Manitoba Critter Trail CCE
On 2nd May, 2000, selective availability was turned off meaning that GPS technology accurate to within a couple of metres was now within reach of the general public. A fellow in the US named Dave Ulmer was a member of an online forum at the time which discussed this event and he decided that it would be great fun to place a "stash" and post the coordinates in the forum for others to find. Dave placed his first "stash" near Portland, Oregon the following day, 3rd May 2000. He then went home and posted about it in this post and the game of geocaching was born.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of this momentous occasion, we are holding a Community Celebration event at the north trailhead of the Manitoba Critter Trail (AKA the The Red River North segment of the Trans-Canada Trail. This is a recreational trail that will, for generations to come, preserve access to varied natural landscapes; connect local communities; promote awareness of Manitoba’s unique history, culture and heritage; and promote opportunity for all people to improve their quality of life and wellbeing.)
The celebration involves what geocachers do best--FIND GEOCACHES!! The northerly 8km stretch of the Critter Trail will have 40 geocaches as of 1pm on Sept 6th--5 existing and 35 newly-hidden caches to be published for the event. Following some introductory remarks, participants will be provided a supply of official logsheets. If you, or your group, find a newly-published cache container that doesn't contain an official logsheet, you are first-to-find so sign a logsheet and insert it into the container when you replace it following signing.
Further guidelines for the event are as follows:
- The trail permits motorized ATVs so there will be some traffic during the event.
- Participants are to only hike and/or bike on the trail. Please do not use an ATV or other motor vehicle during the event. There is only enough width for one vehicle so stopping for geocaches using an ATV just won't work.
- Geocaches published on the day of the event do not contain logsheets. Participants will place all logs during the event.
- Cellular service is good in Pine Falls at the trailhead. It gets poorer as you travel South. Please ensure you have enough data in your plan to download the newly-published cache information. GPS devices that tether to your smartphone should function OK. For anyone not using a smartphone or otherwise not able to electronically receive the newly-publshed cache information, we will provide a list of geocaches complete with their GC codes and posted-coordinates.
Please log your "will attend" so that we can plan for prizes and have enough supplies on hand.
Everyone is expected to observe current COVID-19 protocols for outdoor gatherings. Please be respectful and stay safe.
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, 2022. Learn more about Community Celebration Events on the Geocaching Blog.