SPRING BREAK 2012

"What did you do on your Spring Break?" As kids, we looked forward to the time away from school and homework. We looked forward to sleeping in, watching cartoons, or maybe the annual family trip. Spring Break also meant Easter and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Having just finished my Spring Break, I have to admit that the excitement of time off is still a HUGE thing! It was a great way to recharge my batteries and get ready for the final trek to Summer vacation (we'll ignore the fact that I work year round).

                                                 A shot near the Casino on Belle Isle

The two week long vacation began with a Geocaching adventure on Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan (seems fitting, as this is a caching blog). All the new caches for 2012 were released at the end of March, and several hundred of us took an opportunity to find as many as we could.  Happy to report we found about 23, with a few of them being from last years series.  We are hoping to make a few more trips between now and next spring to locate them all.

The next adventure took my son and I to The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, to see the Titanic Exhibit.  I wish I had more pictures to share, but due to licensing rules, we were prohibited. Here are the only few pictures I was able to grab. If this exhibit makes its way to your hometown, make sure you check it out! It may be a bit pricey, but well worth it in the long run.

                           Here is the line for the 1:15 Boarding of the Titanic Experience.

Lent/Easter is a VERY busy time for me, as I am extremely active in my church.  I always look forward to the hustle and bustle of Holy Week, and make it a point to get to one service everyday to prepare my heart for the joy that Easter brings.  The only non church thing we did this week was a service project for Cub Scouts. 

                             The Boy & his Aunt transferring Koi into the Japanese Garden


We again traveled to Belle Isle, where we helped transfer the Koi fish from their winter digs, which were under the aquarium (way cool!) to the Japanese garden, located next to the aquarium.  The kids and adults all had a blast, and are already preparing to help out in the fall, when the Koi need to be returned to their winter abode. A special thanks to the Belle Isle Aquarium for giving us the opportunity to help out. Afterwards, a few of us took an opportunity to walk through the Belle Isle Conservatory, as well as, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum.

The Belle Isle Conservatory, a unique opportunity to explore plants that are not indigenous to the United States. Walk through the aromas of other countries, without a Passport.










This swan used to be a floating attraction from Michigan's Bob-Lo Island--Detroit's favorite amusement park. Sadly, it closed in 1993.




Yesterday was my last day of break, and not wanting to stay home to take care of the things I really should have (you know, like an adult), I instead took the chance to go searching for art--okay, and a few geocaches. The Detroit Institute of Arts hosts an outdoor exhibit (along with several local cities), where replicas of famous paintings are displayed in... well, for lack of better words.....more unusual settings.  I decided to take a portion of D.I.A Inside/Out, and see what I can find.  Here are some of the portraits from the Eastpointe/Roseville area.  This trip allowed me to find eight pieces of incredible art, locate four more caches and allowed me to appreciate the things I normally drive pass in any normal day. Here are my top two favorites:

                 The top picture is entitled, The Nightmare, a painting from Henry Fuseli (1741-1825)
                                                                               and
                 the bottom picture is, Reading of the Story of Oenone, by Francis Millet (1846-1912)

So, for those of you who had time off of work: What did YOU do on break?!?

Share your stories here:D

Happy Caching,

Robyn

Cacher MIA

Like a cache that seemed to have fallen of the Earth, I have resurfaced.  Hard to believe that we haven't chatted since August, but that is exactly what has happened.  Since than, the school year started, we completed a few Fall caches and of course, celebrated Christmas.  The midget and I have also grown a year older, and somewhat wiser. 

It's been kind of a anti climatic Winter here in the mitten, as there was  just a little bit of snow--and VERYmild temps.  Now we are hours away from the beginning of Spring, and dreams of geocaching some more are dancing in my head.  So what am I waiting for?!? Actually, we have been caching off and on throughout the Winter, and even nabbed 8 tonight after dinner. That's one of the many things I love about geocaching! You can do this hobby 24/7.......as long as you pack the right supplies.


Tackling a geocaching challenge

So, what have I been up too????

We have had the pleasure of attending a few Meet and Greet events, where other crazy geocachers get together and meet face to face, sharing all their best caching stories.  It is nice to be able to start putting faces with caching names, although truth be told, I've only been to one of these events.  Unfortunately, the local M&G happens the evening I have another engagement.

So, what are the future plans????

We are looking forward to the Geocachers Potluck and cache release in a couple weeks on Beautiful Belle Isle, located on the Detroit River--across the way from Canada.  So far, over 300 cachers will be there to eat, fellowship and searching for all the new caches that will be released into the wild for the 2012 season.  We have been tackling many of the 2011 caches, and hoping to finish those off while looking for the new ones.  Maybe we'll get our very FTF (first to find).
The family is also preparing for a few geocaching themed camping trips--so needless to say it's going to be a very busy Summer!  The midget will also be preparing to put together his first cache to hide, so hopefully we'll have some fun stories to share about that one.  Right now, we are working on the theme, so stayed tuned!



The Mighty Midget looking for a well hidden cache--still haven't found it:o/

My darling hubby admiring the surroundings of Belle Isle, Detroit, Michigan

Happy Caching!

Robyn

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