For anyone wondering how many came to the
event on the day - the official head count is 392 - but I'd place
it reliably around 400 folks as I know of at least 2 families who
just signed in as a single log! A FANTASTIC day for me and from
what I read and have been told in person... most of not all who
attended!
The Event
The Big Apple is of course the nick-name for New York, the
financial capital of the United States, so it is fitting that
Swansea's Big Apple should be a Geocoin themed event - so bring
your Geocoins and Travel Bugs along to perhaps aid them in their
journeys, or allow others to see and discover! The published
location will have a table with several areas labelled with
missions. Any left over at the end of the event will be transferred
over to the main Mega event in the Brangwin Hall the following day
(and possibly to the camping event in the evening).
The Location
Bracelet Bay is a fantastic family location - there's a nearby
play area for children here and this location could also be used as
an ideal starting point for a number of family walks around the
South Gower coast, or indeed back to Swansea along the prom.
There are a number of kiosks, shops, a Café / restaurant nearby
should you choose not to bring your own picnic and water bowls will
be provided for dogs. Please note that dogs aren't allowed on the
beach itself during summer months - but are welcomed in the
surrounding areas.
As well as being an award winning beach (patrolled by lifeguards
in the summer months), the bay is considered an area of Special
Geological Interest and is close to Mumbles Hill Nature Reserve,
Mumbles Pier and other picturesque locations such as Mumbles
Lighthouse so there's plenty to see and do!
The Big Apple...?
You really can't miss the iconic Mumbles Big Apple on the way to
the event location and the recommended car park for the event is
close by. One of a number of such structures built around Wales and
South West England in the 1930s to promote a cider drink, its
believed to be the last of its kind in the UK (by quite some time)
but even today serves as a kiosk, selling drinks and snacks to
customers.
The Big Apple was nearly destroyed by
a car crash in the summer of 2009 and it was only then realised
that its unique cast concrete structure would make it very
difficult and expensive to repair. However, with its removal
threatened, large local support and a huge Facebook campaign
ensured that this well known and loved local landmark was repaired
and lovingly brought back into commission by its owners, who also
also own the nearby pier.
Just a suggestion - why not post a picture of yourselves at the
Big Apple as part of your attendance log? 
The Tide
The tide plays an important role in what you can and can't do in
the area. Specifically, whether you'd be able to reach the caches
that have been placed out on the nearby Middle Head and Mumbles
Head islands (where the lighthouse is located).
The good news is that the tide is at
its lowest during the event (low tide being predicted at 12:44pm)
so access to these locations (at your own risk) is open throughout
the event.
The... how to get there?
By car:
There is a large pay and display car park at Bracelet Bay.
Charges are:
| Up to 1 hour |
£1.30 |
| Up to 2 hours |
£2.50 |
| All day |
£5.00 |
All surrounding roads are controlled with yellow line
restrictions. There is limited free street parking down in Mumbles
and Oystermouth, but be prepared for a walk of about a mile and if
approaching from the Mumbles direction, a steep climb (I don't
recommend following the road - walk to the Pier and head up
there).
By bus:
There are 2 buses per hour from Swansea City Bus Station
(adjacent to the Quadrant shopping centre) that run along Swansea
Bay - First Cymru 2B.
By foot:
If you wish to walk there, there is a series of steps that lead
from Mumbles Pier to the location (finding Mumbles Pier should be a
pretty easy visual exercise from anywhere around Swansea Bay I
hope!).
