This is #2 in a series of East Bay caches designed to give newbies a bit of experience with cache sizes & traditional hide styles, and to privide a quick find for those with more experience. Berekeley Aquatic park was created by the WPA between 1935-1937, and is a long, linear 100-acre area used for walking, picnicking, birding, disc golf, and biking. Nearly 68 acres are water so there is also a lot of opportunity to boat! In addition, there's a great playground for kids, so bring them along for this cache. If you're an experienced cacher, you can stop reading and start caching! If you are new, read on for more info.
This cache is between the path and the water, and the name gives a hint as to where you'll find it. This cache is a "small", which means it's big enough for swag. It's not huge though, probably 4" x 4" x 2.5' (I should have measured it!)
The idea with swag is you take an item and leave an item that's as good or better. People leave things like stickers, magnets, marbles, keychains, tiny compasses, tokens, pins, foreign coins, small toys, whistles, homemade bracelets and pretty much anything you'd like to find! You don't need to participate in the swag exchange; you can just sign the sheet if you prefer. There's a log sheet and a pencil in the cache but it's always a good idea to have a backup pen or pencil with you.
This cache has what we call "natural camo" over it; think leaves or twigs, anything you'd find nearby that will keep the cache out of sight. Always be careful when you put your hands into anything--maybe grab a stick to poke around rather than reaching in. When you replace the cache, add the natural camo back over top of it. If you see garbage around and want to make things better for the next person, take a piece with you to toss out! We call that CITO (cache in, trash out). You'll also want to be a bit stealthy when you look, as "muggles" (non-cachers) will likely be nearby.
Take a look at past logs and photos, as well as the hint, if you need more help. And you can message me if you want another hint!
Happy Caching!