With the addition of Mudstone Ranch (the parks non-motorized hiking, biking and equestrian trails), individuals without a 4x4 vehicle will have a designated area to hunt for caches. As always, we will include our walking cache challenge in the back half of Area 5. Unfortunately, due to the size of Area 5 not all the GZ locations in the walking cache challenge will be uploaded to geocaching.com.
Event page coordinates will lead you to the entrance gate at Area 5. Waypoint coordinates will bring you to home base within the event site, where registration, lunch and raffle will take place. We will also be updating our bookmark listings to provide participants an opportunity to view all caches owned by Hollister Hills SVRA, to further your geocaching fun.
"Please note: Based on past years of this event we know we cannot guarantee cell phone coverage or gpx file loading success on cell phones. It is advised not to count on using your cell phone with a cell phone app for this event. The GPS coordinates can be provided in hardcopy as part of registration if needed, but a GPS device is recommended. If you still want to try your cell phone, please bring your cell phone USB cord and laptop, and know how to load a gpx file to your phone for use with your phone geocaching or mapping app. We can provide the gpx file to you for loading. Once the gps devices are loaded we may have a laptop available for cell phone users to use for downloads, but cannot guarantee success or timely departure at event start."
Registration is dependent on having a GPS unit. Only one (1) registration logbook for field use will be provided per one (1) GPS unit. Registration will be from 8-9am. Coffee and other morning beverages will be available complements of Hollister Hills Off-Road Association (HHORA). Geocache search will take place from 9am-2:30pm. We encourage you to stop by home base at 12pm to enjoy a free hot dog lunch complements of HHORA.
Logbook will include all pertinent information needed regarding our Geocaches. Puzzle caches will have all directions found on the cache page included in the logbook with space for solving equations or taking notes.
To be eligible for the raffle at 3pm, participants must meet at home base no later than 2:30pm. One (1) raffle ticket will be given for every one (1) qualifying cache found. Only those caches listed in the Official 2015 Geocache Bash Logbook are considered qualifying caches. A completed walking cache challenge is worth seven (7) raffle tickets.
With space in the Upper Ranch for new caches almost empty, I will be archiving various caches this year. Additionally I will be doing much needed maintenance leading up to the event to have all existing caches in tiptop shape come September. Concerning Mudstone Ranch caches placed in this area will be archived 1 month after the event.
It is the policy of Hollister Hills District Staff to encourage positive use of park land and its many natural resources. Geocaching can be a positive recreational activity when practiced following established conditions and procedures. While Geocaching within Hollister Hills SVRA be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, as well as other park visitors.
Also, be aware of erosion and the impacts you have while Geocaching. Please stay on all existing roads and trails. Park your vehicle so that there is ample room for other vehicles to pass (when possible) while being aware of not driving over any vegetation or off trail. Be aware of poison oak and what it looks like year round. Also, be aware that there are ticks and snakes at Hollister Hills SVRA. We encourage participants to continuously check yourselves and other members of your group for ticks and to be cautious of snakes when near tall grass. Enjoy your time in the park and Happy Geocaching!
Please respect the park hours of operation, which are sunrise to sunset. Be aware there is a $5 dollar park fee, which can be paid at the front kiosk when coming to geocache at Hollister Hills SVRA (for this event we will be waiving the fee for all registered participants). Lastly, if you are interested in placing your own geocaches, please review our geocache policy here at the park by clicking on the link. (visit link)