Cachers!! It's time
again for the Bertha Brock Park "Cache-o-rama"!
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When: July23rd-24th, 2005. Campers will be arriving as
early as the 21st.
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Where: Bertha Brock Park, Ionia, Michigan. http://www.ioniacounty.org/bbpark/index.html
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Why: To enjoy the camaraderie of fellow cachers, and
participate in events both during the day and night, related to caching
and enjoying the outdoors.
It's time once again for the now 3rd annual Bertha Brock Park Cache-o-rama!
This year we've got additional help, and plan on having activities during the
day on Saturday, as well as the now infamous 'Night Cacheing'. I got a lot of
enjoyment out of planning last years, and intend to make this one every bit as
challenging and fun. In addition, we've teamed up with Team Ndorfn to share
the workload, so even those who can only come for day and/or night events
should enjoy their time.
Bertha Brock Park is a lovely county park located in Ionia, Michigan.
It's a rustic campground, pit toilets, and running water available. (Think:
You'll be walking a bit). They've made numerous additions/improvements to the
park this year, including increasing the amount of available campsites, some
located quite a distance from the main camp. The above link will take you to
their website, and the manager Nicole, will be more than happy to field any
calls, reservations, requests. This park has been wonderful to us and
for us in the past, and I'm sure this year will be no exception. Those of you
with trailers will want to contact Nicole. The one site from last year that
would fit a tow-behind is spoken for, however with the addition of more sites,
there may be more trailer-capable camping available.
Events for the day are still in planning stages, but it most likely wont be a
higly regimented event. I received a lot of feedback last year on how nice it
was to relax and chat with others, without too many hoops to jump through. We
had events, but it was a tad casual. Look for the same this year. There WILL
BE night caching! For those of you unfamiliar, basically I look for anything
visible solely by reflection or glowing, and hide numerous caches throughout
the park. Hunting for these commences at the official sunset Saturday night,
or later, cachers choice. Boots are advised, as well as headlamps, frs radios,
and icepacks.
There will also be a potluck dinner Saturday night. This has become one of the
most favorite parts of the weekend, and any and all dishes are welcomed. Keep
in mind, no electrical power is available at 'basecamp', so propane, fire, etc
is advised. We'll start a list as the days grow closer, as to who's bringing
what.
Added thoughts: Frs radios are a BIG hit at this event. Channel 2 is
utilized, and coverage throughout the park is typical. Bug spray was rarely
needed last year, but advised. Chairs...folding, etc, will be needed.
Usually have quite a campfire crowd, and hopefully a bit of locally provided
music too. This is an alcohol friendly park, however this is a family event.
So no need to worry about the kiddos, we've been able to manage just enough decorum
to have fun AND not make it R rated.
More to follow, Thanks!
*** Disclaimer: The
coordinates of this cache get you in the park, but there is no actual cache
located at those exact coordinates. Also, the night caches are event only, and
not gc.com caches.
Agenda for the weekend
Friday,
July 22, 2005
Friday
night social 5
- ????
(optional)
At
base camp.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Registration
At
base camp.
Registration
will include name tags, bug drop table, signature item table, weekend cache
coordinates.
10:00 am - ???
Cacheing
There
will be several “weekend caches” for this event.
Information in regards to these caches will be given out at
registration.
***Everyone will be on their own for lunch. If you get finished with
the weekend caches that are placed in Bertha Brock Park, there will be a
list of local cache coordinates for you to venture out and try.
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Closest to the Pin
Directions
and sticks for closest to the pin available at registration.
6:00 pm
Pot Luck Dinner
Another
annual tradition is our Saturday pot luck.
If you have never been able to attend before, make sure to bring your
appetite. If possible, post
what you are planning on bringing. This
is not a requirement, but is helpful to everyone else.
This might be a great time to pull out the dutch oven and try a new
recipe!! Or, better yet, a
seasoned old recipe.
6:00
pm - Dusk
Social Hour
This
is a great time to get to know other cachers and share stories.
There is always a good time to be had and normally some great
entertainment also!!!
Dusk
Night Cacheing
Coordinates
for the night cacheing will be handed out AT DUSK….not before.
If you were able to participate in the night cacheing last year, you
know how different it is from cacheing during the day.
If you weren’t able to participate, you are in for a real treat!!!
SOMETHING
NEW!!!
Remember
when you were a new cacher?? Remember
all of the questions you had?? If
only you had been able to find a “veteran” to give you the answers you
were looking for….. This year
at the Cache-O-Rama, we would like to make that happen.
First,
we need the “veterans”. If
you have been cacheing for a while now and would be willing to help us out,
please email Team Ndorn (teamndorfn@comcast.net)
to sign up today. We will be
providing the Veterans with different colored name tags to identify who they
are.
Second,
we need new cachers. It
doesn’t matter if you have never cached before or have a few under your
belt!! If you have questions
and never knew where to find the answers, this will be the place for you.
Just make sure to look for the Veterans….they will be waiting for
you!!
We
want everyone, regardless of experience, to join us at this year’s
Cache-O-Rama for a GREAT TIME!!
