The rest of Europe may have limited snow but here in the Nantlle Valley the conditions were perfect for a fun afternoon of skiing. The Moseley’s training paid off with them topping the medal tables. We must thank everyone who braved the cold, wet weather, Andy for videoing, Pete for the 3D printed medals, Richard and Elaine for all their hard work in setting up.
Results
Downhill 1st Gwyn time 2:18.31 2nd Lon time: 2:21.85 3rd Andy time 2:30.82
Slalom 1st Gwyn 1:29.98 2nd Lon 1:30.53 3rd Steve 1:59.34
We have three new caches and the first N&N of 2023 published since our last post.
GCA3BB5 Seibiant Y Cob (The Cob Rest) by Hitch-Hikers Traditional D1.5/T1.5 GCA3Q7F snail mail by amymarie87 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
Premium Member Only GCA3QTQ #3A – Ramble – Stump by Bess’s Friends Traditional D1.5/T1.5 A new edition to Bess’s Friends Ramble series.
Event GCA3QRN 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 53 When: Wednesday 25th January, 2023 Where: Black Boys Inn, Stryd Pedwar a Chwech, Caernarfon LL55 1RW Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves
We have struggled to find a pub who can guarantee that their kitchens will be open on Wednesday 25th evening, hopefully this is only going to be a short term problem. We regret that dogs are not allowed in Black Boys building but are allowed at the tables out side.
Ski Sunday is coming to the Nantlle Valley. We have 2 races planned, downhill and slalom with prizes for the top 3 on the leader boards. Wrap up warm, join us either as a competitor or spectator for a fun filled afternoon. The Cache Bar will be open, snacks, fondue and hot drinks will be available on a self service basis.
A ‘will attend’ log will help us plan the day and especially with catering!
Parking is at the house, please note our gateway is very narrow and the pillars are not forgiving!
A quiet time of year for new caches, just a traditional and adventure Lab with bonus.
GCA33ME Dinas Dinlle Adventure Lab Bonus by Ann@Birdbrook Mystery D1.5/T2
Premium Member Only GCA29EV Any SIGN of Daniel? by RichieBlod Traditional D2/T1.5
Adventure Labs
Dinas Dinlle created by Ann@Birdbrook Sequential This Adventure Lab is best done on a nice day to appreciate the views and the beautiful coastline. The final stage is very close to the bonus cache which should be a nice easy find.
Ski Sunday is coming to the Nantlle Valley. We have 2 races planned, downhill and slalom with prizes for the top 3 on the leader boards. Wrap up warm, join us either as a competitor or spectator for a fun filled afternoon. The Cache Bar will be open, snacks, fondue and hot drinks will be available on a self service basis.
Parking is at the house, please note our gateway is very narrow and the pillars are not forgiving!
Unlike the video below we can guarantee perfect snow conditions for our afternoons racing.
So why not join us, we are sure there will be plenty of banter and lots of laughter.
Souvenir Reminder
There is only a few days left to earn the Full Sail 2023 souvenir. It is only available until the 8th January, to earn find any geocache, attend an Event, or complete an Adventure Lab® Location.
Future Event
Does anyone want to join us to find the Adventure Lab, Whodunnit at the Bryntirion Inn? and the bonus cache GC9G549 Whodunnit at the Bryntirion Inn – Labcache Bonus, followed by a Sunday lunch event at the pub. Proposed date is Sunday 5th February. Interested? Please contact us through the comments or message 9 Usual Suspects geocaching account.
Here is a list of current and forth coming souvenirs available in the UK. We expect CITO season 1 & 2, International Geocaching Day and International Earthcache Day to be confirmed very soon.
Full Sail 2023
Full Sail 2023 earn by finding any geocache, attending an Event, or completing an Adventure Lab® Location from January 1st–8th 2023.
2023 Hider Souvenir
2023 Hider Souvenir is available from 1st January to 31st December 2023, to qualify either place a cache or hosted an event that is published is 2023.
Signal’s Labyrinth The current Castle Maze challenge that started on 5th December 2022 runs to 6th February 2023. Like the other maze challenges there are 2 souvenirs available, you must collect 50 points to earn the first souvenir and 500 points to earn the second souvenir.
Each labyrinth in Signal’s Labyrinth challenge has different point values for finding geocaches, Adventures, and bonus items. In the Castle Maze attending an event is worth maximum 35 points, with lanterns being the bonus item earning an extra 50 points. Like previous mazes these are awarded randomly. The maximum number of points you can earn for any cache log is 85 points.
Found an Adventure Lab Cache (Adventure Location)
10
Attended an Event
35
Found a Mystery Cache
30
Found a Multi-Cache
30
Found a Letterbox Hybrid
25
Found a cache with 10+ Favorite points
20
Found a Signal’s Labyrinth item
50
Found it*
15
*Log a Found it on any other cache type
The final Labyrinth Challenge starts on 6th February 2023 and runs to 3rd April 2023. Details and point scoring yet to be announced.
Labyrinth Challenge Bonus Souvenir this will be awarded to anyone who has earned the 12 Labyrinth Souvenirs.
Mega Event Souvenirs in UK
GC9MAXX London Calling 2023 Mega Event 11am-4pm Saturday, April 29, 2023
9 Usual Suspects would like to take this opportunity to say a very BIG THANK YOU to everyone for their support and making 2022 a very special geocaching year. We also wish everyone Blwyddyn Newydd Dda/Happy New Year and look forward to another year of fun and adventures………….
We have put together a video of our 2022 escapades………
Bet you can’t wait to see what we are planning for 2023!
There has been no new caches or Adventure labs published in our area since our last post, we have just a couple of event reminders.
Event Reminders
GCA31Z2 9 Usual Suspects Say Goodbye to 2022 by 9 Usual Suspects Where: Dinas Dinlle When: Saturday 31st December, 2022 Time: 10.30-11.00am
We had hoped that one of the cafes would be open so that we would have somewhere to shelter if the weather is bad, but sadly they are all closed until after the New Year. So the plan is to bring our mobile tea wagon (campervan), so that we can supply hot drinks and bacon rolls, oh and cake! There is a rumour that a new set of Adventure Labs plus a bonus cache may appear during this event.
Drop anchor Souvenir
GCA3214 9 Usual Suspects Say Hello 2023 by 9 Usual Suspects Where: Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen, Morfa Nefyn, Gwynedd LL53 6DB When: Sunday 1st January, 2023 Time: 12.30-1.30pm or when the last person leaves
According to the pubs website ‘The Ty Coch Inn is arguably the best pub in Wales and OFFICIALLY in the top ten beach bars in the world…’
We would like to wish everyone a very Happy, Healthy 2023 and Thank You for supporting 9US throughout 2022.
GCA31Z2 9 Usual Suspects Say Goodbye to 2022 by 9 Usual Suspects Where: Dinas Dinlle When: Saturday 31st December, 2022 Time: 10.30-11.00am
There is a rumour that a new set of Adventure Labs plus a bonus cache may appear during this event.
GCA3214 9 Usual Suspects Say Hello 2023 by 9 Usual Suspects Where: Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen, Morfa Nefyn, Gwynedd LL53 6DB When: Sunday 1st January, 2023 Time: 12.30-1.30pm or when the last person leaves
According to the pubs website ‘The Ty Coch Inn is arguably the best pub in Wales and OFFICIALLY in the top ten beach bars in the world…’
Please note the Ty Coch does not open until 12pm, food is only available until 2.30pm and there is no table reservations.
GCA31ZX 9 Usual Suspects Present Ski Sunday by 9 Usual Suspects Where: Plas Gwernoer, Nantlle LL54 6BB When: Sunday 15th January, 2023 Time: 2-4.15pm or the last person leaves……
The Cache Bar will be open, hot drinks available all afternoon and fondue will be on the menu.
We would like to thank everyone for attending on a very cold Sunday afternoon. It was our first event here in the Blondin Restaurant, chosen because of the facilities and to launch our slate geocoins, Penrhyn Quarry being the source of the slate. We must say thanks to Mike for suppling the entertainment, a new game to us, Fossball. Who says geocachers are not competitive?
Gail and Dawn playing Fossball
We still have some coins available at £9.00 each, to place an order please contact us through the comments or message 9 Usual Suspects geocaching account.
Zip World, Velocity 2
Do you fancy zooming down a 1.5 kilometre zip line at speeds up to a 100 miles per hour? In planning events for 2023 we are considering the Blondin Restaurant but also giving attendees the opportunity to ‘fly’ Velocity 2. Prior to Covid we had a very positive response from Zip World about hosting an event here, placing a geocache and discounts on Velocity 2. Before we approach Zip World to negotiate discounts we need rough numbers for those interested in the zip wire or maybe one of the other activities at Penrhyn Quarry, Quarry Karts or Quarry Flyer. Note To join us on Velocity 2 you do not have to be a geocacher, friends and family are very welcome. Please contact us through the comments or message 9 Usual Suspects geocaching account.
Bob & Judy (Jude100)
Bob and Judy are now settled into their bungalow at Chorley, though they very much miss North Wales and their geocaching friends. Their new home overlooks Astley Park, is in easy walking distance to the centre of Chorley and most importantly close to their family. They would like to say ‘Hello’ to all their geocaching friends and wish them a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
There have been no new Geocaches or Adventure Labs published since our last post.
Event Reminder GCA2704 9 Usual Suspects Visit Penrhyn Quarry by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T1 Where: Blondin Restaurant, Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda LL57 4YG When: Sunday 4th December Time: 2.30pm-3.30pm
To celebrate the arrival of our slate geocoins we are visiting Penrhyn Quarry the source of the slate. The Blondin Restaurant has great views across the famous slate quarry with the fastest zip wire in the world running just metres away.
Coins will be available to purchase at £9.00 each.
Signal’s Labyrinth, Escape the Castle
Monday 5th December sees the end of Signal’s Hedge Maze challenge and the beginning of the Castle Maze. Like the other maze challenges there are 2 souvenirs available, you must collect 50 points to earn the first souvenir and 500 points to earn the second souvenir.
Each labyrinth in Signal’s Labyrinth challenge has different point values for finding geocaches, Adventures, and bonus items. In the Castle Maze attending an event is worth maximum35 points, with lanterns being the bonus item earning an extra 50 points. Like previous mazes these are awarded randomly. The maximum number of points you can earn for any cache log is 85 points.
Found an Adventure Lab Cache (Adventure Location)
10
Attended an Event
35
Found a Mystery Cache
30
Found a Multi-Cache
30
Found a Letterbox Hybrid
25
Found a cache with 10+ Favourite points
20
Found a Signal’s Labyrinth item
50
Found it*
15
*Log a Found it on any other cache type
This challenge runs until Monday 6th February, 2023
CITO News
Tuesday we collected gloves, a couple of different design bag hoops to review and 7 boxes of bags each containing 200 bags! I’m not sure how much litter the council think we are going to pick but they are making sure we never run out of bags. Our next litter pick will be early 2023. Please contact us if you know of an area that could do with a tidy up.
9 Usual Suspects 2022
I am in the process of compiling a YouTube video of our 2022 Geocaching adventures. Have you any photos/video that you would like to be included? If so please email them to me, ann@birdbrook.net, in original or large format.
Just one new cache, a tricky puzzle to get the brain cells working.
GCA29G4 Let’s Arrange It! by Clueless_Goose Mystery/Puzzle D4/T2
Event Reminder GCA2704 9 Usual Suspects Visit Penrhyn Quarry by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T1 Where: Blondin Restaurant, Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda LL57 4YG When: Sunday 4th December Time: 2.30pm-3.30pm
To celebrate the arrival of our slate geocoins we are visiting Penrhyn Quarry the source of the slate. The Blondin Restaurant offers a combination of indoor seating and an outdoor terrace with views across the famous slate mine and over the turquoise waters of the lake in Penrhyn Quarry. According to their website, ‘it’s a modern, bistro-style venue featuring locally sourced delights’.
Coins will be available to purchase at £9.00 each.
PanIQ Room/Christmas Dinner 26th November
The weather might have been awful but that didn’t matter as all our planned adventures where for once inside. A pint in the Australia is always a good start to a day of fun and again was the perfect base while the ‘non competitive’ teams completed the challenge of the Christmas escape room. Did the best team win? Well, one team now holds the record for the fastest escape ever! A big Thanks goes to Julie for arranging. The Clairvoyants Curse returns in March, anyone interested in joining us for another fun day in the PanIQ Rooms and Australia?
It was our first event at Tafarn Yr Afr/Goat Inn, the olde world pub with the lovely Christmas tree and festive music made for a very Christmassy atmosphere. Pete’s ‘Home Bargains’ Christmas jumper lowered the standard and would have won the worst jumper in any competition. It was not long before everyone was seated and the food began to arrive. Gwenllian and Pete took the opportunity in a lull between courses to deliver the ‘Secret Santa’ presents, I must say there was a high standard of gifts this year. I’ll be very interested to see what Sion does with his wheels! I think we all ate far too much with this meal being one of the best we have had at a 9US Christmas Event. It was a shame the coffee & mince pies never showed up but I don’t think we had room for them anyway.
In the past, pre-covid, we have held events on New Years Eve and New Years Day. Should we re-start the tradition? Let us know your opinions by either messaging us or through the comments.
January N&N is scheduled for Wednesday 25th, due to local staffing problems and the general economic situation we are concerned that many pubs may not be open mid week or may have restricted opening hours, so we are considering moving N&N to either Friday 27th or Saturday 28th. We will review the situation early in the New Year.
Ski Sunday is coming to the Nantlle Valley in January, proposed date Sunday 15th. More details once plans have been finalised.
In February we are planning a puzzle solving event, with puzzle boxes and the ultimate challenge
Have you any suggestions for 9US events and adventures? All suggestions very welcome.
Just one new cache to report, please note it is Premium Member only.
GCA21R9 Llun o Llandwrog by Clueless_Goose Mystery D4/T2.5
Event GCA2704 9 Usual Suspects Visit Penrhyn Quarry by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T1 Where: Blondin Restaurant, Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda LL57 4YG When: Sunday 4th December Time: 2.30pm-3.30pm
This event is to promote our slate geocoins. Why this location? Because the slate used was quarried here at Penrhyn Quarry. Coins will be available to purchase at £9.00 each.
Just to confirm we have now placed food orders and a reminder for those that wish to take part there will be the usual ‘Secret Santa’, presents price guide £5.00. We look forward to seeing you on the 26th.
Geocaching Souvenirs Latest News
Two new souvenirs to report while several souvenirs are approaching the end of their availability.
Two new souvenirs have been announced, Drop Anchor 2022 to close 2022 and Full Sail! 2023to start 2023.
To earn Drop Anchor 2022 you have a week to find any geocache, attend an Event, or complete an Adventure Lab® Location from December 24th–31st.
To earn Full Sail 2023 you also have a week to find any geocache, attend an Event, or complete an Adventure Lab® Location from January 1st–8th.
CITO 2022, Season 2
CITO 2022 Season 2 finishes on Wednesday, November 30th, 2022.
Signal’s Labyrinth, the Hedge Maze
If you have not already earned Signal’s Labyrinth Hedge Maze Souvenirs time is running out as this challenge ends on Monday 5th, December.
2022 Year of the Hide Souvenir
This souvenir has been available since March 1st, 2022. If you have not already qualified either hide a geocache or host an event before December 31st 2022. Please note last day to submit an event or cache for review is December 17th.
