mjp303's Geoblog

Sep 30, 2006

Cache Across America California

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

I was out with the boys the morning hunting for larger caches, since they love to trade swag. This one was just the ticket! I was searching an area that I knew made no sense when Ted started shouting that he'd found it. He had...but needed my help to retrieve it, of course. Lots of trading and a bug swap took place. Thanks! mjp303

GeoFusion Leaves

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

We had a little trouble, but made a quick find after checking the cache page. Hmmm, I think it's almost time for lunch. Thanks for reminding us! mjp303

Oreo Cache

By: redkat and pb144 Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

Ted (6) found it. John (6) was quite amused with the container. TFTC! mjp303

The Stinky One

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

7:15pm Well, I got some unknown goo on my fingertips, but since I eventually found the cache, it's all good. I sure am glad I had a flashlight, though. TFTC! mjp303

Mall Death

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

It was suprisingly busy for a spot that is in transition, but we slipped a find. Thanks for a nice big cache! mjp303

Mad House

By: CachEE Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

There was lots going on over on the soccer field, but we were able to find the cache undisturbed. Fun! John and Ted traded, and I swapped TBs. TFTC! mjp303

To Breathe Lazily

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

You're right, it is a silly puzzle, but I ended up enjoying it. Thanks! mjp303

Been Here: Pastoria

By: 50sumtin Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Small

I spotted the cache as we drove up, and asked one of the boys to grab it. No need to switch off the car; we're off to the next adventure! TFTC. mjp303

Look, but don't Touch

By: workerofwood Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

The cache was almost an afterthought, since John, Ted, and I got seriously distracted catching these big green grasshoppers that were along the nearby trail. Cool! mjp303

Almost Eden

By: mjp303 (adopted by niraD) Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Regular

We were out for a father and sons cache adventure today. Our objective was any cache larger than a micro! John and Ted had forgotten where it was hidden so I let them find it. Thanks for taking over (and improving!) this cache. mjp303

East Evelyn Oaks

By: MadDad (maintained by bullit) Difficulty: 3.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Small

The boys love to trade, and this cache was just big enough to keep them interested. Thanks! It appears big changes are just around the corner for this site...hopefully these magnificent trees will weather the transition. mjp303

Bridge to the Past

By: bullit and mickeychopchop Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

There's definitely something arising from the ashes here, as the demolition crew was hard at work on a Saturday. Even so, the bridge still seems audaciously optimistic. TFTC! mjp303

Baylands Cache & Carry

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

I think I DNF'd this cache a long time ago in the dark. I had a couple of helpers today...which made all the diference! Thanks. mjp303

Baylands Bike & Bridge

By: MotorBug Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Regular

I felt the same as Changes in Latitudes, but then I checked from a different angle. Oh, duh. We enjoyed that little stroll under the freeway. TFTC! mjp303

Sep 27, 2006

The Only Way to Succeed

By: UncleTom Difficulty: 3.5 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

When my nearest page got filled with '?' caches (...except for the 5 kayak ones [:(], which I'm ignoring), I knew it was time to stop passing them by. I solved the simplified version, and enjoyed visiting the park where the cache is located. TFTC! mjp303

One Equals Two

By: Rogue Ramblers Difficulty: 3.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

Yup, got it. [8D] I had to brush through over 4 months of spider webs and egg sacs though. Yuck! TFTC! mjp303

Sep 26, 2006

Poetry Corner

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

I looked at this puzzle again today, and something clicked in my brain. Having made that connection, it was a matter of doing the research, which took quite awhile, and the find, which was quick. Thanks for the nicely constructed puzzle! mjp303

Sep 23, 2006

Tree with a "V"

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

A couple of mountain bikers came by while I was signing the log. They didn't notice anything though, since their attention was focused on the tree that had recently fallen accross the trail about 100' down. TFTC! mjp303

Remnants of the Past

By: geekster Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Small

I was out today to finish some long unfinished business in El Corte de Madera OSP. What a great trail! The creek is just a trickle and everything is dry and dusty. TFTC. mjp303

VOTE FOR PEDRO!!

By: dr.dolittle & faith Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Regular

I have to admit that I don't get the humor in that movie, but the cache I really liked! That's the last cache I had to find in Corte Madera; can I have some more please? mjp303

Banana Slug Falls

By: bullit Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Small

It's too dry and dusty for Banana Slugs right now, I guess...I didn't see any on the whole trip. It was a nice spot to take a breather though. TFTC! mjp303

DC-6 Resolution Crash Site

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

I found the cache pretty exposed, but threw a bunch of extra leaves on it when I was done. With that paint job, it doesn't really blend in too well at this time of year. Thanks for pointing out this spot. I was suprised there's no memorial plaque. mjp303

Game Set Match

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

Thanks for putting together a fun puzzle! The sets weren't a problem, but making coordinates from them was a challenge, even after a hint from the cache owner. Eventually I got it, and finally made it to the area to pick up the cache. Fortunately it was pretty much deserted on a Saturday afternoon. This was find #1600 for me! Thanks. mjp303

The Tafoni

By: geekster Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Small

The afternoon sun through the trees made really interesting shadows on the sculpted rocks. It was fun to visit here again since my first trip predated this cache. TFTC! mjp303

Sep 15, 2006

Growing Micros

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

This was a well-constructed multi-cache, although, like vaccine, I nearly walked away when I realized what the task for the first stage involved. Then, I called him to find out if there was a shortcut. Nope, there isn't. It'll be interesting to see how long this lasts. FWIW, these kinds of situations still make me uncomfortable, and I was glad not to be there during business hours. The second stage was quick and easy, but the third was a bit more challenging because of a temporary obstruction. I liked the final cache container. TFTC! mjp303

Sep 14, 2006

New Vista Park

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

K-league practice was underway about 20' from the cache, so I had to scan for it from a shielded vantage point. Fortunately, the hide was easy to spot, and when the scrum migrated to the far end, I made the grab. [;)] TFTC! mjp303

Sep 12, 2006

Rock Innie

By: digitalfish Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Micro

This cache is near the top of my nearest list, and since I needed a scenic drive to unwind after work, it turned out to be...on the way home. [;)] Thanks. mjp303

CM10

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

Whew! This cache was a toughie, even with the hint. I lost lock soon after arriving, and since I didn't know which side of the trail the hint was referring to, I had to search both. Of course, I spent most of my time on the wrong side. The gathering late afternoon shadows made searching the nooks and crannies difficult, but eventually perserverance paid off. No way I was going to go away empty-handed after coming all the way down to this cache! Thanks! mjp303

CM08

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

I had lock, but the EPE was +/-85 feet. Naturally, I was drawn to the object associated with the cache title, which turned out give me searching fits. After about 10 minutes, I retired to the hood of the car to reconsider the situation, at which point inspiration whacked me over the head! It was my first time on this road, which was quite enjoyable. Thanks for luring me off the well-travelled path! mjp303

Kiss Of The Oceans

By: image415 and joescales Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

I was back today for my reprise visit. Except for a few moments of uncertainty searching for 'hearts', things went smoothly. I think the new final location will be much safer, although I did have to wait out a lady who stopped to train her puppy: 'Sit, Rosco, sit!' she said. On my way back to work, I noticed a mural at the corner of Ocean and Junipero Serra that promiently features the sundial. TN, but left a Yellowstone pin. Thanks again for a very interesting and educational cache! mjp303

Sep 11, 2006

Historic Palo Alto (Mayfield) 4

By: Rain734 Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

Having already stretched my brain on California Avenue, I figured why not? I recognized some similar information from previous rain734 caches at stage 1, but stage 2 was completely new to me. Although I had seen it from the street many time, I had no idea as to the subject, so thanks for getting me to stop and take a look. I liked the final hide too! Nicely done! A smilely I can look back on with satisfaction. mjp303

Picket's Cache

By: Arctic Fox Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Regular

I found the object of interest, and understand the searching parameters, but I'm still with Kablooey...it's not there. mjp303

The Five Senses: BALANCE

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

2TF @ 8am. I had the kids help me solve this puzzle since I didn't want to over think it. [;)] They found it straightforward, so I think you can say that it is 'kid-tested, and, gauging from their interest in several of the pictures, 'kid-approved'. [8D] After finding the cache, I made a 7-rock stack. I can see that this little exercise will likely get competitive, so I may have to come back and try for something a bit higher! Thanks, and I'm looking forward to the next edition in the series! mjp303

Play Ball II

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

What a great place to meet! Here's to many happy days to come! SMILIE mjp303

California Ave. Art

By: Rain734 Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.0 Container: Micro

Thanks for the tour of California Avenue! Except for a BA employee who was assigned to harrass people who parked in their lot accross from stage 5 (I had decided to do the series backwards), it was quite enjoyable. I quickly found alternate parking close-by and jumped into the task without missing a beat. It appeared to me that you could have added several addtional stages to this cache, but I appreciated being able to just enjoy those without anything to figure out! mjp303

Sep 9, 2006

Tao of Bykenut

By: Capt Tong & the Jungle Mock Rangers Difficulty: 3.5 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Micro

Once I got some clarification on the puzzle from another cacher, I was able to solve it. On approach, we ran into atc (Nice to meet you! SMILIE). My coordinates had me zeroing in the neighbor's backyard, but we found the tell-tale signs soon enough. Being a large container, I brought the boys along, and they weren't disappointed! Ted traded for the medal, John for a mini eightball, and I exchanged TBs. Thanks for a fun adventure, and, happy belated birthday!

Stanford_Wasteland

By: jfost & Tim_n_Kris Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Small

A quick and simple find. After locating the container, Ted, 6, declared, 'Dad, that's not a small cache!' I'd tend to agree. [;)] We'd left the kiddie swag bag in the car, but I was able to scrounge a pin out of my fanny pack so that he could trade. Thanks. mjp303

Geocachic Park

By: Mannard & Ahdorabell & KinQue Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Regular

Yeah, somthing's messed up here. I answered the questions (...correctly, I'm pretty sure...) and the new coordinates directed me to a spot 15' away. So, not a multi, not a large, and not a 2.5 star terrain. Nobody's signing on the flash card, by the way. There's a 'log sheet' in the cache now, probably placed by a previous finder. I know I was confused, so thanks for sheddding some light on the situation. We did enjoy the rope swing over the creek though, and will be back for another hunt when things are straightened out. SMILIE

CAUTION DUANE HOPS BROADWAY

By: woody666 Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

Nicely done! This one had me going in circles! I hope it lasts. mjp303

Sep 6, 2006

RWC Dome

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

A little caching after the unevent tonight with vaccine and rjb2001. This was a new twist on an old theme! TFTC. mjp303

Grapes of Math

By: Roman 8:28 Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

I'd seen this vineyard before. It's kind of an oddity in such an urban area. Thanks for bringing me back for a cache! I traded coins.

The Five Senses: TASTE

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

Nice view! My favorite tastes are in the savory category, shrimp, cheese, and grilled steak, although spicy tastes are pretty good too. One of my favorite dishes that combines the two is Thai curry: red, green, yellow, it doesn't matter, they're all good. There's a really great Thai resturant on El Camino in San Mateo called Chao Praya. Thanks for a great series! mjp303

Sep 4, 2006

A place to recharge

By: ChrissySkyking + Blaze Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

We're headed home from a Labor Day adventure. Thanks for the creative hide! mjp303

Are We There Yet?

By: Arse & Hemi Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Micro

It's still pretty early into our trip home. Everybody knows we're in for the long haul...I sure hope we beat the rush! TFTC. mjp303

The Cinder Stone

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

We'd stopped here 3 days ago on the way up the mountains, but I forgot to check the GPSr. [:(] On the way back, we decided to eat across the street just for variety's sake, and I didn't miss the second opportunity to snag a cache. SMILIE mjp303

BLUFF FALLS CACHE

By: RideRide Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Regular

We found this cache after finishing up our Labor Day weekend of camping. There was plenty of evidence of recent activity at the campsite, but fortunately we didn't disturb anyone. A great waterfall view! Thanks. mjp303

Sep 3, 2006

Highway or Backway

By: crowshoot/floflower Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Regular

I was pretty bamboozled until I reread the cache description. It seems my head was tilted in the wrong direction. [;)] Thanks. mjp303

Snowmobile Park Cache

By: Vader Spade Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 2.5 Container: Regular

We weren't going to stop, but one of the kids suddenly had to go. No dice. [:(] ...but I suppose the summer months are kinda slow. TFTC! mjp303

Eskimo Hill Cache

By: Vader Spade Difficulty: 1.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Regular

On our way to hike a place with no caches, and I was getting the DTs! Thanks for the quick fix. mjp303

BIG BEAR.

By: BIG BEAR. Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Regular

We enjoyed the little bushwhack to find this cache. Thanks for getting us off the beaten track! mjp303

Rocky Ridge

By: KARJAM Difficulty: 1.5 Terrain: 1.5 Container: Regular

This cache was an interesting study in contrasts! The first half cool and dark; the second sunny and hot. What an interesting place, and a cache to top it all off! Thanks. mjp303

Sleeping Giants?

By: S.A.R 29 Difficulty: 2.0 Terrain: 2.0 Container: Regular

On our way to hike Cinder Cone in the park, the possibilities of this view point were too enticing to pass up. Thanks for the little hike and the chance to use the spotting telescopes. We overshot the cache a bit and started to search a little ways down the hill, but then adjusted after checking the terrain rating. On the way out, we saw the bumper sticker on a truck that read: 'I'm not a hippie, and I'm not a cowboy. I'm a mountain man.' Perfect! Thanks. mjp303

Sep 1, 2006

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