Come out and meet geocachers from the local area for a Community Celebration Event to celebrate BIG BLUE SWITCH DAY!
On May 2, 2000, just past midnight, the U.S government discontinued its use of Selective Availability in order to make GPS more responsive to civil and commercial users worldwide. Twenty-four satellites around the globe processed their new orders, and instantly the accuracy of GPS technology improved tenfold. Tens of thousands of GPS receivers around the world had an instant upgrade. Prior to this date, only the military had the ability to receive accurate GPS readings. Now, the world and all its wonderful people could pinpoint their precise location. For reasons unknown, this is often referred to as the flipping of the “Big Blue Switch”.
The very next day, a computer consultant named Dave Ulmer hid a black bucket in the woods near Portland, Oregon. Along with a logbook and pencil, he left various prize items including videos, books, software, and a slingshot, then posted the coordinates online.
N 45° 17.460 W 122° 24.800
Three days later, the container was located by Mike Teague. Now, twenty-one years later, geocaching has become a global phenomenon to get off the couch and get outside.
Where: Under the big pavillian at Riverside Park - 3503 Magnolia Dr, D'Iberville, MS 39540
When: Big Blue Switch Day - Sunday May 2, 2021, from 10am to 12pm.
I'll bring light refreshments along with a few tables and chairs and geo-goodies for the participants in attendance. Please RSVP in the comments so I know how many people to expect. Also, as social distancing may still be in place in May because of COVID-19, be prepared to use good social distancing practices and have a mask with you.
Community Celebration Events - 2020
This Event is part of a limited release of Community Celebration Events to celebrate 20 years of geocaching. Geocachers hosted events between May 2, 2020 and December 31, 2021. Learn more about Community Celebration Events on the Geocaching Blog.