bytemobile's Geoblog

May 28, 2005

Crystal Springs Dam

By: Sierra Hikers Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

This seemed to be the starting point for a charity run today, so the fact that the cache was a multi worked out great. Wirebndr walked right past the cache, but I spotted it on the first pass. Thanks!

Not-So-Secret Trailhead #1

By: Woof! Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

I rounded up Wirebndr for a bike ride this morning. I didn't tell him we were going over 10 miles, since it had been about 20 years since he biked very much. Cars were parked for a long way in all directions, but we found a spot, found the cache, and headed out.

Dam the Barbed Wire!

By: Woof! Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Micro

There was a way point set up near the bench for the charity run today, but it didn't hinder our search. Wirebndr found this one while I was examining the fence. Thanks!

Jepson Laurel

By: Woof! Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Regular

Wow, this tree has seen it all. The nearby display with the history of the area made for some interesting reading, and this was a great spot for a break in our ride this morning. Thanks!

May 27, 2005

Beach Loafer's

By: cyan_blue and RI_Walter Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

The whole clan was camped at Half Moon Bay for Memorial Day weekend. I headed out to do a little caching before lunch, and this was my first stop. When I first caught sight of the cache, it was exposed and I thought it was trash. It had a few bits of paper with previous cachers signatures and a few bandaids. I left a new log and geocaching notice in a plastic bag and left the cache in a less exposed position.

Devil's Slide

By: aubilenon - Adopted by SPnZ Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Regular

I didn't have any trouble getting to the cache, but almost made a wrong turn into the poison oak. I just donated my spare log to another cache this morning, so I just signed the back of the geocaching notice sheet. Thanks!

Secret Coastal View

By: evanhk Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

There was a pretty nice view from here this morning, but the marine layer limited the distance. I found a good parking spot down the hill and hiked up to the cache site. Thanks!

The Eleventh Frame

By: TBD & D adopted by SPnZ Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Regular

We were camped at Half Moon Bay for the weekend, and I headed up here for a little caching. The building here is indeed one of a kind!

Beach Comber's

By: The Robot Family Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 3.5 Container: Regular

I came up for some more caching from out campsite at Half Moon Bay. The cache log had been most recently signed by non-cachers. The cache is not that hard to find, but the rust on the box makes pretty good camo. Thanks!

May 26, 2005

Fishin' Gone!

By: robotman Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Small

The whole clan was camped at Half Moon Bay for the Memorial Day weekend. Wirebndr and I headed out for a hike this morning, and this was our first stop. We had to do a bit of searching, but we eventually came up with it. Thanks!

Totally McNeeto, Dude!

By: Woof!, Squints, Bpsnake Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 3.5 Container: Regular

The whole clan was camped at Half Moon Bay for the Memorial Day weekend. Wirebndr and I headed out for a hike this morning, and this turned out to be a good one. There was a marine layer over the coast but we still had great views of Pacifica, and the temperature was perfect for hiking. Thanks!

May 25, 2005

Piedras Mojadas

By: PisoMojado Difficulty: 4.0 Terrain: 4.0 Container: Regular

We set up camp at Half Moon Bay at Francis Beach, then I took a long bike ride around the bay to this cache. I guess it was pretty close to low tide and the ocean was fairly calm. The breakwater was crawling with little crabs. Found the cache without too much problem. Thanks!

Tsunami Rangers

By: vaccine Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

We set up camp at Half Moon Bay for the Memorial Day weekend, and I headed out for a bike ride up the coast. I couldn't find the cache on my first try. I guess I was looking for something a little bigger. I stopped by again on my way back and had better luck. If you have a mechanic's mirror, this might be a good one to try it out on. Thanks!

Whale Gate Cache

By: enfuego Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Regular

This was a great bike ride south from Francis Beach. I was worried that the coastal trail would end at the Ritz-Carlton, but the trail just got fancier there. The trail goes right by the Ritz, then along the golf course, where the wide concrete path is shared with golf carts. The problem came after the end of the golf course, where there is a few hundred feet of private property before the cache, though the path is well worn.

May 21, 2005

Alien Escape Pod

By: ProTechCC Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

This was a not-so-quick find. The pod blends into its surroundings rather well.

Los Gatos Yucca

By: halhal Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

The last finder left the cache well hidden. I had to look quite closely to see it, even though I knew where it must be. Thanks!

Mrs Los Gatos

By: Marky & Joani Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

I looked for Miss Los Gatos early in my caching career, and didn't have the poison oak awareness and Tecnu that I now have. I DNFed after thrashing around on the hillside and ended up with a bit of a rash. Today was much nicer, and I went straight for the cache with no poison oak in sight.

The Shawshank Redemption

By: boulter (with help from Marky and Joani) Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 4.0 Container: Regular

This is a very cool cache. Not something I would normally do with out good reason. I second the recommentation about wearing a helmet. I was busy watching the water and my feet, and missed a level change at my head. Thanks for setting this one up!

Vasona Lake cache

By: CDNinCA (maintained by WalruZ) Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Regular

The park was full of people and picnics today. The cache is in a secluded spot so privacy was no problem. I think this one will stay there a while if people cover it well. Thanks!

Travel Bug Coffee Break

By: Kreebelle (maintained by WalruZ) Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Regular

This has been my closest unfound cache for a while, so I stopped by and dropped off "oh Canada eh!", and "Puck looking for arenas" travel bugs.

May 20, 2005

Calero Wetlands

By: sammydee Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Regular

I wasn't expecting anything this nice here at Calero -- a deck with benches in the shade overlooking a pond with interpretive signage. I missed the cache the first time I looked, and decided I must have a vision problem after seeing it on the second pass.

Javelina Saddle

By: CKayaks Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 4.0 Container: Regular

I had my eyes on the ground for most of the hike, looking for snakes, but didn't see a one today. About the only wildlife I saw other than birds was a young deer with a little rack. This ammo box gave me fits. I finally spotted it from the low side and went around to the high side to retrieve it. I took the hockey puck travel bug.

Cherry Canyon

By: CKayaks Difficulty: 2.5 Terrain: 3.5 Container: Small

I didn't have much trouble with this one, and didn't bother with the hint. I was still feeling pretty fresh at this point in the hike. Thanks!

In The Old Mans Hand

By: CKayaks Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Small

This one was pretty easy with the cacher trail and the flattened area for retrieving the cache. Thanks!

Bald Peaks

By: CKayaks Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 4.0 Container: Regular

As I was climbing from the last cache, I was passes by a horse and rider headed down, and a couple headed up. I was happy to reach the top.

Cottle Rest Site

By: CKayaks Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 4.0 Container: Regular

Up until this point, the trails have all been recently graded, and the grader was working today. I also saw a tractor with mower heading along one of the trails, but he could do a few more of them. I also managed to bring home a tick.

Ascend Your Throne!

By: CKayaks Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 4.0 Container: Small

This is a great spot, and I had some great views here today. Thanks!

Calero Bat House

By: TeamSpider3 and Chris & Janet Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 3.5 Container: Regular

Wow, fancy digs for the bats. I took a detour to get here. Next I retraced my steps to the last junction and took the other part of the loop. Thanks!

Play "Fore" Cache

By: Ghostriders Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Regular

What Flydog said is still true. I had long sleeves and long pants, and still had to suffer a little pain to get at the cache. I picked up the Oh Canada travel bug.

Dogs & Bikes

By: Marky & Blue Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

I started here at 8 am for a long hike around the park. I wasn't sure what to expect at Calero, but it turned out to be a great day with lots of great views.

One of a Kind

By: Marky & Joani Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Regular

You get the idea that the picnic facilities here have been used rather infrequently. I did manage to pick up a tick on my hike today, but after my shower, he still hadn't settled on a place to dig in, so he was easy to remove. I took the yellow Echo.

Pin Junction

By: Marky & Joani Difficulty: 2.5 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Regular

I retrieved the cache with a walking stick. I had applied Tecnu to my hands and wrists before starting out, so I don't think I will have a problem.

Vall's Kissing Tree

By: Marky & Joani Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Regular

This is a nice shady spot, with a handy branch for sitting, so I had my sandwich here. The trail is still overgrown. Perhaps the tractor with mower that I saw on another trail will make it over here some day. Either that, or we need a lot more cachers to come through here!

Pena's Panoramic View

By: Marky & Joani Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Regular

I vote for a more explicit hint on this one. The area is looking a little cacher-worn, with every rock in the area having been turned over several times.

May 15, 2005

Dutch Flat Trail

By: kablooey Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Small

The mud wasn't bad today, just a very few spots. The trails are rough riding on a bicycle, though, because of the dried cow tracks. I could qualify as a newbie on this cache, having almost DNF'ed. I zeroed in on the wrong tree before finally consulting my GPSr and making the easy find. Thanks!

. . . kommet, . . .

By: nostrada Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 3.5 Container: Micro

If you look at the caches on a map, they look dense in this park, but you sure have to earn them. I dragged my bicycle most of the way over here from Twin Gates. Thanks!

Born On the Bayou

By: bullit and Tech-E Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Small

I didn't hear the frogs, but they probably sing earlier in the morning. I was here about 1 pm. Thanks!

Lost with Lee

By: WalruZ Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 3.5 Container: Micro

This proved to be an easy cross-country hike from "Huh?". The hard part was connecting back up with the trail to get out near Eagle Lake. I headed downhill, and eventually met up with the trail. Thanks!

Huh?

By: bullit and Tech-E Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Regular

I spotted my first mountain lion, right in the trail as I headed up the hill toward the cache. At first I thought it might be a coyote or bobcat, but then I got a good look, and it was apparently a juvenile mountain lion since it wasn't that big. It had a look at me, then sauntered off the trail. After finding the cache, I headed cross-country to "Lost With Lee". It turned out to be an easy hike across some meadow, then along a cow path and a pig trail, where I spotted some turkeys.

Fisherwoman's Favorite Firefighters

By: WalruZ Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

This one was surprisingly tricky to find. As I was putting it back, Mom2Sage and son were heading up the trail. They missed it on the way it, so I gave them a couple hints. Thanks!

Spider Oak

By: bullit & bob Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Small

I had a bit of trouble with this one. There were no signs of previous cachers, and some tall prickly weeds had grown directly in front of the cache hiding place. I zeroed in on the spot from the hint, gently moved the weeds out of the way and made the find. Thanks!

Woodpecker Tree

By: bullit & bob Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 3.5 Container: Regular

This was my second excursion today. The first was a bike ride ( & push) and this was a hike. By the time I got back from this one, I was beat, and headed home for some food and a shower. Thanks!

Circle Corral

By: DavidT21 & Fisherwoman Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Regular

On my way over here from Dutch Flat trail, I came upon a cow in the trail that didn't behave like all the other cows and calves I encountered. Instead of moving away from me, this one just stood there and looked at me. As I got closer, I could see by the plumbing that this was no ordinary cow. They were nearly as impressive as an udder. I decided that discretion was the better part of valor and walked my bike off the trail, to give us both a little comfort zone.

Powerline Point

By: bullit & bob Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Micro

This was my first stop after I zipped down here on my bike from Twin Gates. Getting back up was another story. I think the vultures were circling me. Thanks!

May 14, 2005

Skylit

By: stbk Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

I hadn't read the cache description and wasn't watching the GPSr real close as I drove up, and assumed it was on top of the nearby parking garage, but soon figured it all out. Thanks!

My First Micro

By: Rogue Ramblers Difficulty: 4.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

As a card carrying Old ... I mean experienced engineer, I felt it was my duty to find this one. Thanks!

Frank's Tannery

By: crawburr Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

I sure didn't see the answer for D anywhere, but the checksum solved that problem. The hide was very tough, as there are several possibilities in the area, and they are not easy to check out. Thanks!

Palms Rock

By: bthomas Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

Yes, I have been paperless for a while now. There is much less preparation before heading out for a caching trip. I sometime print puzzles, though, so I can file the notes I make while solving it. Thanks!

Government Test

By: bthomas Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

Grab and go works for me. Thanks!

RWC History 102: School, Fire Department, Library

By: PisoMojado Difficulty: 2.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Regular

The area was busy on a Saturday afternoon, but I didn't have much trouble with this. Thanks!

Carry a Big Stick

By: bthomas Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

The guy sunbathing on the lawn probably wondered what I was up to, but I doubt if he figured it out. Thanks!

Portly

By: bthomas Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

This was my first stop on a short tour of Redwoood City. I signed in pretty much the last available spot on the log. I suppose I should have left a new log, but I didn't have any of that nice all-weather paper.

May 13, 2005

Prickly Garden

By: Linc-Clan Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

After finding the cache, I walked over to the nearby Mausoleum, which I had never visited, even though I have a degree from Stanford and my wife works there. Thanks!

May 12, 2005

Before Time

By: CTomGeo Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

Before geocaching I probably would have spent more time walking and less driving during lunchtime, but I make up for it on the weekends. Thanks!

Santa Clara Youth Soccer Park

By: bullit Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

I found a stick jambed way up in near the cache location on my last visit, so I knew where to look this time, and made a quick grab. Thanks!

Zanker Joggers Cache

By: nadodi KaneTheGerman Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Regular

The cache is not so easy to get to with your bare hands, but I was finally able to do it. The log was dry in a plastic bag. Thanks!

May 11, 2005

Triangle

By: Rocket Girl & DuckeyLee Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Regular

I appreciated the better hint, and found the cache with no problem. Thanks!

SHHH!

By: Rocket Girl and DuckeyLee Difficulty: 2.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

This was the third of three on the way home tonight. Thanks!

I See Sick People

By: Rocket Girl and DuckeyLee Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

I stopped by a little after 5 pm. This is where I come to see my doctor, so no problem finding the area. Thanks!

May 10, 2005

Calabazas Park

By: GeoBrowns Difficulty: 3.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

For me, this was a masterpiece of camouflage. I looked at it and touched it, but it was ten minutes later, after I had eliminated everything else that I finally figured it out. Thanks!

Parking Citation

By: anotherone Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

I added a new log sheet in a plastic bag. Thanks for the cache!

Reflexivo

By: Sharkz Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

I stopped by on my way home, too. I didn't spot it from 1000 ft like Bullit, and not even at 10 ft. Even though I have seen this hide once before, I was on top of it before it registered. Thanks!

May 9, 2005

Rengstorff R �tsel

By: noababoa Difficulty: 3.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Regular

Neat-o! After had the approximate location of the cache, I knew where to look for the tool, and found it right off. Next, I located the cache, and the tool worked like a charm. Thanks for setting this up!

SVC: Microsoft in the Valley

By: stbk Difficulty: 3.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Small

I have no idea why I couldn't come up with this on my last visit. I was certainly easy today. Thanks!

Let's Go to the Movies

By: catomcat Difficulty: 3.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

My hat is off to the Rogue Ramblers for finding this on the run with other cachers behind. I took my time, poked around, passed by the cache, then finally got a good bead with my GPSr by approaching from the north. I too have seen all the movies, which is an indication of how much time I have invested in that activity. Thanks!

May 6, 2005

What kind of lover??

By: sjbrown Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Small

I was headed for Mission Peak this morning, and stopped by for a quick cache. Thanks!

Trock

By: bullit Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 3.5 Container: Micro

Looks like the rock has seen it all. I stopped by for a quick visit. Thanks!

Inca Gold: Stairway to the Sky

By: GeoWomyn_SF_CA Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

There was recent evident of cow passage here, including a little splashed on the cache. Nice day to be up here. Thanks!

Backside of Mission Peak

By: bullit Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 3.5 Container: Regular

I picked a great day to hike up here. The clouds kept things cool, but I could still see to SF and Oakland. The marker was the first thing I spotted, and had the cache soon after. Thanks!

Spawning Ground

By: WalruZ Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 3.5 Container: Regular

I didn't see any spawning when I was here in the morning, but did see a couple hang gliders later in the day. I liberated digitalfish #815.

Richard's Ramblings

By: GeoROCKS! Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Small

I worked out the coordinates last night as I was planning a trek up Mission Peak. The cache was in good shape and right where I expected it to be. Thanks!

Inca Gold: Last Words

By: GeoWomyn_SF_CA Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Regular

I was thankful for the secluded spot for this cache. There was a stream of young people headed for the summit as part of a group. I made notes and took another picture of Isabella's last words.

Inca Gold: Necklace of Tears

By: GeoWomyn_SF_CA Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Regular

I neglected to read the cache description and ended up with wet shoes after a trek through the grass. Again, I made a sketch and took a picture of the artifact. This was a nice day for this hike. It was cloudy enough to make it cool, but I could still see SF and Oakland.

Inca Gold: Atahualpa

By: GeoWomyn_SF_CA Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Regular

This was my first step in the series this morning. I made a sketch with a couple notes, and took a picture for good measure. Thanks!

Inca Gold: The Fifth Sun

By: GeoWomyn_SF_CA Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Regular

I enjoyed the breaks this series provided on the way up. I tend to forget to schedule breaks on a hike like this. Thanks!

Trifecta

By: WalruZ Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 4.0 Container: Not chosen

When this came out, I knew I wanted to do it someday. I wasn't able to convince anyone to do it with me, and I'm not getting any younger, so today I decided to go for it. Actually, I was just going to go up Mission Peak, then see what the terrain looked like to Allison. At Allison, Monument looked fairly close without much climbing, so I hiked on over. The final was a nice spot on the way home. Thanks for setting up this one.

Eucalyptustream

By: california-jones Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Regular

I was headed up Mission Peak this morning, and this was a warm-up cache. Took a CITO container. Thanks!

Inca Gold

By: GeoWomyn_SF_CA Difficulty: 3.0 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Regular

This was my last stop of the day. I made it all the way over to Monument Peak, and at this point, I was ready to sit down in the car. I messed up the final coordinates a little, but got out my notes, fixed things, and found the cache. The previous finders were Becky and Richard who were just out hiking and taking pictures. They wrote "How cool!" and left a heart keychain. Thanks for your efforts in setting up this series!

Horse Heaven

By: Marky & Fizzy Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Micro

I found it easily with the hint, but there's no reason the coordinates couldn't be adjusted to be right on. I had 11 satellites, with WAAS differential measurements. Today this area could be called cow heaven. I had to pass through a little herd to get to the cache. I was headed down Horse Heaven Trail, but at one point it turned into Cow Path Trail, and I wasn't sure which way to turn. I turned left, and ended up at the right place. Thanks!

Groovy Rock Concert

By: Marky & Fizzy Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Small

I had great luck with rock piles today, and found this one quickly. The weather was perfect today for this hike. The clouds kept me cool, but I could still see to SF and Oakland. Thanks!

Assume Nothing #2

By: workerofwood Difficulty: 2.5 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

I was headed for Mission Peak this morning, and wanted to start the morning out right. I wandered a little bit since I assumed I was looking for a spice jar, but the coordinates took me right to the spot and I made a quick find. Thanks!

Why?

By: GeoWomyn_SF_CA Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Regular

Very nicely done cache with some food for thought. Thanks!

Monument Peak

By: TeamAlamo Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 3.5 Container: Regular

I came up Mission Peak, then went to Allison since it was close, then finally here since it wasn't that far. I was a great day for a hike up here, with cool temps and great views. I left American Millie travel bug.

Hello, Allison

By: blscearce Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Regular

I pretty sure I was in violation of ordinance 38, but no one was around to mind. I had a great view today, and decided to have my sandwich right here. Thanks!

Man on a Mission

By: blscearce Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Regular

This cache is in great shape for as long as it has been out here. I had a great day for hiking up here, with partly cloudy, but good views. I took American Millie travel bug.

May 2, 2005

Screwed Up

By: WeBeDnD Difficulty: 3.0 Terrain: 4.5 Container: Large

Well, thank goodness there was one thing that was not screwed up here. Thanks!

SVC: Microsoft in the Valley

By: stbk Difficulty: 3.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Small

I dug pretty deep, but didn't hit paydirt. The gardeners showed up so I tried not to dump everything on the ground as I worked. I'll wait for someone else to dig it out and maybe leave it easier to find.

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