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.
It’s been 2 weeks since our last update and there is a lot to report, new Events, Adventure labs, Traditional and Mystery caches.
GC9TVKK The Old Nantlle Line by Somot Traditional D1.5/T2
GC9TPEW Dyffryn Nantlle by Somot Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9T87D Same View, Same Query by Caneou (Relisted by Clueless_Goose) Traditional D1/T1.5
Premium Members Only
The following series is a mix of traditional and puzzle caches.
GC9TNZH Astrology series #1 by EmAndKe Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9TP2T Astrology series #2 by EmAndKe Mystery D2.5/T1.5
GC9TP39 Astrology series #3 by EmAndKe Mystery D2.5/T1.5
GC9TP7P Astrology series #4 by EmAndKe Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9TP71 Astrology series #5 by EmAndKe Mystery D2.5/T2
GC9TP65 Astrology series #6 by EmAndKe Mystery D3.5/T1.5
Events
GC9TVON 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh and Natter 46 by 9 Usual Suspects
When: Tuesday 31st May 2022
Time: 7-9pm
Where: Anglesey Arms, Harbour Front, Caernarfon LL55 1SG
If intending to be there, please log a ‘will attend’ so we can let the pub know numbers.
GC9TQP7 Meet and Greet in Llangollen by mcc_, 24940, TheHarleyRebel
When: Thursday 2nd June 2022
Time: 7-7.30pm
Where: Llangollen War Memorial, Castle Street, Llangollen LL20 8PB
Adventure Labs
Beddgelert River Walk by MrsMagnaDefender
Criccieth – Castle & Caves by The Magna Defender
Highlights of Porthmadog by Raspberry14
Canol Mon – The Centre of Anglesey by escapefromwork
Lovely Llandudno by GB77
Here we are in dreich, wet, cold and windy, not quite what we had hoped for, but a welcome break none the less. We are currently stopped for the night in the Kelpies’ carpark for a very reasonable £7.50.
The Kelpies are horse-head sculptures that depict shape-shifting water spirits. They are constructed out of stainless steel on a mild steel framework being 30 metres high and weigh 300 tonnes each. These are not only a superb piece of engineering and also are stunning to look at from every angle.
GC891CY Phooning with the Kelpies by Doodlejack virtual D1.5/T1.5
In-between the weather we have managed to visit some amazing places and of course find geocaches and adventure labs.
One of our ambitions was to walk across the Forth Bridge and to grab the virtual cache in the middle, we achieved this in the teeth of a freezing wind, but it was well worth it for the views. Since the opening of the “New” Forth Road Bridge only busses and taxis are the only motorised transport allowed across the bridge, there is a pedestrian and cycleway either side of the main carriageway at the moment only the east side is open. There was no sign of anyone painting the bridge, maybe they finally finished it!
GC7B69W Fiorth of Forth (Virtual Reward) by Devious_Dwarferkev virtual D2/T2
One of the adventure labs in Moffat took us down a leafy cul-de-sac to where a full size Second World War fighter plane was parked on a bungalow front lawn, it beats gnomes or solar water wheels for oneupmanship!
As we compose this the rain is still pattering down on the roof of the van, hopefully tomorrow will bring sunshine for a trip to the Falkirk Wheel before heading off to Lindores Abbey Distillery.
There has been plenty of new caches published to keep everyone busy over the Bank Holiday weekend.
GC9RYRT Harbour Bug by Jonesof3 Traditional D2/T1.5
GC9T26N GC Tree by Jonesof3 Traditional D2/T1.5
GC9T270 Old Octel Site by Jonesof3 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9RZD5 Slugs & kisses by 1jg 190992 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9T30Q Little Lanes & Roman Remains by Clueless_Goose Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9T3MR Watch the hump by Hughesboys5 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9T3PM Grit for help by Hughesboys5 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
Premium Member Only
GC9T06F Rhoscolyn Beach by PlasmaWave Mystery/Puzzle D3/T2
Event
GC9RN8V On Top Of………… The Carneddau by Avid SockWearer Event 15.5.2022 D1/T4.5
Bank Holiday Sunday by RichieBlod
We would like to share the following poem log by RichieBlod, it sums a wet Bank Holiday Sunday perfectly.
The log can be found on GC6A9KX Church Micro 8975…. Clynnog Fawr
“On a day like this,
When it’s pouring with rain,
But staying home,
Would drive us insane.
When Muggles stay in,
And wait for the sun,
Geocachers relish,
Some unhindered fun.
So a list was created,
A picnic was made,
Then off we set,
On our crusade.
A beautiful church,
And parishioners to boot,
All dressed in their finery,
In their best Sunday suit.
So we tackled the multi,
Pen and paper in hand,
Worked out the coordinates,
Then scoured the land.
We tracked down the container,
Spotted from a certain view,
Crafted on a 3D printer,
And how nice it was too!
We signed our names,
And the log was dated,
Stealth skills were used
To replace where located.
Thanks for the cache,
Is what we both want to say,
For a fun packed adventure,
On a rainy day!”
Just 2 new caches to find and a souvenir available over the Bank Holiday weekend.
GC9N7XP The hole in the cliff face by Cacher247247 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
Premium member only:
GC9R5YJ Dragon Quest by MonHunter Traditional D1.5/T2.5
Blue Switch Souvenir
It’s time to celebrate the anniversary of GPS technology becoming available to everyone. Until May 2000 Selective Availability made the use of GPS technology unavailable to the general public. In the United States, the military was the only entity with access to this technology. On May 2nd 2000, the U.S. government “flipped the switch” and made GPS available to all. For some unknown reason Geocachers call this day Blue Switch Day, and again this year Geocaching HQ are celebrating with a new souvenir!
The Blue Switch Day 2022 souvenir is available from April 30th through to May 2nd, to earn find a geocache, Adventure Lab® Location, or by attending an Event.
There is something for everyone in this update, with a good mix of new caches that are scattered all over our area.
GC9QRZR Mawddach Meander – Secret Houses by CazzaB80 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9RHAN Rainbow Bridge by louisap27 Traditional D1.5/T3
GC9R9M1 LR412 #1 by Gapjohn Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9R9JF LR412 #2 by Gapjohn Traditional D1.5/T3
GC9R8D2 Sneaky sheep by LauraandB Traditional D1/T1.5
GC9RE89 Town Walls Wherigo by Clueless_Goose Wherigo D2/T1.5
Premium Member Only
GC9Q4J8 Vitamin Sea by RichieBlod Traditional D2/T1.5
Event
Please note this months N&N is on Wednesday not Tuesday, also if intending to be there please log a ‘will attend’ so we can let the pub know numbers.
GC9R5G0 9 usual Suspects – Nosh and Natter 45 by 9 Usual Suspects
When: Wednesday 27th April 2022
Time: 7-9pm
Where: Snowdonia Parc, Waunfawr LL55 4AQ
The Mawddach Trail runs between Dolgellau and Barmouth, approximatly 9.5 miles (15km) along the disused Great Western railway line and closely follows the southern edge of the beautiful Mawddach estuary. It is flat with a fairly even surface making it suitable for both cyclists and walkers. There are stunning views across to Diffwys and the Rhinogs, and up the estuary to Y Garn and the Arans beyond Dolgellau. Nearly the whole of the estuary is listed as a site of special scientific interest, there are two RSPB reserves, Taicynhaeaf and Arthog. See the map below for parking etc.
Map www.mawddachtrail.co.uk
We needed somewhere to test our latest geocaching equipment acquisitions, electric bikes. This trail looked perfect with 2 series of lab caches, 4 traditional, a mystery and virtual cache all on the trail. With a few slight divisions we managed to pick up another 3 traditional caches. We decided to find geocaches on the outward bike ride and lab caches on the return trip.
We parked in the small car park at Pont y Wernddu which is 8 miles from Barmouth and very close to
GC7XVA3 BRIDGE OF RIVETS by Chipshop Traditional D2/T2. ( a cache we had already found)
Our first stop was for a 2009 cache that had been on our solved list for a very long time, a very easy find as at GZ it was laying in full view with the lid partially open. Luckily the cache is double ‘boxed’ so logbook and contents were dry and in good condition. We left it well hidden!
GC1WK0E Mawddach Mystery by Gwyddno Mystery D2/T1
Our next stop was for another even older cache, this time 2005.
GCQKMW Mawddach Trail Cache by Tywyn Team Traditional D3/T3
As it is a short distance off the trail Pete drew the short straw and went up the hill into Coed Garth for the cache while I guarded the bikes.
Here on the information board is a quote from John Ruskin, (Victorian painter, poet and philosopher) “that only one other journey in the world had views to compare with the one from Dolgellau to Barmouth, and that was the journey from Barmouth to Dolgellau”
It was quite a long ride to the next cache, but very easy cycling and surrounded by beautiful scenery.
GC4ADY5 Black Bridge by Linny bin Traditional D1.5/T1.5
So far we had been very lucky with very few other trail users, here it all changed. The bridge was a very popular spot, we managed to find the cache in a lull of cyclists and walkers but it took ages to replace. While waiting we watched a pair of shelducks, little egret and a heron feeding in the mud as well as appreciating the views.
Our next stop was for a recently published cache, there had only been 3 finders before us. The cache is definitely hidden on an old piece of rail track.
GC9QRY8 Mawddach Meander – An Old Rail or a Pole? by CazzaB80 Traditional D1.5/T2
We made a slight detour off the trail for our next find
GC9G4QF Mum and Dad enjoyed the view by svl379 Traditional D1/T1
It was then back the way we had come, through the gate and along the lane to another recently published cache. While I followed the arrow naturesbyte found the cache! A very beautiful spot.
GC9QRZR Mawddach Meander – Secret Houses by CazzaB80 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
Our next cache was back on the Mawddach Trail, the closer we got to Barmouth the busier the trail became. We took far too long to find this cache, our excuse, there was an awful lot of walkers and cyclists. We eventually found it in a ‘traffic’ lull where we both had previously looked!
GC9QRWP Mawddach Meander – Barmouth Junction by CazzaB80 Traditional D2/T1.5
The next cache is one we had already found way back in May 2019 while having a weekend in Barmouth with the Moseleys when there was only 3 of them.
GC7B6PQ Barmouth Bridge by SidAndBob Virtual D1/T1
Here is my log on this cache ‘To walk over this bridge has been on my ‘to do’ list for a very long time, so while spending a long weekend in Barmouth with Team Convoy we took the opportunity to discover this virtual, walk across the bridge and return by train. A great day, beautiful 360 degree views and several caches what more can you ask for. Favourite point awarded for taking me somewhere I had always wanted to go! 3,462nd cache TFTC.’
After navigating the incredibly busy bridge we headed for the ice cream shop in Barmouth for a ‘surprise’!
It was now time to do the return journey and complete the Adventure Lab Mawddach Trail – Western that we started ages ago before attempting the eastern series.
Mawddach Trail – Western created by TAG
Mawddach Trail – Eastern created by Lime Candy
We highly recommend this trail, choose a day with good weather to make the most of the views. CazzaB80 is intending to place more caches along the trail which will give us an excuse to return!
Thank You Litter Pickers
GC9QBKA CITO 2022 Season 1 by 9 Usual Suspects
A very big THANK YOU to all attendees of Sundays CITO for your support and hard work. Unbelievably we picked another trailer piled high full of rubbish, it was only November when we were last here! There was all the usual stuff, cans, bottles, take away containers, clothes, shoes but some new ones for us a vacuum cleaner, rugs, clothes horse, bucket, football and a Barbie doll. We would like to bring to everyones attention that we also found syringes, please be vigilant when out geocaching especially in urban areas.
One of the worst spots was in the wood behind Tesco recycling bins. As the recycling bins are very popular with shoppers they fill very quickly, once full, bags of clothes are left beside them. Some of these bags get thrown over the wall where they are opened and we presume, anything of value is taken, the rest is left to become a wet soggy mess.
It is such a shame this pretty woodland is blighted by rubbish and litter. Can you spot the geocacher?
Wendy2000 clearing the undergrowth of cans and bottles. This short stretch of footpath though these woods should be an asset to Caernarfon but instead it is often an area to avoid.
The archway, a popular ‘party’ area, was cleared of all cans, bottles and general rubbish. Let us hope it still looks the same when we next do a CITO here.
When the hard work was done everyone enjoyed a drink and cake which was accompanied by plenty of banter and geochat.
Norman Hughes, on behalf of Gwynedd Council, has asked that we forward their appreciation to all involved.
New Caches
We have 4 new caches published in our area since our last update.
GC9QRWP Mawddach Meander – Barmouth Junction by CazzaB80 Traditional D2/T1.5
GC9QW82 Lookout joining by Samglo93 Nat_gore Traditional D2/T2
Premium Member Only
GC9QQBP 🌸 Hanami 🌸 by RichieBlod Traditional D2/T1.5
GC9R0D3 Pointless Boat by Squaddie101 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
There have been 3 new caches recently published, nice to see another fine pair!
GC9PPZH A Fine Pair #1662 ~ Salem by RichieBlod Multi D2/T2
Brooks’ Barmouth Bash series sees the addition of another 2 caches:
GC9QRVF Brooks’ Barmouth Bash meets Mawddach Meander by CazzaB80 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9QRV0 Brooks’ Barmouth Bash #1a – Alternative Route by CazzaB80 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
Event Reminder
GC9QBKA CITO 2022 Season 1 by 9 Usual Suspects CITO Event
When: Sunday 10th April 2022
Where: Morfa Parc, Caernarfon
Time: 11am – 1pm
By attending this event you will earn the above souvenir and also be helping to take care of our local environment. Please note there is only limited roadside parking but we do have permission to park in Tescos carpark. We look forward to seeing you.
New CITO Equipment
As our regular litter picking attendees are very aware a lot of our equipment had seen better days and we have been struggling to replace. We are pleased to announce that we have finally made contact and have had a very successful meeting with Clean & Tidy, Gwynedd Councils new department that deal with issuing of equipment and sundries. We have a new supply of gloves, adults and childrens, different design litter pickers and bag hoops. The council would like feed back on the quality of the pickers and hoops, also any suggestions for future purchases of equipment. We have already requested the access to extra long handled pickers.
A couple of new caches to report. Nice to see a cache back in the library and a more challenging but clever mystery/puzzle.
GC9QNKE Numbers are Key by Clueless_Goose Mystery/Puzzle D4.5/T1.5
Premium Member Only
Well done escapefromwork for your perseverance in getting the following cache published.
GC9Q6TP Bangor Bibliophiles by escapefromwork Multi D2/T1
New Challenge, Signal’s Labyrinth
Tomorrow, Monday April 4, 2022 at noon UTC sees the start of Signal’s Labyrinth Challenge, for finds to count make sure you log after the challenge has started. The first labyrinth you will be visiting is the Enchanted Forest and you have 2 months to earn the 2 souvenirs, this stage ends on the June 6, 2022 at noon UTC. You must reach 50 points on your leaderboard to earn the first souvenir and 500 points for the second souvenir. The first two souvenirs are ‘The Forest’ and ‘You escaped the Forest’.
Here are the point values for the labyrinth in the enchanted forest:
| Found an Adventure Lab Cache (Adventure Location) | 10 |
| Found a cache with 10+ Favorite points | 20 |
| Found a Multi-Cache | 25 |
| Found a Mystery Cache | 25 |
| Found a Signal’s Labyrinth item | 60 |
| Found it* | 15 |
*Log a Found it on any other cache type
The maximum number of points you can earn for any cache log is 85 points.
Event Reminder
GC9QBKA CITO 2022 Season 1 by 9 Usual Suspects CITO Event
When: Sunday 10th April 2022
Where: Morfa Parc, Caernarfon
Time: 11am – 1pm
By attending this event you will earn the above souvenir and be helping to take care of our local environment. Please note there is only limited roadside parking but we do have permission to park in Tescos carpark.
With the longer evenings its nice to see plenty of new caches being published. With five on Anglesey will Gwyn ever complete his personal challenge of having only yellow smilie faces on the island!
GC9QCET By the church by Somot Traditional D2/T1.5
GC9Q280 Church Micro 14351…Llanddyfnan by RichieBlod Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9Q2A5 Church Micro 14352...Llanallgo by RichieBlod Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9NZ0P Church Micro 14354…Niwbwrch by RichieBlod Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9QD33 Poles Apart by RichieBlod Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9PXY6 Ammonite…Perimineralisation. by Hillgorilla Earth Cache D2/T1
GC9QBKA CITO 2022 Season 1 by 9 Usual Suspects CITO Event D1/T3
Premium Member Only
GC9QBQ8 The Grapes of Wrath by Squaddie101 Traditional D2.5/T1.5
Event Reminder
GC9PMX9 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 44 by 9 Usual Suspects Event D1/T1
When: Tuesday 29th March
Where: Anglesey Arms, Harbour Front, Caernarfon LL55 1SG
Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves
If you are planning to attend please could you log a ‘will attend’ as we need to let the pub know numbers.
North Wales Wildlife Trust
We are hoping in the future to join forces with North Wales Wildlife Trust in their beach cleans and other events. They have a large grant for events to encourage people to visit their woodlands. It has been suggested, as well as placing geocache trails, we could jointly host ‘Introduction to Geocaching Days’. This would be something similar to Aberlleiniog Castle. We are looking for ideas and volunteers…………
Website Difficulties
We have been having a few problems with the website and hackers. Please could you let us know if you experience any difficulties in accessing the site or spot anything suspicious.