Muggles and MiGO

I don't know why the term "Muggles" irritates me as much as it does.  The label, is used to refer to non-geocaching people, or those folks who are calling the police because you look like you're up to something.  Now, I'm not suggesting you gear up like Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible, just be aware of who is around you. It is a good idea to have a couple of people around who can warn you as Muggles (shutters) approach.

Now on to more pleasant things........MiGO!

For the past eight years the Michigan Geocaching Organization has partnered with Huron-Clinton Metro Parks to give geocachers an opportunity to explore parks in their area.  Having lived in Michigan all my life, it blew my mind to realize how much I've missed. Playing the 2011 Geocaching Adventure has opened the doors to many gems hidden within an hour drive from our homestead.  Anyway, the MiGO game has 11 caches hidden in 11 metro parks.  You find the caches, locate the keywords hidden in the cache and mark it on a word search (that can be downloaded from the MiGO website). You only have until December 31st to complete the search and turn it in, so there is still plenty of time.

Wanting a true adventure, we decided to hope in the car and just pick a park or two to explore.  Where did we chose? Going in "blind", we chose Indian Springs and Kensington Metro Parks.

Indian Springs is located in White Lake, Michigan, and turned out to be more than we could have asked.  First, the area is truly beautiful, but it was what we stumbled upon that made this trip more than worth it.  Upon entering the trails to head to our first cache, we had to walk past a rattlesnake habitate, yep, you read that right, rattlesnake habitate!  Of course you are strongly encouraged to remain on the paved trail, but you do walk through cautiously and quickly!

After coming out of the trails, we found ourselves on a path that lead us right to the waters edge. Truly breathtaking! Not ready to end our day out, we forged on in search of the sun dial located right next to the Nature Center.

Of course, a few residents came by to say hello! This is a great shot taken of a Sand Hill Crane we saw on our way to the sun dial. Way cool what you discover on a day of geocaching.

The sun dial was a fun discovery, and set to standard time. We spent a good 20 minutes playing with the time and teaching our son how people used to tell time years ago.  Needless to say, we had a blast interacting with this!

Our dear son posing with the most awesome sun dial ever!

Having spent several hours out in the heat, we needed to seek refuge and get us prepared for the next metro park.  Since we were right next to the Nature Centure, it made sense to cool off in there.  What we didn't know, is located on the third level was a tunnel that gave you an underwater view of the pond and the plants and animals that live there. What an amazing discovery and a great way to see the wildlife below.

a shot looking into the tunnel leading us under the pond.

Here is a shot looking up at the Nature Center under the pond. There is a fish just left of center:D

Our next park was Kensington, and I am sorry to say there were not nearly as many photos. Not that it was less beautiful, but more of the fact that we were exhausted!  On this trip was a first to find Waymark, an Eagle Project bridge located near the North entrance. I hope to have pictures of that on my next post. I don't want to overwhelm you with photos, lol.

MiGO has been a great way for us to check out the amazing things to see and do, and all within about an hour from home. 

Are you inspired to check it out? Let me know about your trip!

Happy Caching!

Robyn







Waymarking- a why the heck didn't I notice that before, kind of cache

Yesterday was Zoomance at the Detroit Zoo, a 21 and older event put on every year by the Detroit Zoological Society and staff of the Detroit Zoo.  It's an opportunity to stroll the grounds without children, and take your time to actually read the signs concerning the animals, with spirited beverage in hand. 

Having been to this particular zoo ever since I was a child, it was nice to explore the area in a whole new light.......Waymarking.

Waymarking is sort of like geocaching, where you head to certain areas with the use of your GPS, but upon reaching the location there are specific requirements you must do in order to "cache" in.  My dear sister in law, Elisa, made a spreadsheet with the 25 different waymarks within the Detroit Zoo we were to look for, and even put them in order following the layout of the zoo.  With our GPS, cameras and iPhones prepped, we were ready to try this new endeavour.  And let me tell you, we had a great time!

Our party consisted of myself (obviously), my dear husband Jere, my sister in laws and dear friends, Elisa and Lorna, my always entertaining brother in law, Corey and my poor father in law, Carl, who probably wondered why he agreed to be seen in public with such a ghastly crew, lol.

Corey and our first waymark, the Detroit Zoo water tower. This pic was taken about halfway through the zoo.

What I really liked about waymarking (this was my first attempt) was the fact that some of the "marks" were things I've been walking past for years.



Lorna, Elisa and yours truly doing a little see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil at the Rackham Memorial Fountain, a 75,000 gallon fountain that is a great meeting place or photo opt.  Also a waymark.



Waymarking is all about an assortment of things, from signs and buildings to memorial markers and totem poles, you are always on the lookout for something different. How many times have you passed certain things and never really noticed them before? Waymarking gives you a chance to not just find things, but to really look at them.

No, you're eyes are not playing tricks on you.  But what a fun way to look at the fountain at the Penguinarium. Photo brought to you by my Hipstamatic app.

As you can see, Waymarking is something different at every location.  You get to see things a little differently, investigate symbols of diverse cultures or remember the past through memorials or historic items.  This was truly a grand advenutre, and I cannot wait until we attempt another great trip like this again!

Upon our departure of The Detroit Zoo, is the original train used when they first opened.  How fabulous that the zoo kept it and brought it out to remind us where we started from, while the current train travels past it several times a day.  May we always remember where we came from, so we know where we are going!

So hop aboard the past, and learn a few things about our animal friends and make sure to support your local zoo!

I hope you enjoyed my first adventure in Waymarking.  There will definately be more to follow!

Happy caching!

Robyn









A Funny thing happened on our way to the Earth cache.......

  Sitting here typing this post, with my feet propped up on the Fourth of July weekend.  Propped up, not because it's a long weekend, where loved ones gather to celebrate our freedom.....but due to injury.  I guess I should start at the beginning, because this is such a ME story, lol...

  Since plans for a family picnic fell through, we decided to take a three hour day trip adventure to a small, but happening place.....East Tawas. The days plans were to geocache, spend some time in town, grab a bite to eat and play a game of golf at Hubie's Wondergolf.  Sounds like a dream!  The weather is beautiful, and despite a few hiccups in traffic, we made it up north.  Our first stop was to AuGras, a town about 18 miles south of Tawas, where there was a quaint quit shop and our first cache.

My dear hubby, our son and myself with the cache

It didn't take too long for my dear hubby to locate the cache and we took some time to retreat into the quilt shop to enjoy some much needed air conditioning (it was in the 90's yesterday). After a brief respite, we continued our trek into Tawas. 

  The next cache was a fun challenge near Tawas Bay, just off Lake Huron, near the town's Chamber of Commerce.  This was a bit more of a task, as we had to navigate several large rocks, with out falling.  After some time, and creative positioning, I was able to find the cache.  We were excited, not only to find another cache, but this one came with a free surprise from the Commerce--what's not to love about that?!?  Tawas Bay is also an amazingly beautiful spot, where several sailboats could be seen, and a blissful breeze came off the lake.  We took in the sights, enjoying every last possible moment, than went to claim our prize.  What did we get? Why, free coffee from the Village Chocolatier in town! Now, I know that drinking hot coffee in 90 degree weather does not sound like a refreshing thing, but the coffee WAS free, and was quite tasty.  It really did make the weather a bit more tolerable, and again, it's free (not too many place do that anymore).  We took in the sights of downtown East Tawas and roamed the whimsical shops along the way.....there really is a little something for everyone in the downtown area. 

 

   So we've only got one more cache to find, an Earth cache out on Tawas Point, inside Tawas State Park.  As mentioned in an earlier blog, an Earth cache takes you to a location, where you are to answer different questions about a particular spot.  Take some pictures, and forward the information to geocaching.com.  Sounds easy enough, and I love the area near the Tawas lighthouse.  We made it to the area just as a storm was coming in.  We kicked off our shoes and waded in the cool refreshing water.  Just as we were beginning to grab the info we needed, I decided to climb on a fallen log that was just less than ankle deep in the water.  Now remember, I am bare footing this thing.... well it started off well, until I found a slippery area on the trunk and slipped off. 

  Okay, I didn't just slip off, I scrapped the tip of my big left toe nail all the way down.  Trying to be the tough girl, I just tried to shake it off...."I'm fine, I'm fine..." as I try to regain some composure (and a little self respect). While trying to get out of the water, it dawns on me that my toe is bleeding.  NO problem, I'm in water, I'll just let it soak for a bit, than I'll be fine right?  The toe was bleeding a whole lot more that just a "flesh wound" and I needed to staunch the bleeding right there so I could make the little over a 1/2 mile hike back to the car.  With no medical supplies (mental note for our backpack now), we wrapped the toe with my sock and tied it tight with one of Jeremy's shoelaces.....what a guy!  Most of our party assisted me back to the car, while Jere and his sister, Elisa, made their way to finish the Earth cache.



posing with my geocaching medical field officer, Michele, and the rest of the fam.

  I am happy to say that I have survived the injury, although I'm pretty sure the toe nail is going to be toast.  We got the toe cleaned and wrapped appropriately, while Jere's sister's, Elisa and Lorna went into town to find a pair of flip flops---cause there was NO WAY I was getting my tennis shoe back on.  We had a great time, once the Tylenol kicked in, and was able to have an amazing dinner at Mr. Jack'ss, followed by our game at Hubie's---a tradition from my in-laws family trips.

Elisa's impression of Happy Gilmore, "the price is wrong, Bob!"

  Needless to say, this really was a Robyn moment ( you know it's bad when the Pharmacist from the local pharmacy chuckled).  What can I say?!? Geocaching with me is NEVER a dull moment, lol.  So, I'm sitting here with my feet propped up, not because it's a long weekend, but due to injury.

What's the lesson?!? Always where protection while navigating wet wood!

Happy Caching!

Robyn







First Facts

Since it is the first of the month, I have decided to put this day aside to share some words of wisdom for new geocachers.  These are things we have learned through experience.

First, it is a good idea to carry a backpack.  In it you may want to put the following:

     -Extra batteries for your GPS
   
     -Pens or pencils for signing log books

     -note pad (you may want to make notes about the caches you find)

     -swag items (small toys, pencils, erasers, etc)

     -*bug spray and sunscreen* You never know know where your search will take you, and you want swag souvenirs.....not ticks.

     -mirror and tweezers.  These items will help with locating and grasping caches with ease.

Most importantly...............................................................................................................

Make sure you wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty:

looking for a cache, not poetry in motion

Hoping everyone has a great Fourth of July weekend! Remember to fly those flags proudly.

Happy caching!

Robyn

Local Residents, part 2

A small blurb, with lots of pictures:D  Here are some of the residents we encountered while geocaching yesterday.

We found her while hiking to the very first cache of the day.  She seemed just as interested in us, as we were with her.

I was not properly dressed for this cache (should have worn jeans....mental note). "The Boy" and I explored our environment and saw what I believe is a yellow finch.  I'm surprised my camera got such a great shot.

Swans of a feather......

As you can see, we really got to enjoy the journey yesterday. Sorry for all the pics, but how can you choose just one?!?

Looking ahead at the future......I'm hoping to grab some fab pics from historical/interesting landmarks here in the Metro Detroit area. Hope you're willing to follow along.

Happy Caching!

Robyn







Local Residents, part 1

Today my family and I decided to geocach at a local Huron-Clinton Metro Park.  As the quote above mentions, the joy is in the journey, and boy did we have fun with this particular trip.  This was not a locate cache, log and move on...it was a "hey did you just see that?!?" kind of experience.  Although we have a TON of assorted photos, I wanted to share with you some of the pics from today.

This first picture was taken about half way through our trip--

My dear husband came within 10-15 feet of this beautiful creature, while searching for a cache that was no longer there (discovered that a bit too late though, lol).

While searching for the next few caches, we had a few firsts: Jeremy (DH) located a geocoin, an item with its own tracking number, so the owner can chart the progress (discovered that this particular item had already traveled 1500 miles!). And, the second, was taking on an earth cache, a unique way to see how our planet has been shaped by geological processes (geocaching.com). We obtained a few questions about this one pond located behind the nature center, and got some pretty amazing photos too!

It was fun to take some time out and really focus in on what we were looking at. I throughly enjoyed doing this earth cache, and hope we search for another one soon. We have about two weeks to find a new home for our geocoin, and are already pondering where the coin should rest.

I hope you enjoyed this trip with me!  As the title said, this is just part 1. I hope to have part 2 up shortly.

Happy caching!

Robyn

First cache

Okay, I am not the techie type, but I have been having a blast geocaching that I decided to try blogging our stories.  I hope you enjoy our adventures, as well as share your own.  Everyone I've spoken with has had a funny story to share.....

But, I guess I should give a brief explanation as to what exactly geocaching is:

To put is simply:  geocaching is an electronic scavenger hunt game (or sport, depending on how you play).  Players use coordinates to locate hidden containers, called caches, that are found locally and globally.

So, my family and I are at a Cub Scout event, and one of the activities is something called geocaching.  We decided to give it a try,  I mean, how difficult can it be?  We borrowed my father-in-laws handheld GPS unit, so very trusting on his part, and got the first coordinates to start the game.  Now mind you, this is our first scout event, it's snowing and, they didn't explain what we were looking for(the size, ect.)  So, we were heading out into the woods without a clue.  We somehow managed to get near the spot where the cache was hidden, and after 20 minutes of looking, finally found where the cache was hidden. The cache was located in the support pole of a totum near a firepit.  The support pole was a hollow metal tube, and attached to a screw was the cache.

My dear husband places his father's GPS balanced on the edge of the support pole.  Unfortunately, or over zealous 7 year old wanted to be "helpful" and get the cache for his dad. Can you guess what happend next?!? If you said, my dear son knocked the GPS down into the hollow metal tube, you would be correct!  We attempted to retrieve it with several willing cub scouts and boy scouts, but we had no luck.  It took several hours, and some very nice scout rangers with really big moving tools to get our GPS back.  Of course the battery was dead.  It was than that we knew we were going to LOVE geocaching, lol.

The following year, I got my husband his very own handheld GPS, and we have been having a blast finding caches, and all the adventures of looking for them (including sliding down a muddy hill, wearing beige capri's!).

I hope to share more adventures with you, including geocaching at some historic spots here in Michigan next month.  Hope you come along and see what awaits us, and see some really neat sights of the local Metro Detroit area! I promise to have pictures so I do not ramble on:D

Happy caching!

Robyn