geocaching Archives - ETB Travel Photography

A Day in Waikiki, Hawaii

Well, I was right, 3:30 am rolled around and so did I. I was certainly a bit restless for the next two hours. I finally got up at 5:30 and went down to the coffee shop just before 6. It wasn’t open…hmmm. Then I remembered I needed to geocache! I’ve cached in every state but Hawaii and Alaska. According to my app, there was one hidden less than a quarter of a mile away from my hotel, Waikiki Marina Resort at the Ilikai and across from Fort DeRussy Park. This is one way to spend the wee hours of the morning during a one day layover in Waikiki!

TAKE A LOOK!

The Rockies: Hiking Up Chief Mountain

So Kelley, a girl I’ve met a few times through a Texas friend, organized a group to hike Chief Mountain this weekend. We were all grateful for her research, as it takes some work to pull a hike together. I took a quick glance at a post on the web about Chief Mountain, located northwest of Evergreen, just so I knew what I was getting myself into, and the person claimed she took all her flat lander friends here because the hike was so easy. I feel sorry for her flat lander friends! It was short, only two miles round trip, but the beginning elevation is 10,670 feet and the summit clears 11,700. Gaining 1,000 feet in one mile at that altitude is anything from flat and easy, especially when you’re 41 years old and following a bunch of guys in their late 20’s!! I was certainly feeling my age as I was resting with a few other girls and they were climbing nearby trees, boulders, or running through the snow. We went too fast for me to break out my good camera, but the iPhone can snap some good shots once in a while!

we had a poacher in the girls’ photo

The trailhead is across the street from mile marker 18 on Squaw Pass Road, marked by a stake. It isn’t very noticeable. The trail winds up through the trees where it eventually crosses above the timberline offering magnificent views of the surrounding snow capped mountains. At times, we faced brutal winter winds which blew Kelley’s hat right off her head! We looked forward to each turn that put the wind at our backs!! To my surprise we found a Bureau of Reclamation Benchmark at the summit. I looked it up on geochacing.com to see if I could log it, but it was not recorded…seemed odd! We gobbled a few snacks at the top, but it was quite chilly, so we turned for a quick walk down with our poles and traction devices. My Yaktrax were still broken from the day before, as we started our hike before REI opened at 10, but I’ll be ready for next weekend! ETB

Fallbrook, California

Well, after an 8 month hiatus from blogging, I am back! I almost don’t remember how to do this, despite positing every day for a year!

I just recently took a weekend trip to Fallbrook, California to celebrate my dad’s cousin’s 60 1/2 surprise birthday. Many of my dad’s cousins, who I met for the first time on my trip around the USA, came for Bill’s birthday as well, so it was like a family reunion! We enjoyed a nice dinner outside in Bill and Pam’s backyard with beautiful weather.

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Day 212 – North Dakota Sampler (Part 2)

Day 212 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

I failed to mention some interesting sights yesterday, the first being during long waits due to road construction. As we were all waiting for the flagger to wave us on, it was mostly truckers and me, I was debating rolling down VANilla’s window and turning off the engine.

As I glanced toward the driver side mirror, I noticed a trucker, probably mid forties, brown hair, sunglasses, periwinkle blue T-shirt and jean shorts step out of his cab, sidle into the space between his cab and trailer and assume the position necessary to relieve himself. I thought surely this isn’t the case. But as he looked from side to side and turned back toward his cab while zipping his fly, my suspicion was confirmed! Not too much further up the road, as I entered the town of Alexander, I was greeted with a billboard listing the Ten Commandments! Anyway, it was an interesting day.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!

Day 127 – Red Rock Country Part 3

Day 127 of Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Today Petey and I spent the morning geocaching in Dead Horse Ranch State Park. We found five of six caches placed around the park. Most of them were near the lagoons which was definitely the most picturesque part of the park. The caches ranged in size from micros to medium sized containers. We found a film canister, a magnetic key holder, two hard, plastic latchable containers the size of a pound of sugar, and a large vitamin bottle that was well camoed. They were hidden under rocks, in trees, and attached to benches.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!

Day 11 – Scenic Southeastern Ohio

Day 11 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

As I drove through Southeastern Ohio last night, I now understand why the campground was so hard to find at Hocking Hills State Park. As opposed to having a main entrance to the park with all the attractions inside it, the park is separated into six areas which are named for the attraction. Consequently, Cedar Falls had its own area as did Ash Cave and the other attractions.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!