News & New Caches 167

We hope everyone had a lovely Christmas. In our area there has been no new caches or Ad Labs published since our last post. But we do have some event reminders.

Event Reminders

GCB0QRK 9 Usual Suspects Say Goodbye to 2024 by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T1.5
When: 31st December, 2024
Where: Anglesey Column Cafe & Information Centre
Time: 11am-12pm
Our last event of 2024 and a chance for a quick catch up before the New Year Celebrations begin. There is no better way to start your celebrations than meeting up with your geocaching friends! Please log will ‘attend logs’ as we need to give the cafe numbers in advance.

GCB0PTH 9US Discover 2025 with a Beach Clean by 9 Usual Suspects CITO D1/T3
When: Wednesday 1st January 2025
Where: Beach Car Park nearest the Airport
Time: 11am to 12pm
Why not blow away those New Year cobwebs and join us for a litter pick along the beautiful beach of Dinas Dinlle?

GCB16T1 9 Usual Suspects TB Race Launch by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T1
When: 1st January, 2025
Where: Airport Cafe, Dinas Dinlle, Caernarfon LL54 5TP
Time: 12.15pm – 1.15pm
An event to launch our 2025 TB Race. TB race rules can be found here. Not entering the TB race? This is a chance to catch up, swap TB’s and enjoy some geochat while watching the airport activity.

New Year Souvenirs

Celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of 2025 by earning two new souvenirs, Logged 2024 and Discovering 2025. To earn the souvenirs find one geocache or Adventure Lab® location, all geocache types count including events.
Logged 2024 is available from 24th to 31st December.
Discovering 2025 is available from 1st to 8th January.

Quiz Answers

  1. Which song includes the lyrics “They’ve got cars big as bars, They’ve got rivers of gold” Fairytale of New York, The Pouges (1987)
  2. In Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, what was the first name of Scrooge?
    Ebenezer
  3. What colour are mistletoe berries?
    White
  4. Which song includes the lyrics “It’s Christmas time, there’s no need to be afraid”
    Do they know it’s Christmas – Band Aid (1984)
  5. In Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone what did the Dursleys give Harry for Christmas?
    A 50p piece
  6. Which single has been number 1 in the charts in 2023 & 2024, but only made number 2 when it was released in 1984?
    Last Christmas – Wham (It’s been in the charts 21 times over 117 weeks)
  7. Elvis Presley isn’t going to have a White Christmas, he’s going to have a….?
    Blue Christmas
  8. According to the song, what did my true love give to me on the eleventh day of Christmas?
    Eleven pipers piping
  9. What fruit is used to make a Christingle?
    Orange
  10. Three of Santa’s reindeer’s names begin with the letter “D.” What are those names?
    Dasher, Donner & Dancer
  11. If you’re born on Christmas day, what’s your star sign?
    Capricorn
  12. What is glühwein?
    A German version of mulled wine
  13. When do the 12 days of Christmas start?
    Christmas Day
  14. What is the Grinch’s dog called?
    Max
  15. How many states in the US have a town called ‘Santa Claus’?
    Three – Indiana, Arizona and Georgia

Happy New Year

We would like to take this opportunity to Thank everyone for their support and wish you all a very Happy New Year, may 2025 be a year full of fun and adventures.

News & New Caches 166

We have one new cache to report since our last post:

GCB11G4 War Memorial #2225 ~ Ysbyty Ifan by two nosy parkers Multi D1.5/T1.5

And just one bad cracker joke:
Why are Christmas trees no good at sewing?
Because they alway drop their needles!

9US Christmas Quiz

A little something to keep you entertained while waiting for the turkey to cook.

  1. Which song includes the lyrics “They’ve got cars big as bars, They’ve got rivers of gold”?
  2. In Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, what was the first name of Scrooge?
  3. What colour are mistletoe berries?
  4. Which song includes the lyrics “It’s Christmas time, there’s no need to be afraid”?
  5. In Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone what did the Dursleys give Harry for Christmas?
  6. Which single has been number 1 in the charts in 2023 & 2024, but only made number 2 when it was
    released in 1984?
  7. Elvis Presley isn’t going to have a White Christmas, he’s going to have a….?
  8. According to the song, what did my true love give to me on the eleventh day of Christmas?
  9. What fruit is used to make a Christingle?
  10. Three of Santa’s reindeer’s names begin with the letter “D.” What are those names?
  11. If you’re born on Christmas day, what’s your star sign?
  12. What is glühwein?
  13. When do the 12 days of Christmas start?
  14. What is the Grinch’s dog called?
  15. How many states in the US have a town called ‘Santa Claus’?

    Answers in the next post…..

And Finally

We would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas/Nadolig Llawen

Hopefully Santa is on his way!

News & New Caches 162

We have one new cache and three events to report since our last post:

GCB0NY4 Hand-me-down by Clueless_Goose Traditional D1.5/T1.5

Events

GCB0MMV Christmas Stroll up Tryfan by swindon_leys D1/T5
When: 25th December, 2024
Where: Tryfan Summit
Time: 12pm-12.30pm
No plans for Christmas Day? This event could be just what you are looking for.

GCB0QRK 9 Usual Suspects Say Goodbye to 2024 by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T1.5
When: 31st December, 2024
Where: Anglesey Column Cafe & Information Centre
Time: 11am-12pm
Our last event of 2024 and a chance for a quick catch up before the New Year Celebrations begin. There is no better way to start your celebrations than meeting up with your geocaching friends! Please log will ‘attend logs’ as we need to give the cafe numbers in advance.

GCB0PTH 9US Discover 2025 with a Beach Clean by 9 Usual Suspects CITO D1/T3
When: Wednesday 1st January 2025
Where: Beach Car Park nearest the Airport
Time: 11am to 12pm
Why not blow away those New Year cobwebs and join us for a litter pick along the beautiful beach of Dinas Dinlle?
This event will see the start of a new TB race, see below.

2025 TB Race

As part of our 10th anniversary and geocaching’s 25th anniversary we will be having another TB race starting on 1st January 2025 finishing on 31st December 2025. There will be prizes for the furthest traveled and most countries visited. Rules and details in our next post.

TB Race 2021 Update

Do you remember this TB race? The original race was for one year, starting on International Geocaching Day 2021 and finishing on International Geocaching Day 2022, with prizes for the furthest traveled.
We decided to continue the race as a test of endurance with the winner being the last TB in circulation.

6 TB’s took part in the original race there are now 4 still traveling.

HQ Win the Race TB owner lostnwet
Traveled: 136,706km
Current Location: France in the hands of *Mana*
13 Countries Visited: UK, Ireland, France, Canada, USA, Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, Sark, Jersey, Guernsey

Racing Dragon owner Ann@Birdbrook
Traveled: 72,903km
Current Location: Czechia in the hands of Pe_Bo
10 Countries Visited: UK, Portugal, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand, Denmark, France, Poland, Czechia

Draco owner Naturesbyte
Traveled: 57,168km
Current Location: Puppy Dog’s TB Hotel, Nevada, USA
10 Countries Visited: UK, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Hungary, France, USA


Welsh Sea Pottery owner escapefromwork
Traveled: 9,168km
Current Location: RAL [7] Whitby Road, Bristol, UK
2 Countries Visited: UK, Ireland

Halloween Video

GCAZ0QW Come and Monster Mash with 9US by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T1.5

We would like to thank everyone for attending and taking part in our activities. Bet you can’t wait to see what we are planning for next year!

News & New Caches 160

Just two new caches since our last post:

GCB0B8M War Memorial #2221 ~ Capel Curig by 9 Usual Suspects Traditional D1.5/T1.5

GCB0DGR Mawddach Meander – Iron Bridge by CazzaB80 Traditional D2/T2
An addition to the existing Mawddach Meander series. The series follows the Mawddach river along a cycle path through stunning scenery from Dolgellau to Barmouth. We can highly recommend this series for both cyclists and walkers.

Christmas Dinner Reminder

GCAZ9WX Christmas Dinner – Nosh & Natter 73 by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T1
Where: Tafarn Yr Afr/Goat Inn, Glandwyfach, Porthmadog LL51 9LJ
When: Friday 29th November
Time: 7-9pm or when the last person leaves
Dress Code: Anything Christmas

This is the final call for food orders, we need your choices by 22nd November, either message us through our geocaching profile, your will attend logs or contact us through the comments.
The Christmas menu is available here.

Village Hall Series

There are village halls situated across every county in the United Kingdom and The British Isles. They are at the heart of community life, providing a hub for social activities, classes and services. Village halls are typically used for a variety of public and private functions and events.

The Village Hall Series started in 2013 with the first cache placed by GeoJaxx in Denmead, Hampshire.  It has steadily grown in popularity and currently can be found in 78 counties in England, Scotland, Wales, The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
For more information about the series visit Village Hall Series

Village Hall Series Profile Badges
Since October 2024 Village Hall Profile Awards are now auto-updating. There are 15 levels available for finders and hiders.

​Awards are available in large grid or slimline versions for both finders (in red) or hiders (in yellow)  
Large grid style – shows all achieved levels in colour and those you are working towards in grey.
Slimline version – shows only the level you are currently on.
To generate your profile badge visit Village Hall Series Award Badges and fill your details in the simple form and follow the instructions.

Llangollen Canal Boat Trip

Is anyone interested in another boat trip on the Llangollen Canal heading this time into Llangollen?

News & New Caches 158

We have four new caches, 2 traditional, a mystery and earthcache since our last post. Please note 2 are Premium Member only.

GCAZZDZ Bwlch Mawr by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/T1.5
GCB00T0 Ffynnon Gybi by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/T3.5

Premium Member Only:
GCAZP4R Church Micro 15278…Borth-y-Gest by ECOBAKE Mystery D3/T2
GCAZT5M Church Micro 15283…Dolbenmaen by MrMagnaDefender Earthcache D2/T1.5

Event Reminders

Saturday 9th November sees ChepstowRomans, Storming the Castle 2024 series of events. They are hosting 6 events at castles from Conwy Castle to Goodrich Castle, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. Looks like a fun road trip.

GCAZDVE Storming the Castle 2024: Conwy Castle Bonus by ChepstowRomans D1/T1.5
When: Saturday 9th November 2024
Where: Castle Square, Conwy
Time: 8am to 8.30am

GCAZDVQ Storming the Castle 2024: Gwrych Castle Bonus by ChepstowRomans D1/T2
When: Saturday 9th November 2024
Where: Gwrych Castle
Time: 9am to 9.30am

GCAZDVEY Storming the Castle 2024: Flint Castle Bonus by ChepstowRomansD1/T1.5
When: Saturday 9th November 2024
Where: Flint Castle
Time: 10.30am to 11am

GCAZDW3 Storming the Castle 2024: Whittington Castle Bonus by ChepstowRomans D1/T2
When: Saturday 9th November 2024
Where: Whittington Castle
Time: 1pm to 1.30pm

GCAZDW7 Storming the Castle 2024: Ludlow Castle Bonus by ChepstowRomans D1/T2
When: Saturday 9th November 2024
Where: Ludlow Castle
Time: 4pm to 4.30pm

GCAZDWP Storming the Castle 2024: Goodrich Castle by ChepstowRomans D1/T1.5
When: Saturday 9th November 2024
Where: Inn on the Wye
Time: 6pm to 7pm

On Monday 11th November why not join the Chester Cache Chasers on their day out in North Wales for a quick lunchtime get together.
GCAZ9W6 Trearddur Troubadours by Chester Cache Chasers D1/T1

Sea Shanty Cafe, Treaddur Bay - Tyn Llain Bed and Breakfast, Anglesey

When: Monday 11th November 2024
Where: Sea Shanty Cafe, Lon St Ffraid, Trearddur Bay, Holyhead LL65 2YR
Time: 12.45pm-1.30pm


Event Review

GCAZ0QW Come and Monster Mash with 9US by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T1.5

For this years Halloween event we started planning several weeks ago. We decided to make a couple of new simple props for the evening but after being inspired by several YouTube videos our ideas became increasingly more complicated. The 3D printers have hardly stopped, our kitchen table became an art studio and the garage a spray paint/carpenters workshop. Amazingly all projects were completed on time. With the dry weather we were able to start setting up outside a few days before enabling us to have a test run on lighting.

We would like to thank everyone for attending and taking part in our activities, Pete for the BBQ, souvenirs and 3D printing and all the special effects.
I’ll check the Bingo next time!

Carole, RichieBlod, has made the following excellent short video:

Here are a few more pictures:

I bet you can’t wait for next years event… I already have a few ideas!

News & New Caches 156

We have two new caches, both adding to the Church Micro Series, and three new events all published since our last post:

GCAZ66B Church Micro 4807…Bangor – Pentecostal by Clueless_Goose Traditional D1.5/T1
GCAZ55B Church Micro 15251…Llanfair-is-gaer by Clueless_Goose Multi D2.5/T2

Event
Now published:
GCAZ0QW Come and Monster Mash with 9US by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T1.5

When: Saturday 2nd November
Where: Plas Gwernoer, Nantlle LL54 6BB
Party Starts: 5pm
Party Ends: 8pm or when the last person leaves
Attire:  Optional Halloween Fancy dress
Wrap up warm, as, weather permitting, we plan to have some outside activities including a pumpkin lantern competition. There will be prizes for adults and children, to enter bring your carved pumpkin on the night. Of course there will be a BBQ and the bar will be open to late.

Sea Shanty Cafe, Treaddur Bay - Tyn Llain Bed and Breakfast, Anglesey

GCAZ9W6 Trearddur Troubadours by Chester Cache Chasers D1/T1
When: Monday 11th November 2024
Where: Sea Shanty Cafe, Lon St Ffraid, Trearddur Bay, Holyhead LL65 2YR
Time: 12.45pm-1.30pm
Join the Chester Cache Chasers on their day out in North Wales for a quick lunchtime get together.

GCAZ9WX Christmas Dinner – Nosh & Natter 73 by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T1
Where: Tafarn Yr Afr/Goat Inn, Glandwyfach, Porthmadog LL51 9LJ
When: Friday 29th November
Time: 7-9pm or when the last person leaves
Dress Code: Anything Christmas
Christmas is not that far away… Please note this event is on Friday night not Saturday as originally advertised. There will be the usual ‘Secret Santa’ for those that wish to take part, presents price guide £5-£10. The Christmas menu is available here, please can we have Christmas Dinner food orders by 22nd November.

Event Reminders
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

Adventure Day Souvenir

The latest souvenir, Adventure Day, 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 155

We have 2 new earthcaches published on our patch so there are no excuses for not getting your International EarthCache Day souvenir:

GCAQQM1 Under Caernarfon Castle 🏰 by 74jen Earthcache D1.5/T1.5
GCAZ0TF REALLY SideTracked – Dinas by ECOBAKE Earthcache D2.5/T1

Event
GCAZ0QW 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 72 by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T1
When: Thursday 31st October 2024
Where: Parc Snowdonia, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4AQ
Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves

In for review but not yet published:
GCAZ0QW Come and Monster Mash with 9US by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T1.5

When: Saturday 2nd November
Where: Plas Gwernoer, Nantlle LL54 6BB
Party Starts: 5pm
Party Ends: 8pm or when the last person leaves
Attire:  Optional Halloween Fancy dress
Wrap up warm, as, weather permitting, we plan to have some outside activities including a pumpkin lantern competition. There will be prizes for adults and children, to enter bring your carved pumpkin on the night. Of course there will be a BBQ and the bar will be open to late.

International Earthcache Day

This coming weekend is International EarthCache Day (weekend). To earn the souvenir visit any EarthCache and complete the logging requirements from Friday, October 11th through Sunday, October 13th, 2024. All non-Premium EarthCaches are open to everyone throughout the weekend on the Geocaching® app.

Warlock’s Chamber Escape Room at Castell Conway

At Castell Conwy, just for Halloween, Cadw are opening a spooky escape room. 

Discover the secrets of notorious Welsh magician Maldwyn mab Diafol, and test your skills by escaping the warlock’s chamber! Over seven hundred years ago, the King of England captured one of his deadliest enemies, the Welsh magician Maldwyn mab Diafol. Maldwyn was kept prisoner at Castell Conwy, locked in the chapel tower for a year and a day. However, on the morning after Halloween night in 1303, Maldwyn’s guards unlocked his chamber to find the wizard had vanished! Over seven hundred and twenty years later, Maldwyn’s cell has finally been reopened. Visitors will get the chance to solve the mystery of Maldwyn mab Diafol, and to escape from the warlock’s chamber themselves!

From Monday 28th October to Sunday 3rd November 2024 11am to 4pm
For teams of 2 – 6 players; £4 per player
Prices: Normal admission charge. Plus £4 per player to take part in the activity.

Suitable for visitors 10+. All children under seventeen will require adult supervision.

Anyone interested? Please contact us.

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 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 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