Paul Albers (HiDude_98) has been a cornerstone of the Central Texas geocaching community for over a decade. With more than 121,000 finds, he holds the distinction of being the leading cache finder in Texas, having cached in all 50 U.S. states and more than 20 countries. Despite those remarkable numbers, Paul is the last person to bring them up — he simply loves the game.
Known for his easygoing nature and deep knowledge of the sport, Paul has a genuine gift for helping fellow cachers at every level, whether that means patiently explaining concepts to newcomers or cracking a seemingly impossible hide alongside seasoned veterans. He's a regular presence at group caching events and has crafted some notably devious puzzle hides of his own.
What truly sets Paul apart, though, is his heart. He has gone out of his way to support fellow cacher Bartman914 — who is bravely battling cancer — by taking him across Texas and around the country so he could continue enjoying the game he loves. It's the kind of quiet generosity that defines Paul: he shows up, he helps, and he never asks for recognition.
Paul Albers is the rare cacher who achieves at the highest level while lifting everyone around him. The Texas Geocaching Hall of Fame is a fitting home for someone who embodies the very best of this community.