We often underestimate our reliance on GPS (Global Positioning System), yet, over the course of 24 years, it has fundamentally reshaped our lives and the world we inhabit.
Imagine how different our daily routines would be without GPS technology. Among many other things, paper maps would be necessary to navigate from point A to point B and turn-by-turn delivery tracking would be impossible. Notably, geocaching would never have come into existence.
This transformation traces back to a pivotal moment on May 2, 2000—dubbed Blue Switch Day by geocachers. Before May 2000, Selective Availability restricted accurate GPS technology to military use. However, on Blue Switch Day, the U.S. government made a landmark decision which opened up accurate GPS technology for public use. Geocachers commemorate this day as a milestone, marking it with pride and celebration.
Geocaching HQ created a souvenir for geocachers to celebrate Blue Switch Day 2024. To earn this souvenir, geocachers must find one geocache, Event Cache, or Adventure Lab® Location between May 2–5, 2024.
Cache In Trash Out (CITO) is an environmental initiative supported by the geocaching community. Since 2002, CITO has helped preserve the natural beauty of cache-freindly spaces. Stop on by and pick up some trash in the area. Every time we CITO we work to create a better world.Â
I will be providing the trash bags. You bring your grabber, gloves, water and whatever else will keep you comfortable while at the CITO. Stay for as little or as long as you'd like.Â