High Tech Treasure Hunt brings out the Adventurous

Martin County's Geocaching Event such a success, they're doing it again next year

STUART, FL (July 31, 2008) - The geo caching trend is certainly catching on. Over 48 teams of families, couples and friends gathered for the first ever Geo Caching Treasure Hunt put on Saturday, July 26 th by the Martin County Convention and Visitor's Bureau, part of their "Summer Treasures" campaign to promote the natural riches of Martin County.

The event began at 9 a.m.; with the first participant finishing just after noon, and the last geo cacher just before 5 p.m. Locals from the Treasure Coast, visitors from Palm Beach County and Florida's West Coast made the trip to discover caches, or hiding places that were created throughout downtown Stuart and hidden in various locations. Among the ten cache sites: Shepard Park, Memorial Park, Beach Causeway, Courthouse Cultural Center, and Stuart Feed Store.

"I'm very pleased with how many locals and out of towners came out. I believe we have laid the foundation for an ongoing summer campaign, and everyone I have spoken with had a wonderful time," says Gary Guertin, Chairman of the Martin County Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

Using their personal global positioning satellite units along with a themed Treasure Map, explorers used provided waypoints to discover the caches. Cachers took one item, choosing among Mardi Gras beads, t-shirts, coffee mugs, travel fans and more, which were donated by area businesses and attractions, from each cache they found.

Each cache held a logbook which participants could leave a comment in, and on the lid of each treasure chest was a secret word they entered on their cache sheet, proving they actually found each cache. Explorers who found at least five waypoints qualified for a chance to win the Grand Prize: a three-day, two-night stay at the Caribbean Shores Resort in Jensen Beach and a $500 gas card courtesy of the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Sarah and Christopher Evans of Lake Worth, FL were the lucky winners, but also took home another treasure- a baby boy! Sarah, a full nine months pregnant, was due the day of the geo cache event, and even joked with Martin County Convention and Visitor's Bureau staff that she would name her son, "Stuart," if she went into labor before the drawing.

"The Haney Creek Trail was our favorite cache location. The walking path was beautiful, and we really enjoyed exploring along the ponds," Sarah said. When asked if she and her husband would participate in future geo caching events in Stuart, she replied, "Of course."

Based upon the success, tourism officials plan to hold a Summer Treasures Geocache Event next summer and possibly one for winter of this year.

Located on Florida's east coast, just a two hour drive from Miami or Orlando, Martin County offers visitors a vacation paradise with no high-rise buildings, no crowds, and miles of waterways and pristine beaches, featuring the charm and authenticity that made Florida famous.

Summer Treasures runs through September 30. For more information, visit www.MartinCountyFLA.com or call 877-585-0085.