Several caches and an event to report since our last post, plenty to keep you busy over the weekend.
GCA9BRM Choo Choo! Off to the lake we go! by CheesyPasta Traditional D1.5/T1.5 GCA9BPC Bondys trail #2 by CheesyPasta Traditional D1.5/T2.5 GCA9GND The Sunken Gardens by Glaslyn1 Traditional D2/T2 GCA9BT2 Pandy Hill by CheesyPasta Traditional Traditional D1.5/T1.5
Premium Member Only
GCA9KNY Bath House Ruins View by Qniu25 Traditional D2/T2.5
When: Wednesday 28th June Where: Car Park Dinas Dinlle Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm or when the last person leaves
For this months N&N we are doing something a little bit different by holding the event outside on the picnic benches at Dinas Dinlle. Either bring your own picnic or grab fish and chips from the highly recommended Surfer Chippy. Let’s hope for a lovely sunny warm evening!
Please note the earlier start time of 6.30pm
Wheel of Challenge, Out and About
Monday saw the start of ‘Out and About’ the latest souvenir challenge, there are three new souvenirs for easy, medium, or hard levels of the challenge. The more days you find a cache the more souvenirs you will earn. As in previous challenges all types of cache count and remember Adventure Lab stages count as a cache, maybe worth doing each stage on a different day……….
Earn the easy souvenir for this month by logging a find on five different days. Earn the medium souvenir for this month by logging a find on ten different days. Earn the hard souvenir for this month by logging a find on 20 different days.
The next challenge will be announced on Tuesday 27th June.
There have been no new caches or Adventure Labs published since our last post.
This event is out of our area but as Suli is a regular attendee at our events we feel it deserves to be mentioned here. Shame it is on a Monday evening.
Rolling back the years……….
GCA9BR5 A Ten Year Celebration with the Hitman (2013-2023) by Hitman D1/T1
9 Usual Suspects Re-visit Ynys Enlli
GCA5EAK 9 Usual Suspects Re-visit Ynys Enlli Event by 9 Usual Suspects
Firstly we would like to Thank everyone who attended and making another fun 9US adventure.
After a week of very good weather and a good forecast for the weekend we were shocked when Pete picked up the message to confirm our sailing that there was some doubt in it taking place. There was high winds forecast for the afternoon, the 9.30 crossing was going ahead as planned but we had to call back at 8am when a more accurate assessment of the weather could be made. With FfiLli travelling on the 9.30 boat the event would have at least one attendee! At 8.02am we gathered around Petes phone to hear that we were in luck the boat was sailing as planned but to be prepared for ‘very wet crossings’.
The weather made for some ‘interesting’ crossings, especially the return journey where I think we all got very wet apart from Captain Colin and Bryan who managed to secure the only dry standing spot on the boat!
Interesting angle of the horizon!
The highlight of the outward journey was getting close to the puffins, guillemots and other sea birds. On our arrival we headed to the cafe to set up the event, here we found the other 3 attendees who had arrived on the earlier boats enjoying the offerings of the cafe. During our four hour stay there was lots of comings and goings from our base at the cafe as everyone called in for refreshments as they explored the island, found the Ad Labs and caches. The breezy sunshine ensured we all dried very quickly.
For our return journey the breeze had developed into quite a strong wind making for some choppy seas and lots of spray soaking us all. Once in the shelter of the mainland the sea calmed and the boat stopped bouncing as the waves subsided. On our way out we had all commented on the large sea cave not ever expecting to get close let alone enter, but now on flat water, in we went. Amazing rock formations and such clear water, what a treat!
In the Cave
After thanking and paying Captain Colin we all headed up the hill to the carpark before finishing the cake and heading home. Just a fabulous day out.
Souvenir Challenges
Mays Wheel of Challenges finishes on Monday June 4th, so there is only a few days left to gain the 1,000 points to earn both souvenirs.
Junes Wheel of Challenges starts on Monday 5th June and runs until Sunday 2nd July. This challenge is all about seeing how many days you can get outside and find a geocache. There are three new souvenirs for easy, medium, or hard levels of the challenge.
Earn the easy souvenir for this month by logging a find on five different days. Earn the medium souvenir for this month by logging a find on ten different days. Earn the hard souvenir for this month by logging a find on 20 different days.
This Adventure Lab is based upon the legend of Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers and a little history of the beautiful isle.
Event Reminder
GCA5MYF CITO 2023 Season 1, Let’s Make Spaces for Wildlife by 9 Usual Suspects When: Friday 7th April, 2023 (Good Friday) Where: Plas Gwernoer, Nantlle, Caernarfon LL54 6BB Time: 2.00-4.00pm
GIFF Returns in 2023
This year sees the 10 anniversary of Geocaching International Film Festival (GIFF), it began in 2013 as part of the annual Geocaching Block Party held at Geocaching HQ, in Seattle. The finalist films were screened in a park near HQ and it was a huge success. This event was successfully repeated again in 2014, but in 2015 awful wet weather forced the outdoor event to be cancelled. With the finalist films ready to be shown an alternative plan was made and the film festival was released to geocachers across the world to be shown at GIFF events. This was very popular with geocaching community with 449 GIFF events hosted in 46 different countries, one of those events was hosted by 9 Usual Suspects at Witch’s Brew, Pwllheli. Since then GIFF has become an annual event in 9US’s calendar.
2016: 123 film submissions | 16 finalists | 526 Events | 44 countries 2017: 47 submissions | 17 finalists | 601 Events | 55 countries 2018: 83 submissions | 16 finalists | 656 Events | 58 countries 2019: 54 submissions | 16 finalists | 688 Events | 56 countries 2020: Cancelled due to 20th anniversary celebrations 2021: 61 submissions | 17 finalists | 425 Events | 40 countries
There was no film festival in 2022 due to HQ focusing on the 20th anniversary celebrations that had to be deferred from 2020 due to Covid 19.
To mark this special anniversary year gold has been chosen for the colour of GIFF 2023. The GIFF 2023 Souvenir will be available to anyone attending an official GIFF Event from Thursday, November 9th to Sunday, November 19th. 9 Usual Suspects will be hosting their event on Sunday 19th, venue yet to be confirmed.
Have you ever fancied making a film? GIFF 2023 may be the time to make your red carpet debut…… The deadline for submitting a film for this years GIFF is August 3rd.
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 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.
Just a couple of events and one new cache to report since our last post.
GCA0C7V Under Bess’s Friends Nose by 9 Usual Suspects Traditional D1/T1 A little something from their friends to celebrate Julie and Rays 20 years of Geocaching.
Events
GCA0TG6 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 51 by 9 Usual Suspects When: Wednesday 26th October Where: Anglesey Arms, Harbour Front, Caernarfon LL55 1SG Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves
Christmas Dinner
GCA0TH4 Christmas Dinner – Nosh & Natter 52 by 9 Usual Suspects Where: Tafarn Yr Afr/Goat Inn, Glandwyfach, Porthmadog LL51 9LJ When: Saturday 26th November Time: 7-9pm or when the last person leaves Dress Code: Anything Christmas
For this years Christmas Dinner we are at Tafarn Yr Afr /The Goat Inn, Glandwyfach a new venue for 9 Usual Suspects. We have made a previsional booking for Saturday 26th November at 7pm, cost for 2 courses £22, 3 courses £25, please note the duck is £3 extra, also coffee and minced pies are £2.50. Menu choices plus a £10 deposit need to be with me by Saturday 12th November at the very latest.
Tafarn Yr Afr – 2022 – The Goat Inn Christmas Party Menu
Cream of Parsnip and Sweet Potato Soup (v) Smoked Salmon and Prawn Salad with Marie Rose Sauce Chicken Liver, Tequila & Cranberry Pâté Served with Red Onion Chutney and Wholemeal Toast Crispy Halloumi Fries with Honey and Sesame ~ Traditional Roast Turkey Served with all the Trimmings Braised Steak in a Rich Brandy and Onion Gravy Grilled Salmon Fillet with a Lemon and Asparagus Sauce Half Roast Duck Served with Morello Cherry Sauce (additional £3) Vegetable Wellington with Madeira Sauce
(All of the above served with seasonal vegetables and roast potatoes) ~ Traditional Christmas Pudding and Brandy Sauce Baileys Creme Brûlée Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Raspberry and White Chocolate Pavlova ~ Coffee & Mince Pies £2.50
3 Course £25pp / 2 Course £22pp
Pre-order required, £10 non-refundable deposit required upon receipt of pre-order.
After Saturdays enjoyable escape room adventures in ‘Madog’s Asylum’ it was suggested a return visit to test everyones skills in ‘The Clairvoyants Curse’. Sadly this room is soon changing to ‘Christmas Chaos’ which will be available through out the festive period. Julie has made a provisional booking for 2 afternoon sessions on Saturday 26th November, same day as the Christmas Dinner! Interested? To reserve a place if not already on her list and for further details either contact us or Julie through Bess’s Friends geocaching account.
Again we were very lucky with the weather, no sign of the forecast rain until we were all back at home, though we could have done without the wind!
We would like to Thank everyone who attended this event especially Dave for the ‘pop up’ cafe, we all appreciated a hot drink. I apologise for the route up, it was not the best! Again Thanks Dave for the easier route down. Hope to see everyone for our next adventure…….
We have 3 new Earthcaches published in our area, just in time for International Earthcache Day.
Premium Member Only GC9V8WH Black Rock Sands – Intrusion Cave by The Magna Defender Earthcache D1/T2.5 GC9V8WB Black Rock Sands – Crystal Colour Cave by The Magna Defender Earthcache D2/T2.5 GC9V8WA Black Rock Sands – Faults and Folds by The Magna Defender Earthcache D3.5/T2.5
Adventure Labs
We have 2 new Adventure Labs that explore West Llandudno and an interesting site on the Great Orme.
Llandudno – West Shore created by smart_ginger nonsequential This Adventure Lab takes you along the west shore of Llandudno towards Deganwy with, on a good day, far reaching views along the beautiful North Wales coastline.
Great Orme history – WWII Coastal Artillery School created by smart_ginger nonsequential This Adventure Lab explores the interesting site of the Coastal Artillery School, which opened in 1940 and is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
When: Friday 7th October Where: Bragdy Cybi, Unit 4a, Penrhos Business Park, Holyhead. LL65 2FD Time: 7pm-9pm Come and lift a glass or two to celebrate Julie and Ray’s 20 year anniversary since they started their geocaching career.
Paniq Rooms, Porthmadog
When: Saturday 8th October Where: Painiq Rooms, High street, Porthmadog Time: 11am-2pm Ever fancied testing your puzzle skills in an Escape room? Why not join other local geocaches for a fun day with plenty of challenges. For more details contact Julie, Bess’s Friends through her geocaching profile
International Earthcache Day & Event Reminder
By discovering an earthcache over the weekend of 9th-10th October you will earn a souvenir. I’m not sure why Geocaching HQ call it International Earthcache Day when to earn the souvenir a log on an earthcache anytime over the weekend qualifies, surely it should be International Earthcache Weekend! If you do not have premium membership and use the Geocaching® app, limitations based on D/T ratings will be removed for this weekend on all non-premium earthcaches.
This event is to celebrate International Earthcache Day and to enable all attendees to qualify for the above souvenir. We will be meeting at the trig point where there is a Lab cache stage for Highlights of Porthmadog, before discovering the newly published earthcache: GC9V8XD Moel-Y-Gest Summit – Roche Moutonee by The Magna Defender D2/T5 and then heading to: GC89RG2 Moel-y-Gest Stalactites by Rcrosby94 D2.5/T5 We have agreed with the earthcache owners that we only have to send one set of answers to cover all event attendees. Let’s hope the weather is good as the views are stunning in every direction and makes the slog up the hill worth while. Oh There will be cake……..
Norman Hughes, Clean & Tidy Officer, on behalf of Gwynedd Council would like us to pass on their thanks and appreciation to all attendees for the work we do.
Christmas Dinner
I know we are only at the beginning of October and no one wants to think about Christmas, but we really do need to book a venue by the end of this month. Proposed date and venue is Wednesday 30th November back at the Anglesey Arms, Caernarfon. Please could you let us know if this date and venue are OK, once we have some rough numbers I will contact them to book the evening, obtain menus and most importantly the cost. At this stage there is no commitment.
