I set out today to find as many letterbox hybrids as I could. Not only is this geocache a letterbox hybrid, it’s a travel bug mansion, too, which made it top of my list to find.
I found the mansion without any problem - it’s rather hard to miss - but I could not open the lock. I triple checked that I had the correct code, entered it forwards and backwards and upside down. Nothing. I’m pretty sure one of the ghosts that haunt this mansion was messing with me.
I initially left, discouraged that I could not check into (out) the mansion. After running a few errands and picking up some sage tea (known to ward off ghosts), I returned to try again. At first, the lock (or the ghost) was uncooperative, but I jiggled and wiggled it and tried again. Finally, it opened! And I am so glad it did.
I have never seen a travel bug resting place this large, clean, and well organized outside of Geocache HQ in Seattle. There was a container stuffed to the brim with fantastic swag, and another container filled with... rain hats? Seems like a super thoughtful swag gift for visitors unfamiliar with our mercurial weather, especially come summer.
I went straight to the log and letterbox stamp. Once I had that part sorted, I sat down in the courtyard and opened the travel bug container.
Inside, I discovered that the Boo's Haunted Travel Bug Mansion Volleyball Tournament was in full swing; organized, no doubt, by Team Borrel36 (TB61F56). Duck Borrel’s team included a dinosaur (TB1D232) and a kangaroo (TB54XCM). The opposing team was a Raven totem (TB4TYQX), an alien (TB16XEP) and an actual live tree frog! Traveling Pen (TB33JFY) was cheerleading from the sidelines. They are at the mansion recuperating from their FOURTH pen makeover.
I had such fun meeting the rest of the current residents of the mansion, too! I traded hiking stories with LPNC Travel Bug (TB4KM7A) and pondered the Mystery @ Museum Coin (TB9DP77). Cory was still resting up from his journey (TB9FVWR), so GCC Spy Geocoin (TB1V3RA) and I took a Stachie (TB86VTF) and Waved That Flag (TB40AY7) like it was the fourth of July!
When it was time to leave, I gave Kevin a starfish hug from his Dad and made sure he knew about the “Little Free Library” just across the street near the mailboxes.
All in all, it was a very lovely visit to a very lovely geocache. Thank you jbean!