Geocaching and locks

With Geocachers looking for ever more ways to make their caches challenging and individual, having a lock to open without a key is gaining popularity. This isn’t without controversy, even owning a set of Lock picking tools in some countries is illegal, however, in most countries this isn’t the case. ‘Lock-picking’ has an image problem in the general public’s mind, which is largely unfounded. Before we start, a large caveat, if it can be shown that the tools in your possession are intended for illegal purposes, then expect the full weight of the law. Being able to demonstrate permission to open a lock is everything here. All caches of this type should have the fact that “there is a lock to defeat (Pick, bump etc)” stated very clearly in the Geocache description, or else the act of opening it would stray into the grey area as to the legality of opening the lock (see lock sport rules at the end of this piece). There’s far more legal complexity that I can cover in this short article and.. I’m not a lawyer.

Given that defeating locks is a life skill that few of us possess, there is a hobby called Locksport where you can learn. Locksport is based around defeating locking system using a variety of skills traditionally known to a small group of people in the associated professions. Locksport has its roots in the broader field of lock defeating or picking, a skill that has been practiced since the very first lock was made. However, the organised and recreational aspect of lock picking, known as locksport, did not appear until the latter part of the 20th century.
The origins of locksport can be traced back to the hacker and computer security communities who regarded any closed system as a challenge. As computer enthusiasts explored the digital realm, many found a parallel interest in physical security, including the mechanisms that safeguarded valuable information. Lock picking became a hands-on extension of the broader ethos of exploring and understanding systems.

In the 1990s, groups like the MIT Lockpicking Club and the Open Organisation of Lockpickers (TOOOL) started formalising and popularising the recreational side of lock picking. TOOOL, an organisation from the Netherlands founded by Barry Wels and Deviant Ollam in 2002, played a significant role in promoting locksport globally. The organisation aimed to advance the public’s understanding of locks and security through educational initiatives, training, and organised events, constantly working with the public and manufacturers to highlight lock vulnerabilities.

Locksport events, often referred to as “lockpicking villages,” became a staple at hacker conferences and conventions. These gatherings provided a platform for enthusiasts to share knowledge, exchange techniques, and engage in friendly competitions. The focus was on education, ethical behaviour, and responsible use of lock-picking skills.
Locksport has evolved into a diverse and inclusive community that welcomes individuals with varied backgrounds, from hackers and security professionals to hobbyists and locksmiths. The emphasis remains on education, skill development, and fostering a sense of responsibility in using lock-picking knowledge.
In the past two decades, the popularity of locksport has grown, with local groups forming both offline and online, bringing together like-minded individuals who share a passion for this unique skill. The community continues to promote a positive and ethical approach to lock picking, emphasising the importance of understanding security systems to enhance overall safety and awareness.

To keep lock-picking skill away from those who would abuse it, members of locksport groups have zero tolerance for illegal or immoral lock picking, bypass, or other forms of entry.

Locksporters abide by the following rules, with no exceptions:

  • Locksporters may open only locks that belong to them. For other locks, they need express consent of the owner.
  • Locksporters may not open a lock that is in use.
  • Permanently removing (or relocating) the lock may be done only when lawfully and specifically sanctioned by an appropriate authority.
  • A lock which has been effectively abandoned by its owner and placed in a public place without securing anything (i.e., not “in use”, such as a lock placed on a “lovewall”) may ethically be picked by any locksporter, provided the lock is returned to its original locked position and state.
  • The security needs of others must be preserved.
  • All activities take place within boundaries of respectability, integrity and professionalism.

News & New Caches 75

Firstly we would like to thank everyone who responded to our ‘Event Suggestions’ in our last post. Looks like we are going to have a busy fun filled year. We will shortly be publishing an event calendar for 2023.

One new Adventure Lab plus bonus has appeared since our last post.

Premium Member Only
GCA4HY7 Y Felinheli Hike Bonus Cache by escapefromwork Traditional D2.5/T2

Adventure Lab

Y Felinheli Hike by escapefromwork Nonsequential

This Adventure Lab explores the pretty village of Y Felinheli, situated on the banks of the Menai Straits with beautiful views across the water to Ynys Mon. Remember to collect the bonus information.

Event

GCA4W8J 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 54 by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T1
When: Tuesday 28th February, 2023
Where: Anglesey Arms, Harbour Front, Caernarfon LL55 1SG
Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves

For this months Nosh & Natter we are returning to the Anglesey Arms, Caernarfon, I’m assured that they will be open for food……… Please note this event is on Tuesday 28th.

Event Reminder

GCA4ENX 9 Usual Suspects Visit Martin & Linda by 9 Usual Suspect D1/T1
When: Sunday 19th February, 2023
Where: Bryntirion Inn, Llandderfel, Bala LL23 7RA
Time: 12-1pm

We are heading to the Bryntirion for a couple of reasons, Sunday lunch and to discover this Adventure Lab cache ‘Whodunnit at the Bryntirion Inn?’
Join us as we play detectives to solve the classic murder mystery and then find the bonus cache.
GC9G549 Whodunnit at the Bryntirion Inn – Labcache Bonus by PhilPamAndRob Puzzle D3.5/T2.5
There is no online menu but for Sunday lunch there will be a choice of roast beef, lamb, or chicken and 3 vegetarian options for £11.95.
Need a lift? Contact Pete or Ann.

Valentines Gift from HQ

Geocaching have updated the Geocaching® app so all players can see highly Favourited caches at a glance.  Caches are highlighted by their Favourite point total above their cache icon on the map. To commemorate this occasion, they are giving all Premium members an extra 10 Favourite points to award. Furthermore, to recognise that there wouldn’t be caches to find and give Favourite points to without our community’s ingenious hiders, all Premium members who own a geocache, will receive 20 extra Favourite points.
This caused great amusement in our household due to Naturesbyte’s reluctancy to parting with favourite points, he has accumulated the grand sum of 237 unused points, with the addition of the ‘bonus 20’ his total currently stands at 257. Can anyone beat this?

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).

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.

Postcard from Scotland

Crossing the border

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.

Kelpies sculptures by Andy Scott

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

Caerlaverlock castle

In-between the weather we have managed to visit some amazing places and of course find geocaches and adventure labs.

Melrose Abbey, note the umbrella at the ready.

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

Old Forth Road Bridge
Forth Rail Bridge from start of the old Road Bridge

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!

Full size Spitfire replica

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.

News & New Caches 23

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

new 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.

News & New Caches

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 14351Llanddyfnan 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.

News & New Caches

It is forecast to be a lovely weekend with new caches being placed all over our area there is no excuse not to get out, find a cache or two and enjoy the sunshine.

GC9Q66Y Minesweeper by Clueless_Goose Mystery/Puzzle D3/T1.5
GC9Q5KM You Are Here by Somot Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GC9Q3JG ❤️Dating Trees❤️ by StrawberryFinch Traditional D1.5/D2.5

Premium Member Only
GC9Q89N Pass the Parcel by Squaddie101 Traditional D2/T1.5
GC9Q59G Tilly’s View by Bess’s Friends Traditional D1/T1/5

Event Reminder

GC9PMX9 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 44 by 9 Usual Suspects Event
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.

New Challenge, Signal’s Labyrinth

Geocaching have announced their latest challenge, Signal’s Labyrinth, which starts on April 4th 2022 lasting 12 months. By collecting points on geocache finds, Adventures labs, and mysterious bonus items you help Signal to escape from the labyrinths and return to Geocaching HQ. There are 6 different labyrinths with 2 months to complete each maze and 2 souvenirs for each stage plus a bonus for collecting all 12.

A Challenging Adventure Lab

Ye Olde Survey Monuments Tribute Adventure by GAGB 10 stages non-sequential

We are featuring this Adventure Lab as one of the stages is in our area at the top of Snowdon. Ye Ole Survey Monuments, YOSM for short, GC45CC, was a travelling Virtual cache owned by outforthehunt. The cache moved around the country, to claim a find you were looking for a specific survey monument, trig point, pillar, surface block, rivet or bolt. Like all travelling caches, this cache was archived by Groundspeak in 2017. At the time, it had 25,076 finds by 3,528 cachers and 651 favourite points. The Adventure Lab takes you to the 10 most visited YOSM locations in Great Britain. This Adventure Lab cache will be an adventure! If you complete all of the stages you will have travelled the length and breadth of Great Britain. Good Luck!

Snowdon Summit, Gwynedd – YSM0598
Blorenge, Gwent – YSM0272
Flax Bourton (R), Somerset – YSM0415
Brean Down, Somerset – YSM0348
Woodhenge, Wiltshire – YSM0223
The Ring, Gloucestershire – YSM0269
Pittern Hill, Warwickshire – YSM0540
Mersea Gun Emplacement, Essex – YSM0623
Brimham Rocks, Yorkshire – YSM0300
Kinnoull Hill, Perth – YSM0385

The Adventure Lab was published in 2019 and at the time of writing this there has only been 7 people complete the challenge.

GAGB is the Geocaching Association of Great Britain, it is free to join, for more information visit their website: http://www.gagb.org.uk

YOSM Today

Naturesbyte at YSM290 Hough Hill .

After the original cache was archived the cache GC76962 Ye Ole Survey Monuments Memorial Cache was published to allow finders of YOSMs to still record their finds as a note to enable their ‘statpics’ to be updated, see below. Sadly the YOSM website is broken and a list of all YOSM sites is not currently available.

statpic sample

News & New Caches

GC9N17R 9 Usual Suspects Go Peering Around the Pier By 9 Usual Suspects Event D1/T1

We have an event on 27th February at Garth Pier, Bangor published this week. After the event we hope to find GC9MJNM Friends and Piers by Clueless_Goose Mystery D3.5/T1.5.

February Reach the Peak Souvenir Challenge

The final stage in Reach the Peak Souvenir Challenge is the worlds tallest mountain Everest.

Everest and the Welsh Connections
Did you know that Everest is named after a Welshman? The mountain was named after Colonel Sir George Everest, who was born in Crickhowell, Powys in 1790. Sir George was a surveyor and geographer who worked as the Surveyor General of India between 1830 and 1843.

In 1802 the Great Trigonometric Survey of India was established to identify the world’s highest mountains. Over many years British surveyors used giant theodolites to measure the heights, and in 1852 analysing of the raw data led to “Peak XV” being officially verified as the world’s highest peak.

Although the surveyors attempted to preserve local terms wherever possible, there was no unified name for Peak XV. In November 1847, Andrew Waugh, the then surveyor general of India, proposed that the mountain be named after his predecessor, Sir George Everest.

Although Sir George opposed the suggestion, in 1865 the Royal Geographical Society officially adopted Mount Everest as the name of the world’s highest point.

Edmund Hilary and Sherpa Tenzing trained for their famous 1953 expedition to conquer Everest here in Snowdonia staying at the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel. Here today many items are displayed connected with their training and the expedition.

Souvenir Challenge

The February challenge starts Monday February 7th, 2022 at noon UTC and finishes Monday March 7th at noon UTC. Geocachers must collect 425 points to earn the Everest Basecamp souvenir and 8,849 points to earn the Everest Summit souvenir. Geocachers who earn all fourteen Basecamp and Summit souvenirs in the Reach the Peak Challenge will also earn the Peak Performer souvenir.

Here are the point values for our climb up Everest:

Completed an Adventure975
Found a Mystery Cache900
Found a Multi-Cache850
Found a cache with 15+ Favorite points700
Found a Letterbox Hybrid550
Found an EarthCache650
Found it*425
Found an Adventure Location125

*Log a Found it on any other non-Event cache type, excluding Webcam Caches.

The maximum number of points you can earn for any cache log is 975 points.