This is an
opportunity for geocachers to see "where it all came from" for
Kansas, Nebraska, and parts of South Dakota, Wyoming and
Colorado, and for surveyors to see what kind of geocaching fun
they can have using GPS. Surveyors are invited. Geocachers are
invited. There is no charge for learning about the history.
(Surveyors have to pay money if they want to get continuing
education credit out of this deal.)
The
festivities will start at 9AM at the above coordinates with
speeches about history and the commencement of some surveying
games. Show up early for good parking. This is where the TRASH
OUT part comes. Geocachers can show off the environmental
awareness common in geocaching by cleaning the area around
this monument that is significant to the surveying community.
The geocaching will start at about 10AM in the town of Mahaska
which is one mile south and one mile east of the above
coordinates. Roads are better in town. This way, if it rains,
the geocaching can still go on intown, and you don't have to
worry so much about muddy roads. Plan on explaining what
geocaching is "really like" to the surveyors; bring your best
adventure stories (or horror stories). I'm sure the surveyors
will show off their stuff, too, with old measuring devices and
high-tech super GPS stuff. Don't forget your cameras and
bottles of water!
KSLS is planning the following:
- KSLS (Cam Howell) will have a chaining crew re-enactment at the
site.
- The Oregon Trail Association will provide wagons and horses for
color.
- Pony Express reenactment with an actual mail handoff.
- Short speeches and observe the site---travel to Mahaska,
KS
- GeoCaching will be encouraged in the immediate area.
- Lunch at the community center (local church is preparing so
approximate numbers will be needed) $7.50 Send reservation to
ksls.com. Lunch may also be purchased the day of the event.
- Surprise visit from Surveyor General John Calhoun, circa
1856.
- Steve Brosemer and Jerry Penry will have a 1.5 hr history of
the 6th P.M. and the Baseline.
- Surveying information booth with monument stone, old to new
equipment, other items of historical surveying interest.
POB Magazine sent an announcement in early March about the event
and the states involved. We are also planning on sending pictures
and a brief story of the event after the fact.
GEOCACHING AGENDA
KSLS will be hiding these little notes around Mahaska.
Coordinates will be available for these hides. These particular
hides will be event-only geocaches. Find a note and see that it
tells you that you are entitled to have one Sacagawea Gold Dollar.
Find me and show me the note. I'll give you the gold dollar. There
will be fifty notes for fifty gold dollars. I'm going to wear a
ball-cap with a KSLS logo on it, as well as this annoyingly bright
green t-shirt with a big blue CITO logo on the front. I'll have my
"REMEMBER" message on the back. 50 dollars, one dollar at a
time!
At 10:00 I’ll be at the Mahaska park, 1 block south of Main and
Highway Avenue.
Other geocaches are also encouraged. Be sure to follow all the
regular rules for submitting geocaches. Be sure it is in an area
close enough for you that is maintainable and not too distant from
home. Geocaches like these are still going to be available for
searching after the events are over.
Around 11:15, we’ll all meet at the park and enjoy the sharings
of the geocoin horde. Then we’ll start to wander up to the
Community Center for lunch and be ready for the show by 12:30. The
Community Center is one and a half blocks north of Main and Highway
Avenue. Parking will be available along Main Street.
Mahaska City Hall said that trash bags can be disposed of at a
trash bin that will be on the south side of the Community Center.
I'm going to bring lots of little film canisters with trash bags
stuffed inside, to hand out at the event to promote the CITO
policing of the area.
Also look up a geocache in this area. Waypoint GCPH8J by
jayhawk-eyedoc & jhawkmommy.
While on your geocaching adventures, REMEMBER
- Make the fair
trade.
- Log your visit.
- Leave the site better than you found
it.
- Protect the environment —
always.
- Educate those around you.
- Find another cache!
Good luck, and may all your cache dreams come true.
—cantuland