After a whirlwind of rescheduled dates due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GeoWoodstock XVIII finally unfolded on August 13, 2022, in Abbotsford, British Columbia, marking a groundbreaking milestone as Canada’s inaugural Geocaching Giga-Event (GC86VDF). Set against the stunning backdrop of the Fraser Valley, this grand international assembly drew thousands of passionate geocachers for an exuberant celebration at Abbotsford Exhibition Park.

Regrettably, my plans were thwarted that day by Inventory Night at the Woodinville Costco, leaving me with no choice but to miss out unless I found myself in a hospital bed, behind bars, or otherwise unable to attend. In a moment of desperation, I fired off an email, hoping to salvage my chances. The response was pragmatic: “No refunds, but we will use the amount you pre-paid for food as shipping costs to send you the SWAG BAGS you purchased.” It was a generous offer, and my sister, known in the geocaching community as WCP24, and I accepted it.

Yet, despite their kindness, the absence of GeoWoodstock lingered like an unfinished chapter on our Geocaching Bucket List, fueling our determination to pursue future events.

GeoWoodstock XX: Flagstaff, AZ

Groundspeak Inc., affectionately dubbed Geocaching HQ by enthusiasts, announced that GeoWoodstock XX (GCA6GW6)would unfold in Flagstaff, AZ, over Memorial Day Weekend in 2024. As fortune would have it, I was residing in Tempe at the time, just a quick drive away. WCP24 had both vacation time and funds to spare—this was serendipity at its finest. The rush of excitement surged through us once more as we registered for this GW. It felt like our moment for redemption was finally at hand! A whisper of connection seemed to drift from our Mom in Heaven, or perhaps it was a gentle nudge from the Universe, Fate, God, or whatever divine forces were keeping watch over us—it was unmistakably our time to shine. But would we?

The event page was amazing!
The Road to GeoWoodstock XX is Route 66!

The first GeoWoodstock event was created by JoGPS, a geocacher from Tennessee, in 2003 to bring cachers from across the United States together. By 2006, it had become popular internationally and GeoWoodstock 4 was the first ever geocaching event to attain Mega-event status. GeoWoodstock 2018 was the first Giga-event held outside of Europe. GeoWoodstock is the preeminent social Mega-event every year!

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Please join us in celebrating

The 20th Anniversary
GeoWoodstock

Flagstaff, Arizona

May 25, 2024

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Geocachers are explorers by nature so Flagstaff is a natural fit as outdoor adventure is intrinsic to the city. Perched on the Colorado Plateau of Northern Arizona at nearly 7,000 feet (2,133 m) of elevation, Flagstaff is one of the highest elevation cities in the United States. Nestled at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, which rise more than 5,600 feet (1,707 m) above the city, Flagstaff is a destination for all seasons and all kinds of adventurers.

With a population of 76,989 (2021), Flagstaff fits with GeoWoodstock’s tradition of hosting in smaller communities. The city is a youthful, energetic and vibrant one, filled with university students and outdoor-minded people. While the number of residents is low, the number of hotel rooms and restaurants is high due to Flagstaff’s role as the gateway to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Lake Powell, Williams, Winslow, and more. There are eight national parks and monuments as well as seven state parks within a two-hour drive from Flagstaff.

A 14-mile (23 km) stretch of historic Route 66 runs through the heart of Flagstaff.

Memorial Day 2024

By the time WCP24 and I confirmed our plans for GeoWoodstock XX, every AirBnB, hotel, and motel in Flagstaff and its neighboring areas had filled to capacity. With our only option being a drive together, we settled on the Beaver Creek Inn & Suites in Lake Montezuma, AZ—affordable and conveniently located. Wednesday marked the packet pick-up day, reminiscent of the conventions I had attended in the past. It became clear that WCP24 was unfamiliar with the process. I took the lead, guiding her through the steps, even though the event organizers had provided instructions.

“Welcome to Flagstaff! More specifically, historic Downtown Flagstaff – DTF – where the charm of the past meets the vibrancy of the present! As you settle into our beautiful city and adjust to the altitude, we invite you to join the GeoWoodstock XX Team for a special SwagBag pick-up event at Heritage Square. Explore the heart of Flagstaff’s downtown area while collecting your welcome goodies, which includes your Mega-event badge that will earn you discounts at local businesses throughout the GWXX week. This is not just a practical opportunity to get your bearings; it’s also a chance to soak in the unique atmosphere of Flagstaff’s historic streets, lined with quaint shops, cozy cafes, and breathtaking mountain views.

Join us on Wednesday, May 22 from 4:00 to 7:00PM as we kick off your Flagstaff experience in style. Whether you’re a newcomer or a longtime resident, this event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the geocaching community, discover hidden gems, and start your journey in Downtown Flagstaff on the right foot. Don’t miss out on this chance to immerse yourself in the charm and hospitality of DTF – we can’t wait to welcome you!

 WTF! You can’t miss this!”

We spent the rest of the afternoon Geocaching, of course! We didn’t stay up late because we had a train to catch the next morning …

“All aboard and get ready to embark on a memorable morning adventure with the GeoWoodstock XX Team at the picturesque railway station in Williams! Join us for a buffet breakfast on Thursday, May 23 from 7:30 to 9:30 AM surrounded by the nostalgic ambiance of the station, where you can marvel at a model train as it gracefully circles the restaurant. This is more than just a meal – it’s a chance to savor the charm of a bygone era and connect with fellow adventurers before setting off on your chosen geocaching journey of the day.

At the close of the event, join us on the platform for a special farewell moment as we bid adieu to the departing train headed for the Grand Canyon. Whether you’re waving goodbye from the platform or aboard the train, this shared experience promises to be a highlight of your GeoWoodstock XX weekend. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to start your day with good food, great company, and a touch of old-world charm at the Williams railway station!”

The pre-GeoWoodstock XX activities and events continued with …
“Elevate your experience by joining the GeoWoodstock XX Team on Friday, May 24 from noon to 2:00 PM for a breath of fresh mountain air at 9,500 feet (2,900 m) of elevation! Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of our scenic location as you mingle with fellow geocachers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re soaking in the panoramic views, struggling to breathe, or simply enjoying the cool mountain breeze, this gathering promises to be a memorable highlight of your GeoWoodstock weekend.

After the event, weather permitting, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to take your adventure to new heights by riding a gondola to an elevation of 11,500 feet (3,500 m)! Feel the exhilaration as you ascend to even greater heights and marvel at the breathtaking vistas from above. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, don’t miss this chance to elevate your GeoWoodstock XX adventure to new heights!”

Friday Night Lights continued with …

“Get ready for a memorable evening nestled amidst the majestic pines – or at least a house made of pine – as we raise a pint together. Our gathering spot, built in 1931, holds a rich history waiting to be explored. Initially conceived as the grandest log cabin on Earth, it has seen diverse transformations over the years. From its origins as a taxidermist workspace to a quirky museum showcasing stuffed animals (definitely not the cuddly kind), and later evolving into a vibrant roadhouse along the iconic Route 66, this venue holds countless tales (and ghosts) within its walls. Now, it serves as the perfect setting for us to come together and kick off the festivities on the eve of GeoWoodstock XX!

As the sun sets and the shadows of the towering pines lengthen, let’s gather on Friday, May 24 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM to share stories, forge new friendships, and revel in the excitement of what promises to be an unforgettable GeoWoodstock weekend. Join us at this unique location, where the past converges with the present, and where the spirit of adventure ignites beneath the starlit sky. Together, let’s embark on a journey of camaraderie and discovery as we celebrate the spirit of geocaching in the heart of nature’s embrace. We look forward to hoisting a pint with you amidst the enchanting ambiance of GeoWoodstock Eve at the Zoo!”

Saturday arrived! WCP24 and I volunteered to assist at the event, as usual these events are powered by the efforts of free labor, i.e. volunteers. We eventually we were done with our shift and we swiftly took off for the Flagstaff Mall so we could complete The GPS Adventures Maze at GeoWoodstock XX to earn the rare icon afterwards.

Throughout the weekend, we delved into the rich offerings of the area while geocaching. Our first stop was Jerome, AZ, a treasure trove of geocaches nestled in the hills. WCP24 had his heart set on visiting Montezuma Well and its nearby hieroglyphics, especially since it housed an impressive EarthCache. Personally, I have a soft spot for ghost towns, and Two Guns, AZ, stands out as my absolute favorite—at least in Arizona. This haunting ghost town is perched on the edge of the Canyon Diablo gorge, just a stone’s throw from Flagstaff.

The remnants of stone buildings tell tales of a bygone era, while the iconic 1915 Route 66 Canyon Diablo Bridge, proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places, spans the landscape. Be sure to explore the eerie Apache Death Cave and wander through the Abandoned KOA Campground, where a graffiti-covered Shell station from the 1970s adds a splash of color to the nostalgia. The ruins of both the 1940s Texaco and the original 1920s Texaco stand as silent witnesses to the past, alongside the remains of the old Zoo and the Two Guns Trading Post, each site whispering stories of their former glory.

By the time the Memorial Day Weekend came to a close, we had completely immersed ourselves in the thrill of geocaching, our hearts brimming with excitement and fulfillment. This was no ordinary weekend; it marked our first GeoWoodstock, and to top it off, it was the momentous twentieth anniversary of the event. For years, attending this gathering had been a cherished item on our geocaching bucket list, and we didn’t just participate—we absolutely crushed it. The memories we created together will forever hold a special place in our hearts, making this weekend the best one yet.