Experienced and beginning geocachers welcome
OLYMPIA – Jan. 15, 2015 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to a weekend of geocaching fun, education and cleanup at Cama Beach and Camano Island state parks. Three free events will offer activities for those new to geocaching and for experienced geocachers: The Great Balls of Fire event and two Cache In Trash OutÒ activities.
“These geocache events are a great way for people to explore the two state parks on Camano Island from a different perspective,” said Tina Dinzl-Pederson, interpretive specialist at Cama Beach State Park. “Geocachers come from all walks of life, are all ages and are always willing to share what they know with first timers.”
The Seventh Annual Geocaching Education and Event: Great Balls of Fire is from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Cama Center in Cama Beach State Park (directions: goo.gl/maps/cF1uTXDScP42). Participants will find many new caches to be added just prior to the event and can enter a chance to win one of three hand-blown glass balls or perhaps find some hidden within the park on the day of the event. The glass balls are created by Mark Ellinger, master glass blower, who will be at the event.
For more information and to register for this event, visit: http://coord.info/GC652MD. Those who don’t already have a geocache account can sign up for free at www.geocaching.com.
Prior to the main geocache event, the following three classes will be offered from noon to 2 p.m.:
- Geocaching 101 with Tina Dinzl-Pederson, Interpretive Specialist
This beginning class will introduce participants to global position satellite (GPS) technology, geocaching terminology, rules, problem and puzzle-solving skills, how to identify clues and how to navigate and locate several geocaches in the area. GPS devices will be provided, or people can use their smartphones with a free app and membership to geocaching.com. Wear clothing appropriate for an outdoor adventure. - Geocaching Puzzle Solving 101 with GrievousAngel
This class is for adult geocachers who are just beginning to solve puzzles. Registration is required. Sign up by sending an email address for each member of your group to GrievousAngel through her geocaching.com profile. Class materials will be mailed to those who register. Those who are not familiar with how to register through geocaching.com, may send an email to Tina Dinzl-Pederson: Christina.Dinzl-Pederson@parks.wa.gov. Participants should bring a laptop.
- Setting Good Coordinates with Rey del Roble
This class is designed for geocachers who are hiding their first geocache or are hearing concerns about inaccurate coordinates for geocaches they have hidden.
This year’s sponsors for the Great Balls of Fire event are: Cabela’s, Camano Island Chamber of Commerce, Camano Island Coffee Roasters, Camano Island Tourism, Debbie Does Decals, Great Northwest Glass Quest, Garmin and the Washington State Geocaching Association.
Beach N Ivy Cache In Trash OutÒ events will take place at Cama Beach and Camano Island state parks. Participants will help clean up the beach and remove invasive ivy. People should bring rain gear and gloves and wear sturdy shoes; State Parks will provide the tools. Date and times are:
- Cama Beach State Park: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 meet at the Historic Store Interpretative Center. For more information and to register, visit http://coord.info/GC66ZP0
- Camano Island State Park: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 7 at North Beach. For more information and to register, visit: http://coord.info/GC66ZTT
The Cama Beach Café will be open for participants wishing to purchase meals or snacks. For more information about the café, visit: http://www.camabeachcafe.com/
Cache In Trash OutÒ is an ongoing environmental initiative supported by the worldwide geocaching community. Since 2002, geocachers around the world have been dedicated to improving parks and other cache-friendly places to help preserve the natural beauty of our outdoor resources!
A Discover Pass will be required for vehicle entrance to both parks. The annual or one-day pass will be available for purchase at the Cama Beach Welcome Center. The Discover Pass also may be purchased online at: http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/
About geocaching
Geocaching is real-world treasure hunt that takes participants to interesting places to find hidden objects using a GPS or a smartphone. More than 15 million people around the world play the game, and 2.7 million geocaches are hidden globally. For more information, visit: https://www.geocaching.com/guide/
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Media contacts:
Tina Dinzl-Pederson, (360) 387-3342
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
-30-