Once
again it's time to join your fellow cachers for a day of
caching activities in one of Ionia County's most beautiful
parks!
Yes, it's time for the 6th annual Bertha Brock Park
Cache-O-Rama!
Bertha Brock Park is a beautiful rustic
campground located near Ionia, Mi. We've come to love this park, as
have most who've ever visited. While the event is only for a
day, camping can be for longer, and many will show up days ahead of
the even and stay for a day or two after. Keep in mind, no water or
electric at the sites, but water can be toted to your site and
there is now one flush restroom facility with running water. Even
the ladies can't find a reason to hate this place!
So, what can be expected at BBP VI? This years activities will be a
little less structured, but ourselves and PocketCacher hope to have
enough to keep the groups busy. One of the nicest things about this
event is the lack of time structure, and the large amounts of time
left for socializing. Those just coming for the day (day trippers)
will be happier if they schedule a later arrival and departure, to
partake in the patented (not really) night caching!
Saturday evening is also when the potluck dinner takes place,
always lots of unique dishes, and Dutch Oven chefs, this is your
time to shine! I'll once again be making my award winning
chili for the potluck.
Park info can be found here Bertha Brock
Park . The
park typically does not take reservations, but will make an
exception in our case. Contact them via email or phone for
reservations, and be sure to mention you’re part of the crazy
geocaching group. The park manager is aware we’re headed back
again J.
Also, the park is not
large camping trailer friendly, but we do have a trick or two if
you contact me. We cannot hold many large campers tho. There is a
9foot clearance issue to deal with but it can be overcome with
advanced notice.
The events of Saturday will be fairly
self-serve. Early birds will find everything they need at our
campsite #22. There will be coordinates for the closest to the
pin, coordinates for the multi, and coordinates for caches in
the area. Prizes are still vague at this point, but if I get
anyone to volunteer gifts that’d be great!. For those new to
geocaching, at the campsite will always be a volunteer or 3 to
help with any questions, advanced caching tips, or whatever
you’d like.
The days schedule looks like it will break down like this.
Arrivals are welcome at any time, but earlier than 10am and you may
get to see me in my pajamas.
10am. til 2ish. Registration. At Registration you'll be given
the coords for closest to the pin, and for the 12 stage multi
cache. Depending on turnout, we may have another surprise or two in
store. Those with FRS radios, at this point I'd encourage your
bringing one. It may be the only way to find a cache.
12 Noon. Lunch. I'll be eating. Those who want lunch should
pack a picnic lunch. A grill will be available for use if
needed. Social time begins.
3pm. Judging of the closest to the pin. Prize(s)
awarded?
4pm ish. Cooking begins. Social gathering continues. Fish
stories start being told.
6pm ish. Potluck Dinner. This is a great time. Lots of
great food, and a nice time to get to know your fellow cachers.
Often we see names on logs, but rarely have time to meet the
people. This will be a nice opportunity to get to socialize and
swap caching stories.
Nightfall. Upon official sunset, coordinates will be given out for
the night caching. During this time a campfire will be going at
basecamp also, so if you're not a night cacher, you can still hang
with those of us at the fire. For those of you who will be
night caching, I recommend a flashlight (headlamps work best), bug
spray , and believe it or not, I'm obligate to say, SHOES. Barefoot
caching at night is discouraged, and I will not be bandaging any
knarly toe injuries (again). :)
After night caching, some prizes may be awarded. These are usually
in the white elephant range, but it also depends on who chooses to
donate prizes. Years past there have been some really nice prizes
donated.
Well, that's about it for the event. I know many people like
to have a structured time scheduled event, so that's what is above.
This event tends to lend itself to a lot of socializing, evening
campfires, and an all around good time. While this is a family
event, alcohol is allowed and is consumed by some. We've never
gotten out of control, and I've never heard a complaint about
conduct. We're here for fun, not partying. (sorta)
Information on the Potluck
Dinner.
A potluck dinner is where people bring
enough food for themselves and a few others. By following this
idea, we'll all eat like kings. Plates, plasticware, cups, are
usually available for those who forget, but please try and bring
what you'll need to eat. Most times people have extras, for those
who forget or leave something behind.
I'm going to split things up as follows, with much flexibility
allowed.
Those with names that end between the
following letters, are suggest to bring the following items. It is
in no way written in stone, just a suggestion for those who don't
know what they'd like to bring.
A-F Pop/Juice/Water or other drinks
G-K Chips/Snacks
L-S Main Entrees
T-Z Deserts
If you choose to bring something outside of the above
list, that is fine. It's used as a suggestion only.
Hope to see you all there!!!!!
The Denvernators and PocketCacher.
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