You've heard of mega-events? Here's the opposite. Flash
mobs have gathered for other reasons but never before for
geocaching. This "flash mob cache event" will begin precisely at
9:00 AM on Sunday, May 20th and will last exactly 15 minutes. At
the same time on May 20 there will be many other similar cache
events around the country.
The Bend event will be held at the summit of Pilot Butte State
Scenic Viewpoint. This is in a free public park with access by road
and trail. Parking at the top is limited so you may want to arrive
a few minutes early and carpool; the road opens around 8 AM. If you
enjoy a delightful hike then come 30 minutes early, park at the
base trailhead indicated below, and walk to the top by trail or
road.
IMPORTANT:
If you get to the top before 9 AM, mill about and mosey. Be
nonchalant and casual. Look like a muggle. Don't look like a
gathering waiting to happen. Mosey as realistically as you can.
This is part of the fun. We will seem to appear out of nowhere so
that muggles will not know what is going on.
The event will be tightly organized with a minute-by-minute
itinerary (synchronized with the GPS clock, of course):
9:00 - A
bucket of swag and a small CD player will be placed on the ground
at the coordinates (summit benchmark) to signal the start. Quickly
gather around. Trade swag from the bucket. Bring nice swag to
trade.
9:01 - You
will be handed an individual log sheet to sign (bring a pen) and
drop in a special box. The sheets will we used for a raffle and
will later become the log book. Simultaneously, participants will
mingle, share stories, brag, trade swag, and CITO the area.
If muggles are curious about the event we will have a handout
that explains geocaching.
9:05 -
FTF
series awards presentation to top 3 finishers.
9:08 -
Chocolate kisses distributed as the official "meal."
9:10 - Group
photo on west side of viewing area facing the east. Get there FAST
and listen to the photographer for directions.
9:12 -
Raffle for special prizes. Event sign-in closed.
9:14 - One
minute warning. Prep to leave but don't "look" like your are
prepping. (You might want to "secretly" organize where you will
re-form after dispersal.)
9:15 - Wait
for it ... then LEAVE the area as quickly as you gathered. Act like
nothing happened. Meet elsewhere if desired. The log sheet
collection box will be packed up and sealed away. The event area
will be vacated without a trace. Although participants are welcome
to get together for brunch or geocaching after the event, the event
will officially be over at 9:15.
Smile at the muggles nearby who will wonder "What did I just
see? What just happened?"
If you are interested in helping pull off this event, log
onto www.oregongeocaching.org and let me know in the events forum,
or e-mail me through this page.