Keeping the fun in Geocaching
The 9 Usual Suspects have been around since 2014, we are a group of Geocaching friends based in North West Wales of diverse ages and abilities. Our primary purpose is to get together, place caches, hold events, leave our environment in a better state than we found it and most importantly have fun. On average we hold about 20 events a year from monthly Nosh ‘n’ Natters, several Cache in Trash Outs (CITOs) and hosting the Geocaching Souvenir moments.
A Geocaching event to Remember
GCAAR25 Piratemania Germany by Piraten Crew Block Party D1/T1
On July 5, 2025, the ever popular UK geocaching event Piratemania has spread across the North Sea and had a very German take at the Panarbora Nature Discovery Park in Waldbröl, North Rhine-Westphalia. Held as a Geocaching HQ Block Party and coinciding with geocaching’s 25th anniversary, the event drew adventurers from across Europe for a day of pirate-themed exploration and family fun.
The scenic Panarbora Park— with its breathtaking treetop walkway, 40m high observation tower, and nature trails—served as the perfect family friendly backdrop, there were geocaching & AdLab routes, shopping, story telling, treasure hunts, and an evening’s entertainment for those staying on site.
Accommodation consisted of either cosy treehouses or motorhome spots which were adjacent to the Event, admission to the event was €10 (this is perfectly normal for events on mainland Europe), though overnight guests entrance fee was covered in the treehouse agreement.
Ann@Birdbrook and Naturesbyte, opted for the ‘International’ motorhome site. As the only Brits among the overnight campers, they were warmly welcomed by their European neighbours, highlighting the inclusive and friendly spirit that defines the geocaching community.
Blending adventure, community, and outdoor fun, this German edition of Piratemania truly embodied the spirit of geocaching—bringing people together to explore, connect, and create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.
Many thanks to the The “Piraten Crew” who so worked hard in making this event happen.
Again apologies for the lack of posts. Nice to see 3 new Traditional caches plus more Premium Member Earthcaches and a Multi.
GCB9KY3 Postyn Pren by Tiriondavies Traditional D2/T2
GCB9ABN Yr hen siop by Tiriondavies Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GCB9AG4 Llwybr Cyhoeddus Ardal Glan-yr-Afon By Mat1212 Traditional D2/T2
Premium Member Only
GCB96T4 REALLY SideTracked – Minffordd by ECOBAKE Multi D2/T1.5
Earthcaches
GCB9P31 Castell Mawr Rock by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D1/T2.5
GCB9PBN Anglesey GeoMon – Unconformity by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D4/T2.5
GCB9P49 Anglesey GeoMon – Mudstone Clasts by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3.5/T2.5
GCB9PD9 Parys Mountain Trig by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D1.5/T1.5
GCB9MWD Anglesey GeoMon – Limestone by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D1.5/T1.5
GCB9J6C Llyn Pedarn Glaciation by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2/T5
GCB9FF5 Anglesey GeoMon – Cornstone by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D1.5/T1.5
GCB9FDW Quartz Spar Coat by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D1/T4
GCB9FF7 Trefor Terraces by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2.5/T2.5
GCB9A72 Anglesey Brachiopods by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2/T1.5
GCB9A6Y Llyn Melynllyn by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D1/T4
GCB9A71 Moel Farlwyd Moraines by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D1.5/T3.5
GCB9A4D YOSM #1273 Tal-Y-Fan by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2.5/T2.5
GCB99X2 Anglesey GeoMon – Palaeokarst by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T3
Event
GCB90G 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 80 by 9 Usual Suspects event D1/T1
When: Wednesday 23rd July 2025
Where: Parc Snowdonia, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4AQ
Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves
PLEASE NOTE THIS N&N IS ON A WEDNESDAY AND A WEEK EARLIER THAN NORMAL AS MOST OF THE REGULARS WILL BE ATTENDING PIRATEMANIA & UK MEGA
After a lot of speculation wether there is going to be a UK Mega in 2026 it has been confirmed that the East Anglia Mega Team will be hosting the UK Mega on Saturday 8th August, 2026 at The Norfolk Showground, Dereham Rd, Norwich, NR5 0TT. Camping will be available from Tuesday 4th August to Monday 10 August. For more details East Anglia Mega 2026
Recommended Pub Stopover
While heading to Piratemania Germany in our campervan via Harwich we discovered this basic pub stopover, free as long as you use the pub. The Bricklayers Arms, Little Bentley, Essex is about 20 minutes from Harwich port making it very popular with campervan owners traveling from Harwich to Hook of Holland. The pub advertise space for 5 vans and request you phone ahead to reserve a space but the night we stayed there was at least 9 vans many of which had not booked. The food is very good and the beer excellent. Do check on opening times as we found they were different than quoted on the website.
For the geocacher there is a cache on the green opposite the pub GC8HCV4 K6 Red and many more locally including the 007 puzzle series.
More Earthcaches for the Premium Member and a couple of new caches have been published since our last post:
GCB8QA8 Wood You Look Here by hrytty Traditional D1/T1.5
Premium Member Only
GCB93KQ War Memorial Nefyn by ECOBAKE Multi D2/T1.5
A just few more Earthcaches…. all premium member!
GCB92F2 Little Orme Trig by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2.5/T3.5
GCB92BY Great Orme Grykes by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D1.5/T2.5
GCB92CX Great Orme Summit Trig by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2.5/T1.5
GCB925N Way Out West ~ The Gwna Group Geology
GCB92A9 Criccieth…Blue Schist by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T1.5
GCB918J The Rocks of the Llewelyn Volcanic Group by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T4.5
GCB9160 Mass Movement at Nefyn by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2/T1.5
GCB907R The Snowdon Circle – Metasomatism by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3.5/T4.5
GCB8RF7 Anglesey GeoMon – Ancient Flooding by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2.5/T2.5
GCB8T0M YOSM #0598 Snowdon Summit by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D1/T5
GCB8RCZ Anglesey GeoMon – The New Harbour Formation by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T3
GC8BRYX YOSM #1267 Garnedd Ugain by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2/T5
GCB8RQG The Snowdon Circle – A Tuff Climb by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2/T4
GCB8R9X Great Orme Kamenitzas by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D1.5/T1.5
GCB8QHC Denbighshire Moors Climate Snapshot by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D4.5/T1.5
GCB8QEK Concretions at Rhaeadr y Bedd by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3.5/T3.5
GCB8QKG War Memorial #2357 – Llanfairpwllgwyngyll by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2.5/T1
GCB8PBT Conwy Paleobotany by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D1/T2.5
GCB8P89 Moel y Tryfan by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T3
GCB8N9A Manod Bach Jointing by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3.5/T4
GCB8NK4 Clogwyngarreg Dome by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T4
GCB8N50 Llyn y Dywarchen by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T3
GCB8N7W Clogwyngarreg Contact by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D4/T4
Event
One for the diary:
GCB95X1 A view from a pier? by Ramblingt Event D1/T1
When: Wednesday 6th August 2025
Where: Aberystwyth Pier
Time: 2pm – 2.45pm
Ramblingt are hosting an event to meet local and not so local geocachers to discuss our wonderful hobby.
Event Reminder
GCB8G4G 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 79 by 9 Usual Suspects
When: Thursday 26th, June 2025
Where: Parc Snowdonia, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4AQ
Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves
Yes, this tonight!
UK Block Party
GCAWA2F Great British Geocaching Party by Milton Keynes Geocaching Block Party D1/T1
When: 28th June 2025
Where: Scot Sports and Social Club, Selbourne Avenue, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 5BX
Time: 10am to 4pm
Admission Charge: £5.00 in advance £7.00 on the day under 18’s free
SideTracked Series Turns 18
This year marks the 18th anniversary of the SideTracked Series, and they are doing things a little differently. Unlike previous years, they won’t be hosting a week-long celebration. Instead, they will focus their anniversary events on a single day: Sunday, 10th August. Why? This year also marks a once-in-a-generation milestone: the 200th anniversary of the modern railway in the UK.
On 27th September 1825, the Stockton & Darlington Railway officially opened, becoming the first public railway in the world to operate steam locomotives and carry both passengers and goods. This revolutionary achievement connected people, powered the Industrial Revolution, and ultimately changed the world.
To honour this historic event, a nationwide initiative Railway 200 is underway, with events, exhibitions, and celebrations taking place across the country. A special week-long SideTracked celebration is planned for September.
Join the SideTracked 18th anniversary celebrations by:
Full event details, including naming conventions, are available on our website: https://sidetrackedseries.info/events.php
Moe’s Tavern Event Update
At last, we now have Duff beer, just need a low tide!
Another good week for Premium Member Earthcache fans…
Premium Member Only
GCB8E0V Bwlch y Groes by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T3
GCB8E30 Glacial Striations by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2/T3
GCB8E1T The Dolwyddelan Syncline by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3.5/T3.5
GCB8D26 Roché by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D1/T2.5
GCB8D3G Moel Siabod Cleavage by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2/T4
GCB8CYK YOSM #1262 Carn Fadryn by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2.5/T3
GCB8CZR YOSM #1263 Mynydd Rhiw by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2.5/T3.5
GCB8D3Y YOSM #1264 Carnedd Moel Siabod by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3.5/T4.5
GCB8BWN Mynydd Graig Goch by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2/T4.5
GCB8C0W The Snowdon Volcanic Group by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D4/T4.5
GCB8C2W Pelk Point by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T1.5
GCB8AMG Ordovician Mega Ripples by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T3
GCB782G Wedding Day by Optimist on the run Traditional D1.5/T1.5
On behalf of 9 Usual Suspects and all of the North Wales geocaching community we would like to say congratulations to Simon & Liz on their marriage, wishing them a very happy marriage with lots of fun, laughter and adventures.
Event
GCB8G4G 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 79 by 9 Usual Suspects
When: Thursday 26th, June 2025
Where: Parc Snowdonia, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4AQ
Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves
TB Race Update
Our TB race is now just past the halfway point. This was the leader board on 13.6.2025
1. Golden Goose owner Clueless_Goose 23,487.8 km
2. GraPeS The Bear owner Bess’s Friends 22,719.0 km
3. I Met Signal Tag owner Ecobake 22,566.3 km
4. 16,113.9 km Leap Year Devon Mega 2017 owner FfiLli 16,113.9 km
5. DJ’s Dolphin Adventure owner Cwm DJ 16,100.5 km
6. 9US Race 2025 Go For It owner escapefromwork 15,911.9 km
7. Incy owner sionyn68 15,803.1 km
8. 2025 New Adventure racing Hummingbird owner Wendy2000 15,770.1km
9. 74jen Signal Race Tag owner 74jen 13,233.6 km
10. Racing Pirate owner Ann@Birdbrook 12,668.7 km
11. Compass Winnie owner Bess’s Friends 11,941.6 km
12. WanderBug the World Traveler owner naturesbyte 4,644.4 km
13. RACING KINGFISHER owner YnysMonBirders 4,481.2 km
14. BONUSTOWN I’M IN A RACE owner lostnwet 3,642.1 km
15. Lackey Tag owner Mossfamilymacc 2,053.9 km
16. Travel Sun geocoin owner WelshDisneyMum80 1,184.6 km
Stitch Lackey owner Geojade2013 1,184.6 km
18. Mardi gras 2015 owner Mossfamilymacc 363.6 km
19. Piratemania Chorley Chuckle jude100 194.0 km
20. Clogging all over the world owner Team Marzipan 0.0 km
Total distance traveled by all TB’s 204,064.9 km
A global race, so far 23 countries visited:
Argentina, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Egypt, France, Falkland Islands, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, USA, Uruguay
Currently the Best Picture award uploaded to a TB page goes to Golden Goose owner Clueless_Goose. I think this picture of a turtle in Barbados is going to take some beating….
Memories of Elaine
It is with great sorrow we have to announce the passing of Elaine Welch, a friend to all and a big part of 9 Usual Suspects adventures. Elaine & Richard attended their first 9US event way back in 2017 and quickly became involved with 9US escapades. One of the first to volunteer, becoming very proficient at putting up the tents, lights and props. Always mucking in wether making tea or washing up, she had a knack of spotting what was needed and getting it sorted without any fuss. Elaine hated litter and joined us on many of our CITO litter picks, deriving much satisfaction from leaving a rubbish free environment.
Her parents were Welsh and being a ‘Jones’ North Wales had a very special place in her heart. All her life she had holidayed in Wales. After retiring Richard and her had a caravan on seasonal pitches near Criccieth where they spent as much time as they possibly could.
We know she will be missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts at this difficult time are with Richard, their family & friends.
Another good week for Premium Member Earthcache fans…
GCB82ZM Benllech Multi by hryaaw Multi D2/T2
Premium Member Only
GCB7RZB Church Micro 15411…Rhoscolyn by Glaslyn1 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GCB871K Criccieth Veins by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2.5/T2
GCB855J Dixie by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2.5/T1.5
GCB817W Machroes…Fault by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2.5/T2
GCB8185 Machroes…Ironstone by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T2.5
GCB81FT Machroes…Tessellation by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3.5/T2.5
GCB8189 Machroes…Cliff Spiral by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3.5/T2.5
GCB8183 Machroes…Slickensides by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T2.5
GCB8180 Machroes…Fold by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D1.5/T2.5
GCB8181 Machroes…Lamination by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2.5/T1.5
GCB807A Porthmadog Stylolites by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T1.5
Event Reminder
GCAZVXE 2025 Community Celebration Event by Bess’s Friends Community Event D1/T1
When: Saturday 7th June 2025
Where: Rocklands, Cymyran Road, Caergeiliog, Anglesey LL65 3HN
Time: 1pm to 6pm
Join Bess’s Friends for a BBQ followed by an afternoon of fun and games to celebrate 25 years of geocaching. If you have a favourite board game they ask you to bring it along.
New Treasures
Tuesday 10th June sees the release of two new Treasure Collections, Event mementos and Planets. To start collecting Treasures in Event mementos, geocachers must first complete Classic trackables. To start collecting Treasures in Planets, geocachers must first complete Mystery books.
CITO Tree planting Update
GCAXW19 CITO 2024 Season 2, Let’s Plant Trees!
Back in October we hosted a CITO that instead of picking up litter looked at trees and their contribution to our local environment. We asked attendees to gather tree seeds while out geocaching and to bring them along to the event which we then planted. The response of our attendees was incredible….
We supplied all necessary pots, containers etc.
We can now report that some were a success and others a dismal failure. Sadly the Squirrels and Jays had a feast on the acorns but one has survived, the biggest success is the beech trees followed by the horse chestnuts. The Hawthorns are still germinating.
If you have space for a tree and would like any of the trees please contact us.
If you are a Premium Member there are more new Earthcaches and a very interesting D5/T5 Traditional.
GCB7Z5C Abersoch first hide by JGibson16062012 Traditional D1/T1.5
Premium Member Only
GBB80GB Sunken Treasure by Squaddie101 Traditional D5/T5
I think we might have to have an event here… a lovely location to explore followed by a beach picnic!
Earthcaches
GCB7YHK Porthmadog Ooids by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2.5/T1.5
GCB7XTJ Bizarre Breccia by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3.5/T1
GCB7V5A Volcano Land by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2/T2
GCB7PTJ The Llanberis Volcanic Group by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D4/T2
GCB7P9Z Beddgelert🐶 by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2/T1.5
Event
GCB6T20 The After Bryn Event by martin&lindabryn Event D1/T2
When: Saturday 5th July 2025
Where: Moss Road, Gwersyllt, Nr. Wrexham
Time: 5pm to 7pm or when the last person leave
Parking: Disabled Parking only at venue. Parking N 53° 03.892 W 003° 01.760 follow instructions on the cache page.
This is Martin & Linda’s first event since retiring from The Bryn. They are hosting a BBQ in their garden of their new abode. All geocachers welcome.
Event Reminder
GCB7484 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 78 by 9 Usual Suspects
When: Thursday 29th May, 2025
Where: Parc Snowdonia, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4AQ
Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves
Yes, it’s tonight!
June Solstice Souvenir
To earn your June Solstice souvenir find and log any geocache, Event, or Adventure Lab® Location from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd June.
Again another good week for anyone that likes Earthcaches and is a Premium Member:
GCB7F9E In the Middle by hryaaw Traditional D1/T1.5
GCB7RW4 Lakeside Snowdonia Business Park by DaveHGeoCach Traditonal D3/T2
Premium Member Only
GCB7A77 Memorial Stone. by Bess’s Friends Mystery D3/T3.5
GCB7PRV Beddgelert Beach by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3.5/T2
GCB7RAB Gyrn Ddu by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2.5/T4
GCB7QAM Tin Man by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D4/T3.5
GCB7Q7X Porthmadog Park by MrsMagnaDefender Earthcache D2/T1.5
GCB7PQK Little Bridges # 3143 Beddgelert by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T1.5
GCB7MMR Pwllheli Minerals by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D1.5/T1.5
GCB7MJT Pwllheli Contact by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T2.5
GCB7KWA Bangor Metasomatism by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D4.5/T1
GCB7MJ2 Pwllheli Glaciation by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3.5/T3.5
GCB7M98 Bangor Palaeocurrents by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2/T1
GCB7GG1 Pistyll Cwn by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D4.5/T4.5
GCB7E45 YOSM #1249 Mynydd Cilan by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T3
The End of Another Heritage Cache
GC9472 Nant-y-Gamar by ldbooth & stonemasons Traditional D2/T3.5 Hidden 28.9.2002
Sadly, even though in place and in excellent condition, this 2002 cache has been archived. Why? Because the cache owner did not respond to a Reviewers 30 day notice. The current owners of the cache only found 61 caches and have not visited Geocaching.com since 29.12.2014. We tried to adopt the cache but were, unsurprisingly, unable to trace ldbooth+EJ the owners, therefore unable to transfer the cache ownership.
Our reviewer advised us to contact Geocaching HQ to see if they would allow us to take on the responsibility and maintain the cache. Disappointingly we had no response from Geocaching HQ. After the cache had been archived I complained that my message had not been acknowledged and received the following:
“Geocaches are considered property of the cache owner. It is for this reason that we cannot allow any transferring of ownership without the owner’s permission – or any exceptions.“
The cache is now geo-litter. Is geocaching HQ ignoring the problem of maintaining and keeping alive these old heritage caches?
While attending the Giga Event in Prague we spoke to a HQ Lackey about the problem of old caches being archived and the difficulty of tracing cache owners who no longer geocache making adoption impossible. He was very sympathetic, promised to raise the problem at HQ but didn’t think that there was much chance in changing the current policy. He did point out that even if a cache is archived it can still be logged as a find unless locked by HQ. He also suggested that owners of heritage caches should put a note on their geocaching profile page saying that if for any reason they had not visited Geocaching.com for 12 months that they give their permission for adoption of their owned caches.
Personally I think it is time for a change of HQ policy with any cache over, say, 20 years being allowed to be adopted or at least maintained by another geocacher. What do you think?
Something for everyone this week, for those that enjoy Earthcaches an especially good week! Please note all the new caches are Premium Member Only.
GCB76DH Porth Ceiriad – A look into the Quaternary by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D4/T2
GCB76FY Porth Ceiriad – Fantastic Folds by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D1/T3.5
GCB769Z Port Bach – Strata by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2/T3
GCB76EY Porth Ceiriad – Bouma Sequence by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D4/T2.5
GCB7A9M St Tudwal’s Islands by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D4/T5
GCB79P3 Natural Concrete by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2.5/T2.5
GCB79NA YOSM – Penychain by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T3
GCB78QT Peridotite Perambulation by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3.3/T2.5
GCB7834 Longshore Drift at Abersoch by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2.5/T2
GCB78NX Porth Ceiriad – Unconformity by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3.5/T3.5
GCB78MM Into the Ordovician by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2/T4
GCB78JB YOSM – Mynydd Penarfynydd by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D4.5/T3
GCB78Q4 Pwllheli Fracture by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T2
GCB7AA9 YOSM – Mynydd Tîr-y-cwmwd by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D4/T4
GCB766M St Mair’s Church – Y Felinheli by ECOBAKE Multi D2/T1.5
GCB5RVZ Steller Droid 97 by sdharding Traditional D1.5/T3.5
Event
GCB7484 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 78 by 9 Usual Suspects
When: Thursday 29th May, 2025
Where: Parc Snowdonia, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4AQ
Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves
We are back again at Snowdonia Parc for this months N&N.
UK Mega 2026?
It looks like there will be a UK Mega in 2026:
We are looking out for the announcements….
We apologise for the lack of posts over the last couple of weeks, but hopefully, we are back to normal. We have 7 new caches to report:
GCB6XG5 Cache cyflym yn y gogledd by NonCompassMentis Traditional D2/T2
GCB6VG5 Stroll to the Beach by hryaaw Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GCB6RG1 Cultural Milestone by Clueles_Goose Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GCB5NN7 REALLY SideTracked – Y Groeslon by Clueless_Goose Multi D2.5/T1/5
GCB6ECB REALLY SideTracked – Pant Glas by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/1.5
GCB6EBR REALLY SideTracked – Llanwnda by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/1.5
GCB62TN A llonydd gorffenedig yw llonydd Lôn Goed by cartinlloyd_x D2/T2
Celebrating 25 years of Geocaching
May 3rd 2025 saw the 25th birthday of Geocaching, to celebrate there was many events, large and small, held all over the world plus there was the Blue Switch Day souvenir to be earned. Did you experience difficulties with Ad labs? All the extra celebratory logging of Ad Labs caused the Geocaching server to became overloaded affecting the logging and display of stages and in some cases shutting down the app. With many celebratory LAB’s only being available for a limited time this caused a lot of frustration. In Prague the initial reaction was to blame local internet connectivity before later in the day admitting the problem was global and the fault being with Geocaching servers.
The following statement was issued by the Prague Giga Team:
🌐 Geocaching HQ server issues
We’re sorry about the technical difficulties on Saturday that affected logging and displaying LAB caches. These were not local connection issues – the problems originated from the Geocaching HQ servers.
Is this the Best Ever Cache?
While in Prague for the giga event we found this brilliant traditional cache in a quiet back street. A superb piece of urban camouflage for this large well stocked cache in the topbox of a moped.
GCAY4V9 Motocyklová by chorchoj Traditional D2.5/T1 Premium Member Only Favourite points 2326
Thanks to a very busy Clueless_Goose we have several new caches since our last post:
GCB5YXY REALLY SideTracked – Port Dinorwic by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/T1.5
GCB5RKC SideTracked – Llanfairpwll by Clueless_Goose Mystery D3.5/T1.5
GCB5V3A SideTracked – Bangor (Gwynedd) Traditional D2.5/T1.5
GCB5QE3 Pont Britannia by Clueless_Goose Multi D2/T2.5
GCB5M1E Taken for Granted by Clueless_Goose Multi T2/D2
Premium Member Only
GCB60FP Water Under The Bridge by OuroborosOutdoors Traditional D4/T4.5
GCB5V2C REALLY SideTracked – Griffith’s Crossing by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2.5/T1.5
It is nice to see a cache back here, see below for a brief history of this once ‘famous’ station.
Event Reminder
GCB5JC5 9 Usual Suspects Nosh & Natter 77 by 9 usual Suspects
When: Thursday 24th April 2025
Where: Snowdonia Parc, Waunfawr, LL55 4AQ
Time: 7pm to 9pm
For this months Nosh & Natter we are back at the Snowdonia Parc, Waunfawr.
Griffith’s Crossing, a Brief History
The Griffiths Crossing Station was a Station on the Menai Bridge to Afon Wen line which was opened in stages between 1852 and 1871.
In 1911 a ceremony was held in which the future King Edward VIII was invested as Prince of Wales at Caernarfon castle. Part of the event was a procession into the town led by King George V and Queen Mary. Griffiths Crossing was chosen as the location at which the royal party would alight. The station facilities were considered inadequate for the royal party, so temporary timber structures were erected which included an extension to the down platform and a canopy. The Royal train stopped at Griffiths Crossing on 13th November 1911. After the event, the station reverted to its basic form.
The station closed in 1937 even though the line remained busy into the 1960s, but following the closure of Caernarfon and Afon Wen section in 1964, it went into decline. In the second half of 1966 the line through the station was singled, and the former down line lifted. On 1st July 1969 Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales at Caernarfon castle, once again it was decided that a procession would take place and that Griffiths Crossing would be the ideal location for the royal party to alight the Royal train. As Griffiths Crossing had been demolished a temporary platform was built further west then the original station, where the bridge passed over into the Ferodo Factory.
Below is a video showing guests to the investiture arriving at Caernarfon Station, now Morrisons, and the royal train arriving at Griffiths Crossing with the then new Ferodo Factory in the background.
All services ended on the 4th January 1970. However on 23rd of May 1970 a fire on the Britannia Bridge isolated Holyhead from the railway network. Holyhead was at the time an important freightliner depot, so Caernarfon was pressed into use for freightliner services. Freightliner trains passed through Griffiths Crossing until 5th February 1972. The line then closed completely and was lifted.
The site of the station was lost under a road improvement scheme but the house nearby is the old Station Master’s House, and is the only evidence of a station once being here.