunch Round 50!!!!!
by drgoby | GC48C4B | Indianapolis

April 2013 GIG – It’s Trivia Night! (Round 3)
by UltrasoundLass | GC47MW6 | Indianapolis

April 27

Broad Ripple Flash Mob-4
by dbbolling-goat | GC48W4K | Indianapolis

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May 4

“WWFM X” Area 51 “Grey Invades Oubache Trails “
by Darksky1 | GC45DA6 | Vincennes

WWFM X – Bathrobe Jedi Flashmob it is
by Cecil-EGCM | GC493FG | Indianapolis

WWFM X – Let’s Clown Around & After Event
by graciedi | GC4692Z | Evansville

WWFM X–Goat’s 4th Annual Paddle Event
by dbbolling-goat | GC46E53 | Indianapolis

WWFM X – 2013 Indy Mini & 5K Sat May 4th
by geowinnies | GC495V3 | Indianapolis

WWFM X – Light Saber Duel!
by Mr. Incredible! & Yoda | GC47FDA | Fort Wayne

Pyramid Mound CITO
by the_drake_man | GC47ZE3 | Vincennes

World Wide Flash Mob X: May The 4th Be With You
by Team Jedi | GC491KJ | Lawrenceburg

WWFM X/Broad Ripple Flash Mob-5
by dbbolling-goat | GC48W3Y | Indianapolis

WWFM X- An Elegant Weapon For A More Civilized Age
by Jay Kay El Em | GC49F9K | Avon

May 18

2013 Indiana Spring Picnic
by lakedawgs | GC40W6E | Lake Mississinewa Observation Mound Shelter

The Rock and Roll Reeducation of &Sarah
by Team Shydog | GC48PX3 | Miami State Recreation Area

May 19

Hurry Up and Git Breakfast Event
by Geo Minions | GC48HYH | Miami State Recreation Area

May 30

TMBG: A GATHERING OF GLOCKENSPIEL/ACCORDIAN LOVERS
by jkparmfamily | GC46P66 | Indianapolis

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June 8

CITO Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore 2013
by superstutz | GC47WMD | Indiana Dues National Lakeshore

June 15

Spring Fling at Camp Woodsmoke III
by palestar | GC48WGZ | Clarksburg

June 29

South Hogan Creek Paddle Event
by jaypit and Darksky1 | GC482CQ | Aurora

Remember to see the most recent events you need to login to your account on GC.com and find the “Newest in Indiana” link. While we try to keep this updated, this is for reference only since we can’t update it every time someone adds a last minute event.  May all the caches you find be easy to open- remember that blowtorch in your trunk doesn’t work well on frozen Tupperware.

March 2

Twister Memories 
by kayak-cowboy | GC42F5N | New Pekin

March 5

Too Late for Lunch – Round 47
by Walkabout46 | GC458AN | New Palestine

March 9

GCB- Greencastle Cache Bash v.2.0
by Lucky Chavez and Mount Meridian | GC460AV | Greencastle

March 11

MCC: The Redemption of Perillos……Hopefully
by Yodaboyz | GC44GPN | North Salem

March GiG: Mexican Fiesta!
by &Sarah | GC46GEG | Greenwood

March 14

International Pi Day – Easy As Pi Flash Mob Event
by Cache_Kitty | GC45FF9 | Broad Ripple

UN-Official PI Day – Easy as Pi Flash Mob Event
by Cache_Kitty | GC45TRE | Lafayette

NEI-GEO Pi Day Lunch
by Lord Elwood | GC46KTF | Fort Wayne

Pi day Pizza Pie
by π | GC46PEC | Indianapolis

3.141592653589 TK Bold Sniffer Pie
by Lucky Chavez | GC46QX1 | Terre Haute

Vincennes PI-Day PIzza Gathering
by RedjackRyan | GC46TW5 | Vincennes

Flash Pie
by the_drake_man | GC46V02 | Worthington

The Real PIe Day @ ShaPIro’s
by LoyalDipity | GC46V47 | Indianapolis

March 16

TrailMix 24 – Springs Valley Lake
by Deermark | GC46WW5 | Spring Valley Lake aka Tucker Lake

March 19

Indy’s Largest Geo-hike III
by dbbolling-goat | GC440EZ | Indianapolis

March 23

MSP Equinox Celebration on the Mounds
by MoundsInterpretiveNaturalist | GC43XX0 | Anderson

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April 21

Matter Park CITO 
by Honkeon | GC41H8P | Marion

NEI-GEO Earth Day CITO
by Lord Elwood | GC4549F | Fort Wayne

—

May 4

Area 51 “Grey Invades Oubache Trails “
by Darksky1 | GC45DA6 | Vincennes

WWFM X – Let’s Clown Around
by graciedi | GC4692Z | Evansville

May 18

2013 Indiana Spring Picnic
by lakedawgs | GC40W6E | Lake Mississinewa Observation Mound Shelter

Remember to see the most recent events you need to login to your account on GC.com and find the “Newest in Indiana” link. While we try to keep this updated, this is for reference only since we can’t update it every time someone adds a last minute event.  May all the caches you find be easy to open- remember that blowtorch in your trunk doesn’t work well on frozen Tupperware.

—

February 2

ShyHounds Shivoree
by ShyHounds | GC42AJ9 | Prophetstown State Park

Reservoir Ramble Geocache Challenge
by Monroe Lake | GC43DDD | Paynetown State Recreational Area

Flash Mob – 2013 Travel Bug/Geocoin Amazing Race !
by austinhauger | GC43T9A | Indianapolis

February 5

2 Late 4 Lunch? Round 44
by Yodaboyz | GC447NP | Speedway

February 9

Geocoins & Sig Items
by TeamMCH | GC44F5A | Indianapolis

February 12

February GiG – with your sweetheart
by ProfessorZoom | GC44Y3P | Oaklandon

February 16

Hoosier Buddy Breakfast v5.0
by salz69 | GC452HQ | Highland

Hoosier Daddy Dinner v5.0
by salz69 | GC452HW | Schererville

February 19

INKY – FIND US AND YOU CAN EAT WITH US

by Bored of Ed and Team Wilcutts | GC44HFH | Jeffersonville?

2 Late 4 Lunch? Round 45
by Yodaboyz | GC450MY | Indianapolis

February 23

Greater Lafayette Pizza Gathering – Version 2013
by Car54 | GC44T0E | West Lafayette

February 26

2 Late 4 Lunch? Round 46
by Pirate 4 Hire | GC4537B | Indianapolis

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March 2

Twister Memories 
by kayak-cowboy | GC42F5N | New Pekin

March 11

MCC: The Redemption of Perillos……Hopefully
by Yodaboyz | GC44GPN | North Salem

March 19

Indy’s Largest Geo-hike III
by dbbolling-goat | GC440EZ | Indianapolis

March 23

MSP Equinox Celebration on the Mounds
by MoundsInterpretiveNaturalist | GC43XX0 | Mounds State Park

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April 21

Matter Park CITO 
by Honkeon | GC41H8P | Marion

NEI-GEO Earth Day CITO
by Lord Elwood | GC4549F | Fort Wayne

—

May 18

2013 Indiana Spring Picnic
by lakedawgs | GC40W6E | Lake Mississinewa Observation Mound Shelter

Back in the day when Geocaching first started there was a cost of entry… you had to pay to play.  Entry level GPS units were not cheap so you had a vested interest in making sure that your caches were quality and that when you found a cache you did exercise some stealth so that it wouldn’t go missing.  When I first started out I remember if a cache went missing that I had recently found I’d think through, did I do something to tip someone off?  Was I wandering around the Federal Building wearing camo and looking suspicious?  Now days that initial cost is actually fairly cheap, just a smartphone app and you are set to go, so while it is great that anyone can enjoy caching, not all new cachers take the care they once did.  Am I against smartphone caching? In all honesty I have three GPS enabled devices I use when caching: an iPhone, an iPad, and a Garmin Oregon.  While urban caching I tend to stick with the smartphone, it is easier, but on trips I always have a minion load the Oregon up with caches.

This brings me back to the argument about Premium Member Only caches.  As of right now, this is the new barrier, the new proof that you take Geocaching seriously.  That you’ve decided to give something back to caching and in return you get a new world of caches available (plus other goodies). This is not a rant to convince everyone to become a Premium Member, it is more just an observation about many of those who complain about why some caches are “Members Only.” For me, I want them to stay around, I hope that the person who finds it takes caching seriously enough to not post a needs maintenance because the log is just damp,  or ask that it be archived because it is 100 feet away from a business, or puts it back in the wrong location, or… you get the idea.  The cacher who knows enough to learn more- to become a part of the community of cachers.  So while discussing this topic with other cachers one person suggested that it wouldn’t be bad to make all my new hides Premium Members Only as long as I didn’t broadcast it to the world… Thanks for the idea.

GeoWoodstock X- Memorial Day Weekend brought cachers from around the world to Sellersburg, Indiana for this annual event. While it was definitely a hot one, everyone enjoyed all the work that the planning team put into creating an event all Hoosiers should be proud of. With over 1,800 attended logs posted it was a great way to showcase all that Indiana has to offer and the rich history of GeoWoodstock itself. Since the event travels around (2013 puts it in Florida) it may be a while before it makes it back to Indiana. I know it will be memorable to all those who attended.

Annual events were a great way to celebrate geocaching around the state. Indiana’s Spring and Fall picnics were as always wonderful chances for cachers to get together. While each event has a unique flavor from the artistic ammo can auction in the Spring Picnic to GeoSurvivor in the Fall, everyone in attendance had a great time. The Fall picnic had 95 attended logs the Spring had 72. As we all know many groups cache under one name so those numbers do not reflect an actual head count. 2012 also brought about a new annual event- the Whitewater Valley Caching Adventure in Metamora, Indiana. A great little weekend of events in a quaint locale. Look for a date to be set and more and more caches to be placed around the area to keep everyone busy.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources mass archiving of caches- the year ended on a bit of a sour note after talks with representatives from the geocaching community, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources ordered that all caches on their property (and some that weren’t) be archived in November. This was their way to guarantee that all caches on DNR property followed their guidelines. Many cachers were upset as in many cases it limited the number of caches in many areas. When the smoke cleared over 1,300 caches were gone for good. Leaving large areas clear for bunnies, hunters, and loggers. Only time will tell how this will impact the future of caching in Indiana.

After a lukewarm welcome by the geocaching community the infamous “red cape” challenges were bid a solemn farewell in 2012 with most cachers saying “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!” What could have saved them? Not much- the idea seemed sound, but reality killed them. Personally, not having this type count in your totals and requiring cachers to run multiple queries or use multiple apps was the first issue. Secondly, having the “locationless” challenges and starting off with the “kiss the frog” made these less challenges and almost jokes. Finally, having well meaning cachers pass judgement as to the “worthiness” of challenges caused some people to take it as their duty to vote against those deemed unworthy. When I created my first “challenge” it lasted just a few days before someone in another state had decided it wasn’t “good enough.” Not bitter, just confused.

We ended up the year with 18,445 active caches throughout the state- how many have you found?

Look to our Best in Indiana List to see who ended up the year on top.

January 1

New Years Day @ The Studio
by WCNUT & TATER | GC40AAC | Clarksville

Welcome 2013! Flash Mob
by Honkeon | GC41H7Y | Marion

January 5

Secret Santa Geocaching Style – 2012
by GeoSecretSanta | GC42D0J | Mooresville

January 6

Post-Holiday Re-Gifting Party!
by kiralira and erwenn | GC43523 | Bloomington

January 12

Walkin’ In A Winter Wonderland
by clumzyfly | GC42BKF | Terre Haute

January 14

South Central Indiana Geocachers – Mexican Style
by Lair | GC42FP0 | Mitchell

January 2013 GIG
by guppiebear | GC431FD | Indianapolis

January 15

2 Late 4 Lunch? Round 43
by Pirate 4 Hire | GC43CB6 | Indianapolis

InKy Goes Wild in January
by WCNUT & TATER | GC43HHM | Clarksville

January 18

Happy Trails to the Tank Hounds
by Team Shydog | GC42WDJ | West Lafayette

January 19

IN Dunes Geocache Adventure: A Spot of Soup
by Indiana Dunes State Park Interpretive Services | GC41B8E | Dunes State Park

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February 2

ShyHounds Shivoree
by ShyHounds | GC42AJ9 | Prophetstown State Park

Reservoir Ramble Geocache Challenge
by Monroe Lake | GC43DDD | Paynetown State Recreational Area

March 2

Twister Memories
by kayak-cowboy | GC42F5N | New Pekin

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May 18

2013 Indiana Spring Picnic
by lakedawgs | GC40W6E | Lake Mississinewa Observation Mound Shelter