Tag: New Caches

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.

News & New Caches 61

The missing cache from the Mary Jones Took a Walk series has finally been published.

GCA1C13 Mary Jones Took a Walk 3 by martin&lindabryn Traditional D1/T1

Christmas Dinner Reminder

We have just 2 weeks before we have to confirm our booking, so please can you let me know menu choices etc.

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.

9US Slate Coins

We are pleased to announce the arrival of our 9US slate coins.

The slate is local from Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda, the coins are approximately 56mm wide, by 3mm thick with the design laser engraved, each coin will be trackable on geocaching.com.

The cost is a bargain price of £9 each. To order contact us through the comments, 9 Usual Suspect geocaching account or see us at an event.

We would like to thank Pesh, Rainbow Caching, for all his help in producing the coins, a service we can highly recommend.

News & New Caches 60

Since our last post we have a new series at Bala by martin&lindabryn published to coincide with their Halloween event. Please note number 3 has not yet been published.

GCA1C1X Mary Jones Took a Walk 1 by martin&lindabryn Traditional D1/T1
GCA1C1K Mary Jones Took a Walk 2 by martin&lindabryn Traditional D1/T1
GCA1C1E Mary Jones Took a Walk 4 by martin&lindabryn Traditional D1/T1
GCA1C09 Mary Jones Took a Walk 5 by martin&lindabryn Traditional D1/T1
GCA1BZA Mary Jones Took a Walk 6 by martin&lindabryn Traditional D1/T1
GCA1BYK Mary Jones Took a Walk 7 by martin&lindabryn Traditional D1/T1
GCA1BXM Mary Jones Took a Walk 8 by martin&lindabryn Traditional D1/T1.5

We have one new Earthcache please note this cache is Premium Member only.

GC9V8XA Stromatolites by The Magna Defender Earthcache D2.5/T4

Snag the Tag

Not sure what Snag the Tag is all about? Click here to read Jacks post

Celestial Witches Cat Hunt

This new game started on 28th October, 2022 and runs until 28th February 2023 so plenty of time to get out and find a little cat.

Toil Trouble

Stella and Nebula, two very mischievous witches have been amusing themselves all summer; however, they carelessly lost their familiars, cats that they rely on to harness their magical powers. Luna and Sola will be disappointed if the hocus pocus is not restored, and the cosmic equilibrium between the wizards and the witches will be threatened. We need your help to find their cats Toil and Trouble and restore the balance.

The game is simple:

(1) Go to a mystical place on the map where a green Toil () or Trouble () cat icon appears.

(2) If you get there first, you will find a cat tag waiting for you.

(3) Take the tag and claim it online as soon as possible.

(4) You will then receive instructions how to get a trackable Celestial Witch geocoin prize that combines with the tag! How cool is that?

New tags appear at random times so be sure to set an alert. As a finder you can find one of each cat. Get them both to restore the balance.

Redemption rules: Strictly one coin of each type per household (not per account or family member); One Trouble tag, One Toil tag, that is it! There is no cost for the geocoin, but you are responsible for any shipping charges.

Hider deadline: January 7th, 2023, Redemption deadline: February 27th, 2023

Game questions: support@snagthetag.com, Redemption questions: support@geoswag.com

We know it will be very competitive, remember hidden tags are published at 7am and 7pm. Good Luck!

News & New Caches 57

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.

PanIQ Room, Christmas Special

PanIQ Rooms, 90 Stryd Fawr, Porthmadog, LL49 9NW

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.

And Finally

GCA02D8 9 Usual Suspects Visit Summit by 9 Usual Suspects D1/T5

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…….