Every year, I look forward to one event that officially kicks off my geocaching season — Welcome 2026! What’s Your Goal? This isn’t just any event. It’s where anticipation fills the room and goals are created lottery-style, leaving just enough to chance to make things exciting.
Thanks to gmarkusic, who hosts the event year after year, and the help of amazing geocaching friends like JarJarJedi, Cache-Runners, eagle4mom, winslpr, Cache_keeter, and many others, my geocaching path for 2026 was set — one random draw at a time.
And I love what the lottery handed me.
🥾 5 Geocaches with the Significant Hike Attribute
The first draw told me loud and clear: get ready to walk. Five caches in 2026 will require a Significant Hike, and I couldn’t be happier. These are the finds that start with a trailhead, test your endurance, and reward you with views you’ll remember long after the log is signed. For me, these caches are about adventure, effort, and soaking in the journey.
🌍 2 EarthCaches
Next up: learning while caching. I drew two EarthCaches, which means slowing down, observing the landscape, and understanding the natural processes that shaped it. EarthCaches always remind me that geocaching isn’t just about finding containers — it’s about discovering the world around us.
🧗 22 Terrain 4.5 Geocaches
Then came the big challenge — 22 Terrain 4.5 caches. This goal is all about pushing limits. These caches demand planning, confidence, and respect for the terrain. Steep climbs, rugged paths, and tricky access are all part of the adventure. Completing this goal will take effort, but that’s exactly what makes it exciting.
🗓️ 20 Geocaches Hidden in 2004
To balance out the physical challenges, I also drew one of my favorite goals: finding 20 caches hidden in 2004. These classic hides connect me directly to the early days of geocaching. Each old container, faded logbook, and long list of names is a reminder of how far the game has come — and how strong the spirit of adventure still is.
🎯 Why I Love the Lottery Goal Tradition
What makes the Welcome 2026! What’s Your Goal? event so special is that none of us know what we’re getting. The lottery system pushes us outside our comfort zones, sparks conversations, and creates a shared sense of excitement for the year ahead. We don’t just leave with goals — we leave inspired.
Here’s to 2026
With these goals in hand, I’m ready for a year of long hikes, challenging terrain, learning opportunities, and trips back to geocaching’s roots. Huge thanks again to gmarkusic and all the volunteers and friends who make this event unforgettable.
Now the real question is…
What’s your goal?
Happy caching,
GermanyBert 🧭
Discover more from Caching USA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.