Sunday 24 November 2013

Hill Clumps Tour

Hill Clumps Tour, 18 caches (plus 1 other en-route,) 5 miles, #1: GC4M31B 


When my premium membership ran out several months ago, I wasn't caching as much as I wanted to, and so I decided to wait before renewing it. As a result, I missed a lot of local cache notifications, and so it wasn't until I was browsing the Geocaching map searching for a quick cache to do near Shipston-On-Stour that I noticed this series. I've found most of the gnome-ads' caches and they're renowned to be good - so this series moved to top of the To Do list, and, after finding the two existing caches in Honington on Friday, it was back to this picturesque village to set off to complete the series today. 

Honey-coloured stone cottages dot the unspoilt village of Honington.
Honington is a beautiful village, idyllic and unspoilt. At the same time, however, you get that feeling that you're being watched. Nevertheless this wasn't a problem, and, when we couldn't find the footpath (which was actually what what appeared to be a private drive) the locals we asked [for directions] were friendly, and so it just goes to show not to judge a pretty place by its cover! 

Fizz, the puppy, was joining us again today; we soon found the first cache but decided to go around the field via the road, rather than through it, to the next cache, as we were concerned by the warning of cattle - especially after the tragic story in the papers recently: better safe than sorry. The first leg of the walk reminded me of the parkland in Stanway, (the footpath where you'll find #12 and #13 of my Snowshill Scramble series.) There were nice views emerging behind us, and we could already tell this series was going to be a good one - the sun was even trying to break through... unfortunately, with little success. Not far from the kissing gate into this field, there was a sheep skull on show, Fizz was obviously scared of it as she started barking like crazy! :-D 

Sheep's skull 
Before too long, we were already half way round - not many notable views yet, but some very nice caches, well hidden but at the same time quick to find - just how I like it! I was a little worried as we arrived at #8, the Multi, as I had read that there was a puzzle to solve. And when we found stage one and took the puzzle out we were stumped... but we needed the solution in order to find the final cache. After ten minutes trying to deduce it, we moved on. Luckily, we bumped in to some familiar faces moments later, who were doing the series in reverse, as stunning views emerged around us. It was Mr and Mrs Tarmacjohn! Fizz was over the moon to meet their dog, Maggie. We told them about the puzzle, and handed what we had done, and they had a go at completing it. They were successful, and so backtracked with us as we continued, to find the cache. The walk was becoming truly superb at this point, with stunning, often panoramic, scenic views around us. We found and signed the cache together, even though it was a little hard to open, and parted ways. 

The last few caches enjoyed a backdrop of even more beautiful views; you really have to be there to enjoy them fully, you simply can't capture them on camera in the same way, as always. 

Cracking views all round

We descended back in to Honington, a couple of caches later, after breathing in more brilliant panoramic views; this really is a lovely area, which we'd probably never have walked in if it weren't for Geocaching. 

We found all the caches, including the Bonus, and had a thoroughly enjoyable late morning/early afternoon walk. This gnome-ads series did not disappoint, and we'd recommend this superb walk to all. 

Griff Grof

Sunday 10 November 2013

Nottingham Hill

NottHill, 3 miles, 9 caches (+3 en-route.) First cache: GC4DJXM 



This was literally one of those "wow-a-newish-series-in-an-area-I-know-is-nice" moments when I came across this one on the map. One of my fondest caching memories was an evening spent on Cleeve Hill finding some nice caches, all whilst taking in the breathtaking views. I HAD to do this series: it looked to be a good one! So on a chilly, (but sunny) morning, off we set with Fizz the puppy - this was going to be her first series.

From #1, I knew this was going to be a cracker! The views over the valley and beyond (we could see the Malvern's at one point!) were stunning, and it brought a feeling of joy to me. The first cache was a sneaky hide, but it didn't take long to find, and the second was a nice size box filled with swag - just what I like, and in such an amazing location too!

Fizz had a brilliant time as we continued, as we found more neat caches, as we walked through some woodland - already demonstrating the variation in terrain on this walk (from lane, to hill-track and now to woodland path.)

Here's a snap from about half way round the series... it really illustrates how beautiful the area is, and the sorts of views we enjoyed all the way round, coupled with nicely kept caches - all the ingredients for a great series:


We didn't see much wildlife on the route, contrary to other peoples logs, which, in some cases, was a good thing - I wouldn't have wanted to bump in to any cattle with the dog with us! Nevertheless, this didn't take away from the enjoyment of the series, and we did get to meet some ponies:


We had a bit of a scare at the final cache: As I was searching, a wasp-looking creature flew past me. It's stinger alone must've been three inches long - we've never seen anything like it - and one of us studied wildlife at degree level! I have a mild phobia with these sorts of insects, so I was left white as paper - but I still wanted to find the cache, which I did, to end a good series. 

For me, it was one of the best series I've done in a while (well, I haven't done many lately, have I?!). From the beautiful views all the way round, to the good caches; this short walk was one we thoroughly enjoyed, and one we'd highly recommend to others. 

Until the next one... feeling a bit like a trip to the Lake District - but that'll probably have to wait until summer... wouldn't want to be mountain walking as the weather gets colder.

Griff Grof

Sunday 3 November 2013

Reintroduction to Geocaching

It's been a couple of months now since my last find!

So, it seemed fitting to attend the 'CacheWalker Introduction to Geocaching' event with tarmacjohn, who kindly offered me a lift, to reintroduce myself to caching!

We, along with Wrighty and Walk Tall, turned the event (aimed to introduce newbies to caching) in to a proper CacheWalker as we set out to find some of the local caches, forming a nice circular walk. We found several caches, as well as picking up the new ones by Gackt, some sound hides. However, our route was disrupted by a footpath which was closed off due to an angry hornet nest said to be in a tree further down the path. As a consequence, we continued to the road instead, and found another cache there - so I'm not complaining!

The event was located at the Cotswold Water Park, and what a nice place it is: the lakes were very picturesque under the sun, once again making an appearance at a CacheWalker event.

Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day, spent in excellent company, finding some good caches in nice spots, all before returning to the event for plenty more geochat and trackable spotting.
Well done Gackt for a great event! Here's to the next one... Twixmas, anyone??

Again, no photos here! I PROMISE to have my camera at the ready for the next post!

Griff Grof