Milestone Marker 1500!

Milestones. How much do you keep track of your milestones? Personally, I keep track of mine very well. I chose, however, not to be blogging on my milestones when I first started this blog. After this weekend, however, I realize that I might have been too hasty in that decision. Now, don’t get me wrong. You won’t find me blogging on every 100 finds. It’s not that I wouldn’t enjoy doing that or think it is frivolous because I don’t. I simply don’t have the time to be blogging that frequently. I have decided, however, to blog my milestones at 500 cache intervals and only if the milestone cache is one of significant importance or greatness.

What a beautiful view! (click to enlarge)

This past weekend, we were in the Bay Roberts/North River/Clarke’s Beach area to assist our geocaching neighbours in hosting a geocaching event. On Saturday, we took part in the event but decided to wait until Sunday to do some caching. After having breakfast on Sunday, I set out with my son to get 13 of the 20 caches that were put out for the event. The remaining 7 event caches were my own, so I couldn’t go after them. After that, one of my geocaching neighbors/friends (Dora) accompanied us to do a bit more caching around the area. The other one (Diego) stayed back to cook us Sunday dinner. It was then, that we were treated to a spectacular view and our 1500^th find!

A beautiful view. (click to enlarge)

The cache that resulted in our milestone is called View For The Gods (GC1YRJQ). To get to the cache, you must first navigate your way through the streets of Clarke’s Beach until you arrive at a gate, which is on the road that leads up to a communications tower and the local water supply. From the gate, your GPS indicates that you are about 650 meters from the cache. However, since bushwacking to the cache is near impossible, you must walk the road a total of 1.7 km and, then, turn off on a trail for the remaining 800 meters. If the gate wasn’t there, you could drive to within 800 meters of the cache. Of course, if you own an ATV, you can go all the way. For us, we had a locked gate and no ATV. Therefore, it was time to hike.

Definitely worth the hike! (click to enlarge)

It took us about 40 minutes to get to ground zero. The road was in good condition and the trail portion was muddy in just one spot. There was no boggy areas, however, which made the trek more comfortable. Finding the cache was pretty easy and it was in great condition. We never bothered to trade swag as we had forgotten to take any with us. After signing the log and returning the cache to its home, it was time to check out the view. And what a view it was! From up here, you could see all of the Clarke’s Beach area just as the eagles see it. In fact, one of the logs on the cache has a photo that shows two eagles sitting at the top. It would have been a great place to have a picnic or just to sit and think awhile. Not for us however. We stayed a few minutes to enjoy the view and then headed out. It took us 30 minutes to make the trek out as we were now heading downhill.

While this cache took a great deal of energy to find, it was worth it in the end. We gave it a favorite point and would recommend the attempt to anyone. Kudos go out to the cache owner, Ron 30207 for placing this cache. We couldn’t think of a better cache to get us to 1500 finds.

Happy Caching!

Frank (Jewel)

Cabin Fever: An Event To End The Summer!

Such a beautiful spot for a cabin and an event. (click to enlarge)

Well folks, it is official! As you read this post, summer has officially come to an end. To be extremely accurate, it ended at 12:19PM today. It was an awesome summer, one of the best Newfoundland has seen in awhile. Despite the amazing summer, the number of geocaching events in Newfoundland were not as amazing with only a few being held. Therefore, what better way to, both, celebrate the great summer that we’ve had and usher in the new fall season than with an event. Today, DiegoandDora, with a bit of help from us, hosted the Cabin Fever – Caching Meet and Greet – 2012 event and it was just what the doctor ordered to cure any trace of Cabin, I mean Caching, fever you may still have.

A great time for socializing and food before heading off to cache. (click to enlarge)

The event started at 11:00AM with a one-hour meet and greet. The log book was set up near the entrance of the cabin and, for the first time in quite awhile, nametag stickers were placed at the entrance so that it would be easy to identify the cachers. At 12 noon, a BBQ was held consisting of hamburgers and hotdogs. After everyone had time to eat and mingle some more, the prizes were drawn for. The First-To_Find (FTF) for the event went to Geo-Joe and Geo-Jane who, ironically, were last to arrive. They were presented with an FTF trackable. The prize giveaways continued until every cacher or caching team had a prize. The prizes ranged from trackables to ready-to-go caches. There was even a prize consisting of a nameplate that read “Geocachers Live Here.”

Lots of grub for everyone! (click to enlarge)

At around 2:30PM, the cache listings were handed out. In total, there were 20 new caches placed around North River for the event. Diego and Dora placed 13 caches while Jewel&Gem placed 7 caches including Tinyseeker’s Birthday Cache. He celebrates his 14th birthday the day after the event. Diego and Jewel patrolled on quad taking pictures and talking to the cachers, providing help where needed.

Cachers got to submit an entry to name the coin before it is launched as part of Trackable Week! (click to enlarge)

One of the more unique things done at this event was a Name the Trackable contest. Worldcaching.com donated a geocoin for the event. Instead of giving it away as a prize, it was decided that the coin would be named using a contest and then launched. Since this event took place during Geocaching.com’s Trackable Week, this was a very fitting thing to do. Each cacher submitted a name for the coin. After the event, the organizers read through all of the names and chose a winner. The coin was then activated and will be dropped into a cache at the earliest convenience.

A great turnout for the event. (click to enlarge)

Overall, a great time was had by all! There were a total of 39 cachers in attendance. Some were caching greats and veterans while others were first-time cachers. For one cacher, this event was his very first cache. With summer literally just finished and autumn just beginning, this event was both the end of a great summer caching season and the kick-off of what should be an amazing autumn caching season. Either way, it is sure to be the magical cure to satisfy that caching fever. As I submit this post, cachers are still off caching. Awesome!

Canadian Coast Guard: An Honoured Past, A Committed Future

Our Anniversary banner. We are even featured on the $50 bill. (click to enlarge)

You might be asking what the Canadian Coast Guard and geocaching have in common. Well, nothing really, except for the fact that I work for the Coast Guard. With further thought, one can find a degree of separation between the two. There are many caches located along the East Coast trail and at Signal Hill and Cape Spear. If a geocacher was to ever have the misfortune of falling into the water while searching for these caches, the Coast Guard would be called into action to help save you. The Coast Guard officially celebrates its 50^th Anniversary in 2012 and now, there are two more degrees of separation – two geocaches that are devoted to the Coast Guard. Rather than write my own history of the Coast Guard, I will simply quote from the Coast Guard’s website.

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A helicopter servicing a remote lighthouse. (click to enlarge)

The origins of a Canadian Coast Guard can be traced to as far back as the 1700s when the first lifeboats and lighthouses were established in Eastern Canada. The various governments that preceded a unified Canada had their own patrol vessels which began to appear along the eastern seaboard and in the Great Lakes in the 1800s. In 1868, one year after Confederation, the federal government established the Department of Marine and Fisheries. This department assumed responsibility for marine affairs, including the operation of government vessels and for various elements of marine infrastructure (aids to navigation, lifesaving stations, canals and waterways, marine regulatory bodies and supporting shore infrastructure). In 1936, responsibility for marine transportation shifted to the Department of Transport. By the 1940s, many organizations and communities pressed the government to form a national coast guard. Ocean commerce expanded tremendously, culminating, with the opening of the St-Lawrence Seaway in 1958. The Canadian Coast Guard was officially created by the Honourable Leon Balcer, the then Minister of Transport on January 26, 1962.

Our flagship and largest icebreaker, The Louis S. St. Laurent. (click to enlarge)

For the past 50 years, The Canadian Coast Guard has been a symbol of service and safety. The women and men we call our own have not only provided years of excellence in service delivery, but have embodied the ideals the Coast Guard has come to represent. On January 26, 2012 the Canadian Coast Guard will proudly celebrate its 50^th Anniversary. As we celebrate our past, we must also consider our future. Greater demands for our services, a changing climate in the Arctic, advances in technology and expectations for a greater presence in the North have set the tone for what we must strive to become. The Canadian Coast Guard owns and operates the federal government’s civilian fleet, and provides key maritime services to Canadians. As a Special Operating Agency of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), the Canadian Coast Guard helps DFO meet its responsibility to ensure safe and accessible waterways for Canadians. The Canadian Coast Guard also plays a key role in ensuring the sustainable use and development of Canada’s oceans and waterways. The organization may have witnessed many changes to its structure, fleet, and people over the years, but the passion and heart to serve the citizens of Canada have been the same for the last five decades. The Canadian Coast Guard looks forward to celebrating this milestone with its employees, partners, and all Canadians. Fifty years marks a golden opportunity to commemorate a rich history, but it also marks a perfect opportunity to set the stage for the Canadian Coast Guard’s bright future.
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Protecting our oceans and waterways. (click to enlarge)

In honour of the Coast Guard’s 50^th Anniversary, I have created a brand new puzzle cache called Canadian Coast Guard: 50th Anniversary Cache (GC3WGV2). Clicking on the link right now will not show you the cache listing. The reason for this is that it isn’t published yet but should be in the next day or so. For all you pin collectors, there is a treat inside. Besides some other Coast Guard related swag, there are 5 Coast Guard 50^th Anniversary pins. Be sure to only take one thing from the cache and please replace it with a sea-related item. The cache also contains 5 anniversary writing pens. The coordinates of the cache take you inside our base on the Southside Road in downtown St. John’s. Obviously, you can’t go there. So, simply answer the ten questions about the Coast Guard and you will find the real coordinates. I have even provided links to bring you to the webpages containing the answers. So be on the lookout for this cache.

The Canadian Coast Guard College in Sydney, NS. I am headed there this October. (click to enlarge)

There is also one more cache that was placed in honour of the Coast Guard’s heritage and legacy. It is located near the entrance of the Coast Guard College in Sydney, Nova Scotia. It is called An honoured past, a committed future (GC3HEKM) This cache is currently published and I can’t wait to hunt for it when I attend the college in October.

So, join me and the Canadian Coast Guard in celebrating 50 years of protecting our oceans and waterways. I, like many others who work there, are very proud to be a part of this great organization. For more information on the history of the Canadian Coast Guard, click here for a downloadable pdf.

GeoGeeks!

Are you a geogeek? Not sure? Well, the term geek has come to mean a plethora of meanings, some of them good and some bad. In easy terms, a geek was originally a person who was smart at computers. As time went on, the term geek also meant a person who is smart in and/or uses technology on a continual basis. When used by an individual about themselves, geek is a term illustrating pride in oneself. I, for one, consider myself a geek and am proud of it. However, when geek is used by someone who is referring to someone else, the term is usually meant in a derogatory manner. If you use a gps to play a treasure hunting game called geocaching, then I consider you a geek (meant, however, as a compliment). But are you a geogeek?

A geogeek is my term for geocachers who, like me, use more than just their gps when geocaching. Geogeeks utilize all the available computer software and smart phone apps to, either search for caches or record all of their finds in a central database. They can also use the programs to help them when they are placing multicaches. Truth is that many geocachers are totally unaware that there is a plethora of programs and apps to assist them in their geocaching lives. I will endeavor to highlight a few of them but I simply will not be able to do them justice. It will be best if you try them out for yourselves.

Computer Software

There aren’t too many geocaching programs out there for your PC but the ones that do exist offer a lot of benefits to the cacher.

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  There is an abundance of stats, more than what is visible here. (click to enlarge)

  Geocaching Swiss Army Knife (GSAK) – This program is my absolute favorite program for keeping track of all my finds and my hides as well. I loved it so much that I paid the $30 fee to purchase it and get rid of the nag screens. That’s right! You can use GSAK for free as long as you can put up with the nag screens. There are three main features that I like about this program. First, I use it to record all of my finds and hides. I have pocket queries set up to download my finds and hides which I then import into GSAK. GSAK records all of the details about each cache including log entries. Second, I use a third-party macro with GSAK which generates all my statistics into a well-presented web page. I, then, upload the HTML code directly into my profile to generate a statistics page. You can even edit the cache entries to indicate any first to finds you may have gotten. Third, GSAK allows you to enter waypoints as actual geocaches, complete with descriptions and hints. You can, then, send those waypoints to your gps. I use the program at events. When the cache sheets are handed out, I enter them all into GSAK, complete with the hints and upload them into my GPS. I can now cache without dragging that cumbersome paper around. There is so much more that this program can do. I haven’t even discovered everything about it yet. Why not try it yourself. Click here for more info.
   
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  Google Earth is great for plotting cache series. (click to enlarge)

  Google Earth (with Viewer) – Google Earth happens to be an awesome tool for placing caches. When you are considering placing caches, you can use Google Earth to check out detailed terrain. By installing the Groundspeak cache viewer with it, you can see all of the nearby caches. Google Earth was instrumental when I created the Music Is Life: Mega Series. By using Google Earth, I was able to position each puzzle cache in a perfect music note formation and retrieve the coordinates for each. When I created the series called The Way, I used Google Earth for that as well. Overall, it is a great program. It is also free! Click here for more information on Google Earth. To get the Google Earth Geocaching Viewer, click here.
   

Android Apps

Besides geocaching software for your computer, there are many geocaching applications out there for your Android smartphone.

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  By far my favorite, and it’s FREE! (click to enlarge)

  C:Geo – C:geo is a simple, yet powerful unofficial geocaching client for Android devices. In contrast with other similar applications, C:Geo doesn’t require a web browser or an export function to work. You can just go geocaching with your phone without any home preparation or worries. C:Geo is one of the apps out there that doesn’t use the Geocaching.com API (Application Programming Interface). This has both benefits and drawbacks. A benefit to not using the API is that non-premium members have unlimited access to all cache details. Apps that use the API limit non-premium users to just 3 traditional caches per day. A drawback, however, is that everytime Geocaching.com changes their website, C:Geo encounters problems. The owner, however, is very quick in providing an update. The app gives you all of the great features of other programs out there such as retrieving live cache data, ability to log cache finds live, ability to log trackables and the ability to search for caches by a plethora of search criteria. You can also download caches for offline use. This is perfect for getting the cache data at home while on wi-fi and saving those precious megabytes on your data plan. Overall, it is a great program. Even though I am a premium member, I still choose to use C:Geo. Of course, the best thing about C:Geo is that it’s free! For more information on C:Geo, click here.
   
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  Cache Sense – considered the best paid app. (click to enlarge)

  CacheSense – CacheSense happens to be one of the better programs for caching using your smartphone. It has lots of great features that will sure to peak your interest. Perhaps its only drawback would be that it’s not free. Most importantly, CacheSense is live-enabled, meaning that it has direct access to the Geocaching.com API (Application Programming Interface). Like the Geocaching website, CacheSense supports the use of pocket queries, providing that you are a premium member. It has most of the tools that you will ever need such as being able to take good field notes, complete with pictures. CacheSense has various tools for logging your trackables and is able to link with Facebook and Twitter social networking sites. It is a one-stop shop for your geocaching needs. At $5 CAN, it is well worth the investment. Click here for more information.
   
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  The official geocaching app. (click to enlarge)

  Official Groundspeak – The official Groundspeak geocaching app happens to be the most expensive of all geocaching apps. Of course, since it connects to the Geocaching Live API, it can do all of the features of the other apps that also use Geocaching Live. It lacks, however, the database features of apps such as CacheSense. Two great features that it has is the ability to look at Geocaching.com pages without leaving the app and the ability to support multiple geocaching accounts using one app. Personally, I would choose CacheSense over this app. For more info on this app, click here.
   
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  One of the newer apps on the market. (click to enlarge)

  NeonGeo – According to the Google App Store description, Neongeo is your complete geocaching suite for both online and offline usage. You can search geocaches on the go or import GPX files. You can log trackables and geocaches online or keep fieldnotes to log later. Features also inlude custom map servers, detailed geocache listings , and thousands of geocaches in memory. It also has full offline support meaning you can prepare maps and geocaches before the trip. It is also supposed to be very battery friendly. I tested the free version of the program and it was, indeed, a very nice program. It worked as well as my favorite program, C:Geo. The free version can be used for 30 days before you have to buy the program. If you are into paying for a good program, I would seriously recommend this program. At half the price of the official geocaching app from Groundspeak, it is definitely worth a look. For more information on NeonGeo, click here.
   
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  A:Drake android app. (click to enlarge)

  A:Drake – A:Drake is a freeware application designed for paperless geocaching without an internet connection. The aim of the program is to provide, in one place, everything needed for geocaching as well as to allow simple data management through programs on the PC. It is recommended to use A:Drake in cooperation with GeoGet, because both applications share the same database. Personally, I tried A:Drake but didn’t like the fact that it couldn’t operate “live.” In other words, you need to load the caches into your phone using a computer at home. Installing GeoGet will give you the live download function and, since it uses the same database as A:Drake, the live function appears almost seemless. I don’t like, however, having to install two apps to do the work that I can get in one. For more info on A:Drake, click here.
   
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  A mobile version of GSAK. (click to enlarge)

  Geocaching Droid Army Knife (GDAK) – Don’t you ever wish that you could carry around the entire GSAK database on your smart android device? Well, now you can. With GDAK you can create databases on your Android device and fill them with caches via the Geoacaching.com Live API. You can create as many databases as you want, but one database will suffice for most users. Because GSAK and GDAK use the same database format, you can put your GSAK database on your android device and use it under GDAK. While in the field, you can add caches to the GDAK database and import the database into GSAK when you get home. When you import new cache info, you have the choice of importing by distance from a set of coordinates or by a GC number. You can also import basic info only to save on your data plan. I only found this app two weeks ago and really like it. If you don’t use GSAK, however, you may not find any worth in it. The free app contains harmless ads that appear on the bottom. If you want to remove them, pay the under $4 fee and buy the program. For more info on GDAK, click here.
   

iPhone Apps

While there are more Android phones on the market than iPhones, a lot of geocachers use an iPhone. Many say the iPhone has a better GPS device in them. I am inclined to agree as my Samsung Galaxy S has a very poor GPS. Therefore, it is important to highlight some iPhone apps that are out there for use.

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  Groundspeak Official App (click to enlarge)

  Official Groundspeak – The official Groundspeak iPhone app is, perhaps, the most widely used geocaching app used on the iPhone. This is due, perhaps, to the fact that Groundspeak first created their app for the iPhone only. It wasn’t until later that they included an Android edition. The iPhone version of this app does all of the same things as its Android counterpart. Along with the landmark features of searching for caches, navigating to them, and logging your finds, the app also allows the use of pocket queries (Premium members only) and the ability to find and log trackables. With the app, you are able to take detailed field notes and upload pictures to your find logs. While I was not able to test this app (I don’t own an iPhone), my geocaching neighbor enjoys this app immensely. As in the case of its Android brother, this app is the most costly of all geocaching apps. Click here for more information.
   
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  GeoSphere (click to enlarge)

  Geosphere – Geosphere sounds like a pretty decent app for the iPhone. It boasts all of the regular features found in most geocaching smartphone apps and even has a few not found elsewhere. Geosphere allows you to create a target from either a waypoint or geocache and, then, be able to edit any of the fields to your own liking. You can also add your own related waypoints to your target. Another useful feature is the ability to place caches into groups which can be good for organizing you caches into manageable sections. One benefit I see here is the ability to create a group for each day of the week. Place your caches into the day groups and simply load the group for each day. Absent from this app, however, is the ability to easily obtain the cache details. The app does get cache details while out in the field but it does it through a webpage, using a built-in browser. You must click the GPX button, just like on the Geocaching.com website, to download the cache info. More seemless integration would greatly enhance this app. For more info, click here.
   
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  Geocaching Buddy (click to enlarge)

  Geocaching Buddy – Geocaching Buddy is proud to be the first 3^rd party iPhone app that is powered by Geocaching Live, making it possible to search and download caches directly from geocaching.com in a convenient way. Geocaching Buddy has all of the basic features needed in a smartphone geocaching app but also has some key features that may not be present in all geocaching apps. With Geocaching Buddy, there are tools specifically designed for creating multicaches. There are also some neat features to help you in finding multicaches, such as the ability to enter answers of clues and to, then, use those answers to plot the next set of coordinates. It has tools to assist in the handling of images. First, all images for a cache are preloaded. Second, images can be pinned to caches quite easily. There is even a feature that allows you to email photos from within the app. The app sounds great but I was unable to test. For more information, click here.
   
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  Geopher Lite (click to enlarge)

  Geopher Lite – Geopher Lite is an extremely barebones app for geocaching. The app store describes the app as a while-you-are-out geocaching application. You can quickly check your current location via geocaching.com for geocaches in your area with the search button. Then you type in a target latitude and longitude and let Geopher Lite’s directional arrow lead the way to your destination. Wait a minute! I have to key in the coordinates myself? If the coordinates are there, why can’t I just click on a link to let the app navigate me to the destination. With all of the other apps allowing me instant access, I find no appeal in this app at all. Click here for more details on this app.
   
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  Seek Cache (click to enlarge)

  SeekCache – SeeCache is another barebones geocaching app. This one is a little better than Geopher Lite because it doesn’t require you to input the cache coordinates yourself. You are only able to find geocaches that are immediately near your location. Absent are any of the database features found in other apps. There is also no feature to allow the search or logging of trackables. If barebones and free is what you are looking for, this app will suit nicely. Click here for more information.
   

Blackberry Apps

Blackberry users were amongst the first users to start using their phones for geocaching. While Blackberry is slowly dying, there are still quite a number of cachers who still use their Blackberry to find those caches.

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  CacheSense for Blackberry (click to enlarge)

  CacheSense – CacheSense was one of the first-ever geocaching apps for the Blackberry. Back then, it was called CacheBerry. It has the same benefits and features as its counterpart for Android. CacheSense is live-enabled, meaning that it has direct access to the Geocaching.com API (Application Programming Interface). Like the Geocaching website, CacheSense supports the use of pocket queries, providing that you are a premium member. It has most of the tools that you will ever need such as being able to take good field notes, complete with pictures. CacheSense has various tools for logging your trackables and is able to link with Facebook and Twitter social networking sites. A great geocaching tool for those of you who haven’t yet abandoned your Blackberry device. For more information, click here.
   
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  Geocache Navigator (click to enlarge)

  Geocache Navigator – Geocache Navigator is a barebones geocaching solution written for your Blackberry device as well as some other selected smartphones. It lacks a lot of the features that CacheSense has but will get you by if all you need is to find the cache. It allows you to search for caches, navigate to them using maps or a compass, and allows you to log them live, while in the field. It has no features for doing pocket queries or logging trackables. Like I said, a barebones app. For more info on this lacklustre app, click here.
   

To go geocaching with your smartphone, it really doesn’t matter which type of smartphone you have. As the older Apple iPhone ads used to say, “there is an app for that!” This post only introduces you to just a few of the apps that exist for geocachijng. There are numerous others out there and there are bound to be many more created. This post also only gives you a basic introduction to them. It is your job to download them, try them, and decide for yourself if the app is right for you. Only time and practice will tell.

How about you? Do you have a favorite program or app that you like to use with geocaching? If so, let us know in the comment section below. Be sure to include what platform (PC, Android, iPhone, or Blackberry) it is for. You can also comment on our blog in general. We value your input.

Happy caching!

Frank (Jewel)

Happy 12th Birthday!!!

Happy 12th Birthday!!!

Wow! Twelve years already. As a relative newbie to caching (been caching for a year and a half), it is hard to believe that Geocaching is twelve years old already. Just imagine. When it was started in 2000, there were only 75 caches in existence. Today, there are over 1.8 million caches worldwide and over 5 million cachers looking for them. For this blogpost, I decided to do a poll. I am asking what you did on Geocaching’s birthday (September 2)? Did you get a chance to cache at all? Please tell us by answering our first poll. For us, we managed to get two caches. Church, followed by a family dinner, followed b my nephew’s soccer game prevented us from getting much caching done today. As they say, two is better than none. Feel free to also leave a comment, if you wish.

Caching Three Stars – August

The month of August didn’t result in any caches that would make Geocaching.com’s cache of the month, but they were still pretty great for us. Most of the caches we found belonged to caching series which resulted in a large number of caches but very few spectacular places. Our three stars for August, however, did result in excitement and thrill for us. We hope you enjoy them.

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The View of Two Bays

What a view! Tinyseeker posing by the inukshuk. (click to enlarge)

For the month of August, our first star is awarded to View Of Two Bays (GC3QMWV), which was placed by guyfox68. We picked this one up on our way to the event being held in Gander. We had left a couple of days prior to the event to try and get some extra caching done. The cache is located along the side of the Trans Canada Highway at the top of a rock-cut. Getting to the cache location involves a bit of a climb. Tinyseeker and I approached it from the left side which proved to be doable but more difficult. As we reached the top, we were treated to a beautiful view of the terrain that is common to Newfoundland and makes Newfoundland such a beautiful place. At the top, near the edge is an Inukshuk that someone decided to build. I will give you one hint. The cache is not at the Inukshuk, which is not so close to the edge that you couldn’t get your picture taken there. With Gem in the car and more caches to get, we didn’t have time to simply sit down and think for awhile, which would have been nice.

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Flying Low

What a rush! (click to enlarge)

We picked up the second star for August while we were caching at the My Unbirthday Event in Gander on August 11^th. While we were getting some new caches that were out near the landing approach lights at the airport, we were told about this one by some local cachers. The cache is called Flying Low (GC328EB) by Snik&Jane. Most of the time, this cache will only provide you with a regular caching experience. The cache is a little difficult to find but, once found, you would walk away with just another find. The key, here, is in the timing. If you time your search for when a jet is flying into Gander, you will be treated to an awesome adrenaline rush. While we were retrieving the cache and signing the log, an Air Canada passenger jet came in for a landing. From our viewpoint, it seemed like the plane was going to land on top of us. As the plane flew over us, we looked up. It seemed like we could touch it. Gem was a little nervous but Tinyseeker and I were pumped. This experience was awesome!

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Is That King Lear I Hear

Cupid’s Haven Tea Room. The carrot cake was scrumptious! (click to enlarge)

Is That King Lear I Hear (GC3R6CG) , a cache placed by scrunchions, rounds out the top three. It is not so much the cache itself that gives you such a rewarding experience as it is where the cache takes you. The cache is located in the beautiful town of Cupids which has the distinction of being the oldest English colony in Canada and the second oldest English colony in North America. It is a beautiful, picturesque community which is steeped in tradition and old world charm. Near the cache, there is a Canada Select four star bed and breakfast called Cupid’s Haven, which used to be a church and was converted into a beautiful lodging facility. The restaurant part of Cupid’s Haven is called the Tea Room. It is the reason why this cache is special to us. As we reported in a previous blogpost (Life’s Pleasant Surprises), we met up with a fellow cacher and were treated to a drink, a delicious piece of carrot cake, and some great conversation. We recommend the Tea Room, and the cache of course, to all who read this blog. You won’t be disappointed.

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My Unbirthday Event

There was a fair turnout! Missing from photo is me! (click to enlarge)

My Unbirthday Event (GC3NZ9W) gets an honourable mention because we love events. The event was hosted by YQX52 and got off to a bit of a rocky start. The event, however, improved as the morning went on while the weather got worse. We had a great time getting the new caches with five other cachers. After all of the event caches were found, tinyseeker and I set off in the rain to find some of the caches around the airport. For some reason, we didn’t mind being soaked from head to toe. We simply concentrated on the caching. Afterwards, we returned to Subway and had our supper while all of the prizes were handed out. Overall, it was a great event and a great day of caching!

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An Event With A Theme Song #4

International Geocaching Day! (click to enlarge)

An Event With A Theme Song #4 (GC3RR58) also gets an honourable mention. This event was held by Gilligan and MaryJane to celebrate International Geocaching Day. Due to Gem not being well enough to travel far, we were unable to attend a wedding near Baie Verte. We were planning to do some caching there so that we could get our lovely souvenir. Gem was able to get out for the event and it proved to be the only cache we got on that day.

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