News & New Caches 154

Several new caches, a couple of events and an event reminder, lots to keep everyone busy!

GCAXPXD Rocky Coast View. by Bess’s Friends Traditional D1/T2 Premium Member Only
GCAYXE9 Groot by familykemp Traditional D1.5/T3.5 Premium Member Only

GCAYTB5 Lon Eifion, Rusty Metal by 9 Usual Suspects Traditional D2.5/T1.5
GCAYTBG Lon Eifion, Lacoste Style? by 9 Usual Suspects Traditional D2/T1.5
GCAYTCV Lon Eifion, Under the Oak Tree by 9 Usual Suspects Traditional D2/T2.5
GCAYTD3 Lon Eifion, Kissing Gate by 9 Usual Suspects Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GCAYTDR Lon Eifion, Meet Dino by 9 Usual Suspects Traditional D2/T1.5
GCAYTDV Lon Eifion, Big Rock, Little Rock by 9 Usual Suspects Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GCAYTE4 Lon Eifion, The Hub by 9 Usual Suspects Traditional D2/T1.5

Events
Another couple of ‘On My Travels’ SideTracked Event by Wandafree this time visiting Llandudno:

GCAYWTE SideTracked Llandudno by Wandafree D1/T1.5
When: Sunday 20th October 2024
Where: Nevill, Vaughan St, Llandudno LL30 1AB
Time: 12-12.45pm

GCAYWTK SideTracked- Great Orme, Victoria Station by Wandafree D1/T1.5
When: Monday 21st October 2024
Where: The Kings Head, Old Road, Llandudno LL30 2NB
Time: 12.15-1pm

Event Reminder

GCAWCCH London Calling on Tour: Caernarfon by goldpot Event D1/T1
When: Tuesday 8th October 2024
Where: Tafarn Y Porth (Wetherspoons)
Time: 4-4.30pm
Your chance to meet a London Calling committee member, goldpot, at an informal caching event to chat about all things geocaching and promote the Block Party event in London in 2025.

Event Review

CITO Season 2 Souvenir 2024

GCAXW19 CITO 2024 Season 2, Let’s Plant Trees! by 9 Usual Suspects

For this CITO we did not pick up litter, but we planted a variety of tree seeds to grow until they are large enough to plant in our local shared spaces next autumn. Our area has been hit very hard with the ash die back virus, the loss of these beautiful ash trees is changing our landscape and woodlands. Our aim is to replace these lost trees with a variety of trees that are resistant to this virus. A request was issued to event attendees while out and about geocaching to collect a few seed/berries to bring to this event. We were amazed at the response, not only the amount of seed but the wide variety.

A few of the seeds collected by event attendees

While some attendees researched how to plant the seeds correctly, others planted the seeds and enjoyed the tree related craft table. Snacks, hot and cold drinks followed throughout the afternoon.

Pete examined and explained the growth rings of an Ash tree that had sadly succumbed to the Ash Die Back virus explaining that the rings revealed the tree was 68 years old when cut down. From the width of the rings it was clearly visible which years were good growth years and which were bad. The pins marked the size the tree was at different historical moments.

Quiz Time

A tree related quiz tested everyones knowledge with Andy, YnysMonBirders, being the clear winner. After plenty of geochat and cake it was time for everyone to head home.

Some pictures of our day:

Dates for your Diary

Halloween

Our Halloween Event will be Saturday 2nd November starting at 5pm. Planning is already under way and for this years event we are holding a pumpkin lantern carving competitions with prizes for adults and children. Of course the bar will be open throughout and there will be refreshments, probably in the form of a BBQ. Fancy dress is preferred but optional. We hope to get the event in for review in the next couple of days.

Christmas Dinner

The date for Christmas Dinner will be Saturday 30th November. We hope to be returning to The Goat Inn – Tafarn Yr Afr, Glandwyfach. We will be confirming details shortly, but, in the meantime here is a copy of the menu:

International Earthcache Day

Earn the International EarthCache Day 2024 souvenir by visiting any EarthCache and completing the logging requirements from Friday, October 11 through Sunday, October 13, 2024. All non-Premium EarthCaches are open to everyone throughout the weekend on the Geocaching® app.

News & New Caches 153

We have no new caches or Ad Labs to report since our last post, but hopefully there will be some new caches published before our next post!

Event Reminders

CITO Season 2 Souvenir for 2024

GCAXW19 CITO 2024 Season 2, Let’s Plant Trees! by 9 Usual Suspects
Where: Plas Gwernoer, Nantlle
When: Sunday 6th October, 2024
Time: 2.00pm-4.30pm 
For this CITO we will not be picking up litter, but we will be planting a variety of native tree seeds to grow until they are large enough to plant in our local shared spaces next autumn. Our area has been hit very hard with the ash die back virus, the loss of these beautiful ash trees is changing our landscape and woodlands. Our aim is to replace these lost trees with a variety of trees that are resistant to this virus.

We ask all attendees while out and about geocaching to collect a few seed/berries to bring to this event. We will be supplying compost, pots etc. By attending this event you will earn CITO Season 2 Souvenir for 2024.

GCAWCCH London Calling on Tour: Caernarfon by goldpot Event D1/T1
When: Tuesday 8th October 2024
Where: Tafarn Y Porth (Wetherspoons)
Time: 4-4.30pm
Meet a London Calling committee member, goldpot, at an informal caching event to chat about all things geocaching and promote the Block Party event in London in 2025.

Event Review

GCAX1YV 9 Usual Suspects Visit Harlech Castle by 9 Usual Suspects Event D1/T1.5

During September, more than 200 of Wales’ historic sites, landmarks and hidden gems were open to visitors free of entry charges as part of Open Doors – Wales. Funded and organised by Cadw the ‘open doors’ ranged from castles, grand houses, churches to smaller less well known historic sites several of these which were not normally open to the public.

We took the opportunity of free entry and guided tour to host an event at Harlech Castle.

A Brief History

Harlech Castle is a concentric castle built between 1283 and 1290 as part of Edward 1’s Iron Ring of Castles. Taking only seven years to complete at a cost of £8,190 it was one of Edwards cheapest castles. It’s location on a near vertical cliff face made it impregnable from almost every angle. When it was first built a channel connected the castle to the sea and was accessible by a long stairway, this allowed supplies to be delivered when the castle was besieged. Harlech Castle was established with a garrison of just 36 men: a constable, 30 men, including 10 crossbowmen, a chaplain, a smith, carpenter and stonemason.

Reconstruction of the castle in the early 14th century

At the end of 1404, the castle fell to Owain Glyndŵr becoming his residence, family home and military headquarters for four years.
The castle also endured a seven-year siege during the Wars of the Roses. This is the longest siege in British history. It is said that the beautiful tune ‘Men of Harlech’ was composed during this siege.
In 1986, Edward’s castles in Wales were together designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our Event

We met in the castle carpark and was very surprised by the number of attendees as the weather forecast was awful. The locals were joined by attendees from Germany and South Wales, it is alway nice to have visitors. After the normal admin, geochat and TB swapping we all headed into the castle for the tour and to explore some of the not so public areas! Luckily the rain just about held off until after the event and the tour. We can highly recommend visiting the castle and taking the guided tour, our guide Sian was excellent.

A few photos from our day:

World Postcard Day Souvenir

The geocaching community is currently celebrating World Postcard Day. To earn the souvenir attend any event from now to Saturday 5th October, 2024.

News & New Caches 152

Just one new puzzle and a couple of event reminders:

GCAYABP YOSM #1169 Llanwnda Church Spire by Clueless_Goose Mystery D3/T1.5

Event Reminders

Tonight:
GCAXW35 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 71 by 9 Usual Suspects
When: Thursday 26th September 2024
Where: Parc Snowdonia, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4AQ
Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves

GCAX1YV 9 Usual Suspects Visit Harlech Castle by 9 Usual Suspects Event D1/T1.5
When: Sunday 29th September 2024
Where: Harlech Castle Car Park LL46 2YH.
Time: 12-12.30pm
A castle set in a beautiful location with a fascinating history. After the event we invite all attendees to join us on a free guided tour of the castle as part of CADW Open Door project.
Please note dogs are only allowed on the ground floor of the castle.

Anglesey Arms, Caernarfon

Geoff is leaving the Anglesey!

Saturday 28th September will be the end of an era, the last night for Geoff and his Team. We have all enjoyed many N&N’s over the years, cosy inside in winter and outside along the Straits on warm summer nights watching the sunset.

We would like to wish Geoff and all his staff the very best in their future ventures.

CADW Open Doors

A quick reminder that CADW Open Doors has many historic sites, landmarks and hidden gems open to visitors free of entry charges throughout September. Here are a few of the places open this weekend:

Hafoty Medieval House

Hafoty Medieval House is open Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September 2024. Tours at 11am, 12pm and 1pm. No Booking Required.
The house was probably built by the Norres familly before passing to the Bulkeleys in 1511. Join a tour of this beautiful medieval house to find out more about the site’s colourful history.

Castell y Bere

Castell y Bere is open Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September 2024 from 11am – 4pm. Tours at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. No Booking Required
Castell y Bere was a remote outpost on Llywelyn’s southern frontier, it guarded his cattle range, protected the homeland of Gwynedd and dominated the neighbouring lordship of Meirionydd.

St. Tudno’s Church, Llandudno

St. Tudno’s Church is open from 10am to 5pm Thursday 26th – Monday 30th September 2024 10:00 – 17:00
Set on a windswept slope of the Great Orme, overlooking the sea, the ancient Church of St. Tudno is a place of pilgrimage, peace and prayer. Founded by St. Tudno in the 6th century and giving the town of Llandudno its name, the present building dates from the 12th – 15th centuries.

September Equinox Remider

Geocaching HQ have created a souvenir for geocachers to celebrate the September equinox. To earn this souvenir time is running out, geocachers must find a total of 3 geocaches, Event Caches, and/or Adventure Lab® Locations by the end of Saturday 28th.

Adventure Day is October 19th

The latest souvenir announced by Geocaching HQ is available form Friday 18th to Sunday 20th October to celebrate Adventure Day. To earn the souvenir complete any Adventure Lab Location.

News & New Caches 151

There have been no new caches or Adventure Labs published since our last post.

September Equinox

The September equinox represents a moment of balance in Earth’s orbit with nearly equal amounts of daylight worldwide. As the reverse of the March equinox, it marks the start of autumn in the northern hemisphere and the start of spring in the southern hemisphere. Geocaching HQ created a souvenir for geocachers to celebrate the September equinox. To earn this souvenir, geocachers must find a total of 3 geocaches, Event Caches, and/or Adventure Lab® Locations between September 22nd–28th.

International EarthCache Day 2024 Souvenir

Since 2004, EarthCaches have encouraged geocachers to explore and celebrate the extraordinary geologic features of our planet, like the Torres del Paine in Chile. This towering laccolith is as breathtaking as it is fascinating.

Earn the International EarthCache Day 2024 souvenir by visiting any EarthCache and completing the logging requirements from Friday 11th October to Sunday 13th October 2024.

CADW Open Doors

A quick reminder that CADW Open Doors has many historic sites, landmarks and hidden gems open to visitors free of entry charges throughout September. Here are a few of the places open this weekend:

St Mary’s Church, Caerhun

The aerial photo shows St Mary’s and outline of the Roman Canovium fort

St Mary’s Church is open Saturday 21st September from 10am-4pm
Surrounded by sheep fields alongside the beautiful Conwy River, St Mary’s still retains the simplicity intended by Cistercian monks who founded it in the early Middle Ages. The churchyard has ancient yew trees and occupies the corner of the Roman Canovium fort.
There will be a display of the Roman history of the Caerhun site and refreshments will be offered.

Barclodiad y Gawres Burial Chamber

Barclodiad-y-Gawres open Saturday 21st September guided tours will be at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Meet at the monument.
A partially reconstructed Neolithic burial chamber sited on a spectacular cliff side position and is famous for its decorated stones. 

Penrhyn Castle

Penrhyn Castle is open weekend 21st-22nd September from 10am-4pm last admissions 3pm
Discover Penrhyn’s history, its vast rooms, neo-Norman stairways and Victorian kitchens.

GCAXW19 CITO 2024 Season 2, Let’s Plant Trees!

GCAXW19 CITO 2024 Season 2, Let’s Plant Trees! by 9 Usual Suspects
Where: Plas Gwernoer, Nantlle
When: Sunday 6th October, 2024
Time: 2.00pm-4.30pm
For this CITO we will not be picking up litter, but we will be planting a variety of native tree seeds to grow until they are large enough to plant in our local shared spaces next autumn.

News & New Caches 150

A couple of new traditional caches and events published since our last post:

GCAXA2K Welcome to Holyhead by Glaslyn1 Traditional D2/T2
GCAXN5G Dyffryn Nantlle by sionyn68 Traditional D1.5/T1.5 Premium Member Only

Events
GCAXW35 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 71 by 9 Usual Suspects
When: Thursday 26th September 2024
Where: Parc Snowdonia, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4AQ
Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves

CITO Season 2 Souvenir for 2024

GCAXW19 CITO 2024 Season 2, Let’s Plant Trees! by 9 Usual Suspects
Where: Plas Gwernoer, Nantlle
When: Sunday 6th October, 2024
Time: 2.00pm-4.30pm 
For this CITO we will not be picking up litter, but we will be planting a variety of native tree seeds to grow until they are large enough to plant in our local shared spaces next autumn. Our area has been hit very hard with the ash die back virus, the loss of these beautiful ash trees is changing our landscape and woodlands. Our aim is to replace these lost trees with a variety of trees that are resistant to this virus.

We ask all attendees while out and about geocaching to collect a few seed/berries to bring to this event. We will be supplying compost, pots etc. By attending this event you will earn CITO Season 2 Souvenir for 2024.

Souvenir Updates

Cosmic Quest Challenge

Cosmic Quest: Lift off souvenir

This challenge finished on Sunday 8th September. After extending the challenge by a week there was a final boost of points from the geocaching community ensuring the 15 million point target was achieved enabling the Cosmic Quest: Lift off souvenir to be awarded to all participants. Here are the stats for this challenge issued by Geocaching HQ:

  • 111,205 players earned the Super Fuel Cacher souvenir by generating 20 units of fuel
  • 40,829 players earned the Ultra Fuel Cacher souvenir by generating 100 units of fuel
  • 18,981 earned the secret Discover the Spaceship souvenir by discovering a special Cosmic Quest virtual trackable

I find it surprising how few geocachers took part, after all it is a global game!

September Equinox

The September equinox represents a moment of balance in Earth’s orbit with nearly equal amounts of daylight worldwide. As the reverse of the March equinox, it marks the start of autumn in the northern hemisphere and the start of spring in the southern hemisphere. Geocaching HQ created a souvenir for geocachers to celebrate the September equinox. To earn this souvenir, geocachers must find a total of 3 geocaches, Event Caches, and/or Adventure Lab® Locations between September 22nd–28th.

CADW Open Doors

A quick reminder that CADW Open Doors has many historic sites, landmarks and hidden gems open to visitors free of entry charges throughout September. Here are a few of the places open this weekend:

Bodnant Gardens

Bodnant Gardens are open Sat 14 Sep – Sun 15 Sep 2024 from 9:30 – 17:00
It was created over 150 years, with plants collected and brought to Britain from far afield, and with the incredible vision of generations of the McLaren family. It’s a haven of rarity and beauty, with a stunning backdrop of the Carneddau mountains of Eryri.

Plas Newydd House and Gardens

Plas Newydd House and Gardens Sat 14 Sep – Sun 15 Sep 2024 from 10:30 – 17:00
The ancestral home of the Marquess of Anglesey sits majestically on the shores of the Menai Strait, a family home enjoying breathtaking views of Eryri. The house is home to a Waterloo-inspired military museum, works of art, regular exhibitions and, at its heart, Rex Whistler’s famous 58-foot fantasy landscape painting.

Rug Chapel

Rug Chapel Sat 14 Sep – Sun 15 Sep 2024 from 11:00 – 15:00
Step inside 17th century Rug Chapel and prepared to be wowed by its decorative flourishes.
Tours will be at 11am and 3pm. No booking required.

To find out what is open in your area click on this link CADW Open Doors

News & New Caches 149

Sionyn68 has been very busy during his summer break with 12 new traditional caches and a very nice field puzzle taking you to the highlights of the Penygroes area:

GCAXBC8 Ffordd Clynnog by sionyn68 Traditional D1/T1.5
GCAXBMK Ailgylchu by sionyn68 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GCAXBFR Mynwant Macpelah by sionyn68 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GCAXBD5 Costa del sol 2 by sionyn68 Traditional D2/T2
GCAXB92 Visit Penygroes – industrial Estate by sionyn68 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GCAXBMP Hyfryd by sionyn68 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GCAXBHE Talsarn by sionyn68 Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GCAXBB9 Penygroes Station by sionyn68 Traditional D1/T1
GCAXBE3 Y Rhwyg o Golli`r Hogiau by sionyn68 Traditional D1.5/T1.5

GCAXBKJ Eglwys Dolbenmaen by sionyn68 Traditional D2/T1.5
GCAXBJX Capel Tai Duon by sionyn68 Traditional D2/T2
GCAXBKW LLANWNDA – LLANLLYFNI by sionyn68 Traditional D1.5/T1.5

GCAXBET Pant ddu by sionyn68 Mystery D1.5/T1.5

Three new Earthcaches have also been published in our area:

GCAXD5P Penmaenmawr Prom – Going Green 🟢 by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3.5/T1
GCAXD4N SideTracked Caernafon by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T1.5
GCAXD7G Sir Hugh Owen by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D3/T1

Event Reminder

GCAWQYQ SideTracked – Holyhead by RidgeGrovers Event D1/T1.5
When: Friday 6th September 2024
Where: Lidl Car Park
Time: 12.45-1.15pm
A quick meet before RidgeGrovers take the ferry to Dublin.

CITO 2024 Season 2

CITO Season 2 started on the 1st September and runs until 30th November. We are planning to host a litter pick, probably around our regular area in Caernarfon and a tree seed planting event at 9US HQ with tree associated activities. For this event we plan to plant a variety of different seeds, grow them on and then next year host an event to plant the resulting trees. We ask everyone while out and about geocaching this autumn to collect a few seeds and berries, eg acorns, rowan etc, to bring along to the event. We hope to get both events published very soon.

Zip World Autumn Sale

For a weekday booking from now until Friday 25th October Zip World are giving their subscribers up to 50% off 5 of their adventures here in North Wales. Anyone interested in joining us? Further details contact us.

VELOCITYZip World Penrhyn Quarry
The world’s fastest zip line.
From £94 From £47
QUARRY KARTS Zip World Penrhyn Quarry
A mountain karting adventure.
From £43 From £21.50
TITAN Zip World Llechwedd
 A shared zip line adventure.
 From £52 From £26
CAVERNS Zip World Llechwedd
 An incredible underground adventure course.
 From £71 From £35.50
ZIP SAFARI Zip World Betws-y-Coed
 An epic treetop adventure course.
 From £44 From £22

News & New Caches 148

Just one new event published since our last post:

GCAX1YV 9 Usual Suspects Visit Harlech Castle by 9 Usual Suspects Event D1/T1.5
When: Sunday 29th September 2024
Where: Harlech Castle Car Park LL46 2YH.
Time: 12-12.30pm
A castle set in a beautiful location with a fascinating history. After the event we invite all attendees to join us on a free guided tour of the castle as part of CADW Open Door project.
Please note dogs are only allowed on the ground floor of the castle.

Event Reminder
This is tonight!
GCAWF8W 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 70 by 9 Usual Suspects Event D1/T1
When: Thursday 29th August 2024
Where: Snowdonia Parc, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4AQ
Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves

Cosmic Quest Challenge Update

This challenge was original scheduled to run until Sunday 1st September but Geocaching HQ have announced that it has been extended a week to Sunday 8th September. Is this because the accumulative point total has not reached their target of 15,000,000? Currently the total is 2,300,000 short!

There is the possibility of three souvenirs available, two to be individually earned and one by the geocaching community reaching a target of 15 million fuel points.

See the table below for information about how many fuel points different geocaching actions generate:

Activated a trackable1
Attended an Event3
Received a Favorite point on an owned geocache2
Found an EarthCache5
Found it*1

*Logged a Found it on any other cache type, excluding Webcam Caches.

Players can earn the Super fuel cacher souvenir by generating 20 fuel points and players can earn the Ultra fuel cacher souvenir by generating 100 fuel points. If the accumulative fuel points total reaches 15 million the 3rd souvenir will be awarded to all those that have taken part in the challenge.

News & New Caches 147

A new earthcache and a traditional have been published since our last post:

GCAW8PE Bwa Gwyn & Bwa Du by ruhrPod Earthcache D2.5/T2

GCAWZAG REALLY SideTracked – Bontnewydd by 9 Usual Suspects Traditional D2.5/T1.5
This cache replaces the previous cache we had here. Half of the original cache has gone missing making the hide too easy for the D/T rating. It’ll be a very easy find for all who found the last one!

Event Reviews

GCAVXKP Beaver Badge Celebration by MonHunter
An event to celebrate the completion of MonHunters Beavers Personal Challenge which was to cache every day for a fortnight, either finding caches or maintaining others. It’s always nice to have an excuse to return to the Anglesey Column, as always, the refreshments lived up to expectations, the sun shone, there was plenty of geochat, in all a good time was had by all. Just one last thing to say, well done, MonHunter.

Attendees

GCAVXAQ Meet and Greet Holyhead Maritime by shavonrg
A beautiful day for geocaching and perfect for an event outside the Maritime Museum in Holyhead. The event was organised by a group of very friendly American & Canadian geocachers who were on a day visit from the huge cruise ship just visible in the corner of the photo. Lots of geochat and swapping of TB’s before our hosts had to head back to their ship. We would like to wish everyone a lovely stay in the UK and hope the good weather follows them!

CADW Open Doors

This September, more than 200 of Wales’ historic sites, landmarks and hidden gems will offer visitors free entry, events or guided tours. It’s all part of Open Doors — Wales’ annual contribution to the European Heritage Days initiative, which invites heritage organisations, private owners, local authorities and others to open their doors or offer activities to the public free of charge during September, several of which are usually closed to the public.

To find out what is open in your area click on this link CADW Open Doors

Harlech Castle

We are planning on taking advantage of the free entry by hosting an event at Harlech Castle on Sunday 29th September.

Community Celebration Events 2025

One of the ways the Geocaching community will celebrate geocaching’s 25th anniversary in 2025 is by hosting Community Celebration Events (CCEs). These events are specially designated community gatherings held during significant milestone years in geocaching. CCEs will start taking place in 2025, but if you want to host one, there are a couple things you must do in 2024!
To qualify for a CCE geocachers must:

  • Have at least one cache published between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. 
  • Host at least one Event (including CITOs) between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. 
  • Must have created a Geocaching account before the announcement date of February 20, 2024.

If you meet the criteria, you are guaranteed to receive a CCE before the end of 2025. From July 1, 2024, Geocaching HQ will distribute up to 2,025 CCEs each month, continuing until all qualifiers have received one.

So if you haven’t already, now is the time to start putting together that Event and planning your new cache hide!

9US Community Celebration Event
We have already received our Community Celebration Event. As 9 Usual Suspects is 10 years old in 2025 our plan is to hold a combined birthday party and International Geocaching Day event on Saturday 16th August 2025.