News & New Caches 34

Two new caches to report, both right on the edge of our area.

GC9WGYG Don’t Be Shellfish by lilrow Traditional D1/T1
GC9WGER Around the Moelfre tree by finlay101gray Traditional D2/T2

Final Reminder for this months Nosh & Natter

GC9VWFG 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh and Natter 47 by 9 Usual Suspects
When: Wednesday 29th June 2022
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Where: Parc Snowdonia, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4AQ

If you are planning to attend, especially if you wish to eat, please could you log a ‘will attend’ as we need to let the pub know numbers.

Event

An event for your diary:

GC9TG5J Tuesday evening in Criccieth by Jacke73
When: Tuesday 9th August
Time: 7pm to 7.30pm
Where: Marine Beach, Criccieth

Jacke73 is a Swedish geocacher who will be on holiday touring the UK, he would like to met local geocachers and exchange TB’s while staying in Criccieth.

Sunday Stroll, Gog. Gwynedd Trail, 19th June

We had been waiting a while for the Gog. Gwynedd Trail by Clueless_Goose to be published and at the end of May the 20 cache series went live. As there are very few circular geocaching series in this area it was suggested that it would be fun to do as a group, since Covid we have all missed the social side of geocaching. An invitation to join us was placed on the website but we didn’t make it an official event. Due to the recommended parking being limited we decided to start the series at number 12 to allow us to park at Bangor Rugby Club.

The map shows the circular walk and geocaches

GC9T6FW #12 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Styling it Out by Clueless_Goose Letterbox D1.5/T1.5

Team 9US at #12 (Thanks Bryan for the photo)

The first cache was a letterbox, a nice straight forward find, once the administration complete we followed the footpath along side the A55, dodging the over hanging foliage, before turning right. This path ran alongside the rugby pitch, unlike the neatly mown pitch the grass was waist high. Next a couple of fields full of sheep and then into a pretty residential lane before arriving at the bottom of the hill.

GC9T9PZ #13 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Bottom of the Hill by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/T1

The advanced parties first sweep of GZ drew a blank, but an on form Ali soon discovered this very sneaky hide. We then continued down the road to the railway bridge.

GC9T9QD #14 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Riveting Stuff by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/T2

Here we all concentrated too much on the ‘red herrings’ and not paying enough attention to the direction of the arrow or the distance! We got there in the end, coordinates are spot on for this cleverly disguised cache. For the next cache, a multi, it was a short walk down to the end of lane before crossing the very busy road.

Afon Ogwen, between clue item and GZ

GC9T9RB #15 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Be Ceffyl Now! by Clueless_Goose Multi D2/T1.5

At the clue item, well worth a look, Dave confesses he had already acquired the coordinates for the final. All back across the busy road to GZ. This one took us far longer than it should. We have all heard the saying ‘that too many cooks spoil the broth’, this was a case of too many geocachers can’t find the cache!

Team 9US playing ‘follow my leader’.

GC9T9RZ #16 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Stick ’em Up! by Clueless_Goose Traditional D3.5/T1.5

We continued along the quiet road before taking the footpath that runs along side the railway line. At GZ we found several Holly trees, all looking likely hiding places……. the title of the cache is a very good clue! A lovely custom made cache that blends in so well. Here the footpath leaves the railway line, a short walk across a field and we were at St. Cross Church.

The pretty St Cross Church

GC9TABC Church Micro 14382…Tal-y-bont by Clueless_Goose Wherigo D2.5/T1.5

While we all fumbled around trying to get the phone apps and GPS to load the Wherigo cartridge, Bryan was off through the gate into the very well kept churchyard, needless to say we all followed. The cache was an easy find, the admin completed and cache replaced just as the Sunday service congregation filed out of the church. From here we headed down the quiet lane opposite.

GC9T9TE #18 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Don’t Slate It Now! by Clueless_Goose Letterbox D2/T2

The quiet lane proved to be anything but! We witnessed some awful reversing and driving from some very ‘pushy’ people. This cache is at the beginning of a footpath, Bryan lead the advanced party through the waist high vegetation and very stingy stinging nettles for a quick find. We then continued to the end of the lane where we found the clue item for next cache, a multi.

GC9T9WE #19 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Pay up by Clueless_Goose Multi D2.5/ T1.5

Again Dave had been very busy doing his home homework, coordinates noted we followed the road and crossed the A55. Here we stopped off for another cache not in the series.

A55

GC2BMR9 A55 Frustration – J12 – Hendre Hall by Frosty Jack Traditional D2/T1.5

Some of us had already found this cache and thought it was going to be quick find. We only found it by looking at recent photos, I’m sure it was in a different location when we found it way back in 2014.

Logging……….

It was then up the hill to sign the log on the multi. The grey skies had disappeared and with the sunshine temperatures were rising, we were all glad of the shade as we slogged up the hill. By starting at 12 we had managed to acquire 3 of the bonus numbers, with a study of the map and clue we decided it was worth taking a look for the bonus.

Slogging up the hill past the official parking spot

GC9T9XF BONWS Gog. Gwynedd Trail by Clueless_Goose Mystery D2/T2

After an intensive search of a large area Bryan shouted those magic words, “Got it!” What a beautiful spot and a perfect place for our picnic lunch.

View from GZ

We continued up to the top of the hill, turned right into another narrow lane and followed a beautiful slate fence, where we found some fascinating graffiti carved into the upright slate.

Lane and slate fence

GC9T4GO #1 Gog. Gwynedd Trail by Clueless_Goose Traditional D1/T1.5

The views from here were stunning, an easy find for Elaine as we all admired the scenery and read the beautifully carved graffiti.

Slate fence and view

GC9T4JN #2 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Gate by Clueless_Goose Traditional D1.5/T2

The advance party were signing the log book as the stragglers that had spent too much time admiring the views, taking photos and reading the graffiti arrived at GZ. We continued down the lane taking another right turn into a farm.

Track to farm

GC9T4K9 #3 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Keep Me Posted by Clueless_Goose Traditional D1.5/T2

At the gate there is several clue items which were intensively searched before Dave spotted the very well hidden cache, lucky it is still bright and shiny, if better camouflaged we would never have found it. Once through the farmyard the trail is not quite so obvious, luckily we had Dave, who is a Slate Trail Warden, to keep us heading in the right direction.

Dave & Pete leading the way through the beautiful countryside

It was some distance before the next cache, we followed a very old track/road for part of the way through beautiful countryside before turning off to cross a field to arrive at #4 a solved Mystery/Puzzle cache.

GC9T4M0 #4 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – A Place by the Fire by Clueless_Goose Mystery D2/T2

Hmmm…… We made this one far harder than it is. We looked, we extended the search area, and then repeated and repeated to find the cache. A very pretty spot which gave us all a chance to cool off before heading up another hill.

Very pretty area

It was now very warm, we all had come over dressed not expecting warm sunshine and we were all glad to reach the top of the hill where there was a cool breeze. Here we took the footpath into the fields, some admired the views while the advance party headed for GZ to begin the search before the rear guard arrived.

Elaine approaching #5

GC9T4N8 # 5 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Prickly Customer by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/T2.5

Dave and Bryan drew the short straw and braved the prickles to find another lovely custom made container. We continued following the footpath to the next cache #6.

GC9T6AJ # 6 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – A Fairy Good Cache by Clueless_Goose Traditional D1.5/2.5

The title of the cache had given us a big clue to what we were looking for, another well crafted cache that we all appreciated, so nice to find something a bit different. Near to GZ is a unique style, we believe the upright to be made of railway signal lever.

Unique Stile

The trail continued with more beautiful scenery before we arrived at the next cache #7.

GC9T6B1 # 7 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Best Zipline in N. Wales by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/T1.5

This cache made us all smile, Elaine did the honours, before we continued taking the advice found on the cache page, we didn’t follow the arrow but turned left. A very short distance we turned right following the lane past some beautiful gardens with some exotic looking plants. Another right turn onto the footpath that took us past some very old oak trees plus many different specimen conifers. Was this once a grand park?

GC9T6B8 # 8 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Rest & Recharge by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/T2

The name of the cache made sense once the cache had been found, another fun container. A fairly short walk to the next.

GC9T6E5 #9 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Sws Sws xx by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/T1.5

On the way to the cache Dave explained to us non-Welsh speakers what ‘Sws Sws’ meant and where the likely location of the container might be. His guess was correct so a very easy find of another custom made container. (Sws Sws – Kiss Kiss)

Then the nightmare of trying to cross the road…….. not just once but twice!

Afon Ogwen, a very beautiful river

After the stress of crossing the road it was lovely to reach such a beautiful, peaceful spot on the Afon Ogwen. Here we took a few minutes to enjoy the surroundings before continuing up the hill on the long walk to the next cache.

GC9T6EJ #10 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Sheep’s Lunchbox by Clueless_Goose Traditional D1.5/T2

We had negotiated several tight kissing gates to get here but this one I think trapped us all, the farmer has fixed an old inner tube to act as a spring to keep the gate shut and really it wants to stay shut! The cache was a nice easy find.

The Team admiring the beautiful river

The walk to the next, our final cache, followed the course of the Afon Ogwen but due to to the woodland there was no views of the river until the final stretch of the path.

GC9TQP7 #11 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Pont Ogwen by Clueless_Goose Puzzle D2.5/T3.5

Oh What fun we had here……… We tried the above and the below. This one was a real team effort, tricky to spot and retrieve. I’m amazed no one got wet! A great cache to finish our day on. After spending a few minutes enjoying the area we made our way back to Rugby Club via the concrete road for a well deserved panad.

We can highly recommend this series, the caches are a good mix of types, sizes and containers, including the only Wherigo Church Micro in the area.

We would also like to take the opportunity to say a very BIG THANK YOU to Jack, Clueless_Goose for setting this series, we all appreciate the effort that has gone into giving us such a fun adventure.

News & New Caches 33

This week sees 9 Usual Suspects becoming Premium Members again. Throughout Covid we didn’t think it was necessary and that our limited funds could be spent on better things. Now that life is getting back to ‘normal’ and with more events etc planned it makes our lives a lot easier being Premium Members.

New Caches

GC9W3NT 1st Bethesda Cub’s Cache by 1st Bethesda Cub Scouts Traditional D2/T2
GC9W51K Nearly home by bikerchick252 Traditional D1.5/T1
GC9W4PD Snails 🐌 pace by bikerchick252 Traditional D1/T1
GC9W93W Valley Bridge by bikerchick252 Traditional D1.5/T1.5

New Series, Betws way

Map shows the 10 caches in the series plus GC2PHQE

This series by finlay101gray at Betws yn Rhos consists of 10 traditional caches along a 3.5mile circular route. It can be done on foot, bike or even as drive bys. The route is safe for children but just take care as you leave the village at the top of the hill and along the road to Rhyd y Foel but other than that you’ll be on quiet country lanes. The best place for parking is at #1. If you are doing the route in numeric order, clockwise, all but one cache will be on the right hand side of the road.

GC9WA06 #1 Betws way – no dialing tone by finlay101gray Traditional D4/T1.5
GC9WA0M #2 Betws way – a locked tree by finlay101gray Traditional D2.5/T2.5
GC9WA1T #3 Betws way – Stop? by finlay101gray Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9WA26 Betws way – stick or stuck by finlay101gray Traditional D3/T2
GC9WA2H #5 Betws way – keep up with the flow by finlay101gray Traditional D2/T1.5
GC9WA3C #6 Betws Way – Bryn Ffanigal D2.5/T2
GC9W8FF #7 Betws Way – LOST by finlay101gray Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9WA3N #8 Betws Way – what’s that smell? by finlay101gray Traditional D2.5/T1.5
GC9WA40 #9 Betws Way – how old? by finlay101gray Traditional D3.5/T2.5
GC9WA48 #10 Betws Way – the end by finlay101gray Traditional D2.5/T1.5

Maybe we should consider this for another 9US Sunday Stroll. Interested? Contact us either through the comments or message 9 Usual Suspects geocaching account.

News & New Caches 32

Just 3 new caches………

GC9VYX8 Hanging around… by LauraandB Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9W18T Ffrodd hen path by Griff6147 Traditional D1.5/D2
GC9W19R Cacheview by Griff6147 Traditional D2.5/T4

Event

Please note from this month Nosh and Natters will be moving to a Wednesday evening.
GC9VWFG 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh and Natter 47 by 9 Usual Suspects
When: Wednesday 29th June 2022
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Where: Parc Snowdonia, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4AQ
If you are planning to attend, especially if wish to eat, please could you log a ‘will attend’ as we need to let the pub know numbers.

The Gog. Gwynedd Trail

Clueless_Goose has been very busy with the publication of a new series of 20 caches. There is an interesting mix of cache types, including a Church Micro Wherigo which must be a first for North Wales. The 6 mile circular walk guides you around quiet country lanes, trails and paths highlighting areas of beautiful Gwynedd countryside that are too often ignored. Remember to make a note of the bonus information which is found in 6 of the caches either on the log book or container lid.

We are planning on attempting the series on Sunday 19th June and would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us. We will be meeting at 11am at Bangor Rugby Club, N 53° 12.645 W 004° 05.970. Please bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink as it is forecast to be warm. For further details please contact us either through the comments or by contacting us direct.

GC9T4GO #1 Gog. Gwynedd Trail by Clueless_Goose Traditional D1/T1.5
GC9T4JN #2 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Gate by Clueless_Goose Traditional D1.5/T2
GC9T4K9 #3 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Keep Me Posted by Clueless_Goose Traditional D1.5/T2
GC9T4M0 #4 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – A Place by the Fire by Clueless_Goose Mystery D2/T2
GC9T4N8 # 5 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Prickly Customer by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/T2.5
GC9T6AJ # 6 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – A Fairy Good Cache by Clueless_Goose Traditional D1.5/2.5
GC9T6B1 # 7 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Best Zipline in N. Wales by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/T1.5
GC9T6B8 # 8 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Rest & Recharge by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/T2
GC9T6E5 #9 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Sws Sws xx by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/T1.5
GC9T6EJ #10 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Sheep’s Lunchbox by Clueless_Goose Traditional D1.5/T2
GC9TQP7 #11 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Pont Ogwen by Clueless_Goose Puzzle D2.5/T3.5
GC9T6FW #12 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Styling it Out by Clueless_Goose Letterbox D1.5/T1.5
GC9T9PZ #13 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Bottom of the Hill by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/T1
GC9T9QD #14 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Riveting Stuff by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/T2
GC9T9RB #15 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Be Ceffyl Now! by Clueless_Goose Multi D2/T1.5
GC9T9RZ #16 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Stick ’em Up! by Clueless_Goose Traditional D3.5/T1.5
GC9TABC Church Micro 14382…Tal-y-bont by Clueless_Goose Wherigo D2.5/T1.5
(#17 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Church Micro 14382…Tal-y-bont)
GC9T9TE #18 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Don’t Slate It Now! by Clueless_Goose Letterbox D2/T2
GC9T9WE #19 Gog. Gwynedd Trail – Pay up by Clueless_Goose Multi D2.5/ T1.5

GC9T9XF BONWS Gog. Gwynedd Trail by Clueless_Goose Mystery D2/T2

Mega Quiz Nights

Both Piratemania and West Midlands Mega have Quiz Events. We all had plenty of practice through lockdown with the weekly online quiz, so we know you all love a good quiz and feel 9 Usual Suspects should be represented at both events.

The Piratemaina Quiz night

GC9RQG4 The Pirate Quiz night by Piratemania Crew 7.30pm Sunday 31st July

Will you still be at Piratemania on Sunday 31st July? We are hoping to enter a 9 Usual Suspect Team, therefore we are looking for volunteers. We need a crew of 6, the £5 entry fee will be covered by 9US funds and if lucky enough to win the treasure chest all spoils will be equally divided amongst the crew!

West Milands Mega Quiz

GC9MDXX We want your Brains! by WMMega2022 7pm Wednesday 3rd August

The quiz will be hosted by Jay Flynn MBE, who hosts an on-line Virtual Pub Quiz every Thursday and Saturday evenings since March 2020, which has raised over £1,000,000 for charity.
There will be prizes for the winners and maybe even a wooden spoon for those not so fortunate.

Interested? Please contact us either through the comments or message our geocaching account.

Paniq Rooms, Porthmadog

Have you ever fancied tackling an escape room? Why not step up to the challenge and join our team in its quest to escape from Madog’s Asylum. Julie, Bess’s Friends, is organising an escape day for geocachers, friends and family, at this stage we have no confirmed dates apart from that it will be a weekend in October. Cost is between £18-£22 per person depending on size of group. Please contact us or either message Julie through Bess’s Friends geocaching account for further details and to register interest.
The following is taken from their website.

A little taster of what lays in store………

‘This gory room will take you back to 1963 and Dr G Williams has imprisoned one of your teammates! You enter the room to rescue them, but he locks you all in! He then sets fire to the building in hope of destroying all incriminating evidence of his experimental lobotomies and electroshock therapy treatments. You have 1 hour to escape before fire engulfs the building with you and your team inside.’

New & New Caches 31

There are several new traditional caches and an Adventure Lab series to keep those that are not on the Ale Trail busy over this weekend.

GC9VN12 Take a seat in Pentrefelin by Ruthiejane Traditional D1/T1.5
GC9VN1P Red squirrel woodland by bikerchick252 Traditional D1/T1
GC9VQWC Rhosneiger by bikerchick252 Traditional D1/T1
GC9VVBN “Sods” Law by NOISY_ShortShot Traditional D3.5/T1.5
GC9VWRK Sticky situation by NOISY_ShortShot Traditional D3.5/T1.5
GC9VWT6 Sticks and stones by NOISY_ShortShot Traditional D3/T1.5
GC9VWC2 M&M by lizderham Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9VXFN Little pops by Griff6147 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9VXEM Shell footpath by Griff6147 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9VXF6 Orange by Griff6147 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9VHDE Pendyffryn view by Pheebelicious Traditional D2/T3

New adventure Lab

Dolgellau created by Oldquincepie 5 locations, nonsequential

Nosh and Natter Events

Please note from this month Nosh and Natters will be moving to a Wednesday evening.
GC9VWFG 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh and Natter 47 by 9 Usual Suspects
When: Wednesday 29th June 2022
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Where: Parc Snowdonia, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4AQ
If you are planning to attend, especially if wish to eat, please could you log a ‘will attend’ as we need to let the pub know numbers.

An Event Update from the Piratemania Crew

Hear ye! Hear ye!  All rapscallions and Privateers this is their current event timetable
Thursday 28th July
GC9RKE9 Piratemania Meet & greet
8 bells prompt! (that be 8PM for landlubbers)

Friday 29th July
GC9RQEF Friday night with the pirates
Sail with us from 8PM till late

Saturday 30th July
GC9M3MT Piratemania 14 (2022) Pirates Pudding & Tarrrt’s
The BIG Day itself!

Sunday 31th July
GC9RQFC Pointy Pirates Flash Mob Day!
Come dressed as a Pirates or be cursed! 10.00am

GC9RQG4 The Pirate Quiz night
be on the  evening tide at 7.30PM

News & New Caches 30

A few new caches to keep everyone busy over the weekend plus some updates from Mega Events.

GC9VJ1P HMS Thetis memorial by Glaslyn1 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9VM36 Courtney’s Beach by bikerchick252 Traditional D2/T2
GC9VHJ8 Welcome to Tregarth/crosoe i Tregarth by cailbows22 Traditional D1.5/T
GC9VCWQ Rockys by NOISY_ShortShot Traditional D2/T2

This weeks also sees an another addition to the Ratgoed Trail, one of three trails around the slate workings at Aberllefenni.
GC9V2TZ Ratgoed Trail 9 by Oldquincepie Traditional D1.5/T2

Beginning of Signals Second Labyrinth Souvenirs

Monday 6th June sees the start of the second labyrinth challenge. Signal has now escaped the Enchanted Forest and is lost in a swamp. Like the first labyrinth challenge there are two souvenirs available and two months to accumulate the required points. You must collect 50 points to earn the first souvenir and 500 points to earn the second souvenir. The special bonus items, magic potions, are worth 50 points. Every time you log a geocache, you will have a chance of finding one. If you go geocaching with a group of people, there’s a chance that one member of the group might find an item at a cache, but others don’t. Is this fair?

Here are the point values for the swamp labyrinth:

Found an Adventure Lab Cache (Adventure Location)5
Found a cache with 10+ Favorite points25
Found a Letterbox Hybrid30
Found a Mystery Cache25
Attended any Event20
Found a Signal’s Labyrinth item50
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 80 points


West Midlands Mega 2022

The West Midlands Mega team have an announced that unfortunately it’s going to have to charge £5 for all adult visitors on Mega day. Children under 18 will get free entry when accompanied by an adult.

This does not include campers, they will get free entry for every person registered as being on site.

There will be stalls of various vendors, trade stands and other Geocaching related activities in the Racecourse Grandstand Exhibition Hall, plus a plethora of new caches in the local area, including some Adventure Lab caches.

A special guest appearance of Signal The Frog will take place on Mega Day!

All the side events for the week have now been published:

GC8NNDF The Imp Takes a Leek
GC9MDXF A warm welcome to you all
GC9MDXM Churnet Valley Railway
GC9MDXR An evening at the Races
GC9MDXT Mined How You Go!
GC9MDXX We want your Brains!
GC9MDXZ Birmingham, Life in the City
GC9MDY2 Marchington, Life in the Country
GC9MDY5 Christmas Party!
GC9MDY6 Teddy Bear’s Picnic
GC9MDY8 Send in the Clowns!
GC9MDYC Tonight I’m gonna party, like it’s 1999!
GC9NVQX It’s a ’Mega’ Community Celebration Event
GC9MDYF Captain Ridley’s Shooting Party
GC9MDYH WM Mega CITO
GC9MDYT Auction and Farewell Party
GC9MDYN Bap, Brew and Beggar Off

Mega Event London Calling 2023

We are giving you plenty of notice for this one, this could be your first diary entry for 2023. Looking for an excuse to visit London? This event could be it. What can you expect from London Calling 2023? A grand venue, fun and interactive lab caches, plenty of vendors, lots of fun, friendship and hopefully a few surprises along the way. 

GC9MAXX London Calling 2023 by London Calling Mega Event D1/T1
Date: 29th April 2023
Time: 11am-4pm
Where: St. Mary’s Church, Marylebone, London

The Gog. Gwynedd Trail

It has been pointed out to me that my original date for attempting this series was the day after the Ale Trail and that some local geocachers might be too hungover……… So the new date is 19th June, for more details contact us.