Caching in Suffolk

Last weekend I was in Suffolk with the family so we took the opportunity to do some geocaching.

DAY 1

Random Ramble 2 - GC1Y47V
Started off with a DNF (Did Not Find) on this one and with no clue to help find it, we struggled. It is a needle in a haystack search as this is a nano we were looking for. The past three cachers reported DNF's and there was one more DNF afterwards. The cache owner has visited the cache and its still there. If its this hard to find then a clue may have been in order or an increase on the D/T ratings.

Random Ramble RHQ - GC1Y47F
Stummped by the last cache we moved on to see if we could have better luck at the next one. After some searching we spotted what we thought was the hiding place in a post and found that it was a physical puzzle cache to solve to get the cache out. Im marking this cache as one of the best I have visited so far.

Random Ramble 3 - GC1Y485
Another well hidden cache. After solving the second cache we had an idea of what we where looking for so it was easier to locate.

Random Ramble 4 - GC1y48B
Found this one quite by accident when someone in our party leant on it. It did take a bit of looking for though until the accidental find. Another good hiding spot.

DAY 2

Rolling Stone - GCKJXM
Single cache today. This cache is by a set of stone that are supposed to be cursed. Anyone that moves the stones will befall a sudden end of life. Gave the stones a wide bearth and went to the cache. Nice big cache following a day of nano caches. Left some of the trackables we had collected and signed the log.

DAY 3

Billy's Bench - GC1KE38
Another single cache day, but a nice walk through a set of fields. Another big cache that allowed us to leave the rest of the trackables we were carrying.

View across field from cache.

Handicaching

Great website at http://www.handicaching.com/ so you can rate your own or other geocaches that you find for disabled people to look up caches to see if they are accessible.

I have rated all of my caches placed and have now started to rate some of my more recent finds.

Is it about the numbers?

Now that I have passed the 200 mark, Ive reached the world leader table of Geocachers. We the bottom of the table to be more accurate.

The rankings start when you reach 200 and then goes on upwards. The more you find the more you go up the table.

For me its not about the numbers but the enjoyment and getting out. Yes there is a sense of achievement when you reach a goal number, but with over a million caches in the world it would take a few lifetimes to do them all.

The top of the table has one cacher having entered a stagering 45,631 caches. Thats a lot! especially compared to my 202 at present.

I am ranking around joint 102,968 with a hundered or so of my fellow cachers.

If you want to look at the caching stats try http://www.cacherstats.com/

Ive added a tool to the right of the blog which will show my ranking - hopefully once the stats update which is either once or twice a week.

Lever Park - Rivington

We decided to go to Lever Park and try and get to the 200 cache mark yesterday (Sunday).

There are two main series of caches in the park, "The Dream Team" and "The Muppets". The Muppets series is a multi-cache one whilst the rest are traditional caches.

We parked at the south end of Lever Park and set off in an anti-clockwise direction as we could then reach the final Muppet cache after collecting the co-ordinates in the Muppet Caches on the way round. Plans to work out a route ahead as we were going to go around the other way until I spotted a note on the cache page saying do this Muppet last. And it was for a good reason. I didnt fancy walking all that way back again!

GC103JQ – Fozzie – The Muppet Show
We started with a Muppet cache to start with. Although the containers are film canisters there has been some thought into this small series as the containers have had one of the Muppet characters moulded onto it in clay. A great idea. Picked up the first set of co-ordinates from within the cache. Signed the log and replaced Fozzie into his hiding place.

GC2FB49 - The Dream Team – DF – John Terry
Second cache of the day and first of "The Dream Team" series which is based around footballers. Another 35mm film canister with log and pencil. Signed the log and replaced.

GC2FBK2 - The Dream Team - MF - Cristiano Ronaldo
Cutting across some paths and woodland we found the next cache hide. This is a regular cache and a good size. Lots of Muggles about so we had to do the usual pretending to take a photo or looking in the bag trick. Timed our retrieving and replacing of the cache in between passers by. Signed the log and made some swaps.

GC103JK - Miss Piggy-The Muppet show
Another Muppet cache, this time in the mould of Miss Piggy. Unfortunately there were no co-ordinates in this cache. They must have fallen out when somebody had previously looked in it. Had a search around but could not see them. We hoped that this would not mess up finding the last cache. Replaced the pig and moved on/

GC2FBB4 - The Dream Team - MF - Ryan Giggs
Found in one of the usual hiding places for caches. A small container. Signed log and replaced.

GC2FBNB - The Dream Team - ST - Pele
Bit of a walk uphill across a field to get to this one, but the views it presented us with are stunning. The sun was out so we got great views. This cache is near to an old wall / building structure and this along with the tress meant the GPS would not settle down. Moved from one side to the other side of the wall to find it. Had to revert to the Geocaching Spidey Sense on this one to find it. Signed log, did some swaps and replaced.

GC2FB7X - The Dream Team - MF - George Best
A regular cache hidden in a stump. A large park usually presents some great hiding places for caches and this is no exception. Signed log, carried out some swaps and replaced carefully.

GC103JE – Gonzo-The Muppet Show
Third Muppet of the day. Intact with co-ordinates. Only one more to find. With the gaps in the numbers for the final cache we did have our doubts that we would not find it.

GC2FB6T - The Dream Team - DF - Franz Beckenbauer
Easy find once we had identified the side by side – Two trees

GC165DD - A LOG under a LOG
Nice hide. A huge pile of logs to look under!! Where to start. Found after about 10 mins of looking.

GC103JT – Kermit – THE MUPPET SHOW
The last Muppet to find to get the final co-ordinates for the final cache. Unfortunately we only had three sets of co-ordinates as the ones in Miss Piggy were not there. So some careful thinking we decided to “Wing it” and I fudged the missing figures to have a go at finding the cache. Hope this works!! We set off to look for it.

GC103KK- The Muppets Grand Finaly
We had the general area so now it was time to look. Luckily there were some previous photographs on the cache page on www.geocaching.com and we could look for some similarities in the landscape and trees. After about 10 mins of looking we found its hiding place. So the series is still doable although the cache owner should replace those that are missing. A great large cache to end this series with and it was worth spending the time finding. Took two geocoins that were in the cache - “Curse of the Pirates Treasure Geocoin” and “Geocaching Across the Atlantic Geocoin”.

GC10WBQ - Cracked It
After a spot of lunch on a bench near by we found the cache after checking a couple of trees in the area.

GC10WA9 - Wheres the Babee

Found the cache after looking about a bit, until we spotted some stickoflauge that looked like a good possibility. Signed log and replaced. TFTC.

GC2FB5Y - The Dream Team - DF - Lucio
Another quick sign of the log and on to the next one.

GC2FBHT - The Dream Team - MF - Lionel Messi
Felt like Flash Gordon trying to retrieve this one. The scene where he puts his hand in the stump. I had a quick poke in their with a stick first though. Just hopped that there wasnt a green monster with a sting in its tail!!! Found a Travel Bug attached to a small teddy bear in this cache - “The Three Bears (2)”.

GC10WBB - Riviting Rivington
Found on our walk around Lever Park. Lots of people doing the go ape today so had to be careful looking for this one. Found the cache, signed the log and replaced. Found a “Northern Star” in this cache which is a Travel Bug for the NW Mega Event in 2010. This one is called “Devil May Cry”. The log says it was in “Rivington Pike” but I found it in this cache? Somebody may have moved it but not logged it.

GC1VXWA - Not so 'Going Ape' !
TFTC. Bit of a high muggle area again. Popular park today. Had to be careful retrieving and replacing the cache. Managed to do it without too much issue, but had to wait a bit.

GC2FBVA - The Dream Team - ST - Diego Maradonna
199th find... almost at our goal for the day. Found after a bit of searching. Nice cache. TFTC. Found a Travel Bug in the cache, but upon looking at the trackable page noticed that there should have been a yellow duck attached to it. Unfortunately this part was not in the cache.

GC2FB54 – The Dream Team – DF – Bobby Moore
Our 200th cache. “Back of the net!” an appropriate saying for this cache and our current caching number. This cache is also close to the castle ruins of “Liverpool Castle”.

GCV9BX - Saint Leverhulme's Folly
This cache was near to the castle. It was nearer previously but had been muggled a few times so its been moved slightly out of the way. The castle grounds were very full of muggles so a good job it was out of the way a bit. Liverpool Castle was built by William Hesketh Lever, who was born in Bolton in 1851. Lever became a very wealthy man due to his soap buisness which he founded at Port Sunlight. He never forgot his home town and it really is down to him that not only do we have the terraced gardens at Rivington but also that they are available for all because Lever donated them to the people of Bolton. Liverpool Castle was built between 1912 and 1925. It is a smaller scale replica of the ruins of the real Liverpool Castle which was demolished during the civil war in 1725.

GC2F9WD - The Dream Team - GK - Gordon Banks
Last cache of the day taking us back towards the car. A great walk and days caching. In all about 3 1/2 hours of walking and a ½ hour stop for lunch.

Todays finds

Hiding Again

I'm back in the UK again. Out on awalk today, hiding another 3 caches that will hopefully be published soon. I am planning to make one of them a Mystery Cache where a puzzle will need to be solved in order to find the cache. Just working on the puzzle.

A Jumbo Cache

Another Swedish cache on Thursday night (14/10/10). Staying in a hotel near to the airport, went out for a short walk and found the Arlanda Jumbo Hostel cache.

The hostel is a 747-200 jumbo jet built in 1976. It was last operated by Transjet, a Swedish airline that went bankrupt in 2002. It was originally built for Singapore Airlines and later served with Pan Am.

In January 2008, the aircraft was moved to a construction site parking where the first phase of the conversion begun with the dismantling of the old interior, putting on new paint and building the new rooms. 450 seats were removed and the plane was entirely sanitized.

Summer 2008 the plane was towed to its final destination at the entrance to Arlanda where it was placed on a concrete foundation with the landing gear secured in two steel cradles.



I wasnt staying in the Hostel, but I bet it would be an interesting stay.

Found the cache nearby and signed the log. Only a log and pencil in this one (An Ikea pencil!)

V-Gurras sten - The "Kings Stone"

Currently in Sweden and had the opportunity on Tuesday to do a cache near to the hotel I was staying at.

GC1R689 - V-Gurras Sten
The 'Kings stone' next to Brunnsviken was signed by king Gustaf the fifth in 1923. Oscar Gustaf Adolf was born in 1858 and was king of Sweden for 43 years from 1907 until his death.



The cache was easy to find, but it was going dark when I got the chance to do this cache so luckly I had packed a torch. My first cache outside of the UK and also my first night time cache in the dark.

I had brought two travel coins with me which I dropped off in the cache. One of them I had was in a race to get to Sweden so looks like that one might win as its partner is in Germany at the moment.

10/10/10 - A Record Attempt

Today Geocahing.com are trying to beat a record of the most geocachers going geocaching on a single day. Previous record was 56,654 on 18th April 2010.

To mark this occasion those geocachers who cache today will recieve a Souvenir on their account.

I went out today to do a quick cache in order to take part in the record attempt.

GC1Q4KX - Torkington park - Park Up

A quick cache and dash. Easy find and decided to try the other two caches in the park, however there were a lot of people in the park today and lots of footballers training, so decided that it would be best to try these again another day.

Now have my first Souvenir associated with my account.

Souvenirs

Geocaching.com have updated their site recently and added a new tab called Souvenirs.

"Souvenirs are virtual pieces of art that you can discover and display on your profile page. They are associated with a particular location and may also be bound by time.

There are two ways to discover a souvenir. The first is to log a geocache within the souvenir zone. For instance, if there were a souvenir for Hollywood, CA and you logged a geocache in Hollywood, you would be awarded the souvenir. The second is to search for a geocache using the Geocaching Application for iPhone or Android when you are within the souvenir zone. Text on your profile page will indicate whether the souvenir was discovered by logging or through an application.

If there is a time parameter to the souvenir, as there will be with those discovered at Mega-Events, the souvenir zone will expire at the end of the period. You can still obtain the souvenir by logging your attendance online.

If you have previously logged a cache in a souvenir zone, the souvenir will be added to your profile at a later date."

These will be fun to try an obtain during events etc.

Werneth Low Trail

Out for a walk today. Decided to do the W.L.T series and a couple of other caches in the area. 13 caches in total.

GC13MWJ - W.L.T Lest We Forget

Parked up at the Werneth Low visitors centre. A smalish car park, but we managed to find a parking spot not logn after arriving. There is a regular turn around of cars with lots of people using this area for dog walking.

There are some great views around the walk. Found the first cache which is near to the car park. Time to deposit some of the coins and travel bugs we have. Dropped off the "Muenster Geocoin 2008" into the cache.

GC13WMF - W.L.T Hackingknife
Second find today on our walk. Great views. We had good weather so could see well into the distance, however there were a few clouds about over the horizon. Signed log book and dropped off a Micro Travel Coin - "Molyballs Cache Movers Geocoin No 2".

GC22H0Q - Gateway to Manchester
First of the caches that were not part of the W.L.T, but in the area so we did this. Views over towards Manchester. Did the usual signing of the logs and rehid.

GC13MXQ - W.L.T Up Stream
Saw the hiding spot as we walked along the path towards the area. Dropped off a Micro Travel Tag "Backpackers CITO Tag" into the bottom of the container under the log and pencil. The mirco travel bugs are just the right size for 35mm film canisters.

GC13MXJ - W.L.T Ben Marked The Spot
Guessed the hiding spot on this one and we were right. Signed log and replaced under the rock.

GC13MVQ - W.L.T Werneth Low Panoramic
Bit of a strange cache this one as it wasnt in a cache container, but in a small plastic bag placed under a stone. Not sure if it should have a container or not. Signed the log and replaced.

GC13MVV - W.L.T Apple Street
We went down the lane which is steep, knowing that at some point later on we would have a similar climb back upwards. Our 7th cache of the day. A well thought out cache container nicely hidden. Small piece of wood fastened onto the top of the container hiding it well in the gap in the tree. Took the Geocoin from the container, signed log and replaced.

GC13MV2 - W.L.T Onward And Upward
Crossed a field that had some cows in it and a bull. Did the usual group up and walk quietly so not to spook the animals. Walked through with no problems. Found the cache as we cam out of the field. Soon as we had replaced a couple of muggles came up the hill, so we had one of those, phew just replaced in time moments.

GC13N1B - W.L.T The Crossroads
The cache was hidden in a crack in a wall. Not sure about caches hidden in walls as they can cause issues when cachers start moving stones. Spotted the cache straight away. Signed log and replaced.

GC13MW5 - W.L.T Rocky Spot
Detour into a car park where there were a lot of large stones along the edge of the car park. The GPS co-ordinates were spot on so we found the right one. Nice gap under the stone in which the cache was placed.

GC273PN - Clueless
I went for this cache whilst the rest of the team stopped off at the watering hole across from the cache. Found the cache, signed the log book and replaced, then over to the "Hare and Hounds" for a soft drink. Great place to quench the thirst.

GC13MW6 - W.L.T Gate View
Heading back towards the start we picked up our 12th cache of the day. Tight squeze to get my hand in to reach the cache, however we had the assistance of small hands to get this cache from the mini mages in the group. Signed the log and replaced. A walking pole would have been good but left those in the car.

GC1XE8A - Moo's First
Our 13th and final cache of the day. Another great walk with good views.

Coin from today

Lunchtime C&D - More Chor

Out for another lunchtime cache and dash today to find another cache and drop off a Travel Coin that needs to go to Ben Nevis to reach its currents goal. The plan today was to drop the coin further North than I had discovered it as Ben Nevis is up towards Scotland.

GC1A7N8 - More Chor
The cache was hidden in a small wood near to a house estate in Astley Village. I had the usual issue of tree coverage blocking the GPS signal, so I had to rely on my instincts and eyes to find the location of the cache. Spent about 10 mins looking until I located the cache. Dropped off the Travel Coin, signed the log and replaced the cache.

GJCH - Circular Walk

We went out on Sunday for a 6-7 mile walk along a caching series called "GJCH - Grandad John's Home Cache". This is a well planned and layed out caching series with a good set of instructions detailing the walking route.

GC2AKBY - GJHC - Mobberley Field Bridge
We started the walk slightly in the wrong place as we didnt want to risk parking in the church car park as it was a Sunday and there would be loads of church goers, so we parked up in a layby just when you turn up the hill. Entered the field from the bottom as we missed the enterance further up the road, but it was still a public footpath and lead us to the first cache, so we joined Mobberley Field. It was a bit wet in places, but we all had our walking boots on so it wasnt that bad squelching in a couple of places. Probably would have been better if we'd gone further up the road! Found the cache quickly, in an obvious hiding place. Signed the log and put it back.

GC2AKC9 - GJHC - Stile
Following the instructions set out from the first cache, we made our way over to this second cache. The field we walked through had a few horses in which were friendly enough and started to follow us walking up the field. After getting to the next GC we found it, signed the log and rehid again. Looking on the horizon we spotted Jodrell Bank which was pointing upwards today.

GC2ARKJ - GJHC - Barley Field
Following the instructions again we went over the next stile and into the Barley Field. (Dont take the path on the right! as we did at first). No Barley in the field this time of year. Nicely ploughed though. There was a farmer shooting at the far side of the field as there was an occasional bang and birds flying everywhere. Found the cache and moved on just in case Cachers we next on his hit card ;) Dropped off a Travel Bug "A Great Ruler".

GC2AKCD - GJHC - Gate To Nowhere
Between GC2ARKJ and this cache is the longest part of the walk between caches. After navigating the Barley Field and one member of the team almost loosing their boot in some mud, we left the field to go down the track towards the "Gate to Nowhere". We almost walked straight past it not expecting to see a picket fence gate and half expecting a larger iron/steel gate. Found the cache and logged our visit. Great hiding spot.

GC2ARKX- GJHC - Past The Pond
Again following the instructions we walked over the cache. Easy find. Signed log book and replaced the cache.

GC2AKCH - GJHC - The Split Tree
Another ploughed field. Following the GPS we found the tree and located the cache fairly quickly. Signed the log and replaced into its hiding place. As the field had been harvested we spotted the stile leading to the next part of the walk.

GC2AKCR - GJHC - Up The Hill
After following the instructions and crossed the bridge, we spotted the faint path to the right, which is getting less faint and more visiable now,we struggled a bit under the branches as our backpacks got snagged (Only because we did'nt bend down enough). Found the cache and signed the log. This is our 150th cache find.

GC2AKD0 - GJHC - Another Stile
After celebrating our 150th cache we moved onwards to the next cache. Found in the usual hiding spot for a stile. Signed the log and replaced.

GC2ARKN - GJHC - Double Trouble
We continued walking over to the next cache which we found following the GPS co-ords. Took the Pirate TB in the cache.

GC2AKDA - GJHC - Big Log
Following the instructions we turned left and followed the GPS to the co-ords. Its a nice big log, not hard to miss it. Signed log book and moved on.

GC2AKDF - GJHC - Sleeper Bridge
As we walked towards the cache along the field a cow was heading towards the tree where we thought the cache was hidden. As we approached the cow was standing next to the cache. Luckily as we approached the cow moved away. It didnt sign the log book though. Found the cache. Signed the log book and replaced the cache. Took the Cache Movers Travel Bug.

GC2ARME - GJHC - Antrobus Hall
Followed the instructions and past the cottages and over the bridge. Followed the GPS and found the cache. Signed log book and Replaced. Took the CITO Travel Bug. Seeing some great places along the walk.

GC2ARMH - GJHC - Horse Fields
Walked past the new stable block and spotted a great looking old ferguson tractor that has been given its own shed. Great work horse. (See Pics). There were a few muggles in the field with the horses, but they didnt pay much attention to us so we were able to get the cache without any one seeing us. Signed log and replaced

GC2AKE6 - GJHC - Knolls Green
Found the location of the cache, but realised that we were looking slightly in the wrong area. Took a step back and rethought this one, finding the right location. Signed log book and replaced.

GC2AKEC - GJHC - Cow Field
Put the co-ords into the GPS for the enterance to the next path. It was good to walk on some solid ground (Road) after walking in the fields. We found the enterance to the path and followed it to the cache.

GC2AKEJ - GJHC - Graveyard Lane
Walked over the field to the stile onto Graveyard Lane. This is quite a high stile so suggest you take any backpack off and put it over first. We found the cache down the lane. Signed the log and replaced. We had a look over at the Quaker Graveyard and read the history that had been supplied with the instructions.

GC2AKEY - GJHC - Fallen Giant
We walked on and found the spot not really needing the GPS at this point. A nice large cache and another great hiding place for a cache. Signed the log book and replaced the cache.

GC2ARMQ - GJHC - Watering Hole
Walking over to the stile and the watering hole we spotted the cache. Signed the log and replaced.

GC2AMT4- GJHC - Holly's Stile
Last of the stile caches on the walk, we found in the usual hiding place. Signed the log and replaced.

GC2AP8N - GJHC - Church View
Final cache of the walk. Throughly enjoyed this walk and the cache series. All the caches are medium sized tuperware boxes hidden in camo bags with a couple of larger caches every now and then. Worth the walk and finds.


Coins and Travel Bugs found today

Middlewood Circular- Finished

We went out yesterday (Saturday 25/09/10) to complete the final stretch of the Middlewood Circular.

GC1J9XG - Middlewood Trail - Trail End
We started off doing the final cache on the Middlewood Way first. After proclaiming that we had finished jokingly, off up to the next cache. This part of the Middlewood Way feels a bit strange after spending so much time walking along an old railway cutting to now be walking along aside a few playing fields. The local bypass was built across some of it so this is a replacement that was put in its place.

GC1J9XE - Middlewood Circular - Owl Watch
The give away is in the title. Its another of the great wooden sculptures that you can find along the route. My favourate one on the Middlewood Way was of a Knigfisher carved out of a tree hanging over a river at the side of the walk.

GC19XC - Middlewood Circular - Overpass
Up and over the bypass where we picked up a Geocoin and dropped a TB in its place. This is a well thoughth out bride for cyclists as there is a winding path up to the overpass and steps for walkers. Good as you can either cycle or walk the Middlewood Way. This was also our last cache on the Middlewood way as it was time to cross to the canal side.

GC1J9XX - Middlewood Circular - The 3 Towers
Now walking along the canal finishing the final stretch of the walk. The canal was busy with traffic today, lots of people chugging up and down the canal on their boats.

GC1J9XR - Middlewood Circular - Kerridge Hill
Some great views along route. Spotted a Heron sitting on the opposite bank watching the water for its next meal.

GC1J9XP - Middlewood Circular - Bridge 33
If there's a bridge there is probably a cache near by. Good rule of thumb for the next 3 bridges.

GC1J9XJ - Middlewood Circular - Bridge 34
Last of the caches along the Middlewood Circular meaning we had completed the Middlewood Circular. We can now say that we have done it and can award ourselves the completion medals on our Geocaching Profile.

GC1RKZZ - Middlewood Canal - Bridge 35
This cache was set by a different geocacher as is the rest of them along the last bit of our route, so we picked these up as well. When we got to this one the log was wet through. I had packed some spare logs with me so I dried the container and replaced the log and put it inside a plastic bag in the cache to protect it. Ive offered to send the old log back to the cache owner, but it will probably end up going in the bin (paper recycling) at some point.

GC1RM05 - Macclesfield Canal - Keep the Cattle In
Last cache on the canal before wakling back to the car.

GC1N2VG - BVW #1
Saved this cache until we got pack to the car as it was near to the car park where we had left the car. This is part of the Bollin Valley Way walk. Save that one for another day.

GC245Q3 - Hunter's Pool Farm
On the way back home we diverted to find this one. A quick cache and dash as it was just on the other side of a gate with room for 1 car to stop. Picked up another TB in the cache.

Todays Travellers
"Muenster Geocoin 2008" and "A Great Ruler" travel bug.

Icthys - GC2F8XH

This cache only came on line on friday, unfortuately I was too far away to get a First To Find, so decided to do this as a lunchtime cache and dash. This is a great little cache once you have solved the puzzle. Its not as easy as it first looks!

Third to find which is probably the nearest I've got to a FTF so far.

Single Cache Clear Up

Raining today, but we decided to brave the elements and go out clearing up some of the single caches yet to do, so more a cache and dash type of day.

GC1KGE8 - Confused - Am I in Scotland or England?
Been meaning to to this cache everytime I've been past it. Today we parked up in the garden centre and wentn to find this one. It was hidden in England, so signed the log and moved it to Scotland. if your confused check the pictures in the log. There is a great ride on railway at this GC (also stands for Garden Centre ;) ) thats worth a visit with the kids when its running and not raining.

GC1PC3A - Smell of Success
Quick stop of the car for this one. Standard 35mm film canister. Signed log and moved on.

GC1P7MJ - SideTracked - Adlington
My second in the SideTracked series of caches. Wondering now how many stations I've been to over the years and how many of these caches ive been so near to. Hindsight is wonderful at times.

GC24CV4 - The Bollington Box
Second visit here as the first time the cache had been muggled and stolen. Great to see that it is back in action, although the caching container needs a little work on it due to water getting in. Picked up the "Gib0r's Inaugural Travel Bug dog Tag" from this cache and dropped in the two Travel Bugs I had in my inventory from previous caches.

GC1P7MW - SideTracked - Prestbury
After a drive down the A523 it was over to Prestbury railway station for another SideTracked cache. Took a little looking but found it in the end. Signed log and moved on to get another couple of caches, however there was a diversion on the roads so we could not get to where we wanted to go. Maybe next time.

GC1PGQX - Strole In A Park - Park Up
Had to mark this as a DNF as after a couple of mins looking, a chap turned up to work on the model railway line they are building there and challenged me as to what I was doing stood in the copse next to their workings. After a brief conversation thought best to leave it and try the next one on my list. Suggested that this cache be moved somewhere else in the park as they will be working on the railway till Christmas and then it should be open. Its going to be a high Muggle area shortly.

GC2DB0P - Hidden Cheadle Hulme - Hesketh Park
Our last for today. How many Ivy covered trees!! Eventually found the right one and picked up another Travel Bug "Three Peaks Challenge - England" will need to get this heading Northwards towards Ben Nevis which is next on its list of challenges.

Northern Star

The UK's 2012 Mega event will be held in the North West of England. The website is already taking shape and the shop is already open with a great trackable called the "Northern Star".

This trackable represents North West Caching with it symbols on the star;

• The Liver Bird represents Merseyside
• The Bee represents Manchester
• The Wheatsheef represents Cheshire
• The Red rose represents Lancashire
• The Sheep represents Cumbria

A nice thought out trackable. I will probably release in the not so distance future.

There is also a nice NW Cachers pin badge you can buy too.

Lisieux View

Back out today at lunch time to find the cache I had started to look for last time whilst out with "TSL986". This time out with "mschaffel".

GC24A0A - Lisieux View
Thanks to some keen eyesight of "mschaffel" we found the cache after about 10 mins of looking. Problem when trying to cache under tree cover, the GPS plays up a bit.

Nice quick caching and off to the shops to buy a sandwich.

Soggy Lunchtime Cache and Dash

out with TSL986 for some lunchtime cash and dash today. The rain had stopped and the sun had come out. Drove to near to the first cache and left the car so we could walk the rest of the way.

GCNKCC - The Green Man
First stop. Rather wet and soggy ground, which is not best attempted in office attire!! but we did it anyway. Will need to polish the shoes tonight and get trousers clean from the mud. A micro cache so signed the log book and moved on.

GC24A3B - Moosic
First "?" cache I've done. The puzzle was fairly simple to solve. Finding the cache was another matter due to the local nettle plants taking a hold. Spotted after a bit of searching. Interesting caching containter for this one. Signed log.

GC24A0A - Lisieux View
We just started to look for this one but ran out of time so will be back another day to find......

Lunchtime Cache and Dash

Yesterday I decided to do some lunchtime caching. Managed 4 caches.

GC13PQG - Neigh! Thats's Not My Cache
A Small cache located down a quiet country lane.

GC1VJOX - Sidetracked - Euxtone Regency Gardens
This was my first of the many Sidetracked caches placed near to railway stations. A small 35mm film canister and log book. The log book was however placed into a huge plastic bag that took some folding and pushing to get back into the canister.

GC15HQM - Blackpool Tower
Not quite at Blackpool Tower though. This was one of the biggest caches I have visited so far. The cache contains a geocoin that stays with the cache and you just "discover" it rather than retrieving. Picked up two travel bugs from the cache to move on. This was also my first Multi-cache.



GCYEMV - Toy Farm Hideaway
Last cache of the day again a small cache down a quiet country lane.

Another section of the Middlewood Circular

We packed a lunch and went off today to do another section of the Middlewood Circular and complete Stage 2 so we only have Stage 3 to complete. This has been one of our better caching days with 18 finds and 1 DNF. 18 is the most in any day so far since we started.

GC24ZTR – Travel Bug Hotel
Started the day with a visit to a Travel Bug Hotel which is a premium members cache. Unfortunately someone had been a couple of days before and there were no TB's to move on. Didnt have any to drop off so signed the log book, left some swapables and moved on.

GC24CV4 – The Bollington Box
Another premium members cache, but had to log a DNF on this one as it looks like its been muggled. Logs suggest that someone else couldnt find it this morning either. Left a log for the owner to pay a visit and confirm. Hope there were no TB's in it when it went missing :(

GC2ATZK – Happy Valley
A magnetic micro hidden well in Bollington. A quick cache and dash whilst we drove towards our parking spot for the day and on with the main caching.

GC1J9X2 – Middlewood Circular – Viaduct
We parked up at the car park under the viaduct. Parking was a bit tricky due to lots of walkers about and a local football match in the fields across the road, but we managed to find somewhere. Walked up the steps at the side of the viaduct. The original steps on the other side have been fenced off for now. Cache near to top of the steps so a quick stop before starting a good days walking.

GC1J2C2 – Middlewood Circular – Lodge Farm
Moving onwards we began our run of finding the cached and signing the log books, covering;

GC1J2BZ – Middlewood Circular – Wooden Bridge
Another easy find. Signed and moved on.

GC1J2BT – Middlewood Circular – Cheshire View
This was our last one on the Middlewood way in the morning before crossing over to the canal

GC1J32W – Middlewood Circular – Bath Time.
Between the Cheshire View and Bath Time, we came across an abundance of Fly-Agaric mushrooms under a tree line near to the Middlewood Way. Great looking mushrooms with their red and white caps. Took a couple of photos and moved on. Bath Time – a great hiding place. Coming over a style we were presented with a couple of baths. One used to water cattle, luckly we chose the right one so we didnt get wet!

GC1J32V – Middlewood Circular – Bridge 23
Moving southwards back towards the car for lunch we found the caches en-route.

GC1J32Q – Middlewood Circular – Sugar Lane
A big gap between these caches which lets you appriciate more of the countryside and scenery around.

GC1J9Y5 – Middlewood Circular – Clarence Mill
Heading into muggle land near to the caches and being careful about the cafe opposite we switched to stealth mode to find this one. Carefully looking like tying a shoelace whilst retriving the cache and dropping something on the floor when putting it back. The old ones still work well.

GC1J9Y3 – Middlewood Circular – Aquaduct
Last one before we cut back across to the car where we picked up our lunch and sat watching the local football match which was going on. Dropped leftovers/rubbish back in the car and back up the viaduct again to go south this time along the Middlewood Way.

GC1J9X5 – Middlewood Circular – New Builds
Near to this cache is The Festival Labyrinth which has been set up in celebration of Bollington Festivals Past, Present and Future and of their founder.

GC1J9X6 - Middlewood Circular - Bridge 4
This was in interesting cache as it was hidden over a railing and down a deep hole. Had to reach in to grab this one. If you do this walk watch out for the green man carved into the tree a bit further on.

GC1J9XA – Middlewood Circular – Bridge 3
Final cache of the day on the Middlewood Way for today before moving back over to the canal for the final 3 we planned making a figure of 8 with the way we had walked this part of the section over the day.

GC1J9XY – Middlewood Circular – Kerridge
This cache was nicely placed for the transfer between paths as we would have needed to come slightly off the towpath to get it. Signed log and moved on.

GC1J9Y1 – Middlewood Circular – Dry Dock
Lots of activity around the canal yard today. Luckly the cache is slightly further on and out of view.

GC1J9Y2 – Middlewood Circular – Adelphi Mill
Last cache on this walk before heading back to the car and home for a sit down.

GC280DT – Take a Break (truckers paradise)
Well it would have been rude not to grab this one on the way past home in a cache and dash style.

Reached 100

We did'nt get out last week as planned to reach the 100 limit, but go there today.

Decided to go back and redo a couple that we had missed or had a DNF on.

GC1EW56 - Ladybrook Valley Trail - 10 - In the Woods
We had previously had a DNF on this cache as it looked as though ther area the GPS pointed to has been truned into a yobs trashed area, as some idiots had used spray paint on trees and left lots of mess. We returned to today following some logs where they had reported to have found the cache safe and well. After 5 mins of looking this time we found it. Nice to have a DNF turn into a TFTC.

GC1HV6M - Middlewood Circular - Deer Me
Returned to this section of the Middlewood Circular, along the canal to find the two caches we couldnt last time due to an abundance of muggles hanging around near to the caches. Today was muggle free and we were able to get to the cache. There are two fields of deer near by and we spent a while watching them.

GC1HV6E - Middlewood Circular - Hilton View
Last of the Stage 1 caches we needed to find on the Middlewood Circular. Logged and back to the car to find our 100th cache.

GC242Q6 - Two rocks with a view
Our 100th cache was in Lyme Park at "Two rocks with a view". Nice way to end the day and spend a while looking at the views from near to The Cage in Lyme Park. Ice creams to celebrate and a trip to Lyme Park Gardens where they had a Beer, Wine and Jam tasting session. Didnt make the Jam table!!!!

A quick game of Tennis

Out for a walk today with a small detour for a cache :)

GC23HQ8 - Hidden Bramhall - Anyone For Tennis?

Hidden along side some Tennis courts in a tree. Nice hide, except the path was a bit overgrown and covered in dog mess. nice!!!! not.

Whilst we were out, dropped the "2008 Wisconsin Geocoin" into the Fred Perry Way - The Troll Bridge cache.

Now only 4 caches off 100 finds so planning a walk tomorrow to meet this milestone.

Ynys Môn aka Anglesey - Part 2

25/08/2010

Two Caches along Benllech Beach today whilst the family sat in the sun and played on the beach. Yes its not all Geocaching whilst off on holiday ;) . Benllech Beach is one of the best beaches in Anglesey and is very popular so get there early to bag a decent pitch.

GC1V3RA – Benllech Bonanza
This was a hard cache to find and possibly a bit in the dangerous side if your not careful. Hidden is a previous rock slide from some time ago. The GPS was bouncing all over the place and would not settle which did not help. The cache was a few metres away from the final zero'd co-ordinates. Spent about 30 mins looking for this one.

GC26EWC – Benllech Berries
There are lots of ruins of small huts/buildings along the beach and the cache is near to one of these. Easy to get to via the coastal path or along the beach.


27/08/2010

GC1WB9R – Dingle Dangle Benllech
Back to give this cache another go. No muggles about this time so easier to find without having to stealth search. Sometimes some of these are so obvious that you cant see them for looking. A good spot by the wife who found it straight away.


GC1Z6DT – Royal Charter Church
Another good find from the wife who found it almost straight away. A 35mm film canister with the usual log and pencil.


GC1Z6A6 – Literary Brothers Cache
A drive up the road to the last cache of the day. This cache was just off the road on a circular route near to a monument. Small clip lock box with some swaps in.


28/08/2010

Final cache of the holiday as we left Anglesey to head home.

GCFF46 – Between the Bridges
Nice to see a big cache and a great hiding spot too. Found a “2008 Wisconsin Geocoin” (Shape of a cow) which wasn't logged in the cache, so dipped it in and out to log its latest mileage.

Lauched the "Maritime Cannon" Travel Bug in this cache, our third and final TB (6th in total). Visited the Church Island. A woman was putting fresh flowers into the small church and invited us in for a look. Nice views of both the bridges from here. Recommend going up to the war memorial monument as you get a better view from up top. A great place to spot birds across the estuary and mud flats. Saw lots of waders and gulls. This is a great example of a cache leading you to a place you wouldnt have normally found.

Ynys Môn aka Anglesey - Part 1

Just back from a weeks holiday on Ynys Môn aka Anglesey, just off the coast of North Wales. Whilst visiting the island we took the opportunity to find some caches as we went around.

21/08/2010

On the way to Anglesey we stopped off at the RSBP in Conway and after a walk around the nature reserve there, did a cache just outside the reserve.

GCKKKN - Watch the Birdie
The cache was hidden in amongst a stony bank onto the estuary. Great hiding place but not good when the GPS bounces about a bit and you have a few stones to look under. Good view of the Conway Suspension Bridge from this cache.


22/08/2010

A visit to Holy Island and the beach of Porth Dafarch for the day.

GC1FE2D - Porthdafarch Heights
Great stealth needed for this cache! Although hidden well, it was in plain view of a caravan park and lots of muggles were sitting out enjoying the sun. The cache itself was hidden inside a green plastic bag that was the quietest of materials!!! very noisy which didn't help my stealth tactics.

En-route back to where we were staying we did a few caches on

GC23EMF – A5 Drive-By – Historic Route / Llwybr Hanesyddol
Cleverly hidden micro cache. I was almost going to give up on this one until I spotted a piece of wire hanging that when pulled, produced the cache container. Mirco's are okay, but I find its sometimes a pain to re roll the log small/thin enough to get back into the containers. Remember if your out caching to take a pair of tweezers with you. A very handy piece of kit for retrieving logs that have fallen down into the container and not easy to get out,

GC23EKQ – A5 Drive-By – FAB
Nice easy find this time with the favourite 35mm film canister. Sometimes these are so obvious you miss them looking to hard.


23/08/2010

GC1BF4Q – Ghost House
A visit to Trearddur Bay and the Ghost House cache. Its not really a Ghost/Haunted house, but it does have that look and feel to it, almost like it should be in an episode of Scooby Doo. Launched the fourth of my travel bugs (first this holiday) – Search and Rescue II

GC23EMP – A5 Drive-By – Now this is a view!
Another one in the A5 series. Parking near to a great view of the Menai Straights and both bridges. A good size cache in a lay by.

Decided to do a section of the A5025 back to our accommodation in a Cache and Dash style. Quick stops in lay bys.

GC1V4QZ – 3 Camps Conumdrum
Small cache hidden just off the road.

GC1YQFJ - “Please share my Umbrella”
One of the problems with caching on a busy road is how do you look like your not Geocaching and not look suspicious!. One of the logs for this cache reads “A very busy road so lots of my daughter pretending to be sick!!!” Interesting tactics. Usually the cars are going that fast that you dont normally get a second glance. Find sometimes its best to just get on with it.

GC1YQFE – The Ancient Station
Final one of the day for Drive by Caching.


24/08/2010

We went to Beaumaris for a look around and a visit to the castle, however the heavens opened and the rain and wind made the visit not pleasant. We were hoping to go on to Puffin Island, but no chance in this storm. So bravely between downpours we did two micro caches.

GC11JKD – (Almost a Concentric Castle View)
As we didn't want to get soaked by the weather as the Castle was ruins and open, the next best thing was a quick look at the outside and pass by. Will do it another time. So this cache was well placed near to the castle.

GC227KP – Beaumaris Micro
***SPOLILER***, just to point that out before you read on about this particular cache.
This is the second cache I have found that is hidden within a post of some description. The cord attached to a sign and then going under the post cap gave it away. Not sure if these are a good idea as you need to stand there and force the cap off but we managed signed the log and carefully replaced the cap correctly.

Moving back inland and to get some shelter from the weather;

GC2AT33 – Can't see the wood for the trees!
Still raining we stopped in a small lay by and I went to retrieve the cache. This lay by leads to a Squirrel Walk, pity it was raining as Anglesey is one of the only places left in the UK where you can find the native Red Squirrel. I found the cache and returned to the car to check its contents and sign the log. As I opened the car door and bent inwards, the wife let out an almighty shreek, as sitting on my back was a large spider. LOL. Soon put the little!! (which was of course HUGE!!) spider back in the undergrowth.

GC1TKG8 – The Behind Bodafon Scuttle TB Hotel by the Sea
Though we would visit a TB Hotel and launch another Travel Bug – second this holiday “Aces High”. There was another cache that we went to look for before this one “Dingle Dangle Benllech” but with a muggle working on his van near by it was difficult to look. Wish we had put our walking boots on for this one or wellies as the path to the TB Hotel was fairly muddy. Got there in the end after doing some jumps and odd strides to miss the worse of the mud.

GC1WB9J – The Old Kissing Gate
Tweezers were needed on this one. The log was well and truly within the cache container. Signed and moved on after carefully rolling very tightly back.

The weather by this time had cleared up and the sun came out. We decided to do our first Earth Cache, and a nearby cache as well. There were actually 2 Earth Caches, just in walking distance of each other.

GC1V3R7 – This chicken got religion!
The nearby cache to the Earth Caches an short walking distance of the parking spot. There was a large plastic spider in this cache so swapped that out and thought about giving it to the wife based on the earlier arachnid incident.

GC1G4KQ – Din Lligwy Village
Din Lligwy is an ancient Romano-British settlement and is built on and from a weathered pavement of Carboniferous Limestone. The settlement covers an area of about half an acre and has been dated to the 4th century AD. The site includes the remains of 9 huts, two of which are circular. Remains of hearths and the debris they contain indicate that iron was smelted here.

This well-preserved and well-known complex of stone houses is located within a stone enclosure on Anglesey. Its an interesting combination of round and rectangular huts, which some historians have suggested is indicative of an Iron Age villa. The houses stone walls and defences comprise limestone slabs, standing up straight on their edges. Some of these buildings would have been domestic, others were workshops. Finds including metalwork, pottery and glassware indicate a settlement which continued into the Roman period.

GC1G45H – Din Lligwy Burial Chamber
The Burial Chamber is an ancient communal burial place which when excavated in 1908 the bones of several men, women and children were found. There were also remains of animal bones, shells, flint tools, pottery and a bone pin in the chamber. The pottery style indicates it was in use from the late Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age. Limestone Fissures In Anglesey the Carboniferous limestone is cut by numerous fissures that are filled with Mesozoic sediments (sedimentary dykes, neptunian dykes).

These places are steeped in history and tell many stories.

Poynton Pool and Randoms

Off to do some more caching today. Bit random in our choices today, but it was good fun and the caches wernt that far apart. Yes we did miss some on the way but we will be back to do those another day.

GC10VPY - Norbury Brook
Started out at Norbury Brook, which is one of serveral caches place around brooks in the area. This one was hidden under the old caches favourate - the felled tree. They make great hiding places for caches. This cache was of a reasonable size and had some good swaps.

GC1KWFC - A walk Around Poynton - Poynton Pool
After a short car journey we parked up at Poynton Pool. Im supprised that there are not more caches around the pool as there are some great hiding places here. Again this cache was place in.... yes another felled tree. Only a 35mm canister to sign.

On walking round the pool we spotted a Terrapin sunning itself on a log in the water. There have been Terrapins at Poynton Pool since I was a young nipper (No I didnt put them them there!), and occasionally you get to spot one.





GC1T31F - herb's Home Cache
A nice walk around the pool to the other side and Poynton Park where they hold an annual show (which is in a fortnight on the bank holiday weekend). Found this cache nice and easily, another 35mm film canister.

GC24MQR - Deanwater
Another short drive to this cache. Thought we would do a bigger cache today as we have had lots of small 35mm caches recently. This cache was excellent once located. Its a good job I was wearing long pants though as the cache was hidden in amongst some brambles. Its one of those that you dont notice it unless you are looking for it. Some good swaps in this one, so left some good swaps in return.

Benja Fold - Cache and Dash

Today's Cache and Dash.

GC24CP6 - Hidden Bramhall - Benja Fold

I've been meaning to do this cache for a while and today presented an ideal opportunity whilst I was in the area. Parking free on a Sunday in the local car park so made it even better to do. This cache is on one of the local footpaths in the area. Nice easy find and back to the car fairly quickly after some cache swaps and signing the log book.

Mega Events

I could not make the recent Geocaching 2010 Mega Event in Scotland this year, however the next couple of years dates and locations are out so will be planning to make a visit to these.

2011 - Mega Wales

2012 - Mega North West

Click the links to go to the sites

Useful links for Geocaching

Logs and Stash Cards

So where do you get your logs from? I use this site for the micrologs as they are the right size. Print out on A4 paper and then I cut them up to size. There is also a stash card you can print out and use for your caches.

http://www.techblazer.com/geocaching-log-sheets/


Geocaching shops

There are a good number of Geocaching shops on the internet which can be used to purchase trackable items such as tags and patches. I tend to use UKGeocachers or Geotees but others are available :)

http://www.ukgeocachers.co.uk/
http://www.geotees.eu/shop/
http://www.cachezone.co.uk/
http://www.ukgeocache.com/
http://www.thegeocachingshop.com/
http://www.geotastic.com/


Geoswag

My favourate place for Geocaching Swag is of course the pound shop. You can get some really good items to place in caches.

Caches Published

The three new caches that were planted at the weekend have now been published on www.geocaching.com.

One of them has already had a First To Find not long after going live. Shouldnt be long before someone else finds the others.

Whats in your Cache

With releasing some caches today, thought I'd explain what I put into them.

For the typical cache container I have picked the old favourate of the tupperware box with the click locks. The lid contains a rubber seal that when shut creates a waterproof seal to stop water and condensation getting into it.



To help conseal the cache, I have painted the outside of the box using green and black paint. As the outside of the box is smooth and shiny, its is important to lightly sand the surface to give the paint something to key to. You can purchase camo bags to place caches in if you don't want to paint one. However, some hiding places don't need you to paint/disguise the container. I have a selection of unpainted ones for decent hiding places.

The label on the underside of the cache is printed from the internet and stuck to the underside using gaffer tape. Gaffer tape has a better adhesive than other tapes and allows the label to stick to the underside of the lid. Gaffer tape also has the ability to resist water so lasts longer. The area for the label was masked off during painting.

Log Book
The log book is a blank notepad from a pack purchased from the pound shop. The label on the front is again from the net. A plastic bag protects the log book incase and water gets into the container. For the smaller containers I use the same log books, but cut them down using a sharp craft knife and steel rule (remember to watch the fingers and use a bread board).

Pencil
The log book requires a writing implement, so I have placed a pencil into the cache. I need to place a pencil sharpener into the cache at a later point. These days most of the Cachers do have a writing implement with them, however you do need to leave one just in case.

FTF
First To Find. With a new cache, its tradition to leave something for the first person to find the cache. You can purchase FTF items such as badges etc from Geocaching shops on the internet, however I have decided to make something more personal using a blank keyring and printing out an FTF label. The rear of the label has a message to the FTF person. (You'll have to find one of my caches to read it).

Cache Card
The Cache Card has been created and printing out, explaining what the cache is and what geocaching is for in case a Muggle finds the cache. The card is covered with sticky plastic to protect it from the elements.

Swaps
To start the cache off, I leave a small handful of swaps for the kids when they find the cache. These differ cache to cache and depending what I have lying around in my swaps bag.

More FPW Caches

Ive hidden another 3 caches along the Fred Perry Way this morning and submitted the logs to be published.

Great walk this morning, looking for hiding places along the way. Managed to hide 3 so far today.

Fred Perry Way - Railway Bridge - GC2CMNH

Allotment View - GC2CMNM

Fred Perry Way - Broken Tree - GC2CMNY

Caches are yet to be approved and listed.

Carrying Your Kit - GeoGrab Bag

One of the more popular questions seen on forums recently is "Whats in your Geocaching Bag". I've been currently using a rucksack to cart my Geostuff around, however I've thought about keeping a small bag of stuff in the car for those opportune caching times "Oh if only I had some swag!!!".

Looking for something cheap, I spotted some pouches on the good old favourate - ebay - which I picked up for a bargin price of £5.00.

Yes all of those in the picture for a fiver. The great thing about them is that they are completely waterproofed and slightly larger than I expected. So now sorting out which to load up into a GeoGrab Bag and which to either use with my rucksack or leave until I need them in the future.

The Middlewood Way Part 3

Part 3 of our walk along the Middlewood Way. Breaking the walk into sections has meant that we have been able to make circular routes combining the Middlewood Way and the Macclesfield Canal.

Caches along this walk were;

GC1J2AQ - Park up. This cache was near to where we parked at Poynton Coppice. A nice sized cache to start the day. Some good swaps for the kids which is great for starting a caching day off.

GC1N8J6 - Another cache for the Coppice. Unfortuntately we were not able to find this one. A quick check on the recent logs also showed that the past 6-7 cachers could not find this one either. Reported as needing maintenance.

GC1J2B7 - Canal View. This part of the Middlewood Way is better provisioned with benches to sit and take in the surounding views. There is the odd sculpture now and then to see. Watch out for the kingfisher sculpture near here.

GC1J2BF - Marker. A nice hiding spot for this one.

GC1J2BK - Big Bird. Another sculpture and a couple of picnic tables to have lunch on. We had nice weather which made the picnic even better.

GC27yJA - Middlewood Bikers. Like most of the caches in this stretch a reasonable size.

GC1J2BQ - Harrop Green. This was the last on the Middlewood Way before we went over to the Macclesfield Canal.

GC1J335 - Ryles Wood. A cleverly hidden cache which needed some thinking about to find.

GC1J338 - Mining Tribute. Great spot for a cache. Worth reading the plaques.

GC1J33B - Lyme View Marina. A couple of these caches are just off the beaten track. Need to trust the GPS a bit better.

GC1J33K - Rams Clough Cottage.

GC1J33N - Single File. Like a few of the caches along the way, the last finders were a Scout Group. Its good to see that the orientering methods are being updated with GPS these days.

GC1J33P - Iron Bridge. Last one of the day. Lid was missing off the container. Reported as mainteance required.

Now planning part 4.

Another installment of the Middlewood Way

Out for another circular walk today. We decided to do another part of the Middlewood Way and canal.

Started the walk along the canal this time and walked up from the car park at Nelson's Pit heading up towards high lane. Along the way we visited 3 caches along the Macclesfield Canal. GC1HVV6 - Marina View, GC1HVV7 - Ruins and GC1HV75 - Ladybrook.




After the canal we went along the Middlewood Way. Managed to go the wrong way intentionally to pick up a cache we couldnt do the last time we were on this trail - GC1HRYP - Last Post before heading the right way along the trail towards Neslons Pit again. Along the way we found GC1HVV3 - Middle wood and GC1HVV5 - Bridge 18, before taking a short detour to do GC1PB-F - Old Metal Gate. Back on track we walked along and visited GC1HVV5 - Nelson Pit stopping for a spot of lunch and going to the visitors centre there. After lunch just time to grab one more before time to go back home. GC1J2AN - Bridge 14.

Most of the caches today were film canisters which is a shame as there are plenty of good hiding spots along the way, but still enjoyable all the same.

Time to start planning another walk. Still some of the Middlewood Way to do.

The Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple Railway opened in 1869. The line carried cotton, silk, coal and passengers, but struggled to make a profit. It was closed in 1970 and redeveloped for recreation as the Middlewood Way in 1985.

The Macclesfield Canal was completed in 1831, transporting Coal from Poynton and hats from Stockport.

Parkside Cache

A "Just in the area" cache today, whilst out and about. Visting GC2Az63 - Parkside Cache. Good weather for a walk and cache.

Didnt have much with me today so just a signing of the log book. Need to consider a small "Caching Grab Bag" to keep handy for those - Wonder if there is a cache nearby moments.

South Wales Caching

A bit late with this entry - Whoops!

05/06/10 - A break down in South Wales and the chance to do come caching near to where we where staying in Saundersfoot, so did GC1EYM8 - Harbour Heights, GC1eYN5 - Hectic Harbour and GC270JG - Muggle Mayhem.

06/06/10 - Looked for GC1TCPF - Crafty Kit, but unfortunately the cache had been muggled and stolen. Not good when that happens. Reported as missing.

09/06/10 - GC1TCPF replaced so went back and found the new cache. Thanks to the owner for a speedy replacement. A walk in the afternoon took us along the coastal path between Saundersfoot and Wisemans Bridge where we did GC1XoYA - Deer Hunter (Launched a new travel bug in this cache " A Hogs life"- TB33MV2) and then on to GC1VDXO - Rainbow Bridge.

Its a great walk with an unusual rock formation on the beach between Saundersfoot and Wisemans Bridge, formed by a very old lava flow.

Bank Holiday Weekend Caching pt2

On Bank Holiday Monday (31/05/2010) we decided to pack a lunch and go for a stroll - which turned in to a long walk (approx 6-7 miles).










We began on part of the Middlewood Way near High Lane heading North. The Middlewood Way is an old railway line turned into a footpath/cycle path.











Starting with GC1HRYP, failing at the first cache due to an abundance of passers by we moved onwards north up the track and picked up the next 5 along route to the end of the path in Marple. GC1HRYG, GC1HRYB, GC1HQRR, GC1HQRN and GC1HQRB. Quite a good mornings caching. The great thing about the Middlewood Way is that it is straight and flat so going was good.

Upon reaching Marple we walked through the village towards the canal and the Cheshire Ring canal walk, athough we were only going to do part of it. A spot of lunch by Lock 13 right next to a cache, GC2OVXB.

Once refreshed we walked southwards which took longer back as the canal was twisty and turny but great scenery and peaceful. We found lots of caches on the way back - GC1HRZ6, GC1ZB6R, GC24ZZA, GC1GNDN, Near to Goyt Mill.

GC1HV6H, GC1HV6X and GC1HV73. Once again foiled at GC1HV6E and GC1HV6M due to passers by who were just happy sitting or standing watching life on the canal. Back to do those missed ones another day.

Finally finishing with GC1HRYZ and back to the car with tired legs.

Fred Perry Way 1 - The Troll Bridge

Finally got round to hiding our first cache this afternoon - GC29DWJ "Fred Perry Way 1 - The Troll Bridge".

The cache is a standard sized tuppaware click lock box, sprayed with some camoflauge markings of green and black so it doesn't stand out.

From the cache going live on Geocaching.com at 17:35, it only took until 18:54 for its first to find cacher to appear. That was quick. Hopefully it will get lots more visits.

This will be the first of a few we are hoping to hide. Currently spraying a few more boxes.

Bank Holiday Weekend Caching

Out today for a walk and to catch up on some caching.

Visited GC27HH0 - Emerald Patrol's Cache. Nice big cache near to a Guide Hut. Left the "Twister" travel bug I've had for a while, sorry to it's owner.

Off down to Ladybrook Valley to find a couple of caches. The First one GC1EW56 was a "DNF" as we think it may have been muggled due to the amount of recent activity in the area by kids building a den and spraying blue and red paint everywhere. :( Have these kids got nothing better to do than vandalise nature with spray paint!!

GC1EW4M was a nice easy find with great scenery nearby. The field alive with yellows (from buttercups) and purples (from clover).

Last find of the day - GC1EW4M nicely tucked under a stone, however contents were a bit wet and it was occupied by a slug and woodlouse. Lid hadnt been secured in the past. Pity I didnt have any spare Logs with me. Must add a couple to my bag next time out.

A good mornings walking and caching.

Pavilion Gardens

Whilst out in Buxton, decide to find this cache in Pavilion Gardens GC12EQ3. Didnt have any caching gear with me except a cache calling card in my wallet, so left that.

Nice hiding place for this cache.

Still have that travel bug to deposit into a cache. Will take that out with me next time.

Facade in the Park

Visit to Heaton Park in Manchester over the weekend to find some caches. Only found one as the weather was so nice we decided to sit in the park for a while soaking up the rays. Will have to return sometime to find the other three. Found GC1E8MJ - Facade in the Park. Forgot to take the twister bug to drop off. Will take this out next time.

Picture near to the cache.

Stag(ering) View - Lyme Park

Off to Lyme Park this afternoon to look for the cache - Stag(ering) view. Found it relatively easily, although quite a few muggles to wait out!!!

Not often you get an ammo box cache these days, a good find making this our 20th cache.

Found a TB that hadnt been logged since 2009 in there at the bottom under some papers so took this to log and move on. Cache originally from Maderia called "Twister".

Left the Travel Coin we had picked up on our last Caching outing.

Great views from the tops on Lyme Park.

Now planning the next trip.

Calling Cards

My stash of Cache Calling Cards arrived this morning, so will be using these to drop into future caches we find on our travels.

Bramhall Park Completed

It was back to Bramhall Park on Sunday 28/02 to complete the Bramhall Park series of caches that we didnt find last time. Completed with:-

GC1APFP - Bramhall Park no 2 - Ah the joys of looking for a small magnetic micro cache and not looking in the right location last time. Found it fairly quickly this time.

GC1APG2 - Bramhall Park no 6 - looking for the wrong size of container- doh! however we did find 2 caches at this location. One is a small tube with a screw top and the other is a film canister with the lid missing.

GC1APGB - Bramhall Park no 8 - Didnt look for this one last time. Found with ease.

Picked up our first Geo Coin "Yorkshire Rose 2009 Geocoin - Olivia-Mae" in GC1APFQ.














Released a new Travel Bug "Fill me up" in to the wild in GC1APFW "Twiggy".

Out caching again today. Dropped off "Christopher's Travel Bug Dog Tag" in Brahmall Park 4 - Twiggy. Aptly named for the tree with many twiggs growing out of the base.

Also released my first TB "Search and Rescue" in Operation PS cache. An interesting time retreving this one as there were lots of muggles about. Hopefully as its half term next week there will be a few cachers out for a stroll and it will get in its way.

We did most of the caches around the park, except two that we couldnt find, "Bramhall Park 6" and Bramhall Park 2". Think 2 may have been disturbed when the steps were redone recently. 6 completely stumped us. as we serached for a long time in the spot but did not find.

Still 7 out of 9 is not a bad afternoons caching and a good walk as well.