A quick look at the Geocache website identified a cache in the middle of nowhere, about eight miles from home and I was off leaving my conscience behind.
I knew the going would be rough upland, wet walking, so after the recent controversy about footwear on this blog I hypocritically wore my boots.
I thrashed across the rough terrain more like a Chieftain tank than a Willis Jeep. The cache was hidden up a steep hillside amidst gorse, and with hardly any feature to relate it to. The GPS on my iPad Mini with Memory Map was satisfyingly precise, as were the coordinates given by the cache originator. The location provided extensive views to the west to Blackpool and across to the Lakeland hills.
I picked up another two roadside caches afterwards and was there, and back home in under three hours.
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For the last couple of days Blogger seemed to have discarded the slide show facility when you "click to enlarge", but things seem to have returned to normal today. What ever are they up to?
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| Geocache map of my locale. I live in Arnside (red dot, middle left). The cache I did today is the yellow circle top right hand coner. Yellow circles are the ones I have done to date. |
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| Looking back to my parked car |
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| The cache was amongst the gorse on the hillside |
There is something Middle Earthian about the last 4 photos. My favorite of the four is the skeletal, gnarled remains of what once must have been a truly majestic tree. For some reason, I imagine it to be the framework over which were stretched great skins or hides, forming a shelter for a small tribe of ancient humans.
ReplyDeleteI think it might be time for me to go to bed - my imagination is running away with me. Thank you for stirring it up for me.
Hello Conrad. When my alarm on my 'phone went off this morning it was immediately followed by another alarm as an email arrived telling me that you had posted something on your blog. What a delightful way to greet the day.
ReplyDeleteAs for putting off tasks, my propensity for doing so has resulted in quite a long list of things to do many of which may, with real determination, remain in this state for a long time to come. Judging by your photographs and account of your walk and Geocaching exploits, your decision to head off out was the right one.
Incidentally, my comment on the 'footwear controversy' was tongue in cheek. I wear shoes (Keen Targhee II,)whenever I can and lightweight boots (Keen Targhee II mids)otherwise. I'd only wear heavier boots if I anticipated steep snow where proper crampons would be need.
THE Crow - Long may your imagination continue to develop Martha. It is a delight.
ReplyDeleteI saw your comment just after getting into bed (I take the iPad mini with me because I usually do a crossword in bed and use the iPad's dictionary), and it also notifies me when new comments arrive on the blog. I reckon our time differences are probably a day apart than so close.
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Afoot - Hi Gibson. That all sounds a macho way to greet the day; I prefer to ease into daylight more gently, but I'm glad you you are suited with the email/comment facility.
I had not heard of the Keens. Are you a long standing enthusiast, and are there any particular attributes that you favour? I am on my second pair of Merrels with Gortex lining and Vibram soles. They are excellent, except that the harder black rubber part of the heal wears down quite quickly to expose softer, yellow cushioning below, but you can still continue to wear them for ages after that.
My, you are getting to be a serial geocacher. Those shots of the trees are excellent btw.
ReplyDeleteAlanR - Geocaching is just a means of providing a focus for a walk, but then you find it takes you to places OF INTEREST that you would never otherwise have visited. As I also lean towards cryptic crosswords rather than Sudoku the frequent puzzle element appeals.It all fits in with my mission "to make things happen".
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