niraD's Geoblog

Dec 30, 2006

Centennial Curse

By: fizzymagic Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Virtual

My wife and I were running errands in Livermore, and I was able to drop by. I will keep my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig token for this virtual cache moving. This was a very interesting history lesson. Thanks for getting me to dig a little further than the official version on the plaque, and TFTC!

Dec 29, 2006

Fowl Language

By: Eagle81 & Eagles Wing Difficulty: 3.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

This was a fun puzzle, and I also enjoyed the final stage. But I'm not sure I got from the first stage to the final stage by following the clues the owners intended me to follow. I will keep my [url=]trackable[/url] sig token for this nano-cache moving. TNLNSL, TFTC! [Edit: I have confirmed that the clues I followed from the first stage to the final stage were not the clues left by the owner. Oops...]

Ask Your Kids #2

By: UncleTom Difficulty: 4.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

Finally! Not having kids of my own to consult, I was forced to turn to the web. I now know far more about these things than I ever expected to. But once I had the answers, the real fun began: I had to convert those answers into numbers. [:O] I decided to go with the numbering system that produced correct numbers for the other AYK puzzles (which I solved before discovering there there were multiple numbering systems). Still, one of my answers was wrong (there are a lot of "correct" answers out there). But even with the incorrect digit, I was close enough to find the cache, thanks to the details in UncleTom's 11-18-2006 note. TN, L my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig tokens for this cache and for [url=http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GCV8GJ]the nano-cache I found before this one[/url], SL. TFTC!

Beneath Me

By: workerofwood Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

I found this one in the first place I looked. This is a fun blinker hide. There are 8 spaces left in the log. I will keep my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig token for this nano-cache moving.

Dec 27, 2006

Paper Maps

By: mjp303 Difficulty: 3.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

This was a fun puzzle. I figured out the theme pretty quickly, but the necessary research was a little tricky, given the various boundaries that were crossed during mjp303's road trip. The cache itself was a quick find this morning on the way to work. I will keep my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig token for this nano-cache moving. TNLNSL, TFTC!

BB1: Heavyweights

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

This was a fun puzzle, although I kept trying to overthink it. The cache was a quick find on the way home from work. TN, L my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig token, SL. TFTC!

The Stinky One

By: DKAK Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

This was a quick find on the way to work. I will keep my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig token for this nano-cache moving. TNLNSL, TFTC!

Deferred Success

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

I solved this one quickly, and then I spend a fair bit of time convincing myself that I really had solved it. I dropped by tonight on the way home to pick up the cache. And now I've got another Rogue Ramblers' Fremont puzzle cache that I need to pick up sometime... TN, L my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig token, SL. TFTC!

Welcome To Redwood City

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

I had to wait half an hour for REI to open, so I dropped by to grab this cache. TN, L my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig tokens for this cache, for [url=http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GCYQ87]the nano-cache I found before this cache[/url], and for [url=http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GCY9CW]the one I found before that[/url], SL. TFTC!

Dec 26, 2006

Cartridge in a Bare Tree

By: Eagle81 & Eagles Wing Difficulty: 2.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

This is a cute little puzzle. I like the in-theme hide, too, although I didn't really get it (groan!) until I was ready to put the container back. I will keep my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig token for this nano-cache moving. TNLNSL, TFTC!

The 12 Days of Christmas All Year

By: Bob & Elliecat Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Regular

I was in the neighborhood for [url=http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GCZZP6]another Christmas themed cache[/url], so I dropped by for this one, too. I was expecting something larger (the size of a 5-gallon bucket), but this ammo can is a lot bigger than most of the other caches in the area. I didn't have any extra Christmas stuff though, so I just TN, L my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig tokens for this cache and for [url=http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GCZZP6]the Christmas-themed nano-cache[/url] I found before this one, SL, S card. TFTC!

Dec 25, 2006

Eel Trout

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

This was a fun puzzle. I had looked at it a while back and couldn't figure out how to continue the number sequences. Last week, I looked at it again and saw the pattern quickly. I was surprised at how busy the cache location was today, although in retrospect, I should have expected it. I think I managed to avoid attracting undue attention though. TN, L my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig tokens for this cache, for [url=http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GCPX3Z]the nano-cache I found before this one[/url], and for [url=http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GCTQC0]the nano-cache I found before that[/url], SL. TFTC!

DING DING Dong

By: crawburr Difficulty: 4.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

This was a fun puzzle. I managed to confuse myself by misremembering a bit of music theory, and then digging up a bit of obscure trivia that supported my incorrect assumptions. However, email from the owner quickly got me back on the right track. I dropped by this afternoon for the find. I wouldn't have checked the correct location without the hint though. I will keep my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig token for this nano-cache moving. TNLNSL, TFTC!

GOT NET?

By: Rocket Girl and DuckeyLee Difficulty: 3.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

I was in the area, so I dropped by to redeem this DNF. It's much easier to find when it's actually there [;)], although it still took me a while to expand my search radius sufficiently. I will keep my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig token for this nano-cache moving. TNLNSL, TFTC!

Dec 22, 2006

Flood Cache

By: ChrissySkyking + Blaze (adopted by CaliSeaSta Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

I took advantage of the nearby on-street parking and walked around this park before work. It was a beautiful morning. I ended up resorting to the hint to find this challenging hide. The log was wet. I dried it in the sun, but it was still a bit damp when I re-hid the cache. T KDcool919 sig item, L seashell and [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig token, SL. TFTC!

Let's Play!

By: dr.dolittle_w/_faith Difficulty: 3.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

I took advantage of the nearby on-street parking and walked around this park before work. It was a beautiful morning. I'm glad I had this spot to myself, though. I used the hint right away to avoid lingering. TN, L [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig token, SL. TFTC!

Spider Den

By: ChrissySkyking + Blaze (adopted by CaliSeaSta Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Small

I took advantage of the nearby on-street parking and walked around this park before work. It was a beautiful morning. The first time I searched this location I completely missed seeing the cache. Eventually I checked again and there it was. I replaced the shredded ziplock. Also, the log sheet was almost full, so I left a new waterproof one. T Ducky Lee sig item, L keychain and [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig token, SL. TFTC!

Suburban Park

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

I dropped by for this cache after finding the ones in nearby Flood Park. It was a beautiful morning. I found this cache just a few feet from where I first looked. Nice hide! It took a while to figure out how to get everything back in the very full container though. T broken seashell, L unbroken seashell and [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig token, SL. TFTC!

Dec 20, 2006

2475 Faber

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

This was a quick find on the way to work. The sunrise was beautiful. T bullit survey marker, L GDB stickers and [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig token, SL. TFTC!

In honor of Charlie Brown

By: DKAK Difficulty: 4.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

I was wondering what this hide had to do with Charlie Brown, but then I found the cache and it all made sense. It was definitely the highlight of this morning's quick caching run on the way to work. (Clever hint, by the way, although I don't think it would have helped me find the cache.) I will keep my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig token for this nano-cache moving. TNLNSL, TFTC!

Ingvar Kamprad's Pride & Joy

By: Beckerbuns, Nurse Dave & Boyz Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

I must have been in the right place, because this was a quick find in a fairly obvious location. TN, L [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig token, SL. TFTC!

Traffic View

By: ChrissySkyking + Blaze (adopted by CaliSeaSta Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

This was the last find of this morning's quick caching run on the way to work. Definitely a nice view of traffic, if that's what you're looking for. Did a little CITO on the way back to my car. TN, L [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig tokens (for this cache and for [url=http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GCR9JY]the nano-cache I found previously[/url]), SL. TFTC!

Dec 18, 2006

Travel Long Distances

By: PhilippeGPS (maintained by The Rat) Difficulty: 4.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

The puzzle was fun and I figured out the theme quickly, but my first search attempt yielded a DNF. After verifying my coordinates with The Rat, I decided to drop by again this morning, "on the way" to work. I had an idea of where I needed to look, but it wasn't there. It turned out to be very close to that spot, however. I'll need to remember to check for this type of hide in the future; I had difficulty the previous time I encountered it, too. TN, L [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig token, SL. TFTC!

Dec 15, 2006

Travel Long Distances

By: PhilippeGPS (maintained by The Rat) Difficulty: 4.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

I solved this earlier this week, or at least I think I did. I didn't find anything at the solution coordinates this morning. I'll follow up with the owner.

Dec 13, 2006

Marsh View Parking

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

Thanks for showing me where to park (other than in Sun's employee parking lot). This was a quick find on my way to [url=http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GCGJ49]a nearby cache[/url]. I'll keep my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig token for this nano-cache moving. TNLNSL, TFTC!

Sun Microsystems Geek Cache

By: DeadReckoner Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Regular

[The weather was overcast, but I still enjoyed the walk along the baylands. I decrypted the hints after finding (and replacing) the cache).] There are no longer any pine needles glued to the container. [T Fremont Claassens Reggie the Wonder-Pug sig button, L keychain and [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig tokens for this cache and for [url=http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GCMZ89]the nano-cache I found before this cache[/url], SL. TFTC!]

Dec 11, 2006

The Riddle of the Sphinx

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

I recognized the pattern quickly, and then worked out the arithmetic to make sure I had the answer just right. I dropped by for the cache after work and signed the third space in the log. TN, L [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig token, SL. Thanks for the fun puzzle and TFTC!

Duck Dock Redux

By: Shores Scout Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Small

This was a quick find after a pleasant stroll through the park before work. I've cleared out this park, but I'll drop by again when someone hides another cache (or if I solve another puzzle that's hidden here). T Gx logo patch, L keychain and [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig tokens for this cache and for [url=http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GC7695]the webcam cache I found before this one[/url], SL. TFTC!

Fun and Friendship Set to Music

By: CTomGeo Difficulty: 3.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Regular

I dropped by tonight on the way home from work to leave a keychain in exchange for winini's black Jazz token. I'm getting closer to being able to log [url=http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GCNYVP]the 101 TFTs cache closest to home[/url].

Dec 8, 2006

Day at the Dump

By: ChrissySkyking + Blaze (adopted by CaliSeaSta Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Regular

A quick find to end my morning of geocaching. This is a really nice park. There was no stash note, so I left a waterproof one. TN, L seashells and [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig token, SL. TFTC!

Up a Creek

By: Green Gables Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Other

This is my first webcam cache. I noticed it while reviewing one of my "nearest caches" lists and decided to pick it up on the way home from work. I did this one solo: I set up a computer to automatically archive copies of the webcam photo, and picked the best photo once I got back to the computer. Maybe I'll have someone help me with my nex t webcam cache. I'll keep my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig token for this webcam cache moving. TFTC!

Element #6

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

The LSOH reference had me looking for something much more devious. I ended up taking a long time to find this 1.5-star cache. TN, L [url=http://www.geocaching.com/track/details.aspx?tracker=TB69B4]Wild Witch of Dorset[/url] TB, seashells, and [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig token, SL. TFTC!

She Sells Sea Shells

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

I had a beautiful view of the clouds over the mountains this morning. T rowanf's new Gypsy sig magnet, L seashells and [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig token, SL. TFTC!

Dec 7, 2006

Bayfront Revenge

By: Rogue Ramblers Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

I really enjoyed starting my morning with this one: a beautiful morning along the bay, an excellent hide... perfect! The log is full, but I managed to squeeze my entry into an empty (or possibly faded?) space. I didn't have a replacement with me that would fit. The camouflage could use a bit of repair too, although it's holding together for now. I'll keep my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig token for this nano-cache moving. TNLNSL, TFTC!

I Lost My Marbles

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

What a beautiful morning along the bay. This was a quick find before work. There was no stash note, so I left a waterproof one. I also replaced the shredded ziplock. T clear marble with red-white-and-blue swirl inside, sloigo sig item, and sticker; L [url=http://www.geocaching.com/track/details.aspx?tracker=TB162TA]2006 Alaska Geocoin[/url], blue-and-white marble, GDB stickers, and [url=http://nirad.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig tokens for this cache and for [url=http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GCXCHY]the nano-cache I found before this one[/url]; SL. TFTC!

A Lady Park Me

By: Bob & Elliecat Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Small

After a long day, this one was at the top of my "nearest to work" list and it looked like a good one to do after hours, so I dropped by on the way home. I'm very glad I didn't try this during business hours. Given the location, I checked the hint quickly, but I didn't figure out its meaning until I was signing the log back in the car. (This kind of hint is rarely helpful to me during the search.) The camouflage is very effective! [}:)] TN, L [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig token, SL. TFTC!

M4

By: Rogue Ramblers Difficulty: 5.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

Based on the owner's claim (confirmed by logs from previous finders) that programming is not necessary to solve this puzzle, I decided to solve it from the information in the description, rather than by throwing CPU cycles at it. I figured out most of it (encouraged by email from the owner confirming that I was basically on the right track), but the Enigma simulator kept spewing nonsense. Then yesterday I had the "aha moment" when I realized that I had been making one invalid assumption. One little change and... numbers! I had numbers! And then I realized what that implied: The German mob may not be "all that bright", but this puzzle design is truly elegant.

I had considered savin g the actual find for a milestone cache, but in the end, I didn't want to wait that long. I picked it up this beautiful morning before work. T crawburr sig token, L GDB stickers and [url=http://nirad.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig token, SL. Thanks for an excellent puzzle and a wonderful "ah a moment", and TFTC!

Dec 6, 2006

Board Game Bonanza

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

This was a fun puzzle, and a great hide! I solved it quickly yesterday, and dropped by this morning before work to find it. I noted the information in the log book, and am looking forward to finding more caches in this series. T [url=http://www.geocaching.com/track/details.aspx?tracker=TB69B4]Wild Witch of Dorset[/url] TB and Scoobywatchers' Ocean Plait Braid signature item #8, L [url=http://www.geocaching.com/track/details.aspx?tracker=TBZNRY]lost cat[/url] TB, GDB stickers, and [url=http://nirad.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig token, SL. TFTC!

Dec 5, 2006

Curtner Station

By: Stacy & Jerry; Adopted by cachbefound Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

I dropped by for this cache after running an errand nearby. The traffic on 87 reminded me why I don't like driving, but it's good to be making progress on this series again. TN, L [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig tokens for this cache and for [url=http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GCMYCD]the nano-cache I found before this one[/url], SL. TFTC!

American Injustice: Chinese American Cemetery

By: CC Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

I dropped by for this cache after running an errand nearby, but I forgot to drop a TB/GC while I was here. Oops. TN, L [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig token, SL. TFTC!

Odd Nuts Plus Two

By: Team LegGoes Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Not chosen

Nice hide. It seemed a bit odd indeed. The log was damp, so I dried it in the sun while updating my notes. While I was sitting there, a neighbor came over and asked what I was doing. He seemed somewhat familiar with geocaching, having encountered someone else who was looking for this one. I will keep my [url=]trackable[/url] sig token for this nano-cache moving. TNLNSL, TFTC!

Dec 4, 2006

Telegram From College

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

I took a two-pronged approach: I wrote a simple program to brute-force the solution, and while it was running, I worked out the solution by hand. I finished before my program did, although I don't know whether that's because I solve puzzles well, or because I program poorly. The cache was a quick find after work, once a muggle went inside to start his shift. TN, L [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig token, SL. TFTC!

Dec 2, 2006

Hungering For A Cache

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

This was a quick find while running errands. I had the place pretty much to myself. TN, L [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig tokens for this cache and for [url=http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GCG1TF]the virtual cache I found last night[/url], SL. TFTC!

Dec 1, 2006

A Simple Life

By: Team RCTZ Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Virtual

My company's holiday party was at a nearby restaurant tonight, and my wife and I walked over before driving home. I'll keep my [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] sig token for this virtual cache moving. TFTC!

GeoBeads #11 - Free Bead with Membership

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

This was a quick find before work, in the first place I searched. Now I really have completed your GeoBeads series! T GeoBead #11, L [url=http://niraD.sigitem.com/]trackable[/url] niraD sig token, SL. TFTC!

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