View Full Version : Finally ... !



softball29
07-22-2010, 04:26 AM
It 'twas about a year ago when I hopped on these forums in anticipation of a big caching trip to Maine that eventually fizzled. I put it on hold as others backed out and thought ahead.

Then I find out this year that I have reached a milestone year at work and get an extra paid week of vacation! Being I was told mid-year, it it going to be hard to take it all at once, so I'm plotting and plotting.

I had two choices (I adjunct teach at a college, so my only true options are leaving mid-afternoon on a Thursday and leaving Monday...)

Seattle for a power run to the trifecta.
or
Maine

Being a photographer as well, I have pretty much decided I am heading to Maine in either late September or mid-October. I have two weekends, but I have to wait to see which one I can get off at work.

I'll probably be going solo on this trip, so I'm looking forward to it. Basically I am going to cache my way up to Portland on the first night, then get up early that Friday and head to Bar Harbor, where I'll stay through Monday morning. I'm looking forward to the big Earthcache in Acadia (if anyone in that area has been thinking about doing that and some of the others, please let me know and maybe a few could get together and do these?) and just being able to relax for a few days in that area.

That Monday, I want to drive down Route 1, hitting some caches of course, go to LL Bean in Freeport, then continue my way home.

I'm hoping for a stress-free weekend and maybe the chance to meet some cachers. If anyone is planning any events for late September or mid-October and they are in that area, I'll keep an eye out to maybe meet some people!

Now I just have to hope nothing goes crazy before the trip. =)

CARoperPhotography
07-22-2010, 11:16 PM
Well, we have plenty of caches up here.... you could probably do 500 or more in a weekend depending on how many days you have. And I think you could do it solo. Thats how dense Maine is for caches.

softball29
07-23-2010, 02:22 AM
Not sure I will be looking for 500 caches! I'll be happy with 50 or so! ;)

I'm looking forward to it, as long as the time off from work is approved. I haven't been to Maine in several years and will look forward to going back with caching in mind!

CARoperPhotography
07-26-2010, 01:43 PM
Not sure I will be looking for 500 caches! I'll be happy with 50 or so! ;)

I'm looking forward to it, as long as the time off from work is approved. I haven't been to Maine in several years and will look forward to going back with caching in mind!

Why do 50 when you can do 500? ha ha ;-)

brdad
07-26-2010, 04:03 PM
I'd rather do 5 that were memorable than 500 that I'd forget!

Of course, even remembering 5 is a chore for me...

CARoperPhotography
07-26-2010, 05:01 PM
I'd rather do 5 that were memorable than 500 that I'd forget!

Of course, even remembering 5 is a chore for me...

I'd rather do 500 that were memorable, than 5 that were done just do do a few caches.

brdad
07-26-2010, 05:19 PM
I'd rather do 500 that were memorable, than 5 that were done just do do a few caches.

Exactly! I just need to find out where the 500 memorable ones are!

Actually, that could be a neat event game - provide the cache name and detailed location of as many of your found caches as possible in 5 minutes.

dubord207
07-26-2010, 05:19 PM
I'd rather read one log about a cacher having fun than 2 cachers trying to one-up each other!:p

CARoperPhotography
07-26-2010, 05:31 PM
I'd rather read one log about a cacher having fun than 2 cachers trying to one-up each other!:p

Well said, Danny boy!

shuman road searchers
07-26-2010, 06:48 PM
I'd rather read one log about a cacher having fun than 2 cachers trying to one-up each other!:p

Have you actually had a log that was more than TFTC?!

WhereRWe?
07-26-2010, 07:05 PM
Have you actually had a log that was more than TFTC?!

Sheesh! I don't know about you, but we've NEVER had a log entry that was simply TFTC. :p:p

brdad
07-26-2010, 07:24 PM
Sheesh! I don't know about you, but we've NEVER had a log entry that was simply TFTC. :p:p

I've gotten a few on Old470, but I have given it more than I have gotten it. :rolleyes:

shuman road searchers
07-26-2010, 08:01 PM
Sheesh! I don't know about you, but we've NEVER had a log entry that was simply TFTC. :p:p

Never have written one or received one?

Ekidokai
07-27-2010, 12:35 AM
Never wrote one. Wouldn't know how to spell it anyway.

Gotten many many many.

merenner
07-28-2010, 10:06 PM
Hey Softball, here's no better reason to host an event than an out of towner meet and greet. I'm in Portland and be more than happy to host.

-M

softball29
08-24-2010, 02:12 AM
Hey Softball, here's no better reason to host an event than an out of towner meet and greet. I'm in Portland and be more than happy to host.

-M

Just getting to starting to plan my trip as I have the dates (I believe) OK'd for work. My goal is to actually spend one night in Portland on my way up, but not sure when I'll hit the area. Probably 8ish or so on a Thursday as I want to try and get a few caches on the way up! (As this point, it looks like it will be Oct. 14). Let me know if you wanted to do something that night and I'd make sure I got to where I needed to by a certain time! (I think I'll probably even have a few of my pathtags still left to bring!)

Thanks for the thought, too, it's always nice to meet locals when caching in certain areas!

I'm hoping the next day to head to Bangor, check out the one covered bridge there and do a few caches, then head to Bar Harbor by mid-day so I can check into my hotel, do a few caches, eat and get a good night's sleep so I can spend two full days in Acadia before heading home Monday via Route 1 (and, of course, cache my way home!)

brdad
08-24-2010, 06:13 AM
If you're talking about the Morse Bridge in Bangor, it has been replaced with a footbridge. It is still a decent stop, but it is no longer a covered bridge. It's probably time I updated my covered bridge listing, too!

hollora
08-24-2010, 09:33 AM
There is a covered bridge at the Cole Land Transportation Museum - along with a Geopost Office and cache.

softball29
08-24-2010, 01:51 PM
If you're talking about the Morse Bridge in Bangor, it has been replaced with a footbridge. It is still a decent stop, but it is no longer a covered bridge. It's probably time I updated my covered bridge listing, too!

No, I was talking about the one above Bangor a little. The Robyville one. Isn't there a cache there, too?

I thought I read the Morse Bridge burned down? Is the footbridge covered, too? I might stop anyway. =)

I love finding the covered bridges when traveling. I'm lucky enough that I have three historical covered bridges within 20 minutes of me.

softball29
08-24-2010, 01:52 PM
There is a covered bridge at the Cole Land Transportation Museum - along with a Geopost Office and cache.

Is it an historical covered bridge or a newer one? What's the GC number for the cache? I'll try and put it on my list. =)

brdad
08-24-2010, 03:22 PM
No, I was talking about the one above Bangor a little. The Robyville one. Isn't there a cache there, too?

I thought I read the Morse Bridge burned down? Is the footbridge covered, too? I might stop anyway. =)

I love finding the covered bridges when traveling. I'm lucky enough that I have three historical covered bridges within 20 minutes of me.

My wife and I love the covered bridges as well, though they seem to increase our DNF count!

You are correct, the Morse bridge burned years ago. The footbridge is not covered. The stream is a little slow not, but it is right in town and easy access from either side most days.

Yes, the Robyville bridge is 15 miles northwest of Bangor via Broadway/Rt. 15. The cache thre is still active.

Robyville Bridge (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=363cbf5d-0e35-4f14-bcba-f97c1b18c6c1) (GC1P43J) by Moonsouth (http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?id=2177383) (2/2)

The bridge hollora mentioned is at N 44 47.093, W 68 48.343 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=N+44+47.093,+W+68+48.343&sll=44.78467,-68.805658&sspn=0.009534,0.01929&g=N+44+47.093,+W+68+48.343&ie=UTF8&ll=44.784668,-68.805656&spn=0.001192,0.002411&t=h&z=19). It is a modern built bridge, but built like an old one - Less than 10 years old?). It was never used for road traffic. The museum is nice to visit as well if you are ever in the area with time to spare. The cache near it is Geo Post Office and Travel Bug Hotel, Bangor (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=cc4ed238-81d1-4269-9091-c24cff388f5a) (GCWEN7) by We3Beans (http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?id=229086) (1/1.5)

Thanks for reminding me of that bridge, Hollora, I should add that to my list.

merenner
08-30-2010, 09:29 PM
Probably 8ish or so on a Thursday as I want to try and get a few caches on the way up! (As this point, it looks like it will be Oct. 14). Let me know if you wanted to do something that night and I'd make sure I got to where I needed to by a certain time! (I think I'll probably even have a few of my pathtags still left to bring!)

Thanks for the thought, too, it's always nice to meet locals when caching in certain areas!

Well, it'll be a super busy week, but I'll put something together

softball29
08-31-2010, 01:46 AM
Well, it'll be a super busy week, but I'll put something together

Way cool. I would love to meet some Maine cachers on this trip!

srbunker
09-07-2010, 03:59 PM
Hey Softball, if you don't mind me asking where do you live in upstate NY? I live there as well. Would one of the 3 historical bridges be Perrine's Bridge in Rifton? The cache near Perrine's was my first smiley!

softball29
09-09-2010, 11:20 PM
Hey Softball, if you don't mind me asking where do you live in upstate NY? I live there as well. Would one of the 3 historical bridges be Perrine's Bridge in Rifton? The cache near Perrine's was my first smiley!

I'm more upstate -- near Oneonta. I haven't done many down your way, I don't think.

merenner
09-26-2010, 10:05 PM
Softball, I've lost your e-mail. Let's discuss the 14th

softball29
09-28-2010, 02:08 AM
I sent you an e-mail earlier tonight. :-)

Mapachi
10-02-2010, 12:29 PM
Hey! For some quick park and grabs at pretty spots, don't miss out on any of the Maine Rose series! I've enjoyed every one I've found!
Bound to be some "Pretty Picture" moments.

softball29
10-13-2010, 02:27 PM
With the weather as it looks for this weekend (argh!) I am thinking about just sticking around the Portland area for a couple of days, then kind of going down to southern New England for a day or so.

I'm just not in the mood to travel the remaining way up to Bar Harbor to get soaked all weekend (well, Friday and Saturday... I had been planning on leaving there Sunday when the weather looks like it could be OK), so I'm trying to see if there any "must-hit" caches in the Portland area (besides the oldest in Maine -- that's on the list already!).

And for those of you who live in Maine, does the weather look as bad as weather.com is showing? Or should I risk it and stay a few days in Bar Harbor?

brdad
10-13-2010, 03:03 PM
It's not looking great from what I have heard, but the weather forecasters here have been known to be wrong on many occasions.

lexmano
10-13-2010, 03:12 PM
With the weather as it looks for this weekend (argh!) I am thinking about just sticking around the Portland area for a couple of days, then kind of going down to southern New England for a day or so.

I'm just not in the mood to travel the remaining way up to Bar Harbor to get soaked all weekend (well, Friday and Saturday... I had been planning on leaving there Sunday when the weather looks like it could be OK), so I'm trying to see if there any "must-hit" caches in the Portland area (besides the oldest in Maine -- that's on the list already!).

And for those of you who live in Maine, does the weather look as bad as weather.com is showing? Or should I risk it and stay a few days in Bar Harbor?

It is nicer on deck at Novare Res, but inside works just fine also.

hollora
10-13-2010, 03:22 PM
This is the link (http://wxweb.meteostar.com/search/getweather.php?locid=67889)I use to watch the weather coming into an area when I am on a trip. You can type in the town and state in the upper right corner to get the forcast/radar for any area.

Depending on how the storm tracks - things could change. After all the planning this is a shame but hopefully you can make the most of it.

WhereRWe?
10-13-2010, 03:33 PM
This is the link (http://wxweb.meteostar.com/search/getweather.php?locid=67889)I use to watch the weather coming into an area when I am on a trip.

I usually use Weather Underground (http://www.wunderground.com/US/ME/Solon.html). :D:D

softball29
10-13-2010, 08:34 PM
Agreed that it would stink, but I'd rather make it smaller scale and maybe go around the Portland area and up Route 1 a little and stay there for a few days then be in a situation where I'm miserable because the weather stinks in Bar Harbor. If it's bad and I can't see the views, it's tough.

I'm kind of going to take this one on the fly. Going to Portland for sure tomorrow. No hotels beyond tomorrow, but Priceline can be my best friend. I'll watch the weather and make some decisions from there! :) I'm sure Portland can be fun. :)

hollora
10-13-2010, 08:57 PM
Agreed that it would stink, but I'd rather make it smaller scale and maybe go around the Portland area and up Route 1 a little and stay there for a few days then be in a situation where I'm miserable because the weather stinks in Bar Harbor. If it's bad and I can't see the views, it's tough.

I'm kind of going to take this one on the fly. Going to Portland for sure tomorrow. No hotels beyond tomorrow, but Priceline can be my best friend. I'll watch the weather and make some decisions from there! :) I'm sure Portland can be fun. :)

And go up the highway to Eartha (DeLorme) and get the caches up there. CoinVault it new and very cool!:D

Enjoy your visit!:)

softball29
10-13-2010, 09:27 PM
Do you have GC numbers for those caches? And any other suggestions for the Portland area?

brdad
10-13-2010, 09:33 PM
What in the World Cache? (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=788865f5-5d08-465d-8b62-4eca70ad99ec) (GC6D43) by Ghosthunter (http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?id=52133) (2/1)
Team DeLorme Coin Vault (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=062b184f-b97e-4aa2-9abd-587897244dbf) (GC2G1J9) by Team DeLorme (http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?id=1365132) (1/1)

softball29
10-13-2010, 10:03 PM
OH WOW!

That DeLorme one looks AWESOME! I am totally up for that one. I think I'd like to take photos of it at night one of my days, too. I think I'm definitely going to stick to the Portland area and maybe plan Bar Harbor/Acadia for the spring and pray for good weather. :)

hollora
10-13-2010, 10:34 PM
And then there is:

EARTHA'S CACHE (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=bcd7a7ba-7ce7-43a2-a006-d56278764793) (GCXNND) by hoamdezinahs (http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=6ae6baa5-794b-4ba4-b86a-e99582920ac7&wid=bcd7a7ba-7ce7-43a2-a006-d56278764793&ds=2) (2/2)
and right across the street
I.O.O.L., 04096 T.I.C. Nano Cache (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=6d0b061e-8a89-46c0-a2cf-571ef6016890) (GC1MBGZ) by Lexmano (http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=8fbf71f2-fa8b-4db0-adb5-15cd895d9ff8&wid=6d0b061e-8a89-46c0-a2cf-571ef6016890&ds=2) (1.5/1.5)

and in Portland (based on active ones I have done):

Thank you David Hasselhoff! (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=fe0c36ff-0a22-4dca-8841-131199afe983) (GCR48D) By Team Afrofish (http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=07f1b4b4-ba87-45b2-9ed3-e984430f652e&wid=fe0c36ff-0a22-4dca-8841-131199afe983&ds=2) (2.5/1)
director (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=2784b527-aa36-4283-a71c-aa148df6c44a) (GC47EB) by wide glide and teddy bear (http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=36ddf07e-9c98-475c-9cfb-42315b6c9711&wid=2784b527-aa36-4283-a71c-aa148df6c44a&ds=2) (1/1)
a fun and easy multi - Who Is That Caching Under My Bridge? (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=2a3d7cb2-c1fa-4010-a672-c2cd16bf5023) (GCR47P) Team Afrofish (http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=07f1b4b4-ba87-45b2-9ed3-e984430f652e&wid=2a3d7cb2-c1fa-4010-a672-c2cd16bf5023&ds=2) (1.5/2.5)

There are is a WhereIGo cache if you have the technology and the weather will bless your walk GC1A9YO (Portland Freedom Trail).

Enjoy your visit - and there are a load of other caches in Portland but I only mentioned ones I have done or personally know a bit about. Apology to the Southern Maine cachers who have put out plenty more - nothing meant here by omitting mentioning them all.

softball29
10-13-2010, 10:37 PM
Is there, by chance, a cache at LL Bean that I'm not seeing? I will be going there for sure. If it's a puzzle, I don't mind solving... just wondering. :)

hollora
10-13-2010, 10:59 PM
There is/was a cache or two near LL Bean but not one at the place itself - a bit down the street.............close to Bean - here you go:

Freeport Tavern (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=9afc5838-5beb-4b31-861e-6f7b1d4ac439) (GC1GTJK) NorthCumberMouth Cachers (http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=7399dabc-0fe8-47f1-8f01-c57bcd61d306&wid=9afc5838-5beb-4b31-861e-6f7b1d4ac439&ds=2) (2/1.5) - this one's a puzzle
The Cornerstone (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=a2a28a34-b94b-47ed-97ef-fdf0e4958426) (GC1RX5H) Trailblazers May '09 (Logan, Matt, Wylie, Victor) (http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=8cf7d926-7b5e-4adb-9e08-62ac9ce1ba43&wid=a2a28a34-b94b-47ed-97ef-fdf0e4958426&ds=2) (2/1)
A Muggletown monument (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=5223d46a-bebf-4a38-b4de-f4b8900a039c) (GC1JHGK) Doolittles (http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=094a4a17-3df5-464d-a45f-11f88ba8aea3&wid=5223d46a-bebf-4a38-b4de-f4b8900a039c&ds=2) (2/1)

Again - these are all ones I have personally done nearby - and there is one up the street at the Library GC159BD

Hope this helps. Enjoy!

brdad
10-14-2010, 07:35 AM
One of my all time favorite caches - and favorite because it is how I define caching at it's best which is finding a spot you never would have know about anyway - was a great tiny quarry not far at all from LL Bean. So close to so many businesses and so many tourists rushing about, there I was all alone 50 feet down in a hole. That cache is gone now, it has been years since I was there, but there is a newer cache near that location.

Source of the Stone? Quarry Woods Cache (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=3159eb5b-8741-4c7f-b417-26080d2be00c) (GC1QTDG) by S-Ray (http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?id=494773) (1.5/2.5)

hollora
10-14-2010, 06:44 PM
One of my all time favorite caches - and favorite because it is how I define caching at it's best which is finding a spot you never would have know about anyway - was a great tiny quarry not far at all from LL Bean. So close to so many businesses and so many tourists rushing about, there I was all alone 50 feet down in a hole. That cache is gone now, it has been years since I was there, but there is a newer cache near that location.

Source of the Stone? Quarry Woods Cache (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=3159eb5b-8741-4c7f-b417-26080d2be00c) (GC1QTDG) by S-Ray (http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?id=494773) (1.5/2.5)

Very cool - it will be fun to check this one out. Thanks BRDad.