Tag: New Caches

News & New Caches 85

Looks like everyone was out over Easter placing new caches, a good mixture of types, 3 Traditional, a Wherigo, Adventure Lab with bonus and an event all recently published.

GCA56PX Dylan gran by Dylansgran Traditional D2/T1.5
GCA70Q2 Reservoir Adventure by ClurPailing Traditional D2/T2
GCA70ZE Spring on the Seiont by Clueless_Goose Traditional D1.5/T2
GCA72H5 Cache y Cofi Dre by Clueless_Goose Wherigo D2.5/T1.5

Adventure Lab with Bonus Cache

Celtic Quest Created by RichieBlod 5 locations nonsequential

A circular route, see above map, following footpaths and back roads to visit ancients sites from the Neolithic period. Remember to collect the info for the bonus cache.

GCA714R Celtic Quest Bonus Cache by RichieBlod Mystery D2.5/T3

Event

GCA72GP 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 56 by 9 Usual Suspects
When: Wednesday 26th April 2023
Where: Parc Snowdonia, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4AQ
Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves

New Souvenir: Blue Switch Day 2023!

Prior to 2000, the U.S. military created and deployed satellites to produce accurate location information for military applications. Selective Availability restricted precise GPS data to the U.S. government. On May 2nd, 2000, the U.S. government “flipped the switch” and made accurate GPS available to all. The very next day, May 3rd, the first geocache was hidden.

Earn the Blue Switch Day 2023 souvenir by finding a geocache, Adventure Lab® Location, or by attending an Event between May 1st–3rd.

Aberlleiniog Castle Trail, Red Squirrels

Red Squirrel photo by Andy (YnysMonBirders)

If visiting Aberlleiniog Castle keep a look out for Red Squirrels. On a recent maintenance run we were rewarded by spotting high in the branches a Red Squirrel, as we watched it ran and jumped from branch to branch taking no notice of us. At this time of year they are easy to spot as the trees branches are bare only just coming into leaf, later in the summer when there is a full leaf canopy they will be much harder to see. This is the first time we have seen them here even though it is advertised they have been in residence for a while.

Return of the Glaslyn Ospreys

Aran, the male, returned on the 3rd April but sadly there is still no sign of his mate Mrs G, this would have been her 20th successful migration. The good news is that Aran has found himself another mate, an unrung female who he has been providing with fish and they have been seen mating.

Would anyone be interested in holding an event here? The centre caters for everyone with

  • Free car parking.
  • Toilets.
  • Disabled parking and access to the Visitor Centre and Toilets.
  • Dogs on leads welcome.
  • Picnic area with spectacular views.
  • A warm welcome from knowledgeable volunteers.
  • Steam trains on the Welsh Highland Railway passing nearby.

We suggest in June when, hopefully, there will be young in the nest and maybe have a picnic. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

News & New Caches 84

Two new caches and an Adventure Lab have been published just in time for the Easter break.

GCA6MZR Saron: Rest & Reflect by Clueless_Goose Traditional D2/T1.5

Premium Member Only

GCA6J8X Mackenzie Pier by Glaslyn1 Multi D2.5/T2

Adventure Lab
Ynys Llanddwyn/Llanddwyn Island created by RichieBlod 5 locations nonsequential


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.

News & New Caches 81

One new traditional cache to report since our last post.

GCA6CFV Goedwig by Jacq123_1911 a jonboi Traditional D3/T3

New Event

And for once not hosted by 9 Usual Suspects!
GCA656C Nikoski and the Bee on Tour – North Wales 2023 by Nikoski D1/T1
When: Sunday 30th April
Where: Incredible Edible Garden, Conwy
Time: 11-11.30am
Suffolk cachers Nikoski and Bee of Good Cheer are back holidaying in North Wales and would love to meet up with local and not so local geocachers.

Event Reminder

GCA5YNK 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 55 by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T1
When: Wednesday 29th March
Where: Anglesey Arms, Harbour Front, Caernarfon LL55 1SG
Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves

Wheel of Challenges Souvenirs

We see no rest from souvenir challenges with this week Geocaching HQ launching its next souvenir challenge, Wheel of Challenges. Starting on Monday 3rd April 2023 this is the same day the current challenge and last labyrinth, The Dragon’s Lair, ends. Wheel of Challenges will run for 6 months, with a different challenge each month. This could be from finding a certain number of geocaches in a month, to testing how long you can keep up a daily streak. Each challenge will begin on the first Monday of the month.
Challenges will begin on the following dates:

  • April 3, 2023
  • May 1, 2023
  • June 5, 2023
  • July 3, 2023
  • August 7, 2023
  • September 4, 2023

Aprils challenge will be announced on 28th March with the details of how to earn the new souvenirs.

Challenges, are they good for Geocaching?
Do they inspire you to find more caches? Are there just too many challenges that they become boring? Or do you just ignore them? We have our views, it would be interesting to hear how others feel.

News & New Caches 76

We have two new traditional caches and an adventure lab published since our last post.

GCA52BT Cerdded yn y Coed / Walk in the Woods by Hitch-Hikers Traditional D2/T2
GCA5663 West End parade by ___einierwilliams Traditional D1.5/T1.5

Colwyn Bay created by escapefromwork Nonsequential
This 5 stage lab cache takes you on a tour around this pretty seaside town. Apologies to Dawn for missing this one off our last post.

Event Reminders

GCA4CH4 9 Usual Suspects Get Puzzled by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T1.5

When: Sunday 26th February, 2023
Where: Plas Gwernoer, Nantlle, Caernarfon LL54 6BB
Time: 2.30-4.30pm

Are you stuck on a puzzle cache? Maybe we can help one another with hints and some fresh ideas, so come and join us for an afternoon of puzzle fun. We will also have a wide selection of puzzle boxes, some easy and some to drive you mad!

Not interested in puzzles caches? Then still join us for a geochat, the Cache Bar will be open, hot drinks will be available on a self service basis and it wouldn’t be a 9US event without cake!

Parking is at the house, please note our gateway is very narrow and the pillars are not forgiving!

GCA4W8J 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 54 by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T1


When: Tuesday 28th February, 202
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.

Thank You

GCA4ENX 9 Usual Suspects Visit Martin & Linda by 9 Usual Suspect D1/T1

We would like to thank Martin and Linda for their hospitality, PPR for setting the adventure lab and bonus cache, and everyone for joining us on a very cold Sunday.

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 74

One new cache to report since our last post:

GCA4KZ5 Church Micro 14669…Llangristiolus by Glaslyn1 Premium Member Only Traditional D2/T2

Announcement from the Piratemaina Crew

GCA2BBR Piratemania 15 Pirates Royalists & Roundheads by Piratemania Crew Mega Event

‘Arrrrrr pirates the crew are proud to announce that camping booking is now open click on the tent icon below to take you to the shop to book your pitch Arrrrrrrr’

This year there are ONLY 2 on site camping options 

Option # 1
Camper / Caravan / Muti occupancy tent
WITH EHU OPTION
10m x 10m pitch
(2 adults and child / children under 18 included).

1 Night (+£28.00)
2 nights (+£54.00)
3 nights (+£78.00)
4 nights (+£100.00)

Option #2 Camper / Caravan / small tent
NO ELECTRICS
5m x 5m pitch – berthing “as crew see fit”
(1 adult & child / children under 18 included).

1 Night (+£23.00)
2 nights (+£44.00)
3 nights (+£63.00)
4 nights (+£80.00)

Additional adults will be charged at £8 per night per person

Booked. See you there…………

Event Suggestions

We are in the process of putting an event calendar together for 2023 which includes the usual N&N, CITO’s and UK Mega Events. But what about other events and activities? Below are some suggestions which we would like feed back on, but we would also like to hear from you with your ideas for events, trips and visits.

Trip to Bardsey Island
There are currently 2 traditional caches and 2 Adventure labs on the island. The trip is £45.00 per person and £23.00 per child. You are on the island for approx 4 hours. To see the puffins we need to do this event before the end of May/beginning of June.

Day Trip to Dublin
Stena are offering ‘booze cruise day trips’ from £12.00, since our last visit to Dublin we have left the EU which means there is an opportunity to purchase Duty Free. It is a long day leaving on the 9am ferry and arriving back in Holyhead around midnight.

PanIQ Rooms
A return to Porthmadog’s PanIQ Rooms to attempt ‘The Clairvoyant’s Curse’.

Trip to Wirral
GC9P8M2 RIP SS Denham by Conoronoc Virtual D5/T5
The above cache is only accessible at low tide when it is possible to walk out to the wreck. To make a day trip there are many caches in the area for us to find.

BBQ & Beer Festival
This event would be at Pete & Ann’s. We are very lucky to have several very good local breweries that supply mini kegs which would make this event possible.

Event at Coed y Brenin
Before Covid we spoke to Coed y Brenin about holding an event here. There is 11 caches to be found on the walking/mountain bike forest trails. As well as the visitors centre with café there are children’s play areas and plenty of picnic tables.
The parking charges are: £2 for 2 hours plus 40p for every additional 20 minutes (maximum £7 per day)

News & New Caches 69

We have three new caches and the first N&N of 2023 published since our last post.

GCA3BB5 Seibiant Y Cob (The Cob Rest) by Hitch-Hikers Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GCA3Q7F snail mail by amymarie87 Traditional D1.5/T1.5

Premium Member Only
GCA3QTQ #3A – Ramble – Stump by Bess’s Friends Traditional D1.5/T1.5
A new edition to Bess’s Friends Ramble series.

Event
GCA3QRN 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 53
When: Wednesday 25th January, 2023
Where: Black Boys Inn, Stryd Pedwar a Chwech, Caernarfon LL55 1RW
Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves

We have struggled to find a pub who can guarantee that their kitchens will be open on Wednesday 25th evening, hopefully this is only going to be a short term problem. We regret that dogs are not allowed in Black Boys building but are allowed at the tables out side.

Event Reminder

GCA31ZX 9 Usual Suspects Present Ski Sunday by 9 Usual Suspects Event
When: Sunday 15th 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.

A ‘will attend’ log will help us plan the day and especially with catering!

Parking is at the house, please note our gateway is very narrow and the pillars are not forgiving!

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.

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 62

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.

Christmas Dinner Update

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

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! 2023 to 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.