Yuma Mega Event - The Pre Game Show

The Yuma Mega Event 2013 was a super hit when it comes to geocaching events.  But we must not forget everything that leads to the BIGGY event day.  We had the The Warm Up Before The Warm UP, and then there was the Warm Up Event; what a super fun place Z Fun Factory is.

For this weekend, I was accompanied by two early teen boys.  Needless to say, a bunch of old farts, standing around talking about the biggest fish cache they had found, was just a bit worse than boring.  Next year I think I would like to plan a side event that is geared around this age of kid.  Anyway - thank goodness for game rooms and go carts.  I maintained Super Grandma rating, yet another day.

Someone was wise enough to place us in the rear of the park, putting a bit of space between this group and the 'normal' population.  I am not too sure what the final count was but the sign up sheet was pretty impressive.

 The wind was chilly but that didn't stop the crowds from gathering around the Buzzards Cove Cantina sharing stories and catching up on the events in their live over the past year, since the last Yuma Event.

 I always seem to get pics of other people taking pics.  And I don't even try. 

Geocachers excel at holding up walls, especially in windy conditions.  And here is the proof.  One guy here is multi-tasking; holding on his had while supporting the wall.  Such talent we had here today.

Now tell me something, please.  Is this little girl not going to be the most beautiful geocacher when she grows up?  We will have to keep track of her.

Daniel Hunt, better known to all geocachers as The Raven from Ravenland, may share stories of caching, but doesn't spill any secrets about his amazing caches.  The Raven is known for his unique talent of cache development.

Team Lookin Good are being true to their name.  Here they enjoy a few moments with SchnauzerQueen and sharing their path tags.  I was lucky enough to score one of them also!

One thing that was on my mind while I was looking around - and tell me that you didn't think about this also - what fun it would be to hide caches in this water park!

 

 Last but not least - a perfect gentleman to send us off to an evening of night caching.  

Oh My! How You've Grown !

I bet that is what Little Red Riding Hood is saying right about now.

Check this out -

Yuma Event #9 in 2012 - 460 attended
Yuma Mega Event #10 in 2012 - over 900 to date.



How is this happening?  I wonder.  I would be willing to bet that there will be Geocaching event organizers from all over the United States, calling S*W*A*G* / Robert McNeese for tips on how to have a really successful event.

Here's my question - really - how did this happen?

I am wondering if I can get a show of hands.


How many newbies ( as in never attended the Yuma events ) are coming to the event because it became a Mega Event?

How many attendees are bringing family and friends who have never been to this event in the past?  After all, it is very much a family friendly event.

Here is a big question - how many are attending because SchnauzerQueen will be hosting the chicken dance?  (I know of a few that can't wait for that one)

And last but not least - who is going to show up in an attempt to win the farthest traveled prize?


Answer/comment if you like.  I am totally serious when I say that I would like to know.

A little bit of info here -
This is the first ever Mega Geocaching event in Arizona.  Nevada has never had a Mega event, but does have one planned later this year.  And, as large as California is, it has only had two Mega events.

Any surprise that Robert McNeese is walking around with that 'proud as can be' smile on his face?

Cachers At Firehouse !

     The second event for me on this International Geocaching Day was at Firehouse Subs in Mesa, Arizona.  Once again, I am amazed at the turnout. Cachers packed the place for hours and filled much of the outside seating also.

    This event was hosted by Team Evil Fish.  I am not too sure how he had the time to organize this one since he has a great weekend event coming up in 7 days.  Way to go Evil Fish.

     I only got a couple of photos and those were thanks to Penni, aka SchnauzerQueen. 

 

One thing that you know for sure is that the OCB would not have been there is Team 360 was not in attendance.  Kinda makes for a special night.  

Photo Album for Saturday, August 4, 2012

     I suppose the easiest way to get the pics out to everyone is to just post them in an album of sorts.  Lots of smiling faces on cachers and dogs alike, at  Queens' TB Rods and Dogs Meet and Greet. 

     Here's a bunch of pics taken by Bailie, aka WeenieQueen, and myself; also photos that have been shared on Facebook.  If anybody has more that they would like to share, it is never too late.   Enjoy !

McCarthy guys with D Force Dale

ShadowAce the human TB with Penni Parrish - SchnauzerQueen

Team Bugman and Team ShadowAce families

One of the McCarthy men manning the grill.

Sort of looks like 'coins by the pound' !

Penni with Ashton (I think that is his name)

SchnauzerQueen's family, here to support with her very first event.

A second album will follow shortly.

It Was A Family Affair

     I will give SchnauzerQueen for pulling off a great event. Queens' TB Rods and Dogs Meet and Greet was such a great success. But more than anything, I love that it was such a family affair.

     Georgia, no aka but Penni's Mom, Penni Parrish aka SchnauzerQueen and little sis, Bailie aka WeenieQueen.

Ray Parrish of Team Tucson Bass Player aka Penni's dad and Bailie again, munchin' on some juicy watermelon.

Sara, aka Sunshine Sara, and our family bud for the past 45 years, with Bailie.   Love the foo foo drinks and the fact that Bailie pops up most family pics.

Sara, Ray Parrish, and myself, aka BeachBounde34.  Thanks Bailie, for getting me stuffing my face.  Then again, may have been difficult to get me not eating.  There was a ton of great food. 

And our Hostess, Penni, SchnauzerQueen

2 Days and Counting

     Cache Queens' First Annual Rods & Dogs Meet N Greet, in Tucson, Arizona, is  just two days away  -  who's gonna be here?  When she first started talking about this event she was saying that she thought there would be a dozen or two people attending.  Well guess what !  I think she has numbers approaching 40 or more.  It's gonna be a great 'first' event.

      Here is how the SchnauzerQueen describes her event -

Central located  Park Event.  Meet N Greet event.  Slap a leash on your TB pet, load up the family in your TB wagon, and haul your booties down to the park to enjoy a Tucson sunset with other cachers.

Ah yes, SchnauzerQueen's first event!  Yahooooooo!!!  From the sounds of it, we have a lot of AZ Cachers with TB Pets(spouses count!) and TB Vehicles.  Why don't we all have a casual meet up at the Park and log some love for these TB's!

Coordinates will bring you to a covered ramada with parking close by and a dog park right across the parking lot!

EVENT WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, AUGUST 4th, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

This event will be a TB Car Show and TB Pet Discovery.  There will be a Discovery Table for everyone kind enough to share their Travel Bugs and Geocoins for others to enjoy!

I am looking for feedback on contest ideas:

Dirtiest Travel Bug...Oldest Travel Bug...
TB with the Most Discoveries...Longest Distance Traveled...Ugliest Travel Bug...Prettiest Travel Bug???  

Potluck Style:  Hot dogs and some cold drinks will be provided.  Other goodies welcome too! EDIT 6/30/12 If you plan to bring something please edit or add to your log so we dont have a bunch of mustard (thanks for the tip Black Cat)

     So - there you have it.  The only thing I would add is that you may want to bring an umbrella; if not for the shade, the possible rain.  Check back on her site to see if there are any last minutes changes; and of course, to let her know that you wouldn't miss it for the world ! 

     Just a little note here - I am wondering if it would have been more appropriate to BBQ chicken at a 'dog' event.  Sorry puppies. 

    

 

Caching Family Tree

     About the time I think Geocaching is a free choice, I lay out the facts and realize that caching is either contagious or inheritated. 
Either way is just fine with me. 

     Less than 2 years ago I went on my first cache, thanks to my Niece, SchnauzerQueen.  Today our caching family has grown to some impressive numbers.   Take a look at this family tree!

     And it all started with the Queen.

TB Rods & Dogs Meet N Greet

     It's countdown time in the Tucson area.  SchnauzerQueen is organizing and sponsoring her very first event.  The Queens' TB Rods & Dogs Meet N Greet will be held at a dog friendly park in central Tucson.  I am not sure what sort of surprises she has in mind as far as challenges, games and prizes but I am sure it will be great fun. 

     This is a family friendly event and even if you don't have a Tb Dog or a TB stick on your vehicle, you are more than welcome to attend.  I believe she is only asking that if you a rain stick that you use it to bring in the clouds and cooler weather and please hold off on the actual rain until the bbq is done and the charcoal is cooling off. 

     Go to the Geocaching page for the event info or you can find Penni on her facebook page also.   Weather you live in the area, like a little road trip or just passing through, stop by.  And if there is anyone who has never Geocached in their life, this is a perfect time to come by and find out what it is all about.  I am sure there will be plenty of cachers with lots of stories and advise to share.  Best thing - you don't have to belong to a club, be a member or pay any kind of fees.  It is just a fun thing.

   





 Mark your calendar - 14 days and counting

Safe View of Fang-tastic Roadside Attraction

     Does the name give justice to this cache?  I don't think it does.  Fang-tastic sort of sounds like a cute little play on the word 'fantastic'.  Tho this is an exciting and fun cache, there is an intentional scare tactic here.  This little sign tells a better story.

The Fang-tastic Roadside Attraction is even more deceiving with the word 'roadside'.  Who are they kidding!?  It is located on something more like a path, pretty much due East of Tombstone Arizona.   Since I have not been to this cache yet, I only have the word of SchnauzerQueen, who made it there this past winter.  From the pics that I found on line, and the ones SQ shared, I would say what she had to say about this location is right on.


Let me share with you the description that is on the Geocaching site.

An outdoor museum of oddities and artifacts by the side of dirt road leading to a ghost town.

A hand painted sign along Gleeson Road points down a dirt track: "Two scenic miles to Rattlesnake Crafts and Rocks." It'd be a tourist trap, if there were any tourists here. It'd be a roadside attraction, but Gleeson's not much of a road. What it is, though, is a fun and worthwhile trip to an amazing combination open-air museum and gift shop filled with items crafted from rattlesnake hides.

The creators and curators of Rattlesnake Crafts, John and Sandy Weber, granted us permission to place a cache within their display of Western antiques and oddities. The ammo box looks right at home amongst the milkcans, kerosene lanterns, rusted license plates and eccentric metal sculptures. We chained it to a post in the shade under a wooden shelf, but didn't otherwise hide it. Spend the time you save looking for the cache exploring this fun place.

When you visit, remember your camera; you'll regret it if you don't! Rattlesnake Crafts is open daily dawn to dusk. There's no charge for admission, though there are items for sale in the gift shop.

     Southern Arizona is not the most cache populated area in the U.S. but it has, by far, some of the most intriguing and creative caches I have ever seen or heard of.   Fang-tastic Roadside Attraction looks like a perfect place to visit, during the winter, when most good snakes are sleeping.  Make a weekend of it by staying in Tombstone at one of the quaint B&Bs or extend the creepiness of your trip by staying in the world re known and haunted Copper Queen Hotel.