Compared to the balancing of stones that some people can do in the world I would class myself as a complete amateur. I started off in May with just stacking some stones on top of each other. I’ve managed to advance to actually balancing stones on their edges, and getting two or 3 on top of each other. But that is about as far as I have got.
I like it so much that I thought it might be a good idea to introduce the pastime to my fellow Geocachers. So here we are an event balancing stones. I’m not expecting much from anyone, just for you to come along and give it a try.
A worn down brick which I balanced on Cramond Island recently
So the event is going to be held on Cramond Island on Sunday the 14th September 2014. The safe crossing times are from 10:46 hrs to 14:46 hrs. If you are still on the island at 14:47 hrs then you run a severe risk of being cut off by the incoming tide. The next safe crossing time isn’t until 22:57 hrs, so I and especially the Coastguard don’t want anyone to get cut off. So here are the timings for the event.
11:15: Meet at the above co-ords and enjoy yourself.
14:00: Group photo at the above co-ords, hopefully with a few balanced stones in the picture.
14:15: Leave the island, this allows a safe 30 minutes to walk the approximate 1km back to the main land. Anyone who feels they can’t cover that distance in that time should leave early. The onus is on you to get back safely, not me as the organiser.
I thought I would introduce some etiquette to the event:
- Please don’t touch anyone else’s balanced stones. It can take a while to get them balanced and can be frustrating if someone touches them and they fall down.
- Dogs and children are most welcome, but please keep dogs under control and children supervised. The reason for this I refer to the above point and below safety points.
Safety:
- The event is being held on a tidal island. I have checked the tide times provided by the Coastguard. Before heading over to the island I encourage everyone to double check the timings which are displayed at the start of the causeway, and ensure that they get themselves off of the island in good time.
The RNLI rescue about 100 people a year from the island, please DO NOT add yourself to that statistic.
- The area which the event will be held at is as you would expect covered in rocks. This would mean that you would need to use caution whilst walking over the rocks. Sturdy footwear is strongly advised.
- Yet again children are welcome, but I wouldn’t describe Cramond Island or the event area a safe place for unsupervised children. If you bring children with you please keep a close eye on them. The event area is also close to the water. But it is also very close to a mostly sand beach, which would be suitable for them.
- I’ve used the term balanced stone a few times in the description. For those that are unsure I shall elaborate on what that actually means. Any balanced stones are by definition UNSTABLE!! So they are likely to fall at any time. Please be careful whilst around any balanced stones.
Inclement weather:
Of course we can’t plan for rotten weather on the day. It’s not fun doing something like this in the rain, and it is extremely difficult doing it in the wind. If we have unsuitable weather, then I shall make a decision in the morning on whether to cancel the event or not, please either watch the listing or post a ‘Will Attend’ to get updates.
If we are there and the weather isn’t good then I shall call an end to the event at approximately 12:30 hrs. Pointless staying about if no one is enjoying themselves.
Other than that, I hope to see you there.
Edit to add a link to the photo's taken on the day, they can be viewed here.