bytemobile's Geoblog

Oct 30, 2006

10 Essentials

By: workerofwood, with thanks to Vaudesir Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Regular

I was in the area for a puzzle cache, and stopped by for this one also at lunchtime today. I took nothing and left nothing, although the cache had an interesting variety of stuff.

The Yellow Brick Road

By: TimberToo Difficulty: 3.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

Stage one is still there as of 12:20 today. I enjoyed the puzzle, and it was a great day for a lunchtime walk by the bay. Part of the walk actually has yellow dashes along the center of the trail.

Oct 28, 2006

King of the Hill

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

I haven't concentrated on puzzles for a while, but I noticed this one, and was able to come up with some references that led me to some coordinates. The new paper log is still in fine shape, but we haven't had much rain yet, either. Thanks!

Above Los Gatos

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

I have been meaning to find this cache for ages, but I couldn't justify a long hike for just one cache. So today I did a long hike for two caches -- this and Angel Island Warmup. I left Bytemobile turtle #346 and took the Coralgeo keyring.

Tribute to Julia Child

By: Sharulia Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Regular

This was not my first time in Belgatos, but it was my first trip up this trail. I didn't need the hint, and spotted the likely hide from afar. Thanks!

Hit the Road Jack - Again (KR1B)

By: KennyHannahJacobKatie Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Other

I had a long hike up around, and down from "A tribute to Julia Child". I was able to find the cache without the hint, but the camo works well, and I had to look a second time to spot it. I left Bytemobile turtle #347.

Secret Trailhead #22 - Belgatos

By: Marky & Joani Difficulty: 4.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

My brain doesn't get much credit for this find. My eyes don't get much either. The majority of credit goes to my fingers, which sort of automatically did the right thing.

Angel Island Warm Up.

By: Thefogheads Difficulty: 3.0 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Micro

I am quite sure this deserves a difficulty higher than one. The cache is well concealed, and it's not in one of the obvious places. Hint: You don't have to dig very deep, and it hasn't fallen down inside somewhere.

Devoted Cache

By: triplep220 Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Regular

I have seen this on my fairly close to home list for a while, and finally had a chance to stop by this morning. I was surprised to see most of the Christmas lights up already in Vasona. Thanks!

BTC3

By: Marky & Joani Difficulty: 2.5 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Not chosen

My search was concentrated in the right area, but it still took me 10 or 15 minutes to spot this one. I think all geocaches should be orange.

Some caches suck

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

I was heading for a hike at Belgatos and saw that this was not far out of my way. I spotted the interesting looking cache after a short search. Thanks!

Belgatos Parking

By: Marky & Joani Difficulty: 2.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

There was a large group activity here involving medieval-looking costumes and swords and such. There were racks and boxes of costumes arrayed under a tree. The combat was unusual-sounding as everyone was talking at the same time, saying stuff like, "Four, Normal!". I spotted the cache after wandering for a bit.

A Shady Spot

By: Camille Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Small

I checked a lot of possible hiding spots before I finally came up with the cache, and it took a couple passes by the same spot. I believe this is my second caching tour of this park. Thanks!

Miss Los Gatos, the Third

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

This is my third trip here for the third cache placement. I think I got my first geocaching case of poison oak combing the hillside for the first cache. Today, I had a little trouble spotting the benchmark since it was not in a standard location, but I finally found it and found the cache shortly thereafter.

Nothin' Up My Sleeve (Nazgul Secret Trailhead #6)

By: Team Nazgul Difficulty: 3.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Other

I am surprised this thing could break or be lost. It must be version 2.0. It seems quite sturdy and well made. Not the sort of thing you could easily conceal from a passerby, though. Thanks!

XX Loves Xuan

By: spyder woman Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Small

I zeroed out along the main trail, and didn't use the GPSr after that. It was clear where to go, and I found the cache after a short search.

Tis the Season

By: spyder woman Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

This was my first stop this morning. I found the wrong thing first, but I finally worked it all out. Thanks!

Oct 26, 2006

A 16th century cache

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

I came by at lunchtime and this seems to be a popular lunch & nap spot. I'm sure a napper or two wondered what I was up to. Thanks!

Cache Across America California

By: Mystery Ink Difficulty: 3.0 Terrain: 3.5 Container: Small

This took a couple minutes to find, but I eventually got the right angle on it. I came by at lunchtime, and the trail traffic was pretty heavy. I left Bytemobile turtle #345. Thanks!

Oct 24, 2006

Don't Stop Here!

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

This was my second stop on a little lunchtime caching run. I didn't see it on my first pass, then walked away, and spotted it as I was coming back. Thanks!

Jdsinger ?s Fairoaks Park

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

I went out for a couple of caches at lunchtime today, and this was the first stop. I found the velcro first, then worked toward the direction of my zero point and spotted the cache.

Oct 21, 2006

GRIZZLY STASH

By: Rain734 Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 3.5 Container: Regular

I have been planning to do this cache for a while. Today I decided to ride my bike down the Canyon Trail from Page Mill, and made a short detour to find this cache. My GPS was not close to zeroing out, but the cache was the first place I looked. Thanks!

Landslide

By: bullit Difficulty: 2.5 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Small

This was my turn-around point on my bike ride from Page Mill. I made it out in an hour and 10 minutes, which surprised me since I did a lot of pushing where my legs gave out. Thanks for the series. It was a good incentive for getting some exercise today. I took the New Jersey travelling coin and left Bytemobile turtle #344.

A blinker in the woods

By: bullit Difficulty: 4.0 Terrain: 3.5 Container: Micro

I thought the Canyon Trail would flatten out at some point, but it seems to be continuing downward. Now I am worried about pushing my bike out of here. I was surprised to find a blinker because I didn't pay any attention to the cache title before I found it. I left a Green Jeep travel bug.

In the palm of....

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

This is a cool area, and temperature was also cool down by the stream. I think my GPS eventually came up with a location near the cache, and I had no trouble finding it from the cache title. Thanks!

Med Doe

By: bullit Difficulty: 2.5 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Small

I got here fairly quickly on my bike (I'm good at coasting and using the brakes), but a shadow of doubt crossed mind about getting back out of here. This was the first Green Jeep I've seen, so I decided to haul it to the next cache. I left Bytemobile turtle #343.

Indian Creek Jump

By: bullit Difficulty: 2.5 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Micro

I decided to go for a bike ride this afternoon, and settled on the Canyon Trail. I parked along Page Mill, and headed out. I made my most daring move here on the way back. I was cruising at a pretty good speed (for a fogey), and went over the jump (didn't catch much air).

Oct 20, 2006

GeoBeads #11 - Free Bead with Membership

By: zapboy with help from workerofwood Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

I worked a short day today, so I picked a caching route home. This was the first stop, and I grabbed a bead to keep my collection up-to-date. Thanks!

The Functional Bridge

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

I worked a short day today, and decided to pick up a few caches on my way home. Thanks!

My Favorite Park

By: catomcat Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Small

I took a little loop hike to pick up a few of the newer caches at Rancho San Antonio. I saw the name of the cache owner and decided that I better read the full description before I started searching (As if that would help!) But it turned out to be an easy hide in a logical place. Thanks!

I Just Had to Sit Down

By: Gitonyerhorse Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Small

I decided to hike around the Hammond-Snyder Loop Trail to pick up this cache and a couple others. I was a nice hike, but a little hot today. Thanks!

Somewhere in Rancho

By: catomcat Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Micro

This cache was a quick stop along the trail. I spotted the likely hiding spot as I walked up. Thanks!

Lone Dinosaur Park

By: digitalfish Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

I took a very short detour off of my hike around the Hammond-Snyder Loop Trail to find this cache. I spotted it fairly quickly. The outside of the cache had an unmistakeable sewer odor. I recommend latex gloves for handling it.

Old Water Tank Site

By: fkellers Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Regular

I came from the Coyote Trail, and the cache was fairly easy to get to. I left Bytemobile turtle #342. Thanks!

Juan Slept Here

By: Gitonyerhorse Difficulty: 2.5 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Micro

Continuing my trek around the Hammond-Snyder Loop Trail, I spotted the edge of this cache fairly quickly (for me). I went on up to the top and had a pretty good view of the south end of the bay today.

Oct 19, 2006

The Palace of Fine Arnolds

By: Cyan_Blue and ArnoldMHS Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Small

After visiting "Sounds of the Bay", elliottpd and I headed over to the Palace of Fine Arts, walked around the grounds, and found this cache. The container is quite rusty, but we managed to pry it open and sign.

Labour of Love

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

My brother, elliottpd, and I set out on an SF caching trip this morning, and this was the first stop. We walked all around the area and took pictures of some of the more interesting carvings.

Brain Teaser

By: BuckyDef Difficulty: 4.5 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Regular

I solved this one last night as I was planning out a caching trip to SF with my brother, elliottpd. This was a hot hike since the weather was amazingly warm today in SF. I left Bytemobile turtle #340.

Bucky's Bad Bounce

By: BuckyDef Difficulty: 2.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

We came here for a puzzle by the cache owner, but stopped for this one on our way out. Since it was noon, we also stopped at the nearby Taqueria for a burrito. Thanks!

Take-a-Peak

By: Surfcal Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Other

Second stop on an SF caching trip with elliottpd. The weather was great and we had views in all directions. I left Lizzy the Lizzard travel bug and Bytemobile turtle #339.

Sounds of the Bay

By: Surfcal Difficulty: 2.5 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Small

We also had a long walk from our parking spot. I don't think we could have gotten a lot closer today, though, because they were setting up for an event, and security was directing people away from the closest driveway. The weather was great, and we had nice views from the cache site. The sounds were rather low-key this afternoon, though. Thanks for setting this up!

Columba

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

My brother elliottpd and I were caching around SF today, and I put this cache on our agenda. This is certainly a unique spot, and we enjoyed our visit. Thanks for setting this up!

Special Delivery

By: dimkasmir & OwlCacher Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

After we couldn't find the nearby multi, elliottpd and I stopped by here for a consolation cache. Thanks!

Oct 16, 2006

ANX: The Angle of Eternity

By: workerofwood Difficulty: 4.0 Terrain: 3.0 Container: Regular

It took me about a year to figure out the coordinates to the first stage. I had some WoW tokens, but at first it wasn't clear which was the special token. That has been cleared up, but I still wasn't able to see the key number. I did discover upon close examination that my token has a serial number embossed on it, something that I had missed previously. I finally gave up looking at tokens, and tried a mathematical approach. Unfortunately, I assumed (Assume Nothing!) that the number on the web page was exact, when in fact it has been rounded off to 20 decimal places. I finally got over that, took a simpler approach, and came up with the key. By the way, did you know that if you add up the number equivalents of each letter in Assume Nothing, that you get a number whose checksum is 12? Stage 1: This is so close to home that I headed right over after getting the coordinates, and in my haste, fell into the well laid trap. I was able to recover after a short detour, and started paying closer attention to the clues.

Stage 2: My first visit was at night, and I failed to come up w ith much, but I did at least notice something that I later realized I needed to use. On my second visit, I had mostly the right idea, but messed up and failed to come up with reasonable coordinates. Then I decided to save the rest of this epic journey for my brother's visit. We came out today, an d knocked off this stage fairly quickly.

Stage 3: We wandered a bit here, but were finally drawn to the object of interest, and worked out the coordinates to the next stage. We were both amazed at the creativity, workmanship, and subtle hints.

Stage 4: We used the hints, and were in the right a rea, but this one took a while to spot. My brother finally had a good idea and looked where I hadn't.

Stage 5: After finding the equipment, we wandered up the creek and down, across the creek and back, trying to figure out where to set it up. We finally started using our brains and saw what we h ad missed.

Stage 6: My brother found it first while I was wandering and sighting the conjunction. I then had a look, and also came up with it faily quickly. I took the Lizzy the Lizard travel bug and left Bytemobile turtle #337.

Every stage of this cache was original. We were amazed at the cre ative effort that went into it, and had a great time this afternoon solving the puzzles and finding it.

Oct 15, 2006

Beach Ave

By: vaccine Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

We set up camp Friday at the Half Moon Bay campground for the Pumpkin Festival weekend. My niece was quick to spot this cache on a walk with my brother and I. I had forgotten my pen, so I came back and signed it on Sunday. Thanks!

The Bobcat Hole

By: Brandon Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 4.0 Container: Small

I read crawburr's log out loud to my brother, elliottpd, while we stood looking down at the little creek. I was amused enough that I had to give it a try. I put down some wood to step on, and managed to get through without much mud or putting my hand on the nettles. I spotted the cache right away, and escaped unscathed.

Ocean View Park

By: vaccine Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

I was biking today with my brother, elliottpd, and we stopped by here on our way from the crazy, busy downtown area (Pumpkin Festival weekend). Found it quickly, and headed on over to the path along the coast. Thanks!

Legend of the Blue Pearls

By: GeoWomyn_SF_CA Difficulty: 3.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

My brother, elliottpd, was visiting from Michigan, and he was camped with us for the weekend at Half Moon Bay. I had done this series previously, but decided it would make some good bike rides for us. We did the whole series, and my brother especially enjoyed Fishtrap. He may propagate that idea to the Grand Rapids area. We were unable to find the final cache, however. I found it when it was hidden higher, with "orange" as the hint. I thought it must be close by, but we couldn't spot it.

Ask Mr Whyte

By: vaccine Difficulty: 2.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

The final location received a new coat of paint for Pumpkin Festival weekend. The cache could have been removed in the process. At any rate, we were not able to spot it.

Oct 7, 2006

Walnut's Gap

By: Wolf Grrl Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

I read the cache title to Mrs. Bytemobile, and she quickly decided where to park. We both looked for the cache, and I happened to be at the right angle to spot it. Thanks!

21 Mile House

By: OldFolk Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Other

While Mrs. Bytemobile was filling up at the Safeway gas station, I hopped out and headed across the street for this cache. I was able to find the final in plenty of time to be back on the street to be picked up. Thanks!

Parquecito

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

Mrs. Bytemobile was headed into Jo Ann Fabrics, so I told her to pick me up across the street, and I hiked over for this one. No problems finding it. Thanks!

The Commonwealth is "safe" tonight

By: Pal_Al Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

Mrs. Bytemobile headed into Jo Ann Fabrics and left me to my own devices. I fired up the GPSr and saw that this cache was less than 200 ft away, so I hiked on over.

St. Louise

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

I said to Mrs. Bytemobile, "I zero out right here." Then I looked down and spotted the cache. Thanks!

Oct 6, 2006

Tower Of Power

By: Shores Scout, originally by NavySparksandtheM Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Micro

I had a look on the ground, then leaned my back against the concete and read from my PDA what type of cache I was hunting. After I figured that out, I turned around and found the cache.

Levee Stroll

By: mjp303 Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

I had my bike, so I used it instead of strolling. The path was muddy here and there, but it didn't make any difference to the bike since it was already caked. No problem finding the cache. Thanks!

Don Edwards Refuge -- West

By: mjp303 Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

This was my first ride around this part of the Bay Trail, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. This cache took me a couple looks. The camo worked well enough that I missed it the first time.

Ex-Evaporator

By: mjp303 Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

Continuing on my Bay Trail bike ride -- I let a jogger pass, then went for the cache. Thanks!

Gossmer Cove Lagoon

By: mjp303 Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

This cache was a nice respite after running into thick adobe clay at the last cache. I went down to the water here and washed the mud off my fingers before signing. Thanks!

Gazebo

By: Shores Scout, originally by fishdude Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Micro

I was biking and caching around Redwood Shores this morning, and it is quite a nice place. I didn't follow the hint, but the description told me what I needed to find the cache. Thanks!

Not a Ridgeback

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

I had the day off today, so I did a little biking and a lot of caching around Redwood Shores. I had a look for this one, didn't spot it, read the hint, and went straight to it. I left Bytemobile turtle #334.

Clapper Rail View

By: mjp303 Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

I found the cache quickly after resorting to the hint. There was plenty of room, so I left Bytemobile turtle #335. Thanks!

Guano Guantlet

By: mjp303 Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Micro

The gauntlet is looking a little rickety these days. The camo worked quite well for me. I didn't need the hint, but I did need two looks before I spotted it.

Catapult!

By: Sierra Hikers Difficulty: 3.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

My eyes missed it, but my hand found it after a short search. I sat down on the sculpture to deal with the signing, then forgot what was above my head, and whacked it when I stood up. No blood, though. Thanks!

Bridge View

By: mjp303 Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

I had the day off today, so I headed up here for a bike ride and some caching. My first pass was on the wrong side, but found it quickly without the hint after zipping around to the other side.

What's the frequency?

By: mjp303 Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Regular

I suppose the cache title refers to a famous Dan Rather quote. The cache is quite a nice one, and had a nice collection of stuff. I left Bytemobile turtle #336. Thanks!

Quest for the Masks: Po-Wahi

By: Eagle81 Difficulty: 2.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

I had the day off today, so I headed up here for a bike ride. This was the first cache of the morning, and it proved to be one of the toughest.

Fangorn

By: sandlotfamily Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

I was biking and caching this morning, and this one turned out to be a piece of cake. I spotted it while dismounting from my bike. Thanks!

Dolphin Encounter

By: Shores Scout Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Regular

I had to wander around a bit to collect all the information, but it finally came together, and I headed off for the cache. The camo works well, but I spotted it on the second pass. Thanks!

Wide Water View

By: mjp303 Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

The view is pretty nice. I wouldn't mind living here. I wonder how stable the soil is, and how much it would liquify during a quake?

Quest for the Masks: Le-Wahi

By: Eagle81 Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

This was the second stop on my bike ride this morning. No one was here, and I made a quick find after reading the hint.

Ventana Del Mar

By: mjp303 Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

My caching sense seemed to be working for this one. I touched it on my first swipe of the hand. Thanks!

Excel

By: Eagles Wing Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Micro

I was biking and caching around Redwood Shores for the first time this morning. I was hoping to stay topside, but when I gave that up, I found it quickly. Thanks!

Eucalyptus conferruminata

By: Rogue Ramblers Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Micro

As I walked to the cache, I watched my GPSr count down toward zero, and I figured my first zero point was probably the best. After searching quite a while, I finally decided to walk down the path, check the satellite coverage, and get a new zero point. The new zero point was more than 30 feet away and I had almost instant luck finding the cache there. Like WoW, I found exactly what I thought I would find. Thanks!

Spirit Trap

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

I came up to Redwood Shores for a bike ride and some caching. I decided to grab a couple more on my way back to 101. The cache was still attached to its spot, but the top was open and the baggie with the log was on the ground. The log was soaked and full, so I left a new Adventure Paper log.

Quest for the Masks: Onu-Wahi

By: Eagle81 Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Micro

This cache was the adventure of the morning for me. I could see the muddy road, and decided to check out approaches from both sides before committing myself. I finally headed down the road on my bike, but didn't get too far. The adobe clay built up on my tires until it was a couple inches thick, and jammed the tires until I couldn't move. I left the bike, and hiked over to the cache, which would have been the prudent think to do in the first place. I spent the next 40 minutes or so scraping the clay off my bike so I could continue.

Quest for the Masks: Ta-Wahi

By: Eagle81 Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

There were only a couple places to look here, and I spotted it at the second place I looked. My challenge this morning was to try to put together an optimal route for all the caches in the area since this was my first time here.

Quest for the Masks: Ko-Wahi

By: Eagle81 Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

The hint was quite helpful for me. I didn't zero out in quite the right spot, but the hint got me there shortly. Thanks!

Quest for the Masks: Ga-Wahi

By: Eagle81 Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Small

I had a pretty good look for this one. I suppose I could have missed it if it's farther out than where I zeroed, but I gave the whole pier a once-over. It looks like the final my be currently inaccessible due to construction further up the trail.

Oct 1, 2006

Going Native

By: schertleheimer Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Small

I spent a few hours driving around with Mrs. Bytemobile on the Green Home Tour today. One of the homes on the tour was just a couple blocks away, so we made a quick cache stop here. It was my one find of the day.

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