By Mike Malvick (Greatland Reviewer/LadybugKids)

In prior Reviewer columns, I have discussed the “sweeping” process of looking at long disabled caches and caches with a growing list of “didn’t find it” logs. My curiosity was piqued about the archival rates (Cache Owner plus Reviewer generated) for various regions of the Alaska, so using Geocaching Swiss Army Knife (GSAK) and a database of all caches ever published in Alaska, I generated the following statistics after dividing the state with an east/west line drawn roughly through Cantwell.

Looking at my more than fifteen-year tenure as a Community Volunteer Reviewer beginning in July 2010, reveals the following:

• North of the line, 783 caches out of 2242 caches were archived, or 34.9%.
• South of the line, 5187 caches out of 11358 caches were archived, or 45.6%.
• TOTAL: 5970 caches out of 13600 caches were archived, or 43.8%.

Looking at geocaching statistics dating back to the beginning of geocaching in Alaska in year 2000, including caches published and archived by my predecessors erik88l-r and Crow T Robot, the numbers look like this:

• North of the line, 794 caches out of 2250 caches were archived, or 35.3%.
• South of the line, 5955 caches out of 12089 caches were archived, or 49.3%.
• TOTAL: 6749 caches out of 14339 caches were archived, or 47.1%.

So, overall archival rates across Alaska have slightly decreased during the past fifteen years. Of the caches logged by my player account, which has been active for 21 years and 53.7% of the finds are outside of Alaska, 52.6% have been archived, indicating that Alaska has a lower archival rate than many areas where I have cached.

I do my best to be impartial when sweeping caches, even eliciting comments from cachers that are amused about my player account’s (Ladybug Kids) caches receiving Reviewer Notes. Players may e-mail or message me through my profile if they have a question about something I did as a Reviewer. I may or may not be able to directly answer the question depending upon the need to comply with Geocaching HQ confidentiality policy. If you are unsatisfied with the response I provide, you may contact Geocaching HQ via the Help Center’s Contact Us link.

As 2025 comes to a very busy, and VERY chilly close, and as both the outgoing and incoming Presidents of GeocacheAlaska! have escaped the state in search of warmer weather, I have taken the opportunity to seize the microphone to talk a bit about the Caching Around the State Newsletter. 

As most of us have noticed, the old .pdf newsletter has moved to a blog-style format this past year, making it easier to share long-form stories, pictures, cache links, and more. But one of the biggest benefits is that it’s easier than ever for our newsletter to be a collaborative effort among our Alaskan caching community, meaning it can be bigger and better than ever! The Board of Directors has lots of ideas on how to make that happen, but for now, here are a few ways that you can help out:

• Have you been on caching trip recently? Tell us about it! Maybe it was somewhere in Alaska. Maybe you visited another continent! Or had the privilege to attend a mega or giga event. Write a brief story to share your adventures with us!
• Found a really cool or unique cache that begs being shared? What about a truly amazing view or landscape? Doesn’t matter where it is, just give us the scoop (and some pictures)! 
• Did a recent caching outing come with a story to tell? A funny moment, mishap, epic adventure, wildlife near miss, or milestone? Write it down and share the fun with us! 
• Do you have pictures from a recent event? Please share a few with us! 
• Other newsletter ideas in the works involve featuring an Alaskan cacher profile each month, highlighting a Alaskan cache-of-the-month, and re-introducing monthly statistics and Top 10 lists. All of these features will need the GeocacheAlaska! community’s help in order to work. 

Newsletter stories can be full stories, brief snippets, or even just a few pictures with a quick description. And definitely don’t worry if it’s not “professional” or you don’t think you’re a good writer- hearing each other’s unique voices is part of the joy of reading the newsletter! 

If you have something to share in Caching Around the State, please send it to Sarah Pace (RSPace) at rspace.ak@gmail.com

Happy Caching in 2026!
Sarah Pace (team RSPace)
Secretary, GeocacheAlaska!

By Mike Malvick (Greatland Reviewer/LadybugKids)

It is something most people do not want to talk about, but a little individual planning can provide a lot of clarity regarding what happens to a cacher’s caches and trackables upon the cacher’s death.  Geocaching HQ’s policy is very clear that caches and trackables can only be adopted to another player with the express permission of a family member, as the cache remains the property of the deceased cacher’s (decedent’s) estate.  Therefore, it falls to each individual cacher to include their geocaching-related property in their personal estate plan.

In the event of a cacher’s death, the following occurs:

• Unless Geocaching HQ hears from the family requesting otherwise, no immediate action is taken. The community grieves when another community member passes away, and their natural wish is to protect the decedent’s legacy. Often there is nothing wrong with the caches and they can continue to be found.
• If the decedent had friends in the community, those friends sometimes have a connection to the cacher’s family.  When the time is right, the friends may decide to contact the family to ask what they would like to see happen with the caches. There is no urgency to do this. The caches will be all right and the family has more important things to worry about during those first few months.
• Sometimes Geocaching HQ never hears anything from family and friends and all activity on the account ceases.  In this case, the local Reviewer archives the caches with the normal sweeping process as the caches fall into disrepair. The community will have had time to grieve and fix up the caches if they are going to do so, and the caches can quietly be archived.

The following options are available to the decedent’s family:

1. Archive the listings, so that the locations are opened up to other community members.
2. Work with the local caching community to maintain the caches.  The local Reviewer will coordinate with Geocaching HQ if the Reviewer knows that a cache(s) will be well maintained by a community and Geocaching HQ will help determine if this is a viable option based upon communication with the decedent’s family.
3. Adopt the listing(s) to a member of the decedent’s family.
4. Adopt the listing(s) to a member of the caching community.
5. A family member takes over the decedent’s account.

The decedent’s family may coordinate the adoptions, but if the family is not involved in the game, it is generally less stressful for them to give permission for the caches to be adopted and have Geocaching HQ take care of the rest.  Assuming permission is given, Geocaching HQ can quietly transfer ownership as the local Reviewer notifies Geocaching HQ of people who want to adopt specific geocaches.

EarthCaches and Virtual caches cannot be community maintained because someone must review for correctness the answers submitted to the listing’s owner.  They may be adopted out with approval of the decedent’s family.

Decisions about trackables belonging to the decedent must be made by the decedent’s family since those trackables are presumed to be part of the decedent’s estate.  The family will physically have possession of the type of geocoin collection that is kept in display cases, or display books, etc.  In these cases, the family can contact Geocaching HQ if they wish to have any of the activated collection transferred over to a new account.

The results are in!
After the certification of the election for this year’s open board seats, we are pleased to announce the 2026 GeocacheAlaska! board of directors:

• President: Wesley Skinner – NorthWes (Anchorage)
• Vice President: Blake Stewart – jackcat14 (Anchorage)
• Treasurer: Lisa Williams – WOCM (Anchorage)
• Secretary: Sarah Pace – RSPace (Eagle River)
• Webmaster: Scott Aleckson – SSO JOAT (Soldotna)
• Member at Large: Susan Bartel – getatm (Willow)
• Member at Large: Trish Fredieu – AKLoisandClark (Chugiak)
• Member at Large: Bill VanCouwenberghe – AlaskaVans (Anchorage)
• Member at Large: River Brubaker – rb127126  (Palmer)

By: Emily Accipiter Stewart (eaccipi)

Have you ever worked to find a challenge cache? They’re puzzle caches with a twist —one that takes place long before you even sign the physical logbook. They’re designed for geocachers who enjoy working toward goals, tracking statistics, and completing achievements over time.

Examples include:

• Finding a cache in every county of your state
• Completing a streak of 30 consecutive days of geocaching
• Finding caches of every size or difficulty/terrain rating
• Filling your “Jasmer grid” (finding caches placed in every month since geocaching began.

These challenges don’t usually require special skills—just persistence, planning, and some creative caching!

How They Work
Challenge caches follow the same basic steps as any other physical cache: the owner hides a container, submits a listing, and provides coordinates. But there’s one key difference: you may sign the log at any time, but you can only log the find online once you’ve met the challenge requirement. Most challenge caches include:

• A clear description of the challenge
• Verification criteria (how you or the owner can check your qualifications)
• A physical container at the posted coordinates
• Geocaching platforms typically require challenge caches to follow specific guidelines to keep them fair, attainable, and safe.

Why People Love Them
Challenge caches appeal to both casual finders and hardcore collectors. They encourage:

• Exploration: You may visit counties, parks, or towns you’d never have considered.
• Skill Building: They push you to try new cache types or tougher terrain.
• Long-Term Engagement: Many challenges require weeks, months, or even years to complete.
• Friendly Competition: Geocachers often compare stats and swap stories about their toughest challenges.

Types of Challenges
While challenge creativity is endless, they typically fall into these categories:

1. Geographic challenges
   Complete finds within specific regions or along routes.
2. Statistical or grid challenges
   Fill out difficulty/terrain (D/T) grids, streaks, or calendar days.
3. Diversity challenges
   Find a variety of cache types, containers, or attributes.
4. Milestone-based challenges
   Reach certain find counts or complete themed collections (e.g., 100 mystery caches).

Etiquette and Rules
A few important points for challenge seekers:

• Read the listing carefully. Requirements differ widely.
• Don’t fake qualifications. Honesty keeps the community healthy.
• Ask questions if unsure. Cache owners are usually happy to clarify.
• Celebrate responsibly. Many challenges mark big milestones—have fun!

A Fun Way to Level Up Your Adventures
Challenge caches add depth and personal goals to geocaching. Whether you enjoy long-term achievements, love tracking stats, or just want something new to motivate your next outing, challenges offer a unique way to experience the hobby.

Here’s a list of all of the challenge caches in Alaska!
How many have you found or qualify for?

• GC599C6 – Fairbanks Busy Day
• GC17H9E – South Central Alaska DeLorme Challenge
• GCYPMN – The Alaska Borough and Census Area Challenge
• GCBE3YG – 2024 Mini Jasmer Challenge
• GCBE3Y4 – 2023 Mini Jasmer Challenge
• GCBE3XF – 2021 Mini Jasmer Challenge
• GCBE3X1 – 2018 Mini Jasmer Challenge
• GCBE3XN – 2022 Mini Jasmer Challenge
• GCBE3WM – 2011 Mini Jasmer Challenge
• GCBE3WC – 2010 Mini Jasmer Challenge
• GCBE3V0 – 2009 Mini Jasmer Challenge
• GCBE3TJ – 2008 Mini Jasmer Challenge
• GCBDQJ0 – Aurora Challenge Trail: Beginners Challenge
• GCBDJHB – Aurora Challenge Trail: Handicaching
• GCBDJHP – Aurora Challenge Trail: Reaching New Heights
• GCBDQDP – Aurora Challenge Trail: 49th State Caching
• GCBDQDP – Aurora Challenge Trail: January Sourdough
• GCBDQFY – Aurora Challenge Trail: My Favourite Month
• GCBDQDW – Aurora Challenge Trail: February Sourdough
• GCBDQDY – Aurora Challenge Trail: March Sourdough
• GCBDQG4 – Aurora Challenge Trail: Stair Stepper
• GCBDQE1 – Aurora Challenge Trail: April Sourdough
• GCBDMTY – Aurora Challenge Trail: Outside
• GCBDN1M – Aurora Challenge Trail: Steak Savers
• GCBDQEV – Aurora Challenge Trail: May Sourdough
• GCBDMV1 – Aurora Challenge Trail: Richardson Highway
• GC1E39H – Zany Kilo Green Box Challenge Cache
• GC9KJ41 – 2013 Mini Jasmer Challenge
• GC9KJ2V – 2014 Mini Jasmer Challenge
• GC5FR77 – The West Coast Traveller Challenge Cache
• GC9KAF4 – 2012 Mini Jasmer Challenge
• GC470RK – Find a Cache for a year by PLACED DATE Challenge
• GC5G3J3 – TRANSCONTINENTAL TRAVELER CHALLENGE CACHE
• GC30EQK – Alaska Challenge #5: One Busy Day
• GC30FAC – Alaska Challenge #6: Cavyguy’s 10%
• GC30EPT – Alaska Challenge #2: Blazingpathways
• GC4XH6G – Happy Holidaze – A Challenge Cache
• GC30EQ2 – Alaska Challenge #4: Leave NO day Uncached
• GC30FB7 – Alaska Challenge #9: Another Busy Day
• GC4KNXR – Alaska Challenge #11—100 STARS
• GC9KB8N – 2020 Mini Jasmer Challenge
• GC30FAM – Alaska Challenge #7: Streaker’s Challenge
• GC17H9E – South Central Alaska DeLorme Challenge
• GC5BRXR – Alaska’s Lonely Cache Challenge
• GC3XFKZ – Diagonal – Fizzy Challenge Bingo
• GC30EPV – Alaska Challenge #3: A Cache a Year
• GC3XDXR – Vertical – Fizzy Challenge Bingo
• GC9K9JD – 2015 Mini Jasmer Challenge
• GC9K9JH – 2007 Mini Jasmer Challenge
• GC21QXG – Alaska’s Geology: An Earthcache Challenge
• GC57NAV – Cover All – Fizzy Challenge Bingo
• GC9K8QX – 2016 Mini Jasmer Challenge
• GC9K7Q9 – 2019 Jasmer Challenge
• GC9K8QK – 2017 Jasmer Challenge
• GC3XFKG – Horizontal – Fizzy Challenge Bingo
• GC56N6K – Alaska Challenge #14: 500 Favorites
• GC3YJ7J – Alaska Challenge Cache – Comfort Zone
• GC4MK8W – Alaska Challenge #13 —Social Butterfly
• GC599C6 – Fairbanks Busy Day

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!