– Geocache of the Week

One of the joys of geocaching is that the whole world is our gameboard! From the hustle and bustle of the city to the tranquil quiet of the countryside, geocaches lie in wait for finders everywhere to discover their secrets. There are geocaches in nearly every setting on planet Earth.

This week, join us as we sail to New Caledonia, a French collectivity in the South Pacific, to find the region’s first Geocache of the Week, Le phare Amédée (GC416NJ)!

Imagine sailing on the open water with nothing in sight but waves. Just you, your boat, and the sound of the wind as it rustles the lofty sails above you. For many, this image evokes tranquility and zen. Yet as night approaches, darkness envelopes your craft. Thankfully, you need not wait long in the dark as you spot the object of your journey, and the waypoint for Le phare Amédée, a stunning lighthouse in New Caledonia!

To begin your quest, visit New Caledonia’s capital, Noumea, to board a boat for the island. Serving as the gateway for the region, Noumea is the perfect place to prepare for an adventure to the collectivity’s smaller islands. Board a water taxi at the ferry terminal and prepare to see some impressively clear water!

After a short 45 minutes on board, the boat pulls into Îlot Amédée. Although only a speck of an island, it’s vital for boats in the area thanks to the namesake for our GOTW, Le phare Amédée! At 184 feet (56 m) tall, the lighthouse emits a light visible for 20 nautical miles (37 km). Before finding the cache on the island, it’s natural to want to see the view from the top. It won’t be easy, though; the climb is 247 stairs to the top!

A spiral staircase leads you to the vantage point for the island and beyond. With each passing step, you wonder if you’ve made the right decision. Could the view really be worth this toil? Having come so far, you hope the answer is yes! The final steps burn your muscles and signal the end of this unique climb.

Refreshed with a stunning view from the highest point in miles, it’s finally time to ink the log! To find this unique cache, you’ll need to visit a signboard adorned with many locations, both near and far. After trying a few different spots, it appears hope may be lost on finding this cache–it is in a pretty remote place, after all. But wait, there’s the cache! After a long journey by boat, the feeling of the cache in hand is nothing but bliss. No matter where you go, there won’t be a geocache too far away.

Continue to explore some of the most amazing geocaches around the world. Check out all of the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog. If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, fill out this form.