I hear you asking "Gary, what the heck is an Uncoordinated Cache???"
Simply put, it's a geocache without any means for you to determine the exact coordinates to find the container!
I've always been intrigued by the Letterbox Hybrid geocache type. It allows for a subtle variation in the usual methodology we employ in our search for the elusive container. With that comes the possibility of taking a cacher on a "Magical Mystery Tour" of sorts (yes, I am a Boomer, if you didn't know already!) where I, as the cache owner, have the ability to send you to and fro in a seemingly willy-nilly manner only to justify it as a means for you to find out more about this well-maintained little community park. So without further ado here are your letterboxing-style instructions:
- As you stand at the posted coordinates you have Nanoose Avenue to your right and Newcastle Avenue to your left. If you were standing here about fifty years ago most of the homes you see beyond the park's edge did not exist because that subdivision was just being created in 1974, and the land that was to become this park sat mostly undeveloped and received little recreational use for decades.
- Walk east to the gravel path and turn left, heading southeast along the path. In 2011, residents teamed up with students of the nearby secondary school to create a vision for a revitalization of Nicholls Park for the enjoyment of the neighbourhood and to benefit the memory of John Leonard Nicholls, long-time teacher and administrator for this region. The official re-opening and dedication of Nicholls Park recognized and celebrated the difference these students and neighbourhood volunteers made in their community.
- Walk back up the path to the concrete pads near the centre of the park. The most recent upgrades to the park included a dedicated irrigation system to the twelve newly planted trees, the pathway crossing the park, new garbage cans painted with art from the students and two new picnic tables on some of those concrete pads.
- The cache you are looking for is a small container that is magnetically clinging to a metallic object not far from where you are standng. You will likely need to take a knee to reach it. The log is RITR paper so bring a pencil in case it happens to be wet. Most pens do not work on wet or damp paper.
I hope you enjoy this little history lesson, and you come to appreciate both the inspiration and perspiration of the residents and the students who worked together to make this park a delightful little surprise in the neighbourhood. (Park history courtesy of City of Parksville website)