Georgia Geocachers Association
October 2004 Meeting Minutes

The October meeting was held October 9, 2004 at the Elachee Nature Science Center Aquatic Studies Center facility. There were 36 current members and three new members present. Thanks to the Elachee Center for the significant discount on use of the pavilion and the use of the trails and woods for the caches. They are great folks!

The meeting was combination of the regular monthly meeting and the 2004 GGA Challenge Event. We met around 11:00 a.m. to get the instructions for participating in the Challenge Event. This year the challenge was a modified “Bingo” format created by The Yoyo Man. There were 36 caches hidden in the area. Each participant was given a unique “Challenge Bingo Card.” The objective was to find as many caches as possible in the time allowed as well as to achieve “Bingo” by getting five “finds” in a row on the bingo card. The “Bingo” counted as ten finds. There were 33 participating teams. Thanks to The Yoyo Man for developing the game, creating the cards and obtaining the unique rubber stamps. And thanks to the cache hiders: The Yoyo Man, phat.bak, Trez003, Johnnie (double since he hid Mtn-man's share also), ~erik~ and Trailerman.

At noon, Peaches served up a fine spread of “grub” out of the “chuckwagon,” the Peach Palace Geobus. And what a spread! She served hot dogs with all the fixin’s, chili (with extra Tabasco on the side), baked beans, chips, apples, candy, etc.. Super thanks for the great food, Peaches! Also, Kikki D donated a big cake, which was very much appreciated, as well.

At 4:00 p.m. the Challenge officially closed, all finds were counted and a raffle ticket was awarded for each find plus10 for Bingo. KennethPruett was top finder with 45 tickets earned, followed by Leapgorf with 44 and AndymanD with 43 tickets. We then held a raffle for all the prizes. Prizes were varied and plentiful, with everyone present getting at least one prize! Thanks to Garmin, Magellan, REI and everyone for donation of prizes. Atlanta Gal and The Yoyo Man among them. Special thanks to Debbi Hitter, good friend of Rebel, for donation of the cool hiking stick (Kikki D won it). And, lots of joking and kidding were offered by those present as well.

Trailerman made a few announcements: watch the GGA forums in the next few days for three special postings. One will relate to the upcoming Steering Committee elections. We will be having nominations first, then voting in November. Second, on March 26, 2005 we will have a booth set up at the Bluebirds & Bluegrass Festival. Volunteers are needed, and participation is encouraged. Third, On April 8, 2005, the GGA is conducting a “Teach the Teachers” at Dauset Trails Nature Center. The subject is GPS. We will be conducting an intensive program with hands-on use of GPS’s. Watch for these postings.

The meeting was adjourned and some die-hard cachers went out looking for the now infamous “C-4” and other caches they had missed.

The next GGA meeting will be held in Savannah, GA on November 13, 2004.