This early post is to allow everyone to mark your calendars for
this outdoor get together. RAIN OR SHINE! Coords are approximate
until I can get out to locate "Ramada A", which we have reserved
from noon to 5PM. I understand electric is available in that
ramada. I believe bathroom facilities are pit type. I will furnish
details in the next few days, after I get out there. No special
events or games are planned at this time, but may be added as we
go. You are completely on your own for food and drinks. I will
check the alcohol policy and post later. The main purpose of this
Event is Meet & Greet, with picnicing available as you wish.
Excellent hiking abounds. There are a few nice caches within the
park. We have several new cachers in and around Casa Grande, and it
just seemed like it's been a long time since we've assembled in
between the Metroplexes, so come on out and HAVE SOME FUN! More
later......
UPDATE/REVISIONS 1/22/09: MODIFIED 1/23 and 2/2:
1.Coordinates have been corrected to: N32° 59.649 W111°
41.819.
2. Ramada changed from A to B; 8 large concrete tables and a
nice open area to mill about; no electric; 1 charcoal grille; pit
toilets not too awful. (see photo)
3. Info: The only restriction on beverages is NO GLASS CONTAINERS.
No ATVs allowed in park. No off-road driving. No camping. Fires in
designated areas only. Bring your own wood...NO FIREWOOD SCAVENGING
ALLOWED. Bring charcoal & lighter if you'd like to use the
grille. You'll probably want aluminum foil as well. You may want to
bring toilet paper and hand cleaning supplies. Lawn chairs are
probably a good idea too.
4. Activities: We already decided to add one....a 5-card Poker run.
The preliminary course laid out is a .83 mile hike over easy
desert. Entrants will be asked to donate swag to populate the ammo
can that will be given away as first prize to the winner. There
will likely be a 2nd and 3rd prize as well. We also expect to have
a few door prizes. Poker Run and Door Prize entries must be turned
in by 4PM; prizes awarded at 4:30. The Event log will also be
hidden. You MUST find it and sign to log attendance at the event.
Travel Bug swapping is welcome and encouraged.
Watch for more updates.....
Update 2/10 - Beginning time advanced to 11AM to allow a little
more time for lunch before the REAL FUN begins.
Update 2/14 - A few years ago, a similar picnic event was held
at this location, and a special puzzle cache was placed by Team
Dodge Podge called Pick a Peck of Puzzle Pieces (GCJ8FY). Thanks to
Team 2002, who adopted it, it is still active and close by. The
only difference now is that you don't have to go out looking for
the pieces.....they are given on the cache page. We have printed
out one set in raw form that will be made available to everyone,
but somebody will have to cut out the pieces first. Bringing
children along? Maybe bring a scissors too?
Update 2/18 - Besides putting out the Poker Run caches and the
Event Log, today I positioned 3 new caches in North Mountain Park
to be released in time for the Event. Be sure to update your Pocket
Queries just before you come out. If things work out, Scott from
Roping the Wind hopes to perform a hot-air balloon FLY-IN to the
event! No promises, but be sure to bring your cameras just in case!
The possibility exists that the legendary and priceless 56K Modem
TB, new-in-the-box will be looking for a new owner at the Event.
That is, if Desert Vols show up. You sure don't want to miss a
chance at having this baby for a while! I'm gettin' EXCITED....I
hope that you are too!
Update 2/21 - Please be sure to make your first stop the
Registration Desk, where you will sign in (NOT THE EVENT LOG), get
name tags if needed, get door prize tickets, sign up for the poker
run if desired, and get necessary "stuff" if you do. We are asking
for at least one QUALITY swag item per team from Poker Run
participants to add to the ammo can for first prize. Any excess
will be added to the 2nd and 3rd prize containers. We also have
several door prizes, but if anyone cares to add to the pile, we
would welcome your donation.
One brand new cache in the park is already active, thanks to
Geckoses. The 3 other new ones that we have placed will become
active Sunday morning, thanks to superb cooperation for release
timing from Roadrunner. We will post printouts for these at the
event, just in case you somehow miss them.
The weather promises to be absolutely perfect. It's gonna be
FUN!