Tag: News

News & New Caches 94

Nine new caches, 7 traditionals, a multi and an earthcache have been published since our last post:

GCA9NZC Bright Eyes Revived by 9 Usual Suspects Traditional D2/T3.5
GCA9RBX Fly Over by 9 Usual Suspects Traditional D3.5/T1
GCA9WT2 The Gateway to Talysarn Hall by 9 Usual Suspects Traditional D3/T1.5
GCAAC90 Take a Break, Look at that View! by 9 Usual Suspects Traditional D3/T2.5
GCAADDX Out for Zero by 9 Usual Suspects Traditional D2.5/T2
GCAADZA Cornish Beam Engine House by 9 Usual Suspects Multi D2/T2
GCAAM10 By the steamtrain tracks bye e+l Traditional D1.5/T1.5
GCAAPCB Kyle’s Cache by Destructo405 Traditional D2/T2.5
GCAA66P Coedydd Beddgelert a Cheunant Aberglaslyn by The Magna Defender Earthcache D3/T3

Wheel of Challenge, Streak Star!

The Wheel of Challenge, ‘Out and About’, finished on Sunday 2nd July. There is no break as the next challenge, Streak Star! started on Monday 3rd July and finishes on Sunday 6th August. For this challenge it is all about how long you can keep a daily find streak going. There are 3 souvenirs available.

Easy Souvenir is awarded after completing a two day find streak.
Medium Souvenir is awarded after completing a seven day find streak.
Hard Souvenir is awarded after completing a twenty eight day streak.

We presume all cache types, events and Adventure Lab stages count as a find.

This souvenir is not connected to the leaderboard. Premium members can keep track of streaks statistics in the Geocaching® mobile app and also see detailed statistics including streaks on the website.

The next challenge will be announced on the 1st August.

Events Reviews & News

GCA5MYF CITO 2023 Season 1, Let’s Make Spaces for Wildlife by 9 Usual Suspects

Do you remember the seed bombs we made at this event? The above photos are from Ali showing her success including a bumble bee feeding on the borage flowers.

GCA9NXV 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 58

All I can say is ‘All the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry’……… When we put this event in for review the weather was fab. Sunday we checked with the chip shop who confirmed they would be open, luckily Jen also checked and tipped us off that they were going to be closed. Only one thing for it, dig out the BBQ! The morning weather looked very much against us, grey drizzle that by lunchtime had deteriorated to heavy rain and strong wind. But once again the weather god took pity on us and gave us a lovely sunny evening with some amazing cloud formations. Thank you to everyone for attending and making another memorable 9US event.

GCA8D3G Maker Magic: 9US Get Creative….. by 9 Usual Suspects

Custom Cache Display Photo Andy, YnysMonBirders

We spent most of the week leading up to this event looking at weather forecasts, Saturdays weather varied from dry & sunny to heavy rain & strong winds. We decided to go with just one tent, squeeze everything into the bar and covered area. A very BIG THANK YOU to Richard & Elaine for answering our call for help in setting up on Friday, especially their assistance in putting the tent up in the rain!

What a fun day it turned out to be with lots of geochat and the usual banter. The makers table and the 3D printing demonstrations proved very popular. After the BBQ it was not long before Mike started the games.

Knife throwing is definitely a new one for 9US! The bar stayed open till late………. amazingly there was not too many headaches Sunday morning!

I must apologise to everyone who wasted there time looking for the 2 caches that had gone missing before they were published. I will try and get them replaced this week.

We would like to Thank everyone for sharing their original caches, can’t wait for Bess’s Friends cleverly constructed caches to go ‘live’, all the contributions of food and drink, the team of washer uppers and everyone who supported us by buying raffle tickets. Lastly Thank everyone for attending without your support there would be no events.

Other Bits

I apologise for the event to Ballast Island not happening, we hope to reschedule later in the year.

A date for your diary, our Halloween Party will be Friday 3rd November from 6pm until the last person leaves.

News & New Caches 93

Just 3 new earthcaches have been published since our last post:

Premium Member Only
GCAA1JW Syncline or Anticline? by The Magna Defender Earthcache D3.5/T3.5
GCAA1GE Go With the Flow. by The Magna Defender Earthcache D2.5/T1.5
GCAA66R Criccieth Castle Columns by The Magna Defender Earthcache D2/T2.5

Event Reminders

GCA9NXV 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 58 by 9 Usual Suspects

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. (We have confirmed that they will be open.)

Let’s hope for a lovely sunny warm evening!

Please note the earlier start time of 6.30pm

Maker Magic

GCA8D3G Maker Magic: 9US Get Creative…..

Where: Plas Gwernoer, Nantlle. LL54 6BB
When: 1st July 2023
Time: 2.00pm-6pm (the bar will remain open until the last person leaves!)

We are planning another fun afternoon of creativity with plenty of laughs and geochat.

Pete will be running a 3D printing workshop with the usual demonstrations plus taking a look at the advantages and disadvantages of 3D printed containers. In the makers area there will be a wide variety of materials, tools and containers for you to make unique geocaches. Help will be at hand if required. Need some inspiration? Then take a look at the large display of hand crafted containers on display.

As part of the event we will be running a competition for favourite custom local geocaches giving everyone a chance to vote for the winner. Please nominate your chosen caches in your ‘will attend’ logs remembering to quote GC code.

All refreshments are free, with coffee, tea and soft drinks available on a ‘self service’ basis through out the event, later in the day the bar will be open and we will be lighting the BBQ. To help us with planning and catering for the day please could you log ‘will attends’ in advance, include number of persons that will be attending and your nomination for local favourite caches.

We have very basic camping available and space for the odd caravan/motorhome, please message us for details.

Please note we are a working small holding and do have chickens, geese and sheep so no unruly dogs!

As part of our weekend of Maker Magic Celebrations there will be a few new caches going live at 6pm Friday evening………. all with interesting containers.

News & New Caches 92

There are no new caches or Adventure Labs to report since our last post, but we are working on a new series……..

Queen Vic’s Pillar Resurrected Again

GC52GYT QUEEN VIC’S PILLAR RESURRECTED (WBMC 13) by signyred D5/T5

Last Sunday saw this missing cache on the Nantlle ridge replaced. It’s in sight of our house yet I have never found it and I have visited the obelisk many times. Does anyone fancy going as a group and maybe an event here? Please let us know your thoughts through the comments.

The Solstice Souvenir

On June 21, 2023, the Northern Hemisphere will experience the height of summer and the “longest” day of the year, while the very same day will bring the depth of winter to the Southern Hemisphere and the “shortest” day of the year.

In celebration of the June solstice, Geocaching HQ created a souvenir for geocachers. To earn this special souvenir, geocachers must find a total of 21 geocaches, Event Caches, and/or Adventure Lab® Locations between June 18–24, 2023.

Virtual Rewards 4.0

Geocache Arten: Welche Cache Typen gibt es beim Geocaching?

Geocaching HQ has announced Virtual Rewards 4.0, giving another 4,000 lucky cache owners a chance to own a virtual cache.

Unlike prior Virtual Rewards, there’s no need to opt in or apply. Geocachers who meet the following criteria will automatically be eligible for selection on January 17, 2024.

  • You must have a non-Event geocache published in 2023 that has earned at least 4 Favorite points by December 31, 2023.
  • You must have created your geocaching account before June 13, 2023.
  • Prior Virtual Reward recipients are eligible to participate.
  • Players who opted-in for Virtual Reward 2.0 and 3.0, but did not receive a Virtual Cache will have a higher likelihood to receive a Virtual Reward 4.0

On January 17, 2024, Geocaching HQ will randomly select up to 4,000 eligible geocachers, with geographic distribution, to receive one Virtual Cache. Recipients will have one year to create their Virtual Cache page and submit it for review (January 17, 2024–January 17, 2025). The caches must comply with Virtual Cache-specific guidelines.

All geocaching community volunteers (reviewers, moderators, and translators) who qualify will receive a Virtual Reward as thanks for giving their time to support the geocaching community.

News & New Caches 91

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

Event

GCA9NXV 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 58 by 9 Usual Suspects

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.

News & New Caches 90

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.

News & New Caches 89

Just one new traditional cache and couple of event reminders/updates.

GCA8Y30 Passing by the barrier by MagpieNorthWales Traditional D1/T1

Event Reminders

GCA5EAK 9 Usual Suspects Re-visit Ynys Enlli Event
When: Sunday 28th May 2023
Time: 12pm-4pm
Where: Café Tŷ Pellaf Farm, Ynys Enlli
I have just looked at the weather forecast, it looks perfect, so we are very confident there will be no problems with our ferry crossings. We will put an ‘announcement’ on the event page just to confirm our sailing. Don’t forget cameras, sunscreen and hats! See you Sunday.

GCA8D9R 9 Usual Suspects – Nosh & Natter 57 by 9 Usual Suspects
When: Wednesday 31st May
Where: Anglesey Arms, Harbour Front, Caernarfon LL55 1SG
Time: 7pm to 9pm or when the last person leaves
For this months N&N we are back at the Anglesey Arms, lets hope for a lovely sunset!

Postponed Event

We are postponing our visit to Coed y Brenin as several of the caches are missing and we are not sure when they are to be replaced. As soon as the series is back up and running we will reschedule.

Springwatch 2023 is Local

The BBC’s Springwatch returns to our screens on Monday 29th at 7.30pm and will continue at 8pm from Tuesday 30th May until Thursday 15th June. This year our local wildlife will be featured in two live broadcasts from Gwaith Powdwr Nature Reserve on the 30th and 31st May and Cemlyn Nature Reserve on the 13th June. Plus there will be daily features from wild places around North Wales. If you miss any episodes the series will be available on iPlayer after the live broadcasts.

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 67

There has been no new caches or Adventure labs published in our area since our last post, we have just a couple of event reminders.

Event Reminders

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

We had hoped that one of the cafes would be open so that we would have somewhere to shelter if the weather is bad, but sadly they are all closed until after the New Year. So the plan is to bring our mobile tea wagon (campervan), so that we can supply hot drinks and bacon rolls, oh and cake! There is a rumour that a new set of Adventure Labs plus a bonus cache may appear during this event.

Drop anchor Souvenir

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…’

We would like to wish everyone a very Happy, Healthy 2023 and Thank You for supporting 9US throughout 2022.

Let the adventures and fun continue………..

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.