News & New Caches 42

Just one new cache to report:

GC9XQ0Q Borth Y Gest seafront geocache by cadielsss Traditional D1.5/D1.5

Beginning of Signals Third Labyrinth Souvenirs

Monday 1st August sees the start of the third labyrinth challenge which runs to October 3rd. Signal continues his journey through the mysterious land of labyrinths following the path out of the swamp to find the path leads to a mysterious cave. The cave is home to a troll, Signal needs your help to get past the troll and continue his quest. Gemstones are the special bonus item for the labyrinth in the cave and are worth 50 points. There are two souvenirs available, you must collect 50 points to earn the first souvenir and 500 points to earn the second souvenir.

Gemstones are the bonus items, 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.

Here are the point values for the labyrinth in the cave:

Found an Adventure Lab Cache (Adventure Location)10
Found a cache with 10+ Favourite points30
Attended any Event30
Found an EarthCache30
Found a Multi-Cache20
Found a Mystery Cache20
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.

Piratemania & UK Mega

Today sees the start of ‘UK Mega Week’ with the gates of Piratemania opening at 12pm……………hopefully we will be there in the queue!

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 41

The following cache is right on the edge of our area, we are including it in this post as it is a Virtual, a cache type that there is very few of in North Wales.

GC9P8KH Maen y Clochydd by adahen Virtual D1/T1

Any Suggestions

Our 50th Nosh & Natter will be in September. Have you any suggestions how we should celebrate?

Event Reminder

GV9X109 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh and Natter 48 by 9 Usual Suspects
When: Wednesday 27th July 2022
Where: Parc Snowdonia, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4AQ
Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves

Please log a ‘will attend’ if you intend to be there.

Thank You Litter Pickers

GC9WJX6 CITO & Picnic in the Park

On behalf of Gwynedd Council, Norman Hughes, Clean & Tidy Officer, would like to thank all attendees for your hard work, it is very much appreciated.

News & New Caches 40

We have 3 new Adventure Labs in our area:

Bardsey Island South created by coronasv
Bardsey Island North created by fairyspan

Bardsey Island is a remote and magical place. It is well worth the effort to get there with only one existing traditional cache and now SSSI it needs some labs to put this amazing place back on the caching map. The tiny Island of 20,000 graves is full of history, seals, sheep and just 4 all year round humans! Bardsey is at the end of the North Wales Pilgrims route, and one of the holiest places in Britain famed for the 20,000 graves of saints. Locals say that if you dig anywhere on the island, you’ll hit a body. A short 20 minute ferry ride for an amazing 4 hours of history, wildlife, and crystal clear waters.

PLEASE NOTE: Mobile phone signal on Bardsey is non existent so you will need to prepare before you set off! The distance is set so that you will be able to open the stages before you set off and can log the answers once you return to the mainland.

Bardsey Island Ferry is currently £45 per adult £25 per child
To book call Colin on 07971 769 895 or visit https://www.bardseyboattrips.com

Historic Ruthin created by stormjester
This Adventure lab takes you on a short tour of the pretty town of Ruthin.

Event Reminder

This Saturday sees DJ:CD a geocaching family from Bedfordshire hosting a Community Celebration Event while on holiday in Anglesey. They would love to meet local and non local geocachers.
GC8QA1G DJ:CD’s Community Celebration Event – Beach Games by DJ:CD D1/T1.5
When: Saturday 23rd July 2022
Time: 11am – 1pm
Where: Porth Dafarch, Holy Island, Anglesey

International Geocaching Day 20th August, 2022

As part of International Geocaching Day celebrations geocaching HQ have set the geocaching community a challenge, to break the record for most cachers to log a find in a day. The current record is 126,833 cachers which was set way back on August 11, 2013. To join the challenge and be counted, log a ‘Found It’ log on a geocache, complete an Adventure Lab location or post an ‘Attended’ log for an event taking place on 20th August. If a new record is set a souvenir will be awarded to everyone who took part in creating the new record.

Want to take part in the challenge? Why not join us at the following event:

GC9X7K0 9US Celebrate International Geocaching Day 2022 by 9 Usual Suspects

Dinas Dinlle Hillfort Open Day

Gwynedd Archaeological Trust are holding an open day at Dinas Dinlle Hillfort on Saturday 30th July, 10am-4pm. Take a guided tour of the fort and find out about last years excavations. Park at Dinas Dinlle car park and make your way up to the hillfort. Social distancing required. The event is free with no booking required.

CITO & Litter Pick, 16.7.2022

Team Photo

First we would like to thank everyone for attending GC9WJX6 CITO & Picnic in the Park and for all your hard work. Saturday was one of the hottest days so far this year, we were all glad of the shade offered by the trees in this park and adjoining woodland. It was very refreshing to find the area relatively litter free as in the past it has been a hot spot for general litter, rubbish and fly tipping. We still collected 10 bags of rubbish plus 5 blue boxes of recyclables, plastic, cans and glass. The worst area was behind Tesco recycling bins, here 5 of the 10 bags were filled with mainly clothes that had been thrown into the woodland.

Team Moseley striding into action
Andy at work
Before
After

Let’s hope this area stays litter free.

After everyone had returned to base we loaded up the wheel barrow with the tea & coffee, cakes etc, then headed into the park for our picnic.

Event Cake

A spot was chosen by Moseley Bach which just happened to be near the childrens playground. It was good to relax and catch up while the younger ones enjoyed the swings and slide. All too soon it was time to pack everything away and head home.

Enjoying the shade and picnic

We would like to thank Tesco for its very kind denotation of cup cakes, fruit and bottled water which was very much appreciated by all.
Also we have to thank Gwynedd Council for their support and loan of equipment.

News & New Caches 39

At the time of writing this there was no new caches or Adventure Labs published, I’m sure that as soon as this goes live that will change.

Final Reminder

GC9WJX6 CITO & Picnic in the Park by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T3.5
When: Saturday 16th July (Tomorrow)
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Where: Morfa Parc (Parc y Dre), Caernarfon

We will be meeting at 2pm on the old bridge, the litter pick will last about 2 hours before we head to the park for a picnic. As usual Gwynedd Council will be supplying litter pickers, hi-vis vests, bag hoops, bags and gloves. Please bring your own picnic, there will be an event cake, also free tea and coffee and Brenda’s famous Bara Brith.

The weather forecast is for it to be very hot, something we don’t normally have to worry about at 9US event. Therefore please come prepared with plenty of drinks, sun screen, hats etc.

One for the Diary

GC9X7K0 9US Celebrate International Geocaching Day 2022 by 9 Usual Suspects

By attending this event you qualify for the above geocaching souvenir.

Where: Plas Gwernoer, Nantlle
When: 20th August, 2020
Time: 2.00pm-6pm (the bar will remain open until the last person leaves!)
Team Selection: 2.30pm
Games Start Time: 3pm
BBQ: 5pm
TB Race Winners & Prizes: 5.30pm
Trackable Raffle Draw: 5.40pm

Plans are beginning to take shape for this years International Geocaching event, there will be team and individual challenges, kids corner and fun activities for all with lots of prizes plus a BBQ & local real ales in the pub/bar. More details will be published nearer the day.

We have very basic camping available and space for the odd caravan/motorhome, please message us for details and to book your space.

Please log ‘will attends’ in advance to enable us to estimate numbers, this is especially important when it comes to planning catering. Hope to see you there………..

News & New Caches 38

Just one new cache on the edge of our area.

GC9X2BX Call of nature by finlay101gray Traditional D2/T1.5

Event Reminder

The attendees and the ‘spoils’ of the last litter pick.

GC9WJX6 CITO & Picnic in the Park by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T3.5
When: Saturday 16th July
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Where: Morfa Parc (Parc y Dre), Caernarfon

We will be meeting at 2pm on the old bridge, the litter pick will last about 2 hours before we head to the park for a picnic. As usual Gwynedd Council will be supplying litter pickers, hi-vis vests, bag hoops, bags and gloves. Please bring your own picnic, there will be an event cake, and free tea and coffee will be available.

The weather forecast is for it to be very hot, something we don’t normally have to worry about at 9US event. Therefore please come prepared with plenty of drinks, sun screen, hats etc.

If attending please could you log a ‘will attend’ to help us plan the day.

Forth Coming Event

GV9X109 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh and Natter 48 by 9 Usual Suspects
When: Wednesday 27th July 2022
Where: Parc Snowdonia, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4AQ
Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves

Please log a ‘will attend’ if you intend to be there.

Our 50th Nosh & Natter will be in September. Have you any suggestions how we should celebrate?

And Finally

This weeks best excuse for not signing the log book on a 9US cache, ‘we found the box but could not touch it as we have Covid therefore we could not sign the log book’.

News & New Caches 37

CazzaB80 has been very busy with additions to her Mawddach Meander series along the Mawddach cycle/walking trail from Barmouth to Dolgellau. For more details see our post 17th April 2022 HERE.

GC9WRBB Mawddach Meander – Ted in Tree by CazzaB80 Traditional D1.5/T2.5
GC9WRCP Mwddach Meander – Careful Climb by CazzaB80 Traditional D1.5/T2.5
GC9WRC0 Mawddach Meander – Caterpillar Creeper by CazzaB80 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9WRBM Mawddach Meander – Sleeper Stealth by CazzaB80 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9WR9W Mawddach Meander – From Little Acorns ... by CazzaB80 Traditional D1.5/T2
GC9WR38 Mawddach Meander – Dolgellau’s Secret Beach? by CazzaB80 Traditional D1.5/T2
GC9WRA6 Mawddach Meander – Platform 2 by CazzaB80 Traditional D2/T2
GC9WRCY Mawddach Meander – Pepper the Elephant by CazzaB80 Traditional D2/T2
GC9WR30 Mawddach Meander – Destination Dolgellau by CazzaB80 Traditional D1/T1

Mawddach Trail

GC9WR9Q Mawddach Meander – Wheel of Xena by CazzaB80 Traditional D2/T2
GC9WRAE Mawddach Meander – Platform 1 by CazzaB80 Traditional D2/T2
GC9WRB3 Mawddach Meander – Barmouth Bridge View by CazzaB80 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9WRCB Mawddach Meander – Brilliant Bison by CazzaB80 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9WR35 Mawddach Meander Anyone for Rugby, Cricket, Footy? by CazzaB80 Traditional D1.5/T2
GC9WR3Z Mawddach Meander – Hidey House (Toll Bridge View) by CazzaB80 Traditional D1.5/T2
GC9WRAQ Mawddach Meander – Cactus Tree by CazzaB80 Traditional D2.5/T3
GC9WR3E Mawddach Meander – Cross with care! by CazzaB80 Traditional D1.5/T1.5

Adventure Lab

Moelfre Shipwreck by strongsRus 5 Locations nonsequential

This adventure lab takes you to the pretty village of Moelfre, highlighting its long maritime history.

Events

DJ:CD are a geocaching family from Bedfordshire. They are hosting the following event while on holiday and would love to meet local and non local geocachers.
GC8QA1G DJ:CD’s Community Celebration Event – Beach Games by DJ:CD D1/T1.5
When: Saturday 23rd July 2022
Time: 11am – 1pm
Where: Porth Dafarch, Holy Island, Anglesey

 Parti Penrhyn at Gwaith Powdwr, 9/7/22

Parti Penrhyn at Gwaith Powdwr, Saturday 9th July 11am – 4pm

Directions – Take the road out of Penrhyndeudraeth towards Pont Briwet (the bridge over the River Dwyryd to Harlech). Take the first left into Cooke’s Industrial Estate, following it for approximately 80m to the reserve gates. (SH616388, LL48 6LT, W3W – bluffing.handy.educates).

For anyone attending this event North Wales Wildlife Trust have published a program for the day:

Events/Program

North Wales Wildlife Trust – nature reserve reception stall; directions to films and activities in the Toolshed and pond-dipping (all day); information on our work, events, volunteering and membership; creative nature writing workshop with Jan at 2pm (english); ‘lost child’ and first aid meeting point. 

Celtic Rainforest Wales and Snowdonia National Park Authority – learn about our local Celtic rainforests with children’s arts activities, complete the big jig-saw challenge, and guess which species are hiding within the identification boxes. 

Cofnod Bioblitz – join in with the local environmental records centre staff to help record as many species of wildlife as possible during the day (moth-trap available for inspection weather permitting). 

The Woodcraft Folk – where children can grow in confidence, learn about the world and start to understand how to value our planet and each other.Nature-related activities for kids and tea, coffee, and cake. 

Byw. Bod. – People of language, land, nature, history, food and produce, landscape, and of the country. Come and share our experiences…
11am – 12 noon…art workshop with Sian
12noon – 1pm…pilates with Lauren
1pm – 2pm…nature and foraging walk with Catrin
2pm – 3pm…working with wool workshop with Olwen
3pm – 4pm…practice your Welsh speaking with Llinos 

Y Dref Werdd – a social enterprise funded by the Lottery working to benefit the local environment and community in the Vale of Ffestiniog, stall. 

Ramblers – stall, walking groups, and information on the local ‘Paths to Wellbeing’ project. 

Hand Powered Traditional Land Based Skills – join Danny for green woodwork, scything, hedge laying, and dry-stone walling demos and sales. 

Llais y Goedwig – the voice of community woodlands in Wales; stall. Visit the NWWT tree nursery and learn about all things tree-related. 

Philip Snow – wildlife artist. 

Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn Wildlife – stall, information on the Glaslyn ospreys and more. 

Freshfields Animal Rescue – a community focussed non-profit making charitable organisation caring for abandoned, abused and unwanted domestic and small farm animals along with sick and injured wildlife; stall. 

Holy Trinity Church, Penrhyndeudraeth – stall; arts and craft activities for children. 

Beekeeping – join John at his stall for beekeeping advice and demonstrations. 

The Eternal Forest – provide funeral, burial and dedication services in a peaceful woodland setting; stall. 

Gelli Farm Foods – local food stall with veggie and vegan options available 

Samaritans – Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; stall.

For more information click HERE

News & New Caches 36

The following cache just missed our last update

GC9WP4D Rest place by bikerchick252 Traditional D1/T1

North Wales Wildlife Trust Parti Penrhyn

Looking for something to do this weekend?
Why not visit Gwaith Powdwr Nature Reserve, Penrhyndeudraeth as North Wales Wildlife Trust are holding an open day, Parti Penrhyn.

We can highly recommend a visit to this fascinating place which has the added bonus of 2 geocaches

GC5C71V Gwaith Powdwr #2 The Pendulum Shed by QuirkySmog D2.5/T3.5
GC7YHYC COOKE’S EXPLOSIVE WORKS CACH by Barnabas2001 D1.5/T1.5

The following text and photo are taken from North Wales Wildlife Trust website.

Gwaith Powdwr Nature Reserve

Explosive past, wild future
From 1865 until 1995 this corner of West Wales was world-renowned for its explosives expertise. The remote location and natural, steep-sided valleys made it the perfect place for a specialist factory which, at its height, employed over 500 people. During the Second World War, over 17 million grenades were produced at this site!  The Wildlife Trust took over the site when it was decommissioned – since then, it’s nature that has exploded …

Today, wandering through the lovely mixture of habitats and gazing out at the spectacular views, it’s hard to imagine the site’s industrial history.  The woodland provides homes to nesting redstarts, pied flycatchers and tree pipits and, on a summer day, the grassy glades are great places to spot butterflies and wildflowers. The heathland that covers the higher ground hides secretive nightjars and basking reptiles: four of the six UK reptile species are commonly seen here. The site’s industrial past has provided perfect habitats for its most significant residents, the lesser horseshoe bats, who make their homes in the old buildings and tunnels.

Parti Penrhyn

About this event

Saturday 9th July 11am – 4pm
Free nature reserve open day and woodland festival for all the family (well behaved dogs on leads welcome).

After a break of 5 years, North Wales Wildlife Trust is pleased to run Parti Penrhyn again at Gwaith Powdwr in partnership with the Celtic Rainforest Wales LIFE project. Come along and spend the day at this fascinating example of a nature reserve where wildlife thrives in a post-industrial setting.

Learn about and share your memories of what was once the biggest explosives factory in Europe, managed as a nature reserve by North Wales Wildlife Trust since 1998. Enjoy the abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery, and learn about the importance of broadleaf woodland in the wider landscape.

There will lots of activities for all the family – nature-related arts, crafts, and games; local business and charity stalls; nature and history walks and films; pond-dipping, green woodworking, and more…

Parking, basic refreshments and toilet facilities available. You are welcome to bring a picnic. Mobility scooter from the reserve gate may be available if booked well in advance.

Directions – Take the road out of Penrhyndeudraeth towards Pont Briwet (the bridge over the River Dwyryd to Harlech). Take the first left into Cooke’s Industrial Estate, following it for approximately 80m to the reserve gates. (SH616388, LL48 6LT, W3W – bluffing.handy.educates).

News & New Caches 35

First we would like to thank everyone for attending Nosh & Natter 47, lovely to catch up with the ‘usual suspects’ and so nice to have visitors from Kent and Yorkshire. Next N&N Wednesday 26th July, same place, Snowdonia Parc, Waunfawr, same time 7pm.

New Caches

We have no new caches or adventure labs to report in our area this week.

Events

The attendees and the ‘spoils’ of the last litter pick.

GC9WJX6 CITO & Picnic in the Park by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T3.5
When: Saturday 16th July
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Where: Morfa Parc (Parc y Dre), Caernarfon

We will be meeting at 2pm on the old bridge, the litter pick will last about 2 hours before we head to the park for a picnic. Please bring your own food and drinks, we will be suppling tea and coffee.

Let’s hope the weather improves……..

Gwynedd Council will be supplying litter pickers, hi-vis vests, bags and gloves.

GC9VB2F Meet the Swede – Aberystwyth edition by Jacke73
When: Thursday 11th August
Time: 6.30pm to 7pm
Where: Aberystwyth

Jacke73 is a Swedish geocacher who will be on holiday touring the UK, he would like to met local and non local geocachers while staying in Aberystwyth.