The GeoStash contest is our way of getting you out on the trail and giving you a chance to win some cool prizes in the process. Although not everyone will win a prize, you'll at least be afforded some good times in your quest. Read through the easy steps it takes to participate in the contest, and then get out there and start searching. So far this year, readers have vied for prizes from Toyo Tires, Tuffy Security Products, Mopar, Hooker Headers, and Premier Power Welder. This month's prize will come from Randy's Ring & Pinion.
How to GeoStash:1 Find the west (longitude) coordinate in the magazine. The west coordinate is split into two parts and each is hidden separately, so look for XX in one section of the magazine and XX.XXXW in another section of the magazine. The two parts of the coordinates may be hidden in the text of an article or ghost-imaged on a photograph. For example, if the coordinate were 106 52.979W, you would look for the 106 in one section and the 52.979W in another.
2 Go to the website (www.4wdandsportutility.com) on the 15th of each month to find the north (latitude) coordinate. It will be posted in the forum under the "GeoStash Latest Updates" link on the main page. The north and west coordinates pinpoint a location somewhere in the continental U.S. A stainless steel plate ("marker") laser-cut with the magazine's title and our phone number can be found at this location.
3 Use the north and west coordinates to find and redeem the marker for a very cool prize. The marker is about the size of a vehicle's license plate and it may be placed behind trees, between rocks, or under something, but it will not be completely buried or completely obscured from view. Finding the marker will likely require use of four-wheel drive and involve some hiking. Please check our website's GeoStash page to see if the marker has been found for any given month before you go out searching. Also, please keep in mind that the marker may have been found while you are en route to the coordinate's location. Once we have been notified, we will post where the marker has been found.
The January '08 GeoStash winner is Jason Cooley of Prescott, Arizona. Jason claims the prize of a Hooker Competition Header for Jeep Wranglers with the 4.0L engine. Here is Jason's story:
"Once I found the north coordinate on the website, I realized it was only about an hour and a half away and not far off the interstate. I printed the map then immediately gathered my digital camera, GPS, and cell phone and took off. Once I exited the interstate, I went down a short dirt road in my '99 WJ then got out and hiked up a short hill to a clump of sagebrush where the coordinates were. I figured that would be a good hiding place, but I was doubtful because even the ground hadn't been disturbed. It still took me a half hour before I finally found it buried under the sagebrush. Thanks for the nice treasure hunt to a beautiful spot in the woods."
GeoStash Coordinate Locations in the Magazine January '08Page 34. 111 - On tire in middle photo.Page 54. 49.482W - Top of first photo.
December '07Page 82. 084 - Middle column, second photo down.Page 87. .37528W - Third photo on left.
November '07Page 6. 081 56.646W - Top of page.
October '07Page 21. 00.065W - Bottom left corner.Page 55. 112 - Top left corner of page.
September '07Page 76. 105 50.186W - In second photo.Page 84. 38 31.313N - In middle photo.
August '07Page 10. 42 59.088N - Top right corner.Page 54. 123 26.742N - Right side of photo