By Emily Accipiter Steward (eaccipi)
As I sit down to write this final President’s Corner, I find myself reflecting on the last six years with a mixture of gratitude, pride, and even a touch of disbelief at how quickly the time has passed. Serving on the GeocacheAlaska! board — and especially serving as President — has been one of the most rewarding adventures I’ve taken on, both within and beyond the geocaching world. I joined the board after attending some amazing GCAK! Events and meeting fellow cachers. I immediately thought “How can I make a positive impact on this amazing community? How can I help? How can I join!?” I’ve seen new geocachers discover their first ammo can with the same excitement many of us remember from our own early days. I’ve seen long-time members step up to mentor others, host events, design hides, clear trails, advocate for access, and make sure the game we love continues to thrive across our incredible state.
Over the past several years we’ve weathered challenges like COVID caching (remember always bringing your hand sanitiser?) and finding ways to continue to connect. We launched projects like the KMTA GeoTrail, and saw containers hidden across Alaska in places only Alaskans would attempt.
As I transition off the board and hand the presidency back to NorthWes, I am filled with confidence that GeocacheAlaska! is in excellent hands. Our incoming officers bring energy, experience, and fresh ideas that will guide us into the years ahead. I’m excited to support them as a member, a volunteer, and — always — a cacher who loves this quirky, adventurous community. Thank you to everyone who has supported me: fellow board members, committee volunteers, event hosts, cache creators, cache finders, and the many friends I’ve made along the way. You
have all enriched this experience more than I can express. Leading this organization has been an honor, but being part of this community has been the true reward.
Here’s to new hides, new trails, new stories, and all the adventures still waiting out there!