A fitting number of this cache, given it's based on a cache I hid for my 40th birthday. Now, to find it:
Make your way to N51° 5(i+g).m(l+h)(n-o) W000° 58.(j-k)(f-k)g using the info below:
You begin your tour near my childhood home on Queen Catherine's Road in Steeple Claydon. Although I moved here aged 2 from Wicken (once site of my The Wicken Man cache) it's the first home I remember. It's safe to park on the road outside Chaloners Public Library, where you'll find various dates: 165f - 18g1 - 19h2 - 200i and a range on a battered barometer, from 2j to 3k. Continue a short way to the east, where you'll see my old house; a dormer bungalow on your right. Its number is lm. On your left is the old village pump - accessible in my day - with a post next to it with 'n2' on it, plus a o on metal. You're now equipped to find this Micro cache.
* The series was started by SmokeyPugs, and I am grateful for the original idea and their encouragement in expanding the series.
If anybody would like to expand to this series please do. I would just ask that you let SmokeyPugs know first so they can keep track of the Village Sign numbers and names to avoid duplication.
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Former site of LB00-1971 Life Begins. The info below relates to that incarnation of this cache and is out of date! Left here for your reference if you found this version of the cache. You MAY relog it though!
Short description: The Life Begins cache series is an autobiographical trail set to celebrate - if that's the right word - my turning 40 in November 2011. Don't forget to answer the question in red on the log and make a note of the number! You should get four chances to get each figure in order to find LB40-Bonus!.
This series: 41 caches in a tour around Steeple Claydon, adding up to about 8 miles on various surfaces. Very little on-road but some pavements and metal kissing gates to pass through. A couple of stiles too. The series is mostly on footpaths so would be fine for dogwalking but dodgy for cycles, although almost all of it would be possible by bike. The railway sections are tough for a pushchair, I'm told. This GeoCacheTrails.com review by The K9 Crew gives an idea of what you'll see along the way. They picked the right day in March to tackle the series!
This cache: You begin your tour near my childhood home on Queen Catherine's Road in Steeple Claydon. Although I moved here aged 2 from Wicken (once site of my The Wicken Man cache) it's the first home I remember. It's safe to park on the road outside Chaloners Public Library, where you'll find various dates: 165f - 18g1 - 19h2 - 200i and a range on a battered barometer, from 2j to 3k. Continue a short way to the east, where you'll see my old house; a dormer bungalow on your right. Its number is lm. On your left is the old village pump - accessible in my day - with a post next to it with 'n2' on it, plus a o on metal.
Follow your GPS to N51° 5(i+g).m(l+h)(n-o) W000° 58.(j-k)(f-k)g, a location symbolic of my birth, where the cache awaits you...
Biography: I was born at an early age, the second son of Michael Smith (1940-2005) and Jean Smith (1940-) and brother of Adam (1969-). Initially fond of gurgling and milk, it's often been remarked I was an angelic child who was "never any bother." Very little has changed over the years.
Wider world: 1971 was the year of decimalisation, A Clockwork Orange and platform shoes. The Nike 'swoosh' was born, Willy Wonker was in the cinemas and Clive Dunn got a number one hit with Grandad. The Liver Birds and The Two Ronnies were big on TV and Klackers and Space Hoppers ruled the streets. It was also the year of Sean Connery's last 'official' Bond film; Diamonds are Forever. Edward Heath was PM while Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin caused a stir with Je T'aime! Number 1 on my birth day: Slade's Coz I Luv You.
Where next: Follow the clear route (some paths not shown on maps) to LB01.
Caches in this series:
LB00 : LB01 : LB02 : LB03 : LB04 : LB05 : LB06 : LB07 : LB08 : LB09 : LB10 : LB11 : LB12 : LB13 : LB14 : LB15 : LB16 : LB17 : LB18 : LB19 : LB20 : LB21 : LB22 : LB23 : LB24 : LB25 : LB26 : LB27 : LB28 : LB29 : LB30 : LB31 : LB32 : LB33 : LB34 : LB35 : LB36 : LB37 : LB38 : LB39 : LB40 Bonus!