Tag: Geocaching

News & New Caches 68

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.

Event Reminder

GCA31ZX 9 Usual Suspects Present Ski Sunday by 9 Usual Suspects Event
When: Sunday 14th January 2023
Where: Plas Gwernoer, Nantlle LL54 6BB (Pete & Ann’s)
Time: 2pm – 4.15pm

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.

2023 Souvenirs in the UK

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 Event35
Found a Mystery Cache30
Found a Multi-Cache30
Found a Letterbox Hybrid25
Found a cache with 10+ Favorite points20
Found a Signal’s Labyrinth item50
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

GCA2BBR Piratemania 15 Pirates Royalists & Roundheads Mega Event 10am-10pm 29th July, 2023

GC9V5J3 Milton Keynes UK Mega 2023 Mega Event 10am-4pm Saturday 5th August. 2023

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda/Happy New Year

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!

Xmas Greetings from the 9 Usual Suspects

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for geocaching! And as we gather with our fellow geocachers to celebrate the holiday season, we can’t help but think about the “Usual Suspects” we might encounter on the trails.

First, there’s the “Grinch” cacher who hides caches they have found in more difficult, obscure locations, to give others a bit harder challenge. But don’t worry, a little determination (and possibly a GPS signal boost) will help you track them down.

Then there’s the “Elf” cacher who is always full of cheer and ready to lend a helping hand to others. It’s a good thing they’re around, because without them we might all turn into the “Scrooge” cachers, who always are grumbling about the cold, rain and the mud.

Of course, no geocaching adventure is complete without encountering a few “Reindeer” cachers – you know, the ones that are always on the move replacing damaged logs and containers. And let’s not forget the “Santa” cacher who generously shares their caching knowledge with the rest of the community and replenishes SWAG, bringing joy to junior cachers.

So as we set out on our holiday geocaching adventures, see how many of these Christmas cacher types you can spot.

Thank You from Gwynedd Council

A message from Norman Hughes, Clean & Tidy Officer, Gwynedd Council. On behalf of the council he would like to Thank all litter pickers for their fantastic work throughout the last year and to say they appreciate all that you do. He also would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone Nadolig Llawen, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

And finally…………..

A Christmas Cracker Joke to get you all in the mood:

What do they sing at a snowman’s birthday? – “Freeze a jolly good fellow…”

From all of us at Nine Usual Suspects, we wish you a very
Merry Christmas/Nadolig Llawen!

Ulefone Power Armor X11 Pro Rugged Smartphone: The Ultimate Outdoor Companion

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you know the importance of having a reliable and rugged smartphone by your side. The Ulefone Power Armor X11 Pro Rugged Smartphone is designed specifically with durability and versatility in mind, making it the perfect choice for anyone who loves to spend time in the great outdoors.

Phone in bright sunlight

One of the standout features of the Ulefone Power Armor X11 Pro is its ruggedness. It’s built to withstand even the toughest conditions, with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. This means that it can be submerged in water up to 1.5 meters deep for up to 30 minutes without any damage. It’s also shockproof, able to withstand drops from up to 1.5 meters without any damage.

In addition to its rugged design, the Ulefone Power Armor X11 Pro is packed with features that make it perfect for outdoor activities. It has a large 5.5 inch HD display that’s perfect for viewing maps and other information, even in bright sunlight. It also has a powerful 8-core processor and 4GB of RAM, making it capable of handling even the most demanding apps and games.

Quick to obtain GPS lock and accurate

But where the Ulefone Power Armor X11 Pro really shines is in its GPS capabilities. It’s equipped with high-precision GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou navigation systems, allowing you to track your location and movements with incredible accuracy. This is especially useful for activities like geocaching, where it’s important to get a quick lock onto your exact location and give exact readings to that elusive cache.

The Ulefone Power Armor X11 Pro also has a range of other features that make it perfect for outdoor adventures. It has a long-lasting 8150mAh battery, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power when you’re out in the wilderness, I got a day of heavy GPS usage without having to recharge the phone and never ran out of battery. It also has a 16MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera, allowing you to capture stunning photos and videos of your adventures.

Excellent camera

Overall, the Ulefone Power Armor X11 Pro is an excellent choice for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. Its rugged design, powerful specs, and advanced GPS capabilities make it a fantastic outdoor companion. Whether you’re hiking through the mountains or exploring the wilderness in search of that cache, the Ulefone Power Armor X11 Pro has you covered. The phone is priced at £155 but as can be found for less.

GCA3214 9 Usual Suspects Say Hello 2023 by 9 Usual Suspects

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

Please note the Ty Coch does not open until 12pm, food is only available until 2.30pm and there is no table reservations.

News & New Caches 65

Just two new traditional caches published since our last post:

GCA2QQK Golygfa Cob Porthmadog (Porthmadog Cob View) by Hitch-Hikers Traditional D1.5/T2.5
GCA2TNZ Cornel Cob Crwn (Cob Crwn Corner) by Hitch-Hikers Traditional D2/T1.5

Be safe in the hills and mountains this winter

To have safe adventures in the hills and mountains, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared for the conditions. Here are some tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable time:

  1. Check the weather forecast before you go and plan your route accordingly. The UK can experience harsh weather conditions, remember that the weather can change in minutes, so it’s important to be prepared for the elements.
  2. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Layering is key to staying warm, and sturdy boots with good grip are essential for hiking on slippery terrain, if you are going up on to the ice, ensure you have the correct equpment .
  3. Tell someone your plans. Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. This will allow them to raise the alarm if you don’t return as expected.
  4. Take a map and compass and know how to use them. It’s also a good idea to carry a GPS device in case you get lost, don’t rely on your phone, battery life is dramatically reduced in freezing conditions.
  5. Bring food and water. Pack enough water and snacks to keep you going, especially if you’re planning a long hike.
  6. Be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for steep drops, loose rocks, and other potential hazards.
  7. Stay on trails. This will help you avoid getting lost and will also protect the environment.
  8. Be prepared for emergencies. Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it. It’s also a good idea to have a mobile phone with you in case you need to call for help.

By following these tips and using common sense, you can have a safe and enjoyable adventures this winter.

9 Usual Suspects 2022

We are 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.

and finally…..

News & New Caches 64

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 Event35
Found a Mystery Cache30
Found a Multi-Cache30
Found a Letterbox Hybrid25
Found a cache with 10+ Favourite points20
Found a Signal’s Labyrinth item50
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.

Snag the Tag

Toil: 854 – There’s a storm abrewing…

Congratulations Glyn on winning the race to find the cat, looks like a storm was definitely a brewing!

News & New Caches 63

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?

PanIQ Rooms, 90 Stryd Fawr, Porthmadog LL49 9NW

GCA0TH4 Christmas Dinner – Nosh & Natter 52 by 9 Usual Suspects

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.

Tafarn Yr Afr/The Goat Inn, Glandwyfach, Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL51 9LJ

Up and Coming Events

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.