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Quad Cities Cache Machine II

travisl

By travisl
in Northwest

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travisl

+travisl

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Posted

Note: circumstances may change after this initial posting. Look for my posts (with the icon13.gif icon) in this thread for all the important details and changes. If you think you've seen this all before, focus on the unique-to-this-event information in red.

 

(Link to dinner event cache.)

 

The Quad Cities again! The Cougars of Pullman. The Vandals of Moscow. The Warriors of Lewiston. The barges of Clarkston.

 

So fill up the tank, grab your gear, toss down some breakfast at way-too-early o'clock, and start on the route at GCXKK3, Sunnyside, on Saturday, March 18 at 6:45 AM. From there, move at your own pace and get as many as you can.

 

Dinner's at 7:00 p.m. at Rancho Viejo, 170 S. Grand Ave, Pullman (N 46° 43.746’, W 117° 10.920’). It’s listed as an event cache, GC70VFN. See its event page for details. Please log your "will attends" on the event page so I can let the restaurant know how many to expect.

 

Note that some caches on the route map may be marked with a "do not enter" icon icon_disabled.gif. Those cache owners have justifiably asked for their cache to not be on the route, and for the cache to not be sought during the cache machine. The cache is, in the owner's opinion, in a sensitive area, whether it's environmentally unwise, socially sensitive, or physically fragile. Just don't get it. It's not like there's a shortage of caches in the area.

 

Note the four Whereigos at stops 18-21. If you want to get these, you'll need to prepare. See their cache pages for details.

 

Rules:

1) Follow all traffic laws, and drive safely. This is not a race; there are no winners. The only loser will be someone who gets hurt. When someone asks what you're doing, the right answer is honesty: "geocaching".

 

2) Respect private property, even if the cache owner didn't. Post your DNFs proudly.

 

3) One logbook entry for "QCCM" is fine for most small and micros. Don't go filling up the logbook just because you want to mark your territory. 50 people's names and dates will fill up most one-sheets. Be kind and bring extra paper to add to caches with full logbooks.

 

4) As with all cache machines, if you find the cache, you'll be the one who has to re-hide it. Hide it as well as you found it. Handing it off to someone else and pointing down saying "it goes there" isn't good enough. Don't be a jerk. The extra 45 seconds isn't going to ruin your day.

 

If you’ve already found a couple of these caches, that’s fine - give us a chance to find the cache, and then we may turn to you for a hint. Suggestions and ''Count me ins'' are welcome on the event page.

 

----

 

The Quad Cities Cache Machine II FAQ:

 

When is it? When is the start time?

Saturday, March 18, 2017. Start time is 6:45 a.m. at GCXKK3, Sunnyside.

 

Will it be one large group, will we be split into teams, or what?

We'll start as one large group, but after a dozen caches or so, the large groups will likely fragment, and on a long day like this, you'll probably be on your own by the time most people in town are waking up. If you want to go off-route to find Munzees, letterboxes, Pokémon, portals, confluences, or Starbucks, well, you do you.

 

Is anything going on before, during, or after?

  • Friday, March 17, at 6:30 PM: An informal pre-event dinner will be Paradise Creek Brewery, 245 SE Paradise St., Pullman, N 46° 43.728’, W 117° 10.818’. Last-minute changes will be announced at this dinner and in the Groundspeak forum
  • Saturday, March 18, 6:45 AM: Cache machine! Kick-off is at stop number 1, at GCXKK3, Sunnyside.
  • Saturday, March 18, 7:00 PM: Dinner is at stop 90, Rancho Viejo, 170 S. Grand Ave, Pullman (N 46° 43.746’, W 117° 10.920’). It’s listed as event cache GC70FVN.
  • Sunday, March 19: Nothing's planned, but you're welcome to get all of the caches we drove past on Saturday that made you say, "hey, why aren't we getting that one?" There’s a power trail out between Julietta and Kendrick, another on SR-270 between WSU and the state line, and two more south of Lewiston/Clarkston, if you’re into that kind of thing.

 

Hey, why aren't we getting that one?

My standard answer here is that I try to avoid most multicaches, most puzzle caches, caches that appear to be overly time consuming, and caches that the owner has asked us to avoid. I'm also skipping caches that just seem at first glance to be a little lame, because there's so many caches and so little time. I'm focusing heavily on caches that have a lot of favorite points, and I'm giving you an early morning loop trail hike in DuPont, so it's going to be a full, busy day.

 

A cache on your map shows the wrong place to park.

Hey, that road doesn't exist!

What's with making us ford the creek?

Thanks for catching that! Let me know, and I'll incorporate it your fix into the route.

 

Why does the route go more than two hours past the dinner time? Is this a two-day event?

The extra time is a buffer, in case you're so good that you'd run out of caches before you run out of daylight. I don't expect anyone would be able to hit all of them between sunrise and sunset. Of course, if you wanted to hit them after dinner, or on Sunday, I'm sure you'll be able to find folks to join you.

 

It sounds fun, but I've already found some of them.

Then come laugh at us, try to remember where they were, look at the old logbook signatures, or guess when we'll be at the caches you haven't hit yet. Maybe pass your phone number around for us to call when we get stumped.

 

You have X cache on the route, but it's disabled/archived/a long hike.

Let me know, and I'll remove it from the route (if archived) or may check with the owner (if disabled).

 

X cache is in an environmentally sensitive area.

My cache is physically fragile and I don't want it broken.

By all means, let me know. I don't want to send 50 people there to stomp all over it.

 

I disagree with the whole idea of cache machines. I don't want you finding my cache.

Sorry to hear that. It's too bad you've got a neat place to show us that we won't be able to see. Let me know, and I'll remove it from the route.

 

What's this gonna cost me?

Nothing for the caching. Or, at least, nothing more than it would cost than if you did the trip solo (e.g., paying for your own gas, hotel, and dinner). I'm not collecting any money for this.

 

Lunch? Breaks? Bathrooms?

There's no breaks in cache machines! Just hold it. :-P Or find something on the way.

 

Rain? Snow? Landslides? Flooding? Rattlesnakes?

Probably, yes. Do what you safely can, and skip ahead when reality or your capabilities don't match the plan. Be prepared and flexible.

 

What do the map symbols mean?

Turquoise lines show my suggested route, but if there's a brown trail or grey road that I've drawn in, ignore the turquoise. Red car icons show places to park a car for a short time (usually a trailhead).

ce16d180-40c2-423d-a3ab-b976b7b4a2b2.jpg

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travisl

+travisl

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Posted (edited)

(Edit: deleted "nothing yet" info. Page is awaiting approval.)

 

I've posted the first draft of the route. As always, take a look and let me know if you see something I've done that is wrong or off or strange or quirky, like hitting a night cache at noon or fording the Snake River or parking a mile from a cache.

 

Much thanks to QuadsInTheMudd for helping track down the dinner location!

Edited by travisl
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PeacefulMountain

+PeacefulMountain

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Posted

I'm a student at the University in Idaho at the moment so I can offer some guidance on navigating Moscow.

 

Main street is closed south of #76 (GCG4TH) near Gritman Hospital and even if it was open making a left onto route 95 and immediately taking that right to continue on route 95 is not easy (I've done it). I'd recommend taking a right on E 6th street immediately after #76 , and then a left onto route 95. Giving plenty of time to get over to the right lane.

Campus Drive past #79 (GCCDED) is actually a campus walkway. I'd recommend also getting the nearby Dinosaur Train cache (GC2JBRY), and turning around and taking Nez Perce Drive to the south.

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Mineral2

+Mineral2

Posted
Posted

I would recommend you remove GCGDFZ - Vandal Art Walk from the Cache Machine - it is an 11 WP virtual that takes you to art all over the UofI campus, and will take at least an hour to complete.

 

You're welcome to replace it with GC42DX9 and/or GC5M4AE. Both are close to each other, and parking is free on campus on the weekend.

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travisl

+travisl

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Main street is closed south of #76 (GCG4TH) near Gritman Hospital... I'd recommend taking a right on E 6th street immediately after #76 , and then a left onto route 95. ... Campus Drive past #79 (GCCDED) is actually a campus walkway. I'd recommend also getting the nearby Dinosaur Train cache (GC2JBRY), and turning around and taking Nez Perce Drive to the south.

Excellent advice. I'll reroute #76 to #77 as mentioned, add Dinosaur Train, and avoid Campus Drive between #79 and W. University Ave.

 

Why are all the featured stops in Moscow virtuals? Should we just be expecting people to get out and walk around town to find the traditional hides?

I created the route by choosing caches with 10 or more favorite points, and then filling in some of the long stretches. There's an unexpectedly high number of virts on this route. People just didn't favor the traditionals enough. If you know of some good traditionals that I'm missing, please let me know (and maybe toss them a favorite point for future seekers).

 

I would recommend you remove GCGDFZ ... will take at least an hour to complete.

Removed. Thanks!

 

You're welcome to replace it with GC42DX9 and/or GC5M4AE. Both are close to each other, and parking is free on campus on the weekend.

I'll add both. That also helps me avoid route around Campus Drive, so we're not driving on the sidewalk :-)

 

I have the bookmark list created and the new files available for Draft 1 of the Quad Cities Cache Machine 2 here.

You're so quick! Thanks as always for doing this.
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quadsinthemudd

+quadsinthemudd

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Posted

Travis when do you plan to release your second draft? I have not reviewed the route to much yet but, 7:45 AM 16.4 mi Turn RIGHT (West) onto Ron Druffel Rd for 1.2 mi you cant do that. Summer only trail! Just continue south on Becker Rd until you get to GC3JE56 I.C.U. U.C.ME? by jcksn6byz

 

I will go over all the caches and the route this weekend.

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Mineral2

+Mineral2

Posted
Posted

I have the bookmark list created and the new files available for Draft 1 of the Quad Cities Cache Machine 2 here.

 

Terrible Ts

Thanks for the bookmark list. I have found or own all but 4 caches on this list. So looks like Im going to have a slow fun day.

 

Brad, we can go after some that are not on the list that we haven't found.

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ogeoISplash

+ogeoISplash

Posted
Posted

Please remove GC25M08 Recycle - It's Easy to Do - Whoosh (#47) from the route. It was just archieved. Sorry but they CITO'ed our cache when they cleaned up the area. We will try to get out and check on others of ours that are on the route to make sure they are ready for the CM. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

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quadsinthemudd

+quadsinthemudd

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Posted

#13 GCE1AC it is gone. A reviewer might notice this and archive it.

 

#33 GCFD96 Should be taken off the route. It is a great cache but will take more then an hour with multiple stops and little to no parking at each location.

 

#34 GC1ZV0X Move this cache to after #38 GC207ZT if you remove #33

 

Between stops #36-#37 change route to 8th St to Preston Ave then onto #37 GC2KH6A this cache has a really BIG pullout/turn around

 

#41 GC2NF2G is a really tough cache to find and it may destroy the vegetation in the area and turn super muddy at GW

 

@ #46 GCRYZC turn Left on port drive it raps around under the bridge for easier access to #48 GC38GHR

 

#47 GC25M08 archived

 

#49 Parking coords N46 25.389 W117 01.982

 

Route order needs to change to safely access caches and roads that don't exist.

 

New order

#61 GC1N620

#60 GC2NEJP

#59 GCGKHK

 

Route change

To get to #74 GC7633 you must stay on A stick to Nichole Cherry St because of one ways and dead ends.

 

#75 GCGDFZ could take a whole afternoon

 

#76 GCG4TH some roads near this cache are closed but this isn't Seattle so I say leave it. It's all good.

 

Route after #79 GCCDED you must go back out to NezPerce Perce drive because the roads on S&T are pedestrian paths

 

That's it so far.

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quadsinthemudd

+quadsinthemudd

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Posted

Is GC1B7F6 the best cache for a cache machine? it requires water to find and is located in a small residential/business locale and prone to breakage?

 

This is totally a cache machine type of hide. Most cachers will have water with them and it normally the inexperienced cachers that break these types of hides. I'd leave it in my opinion.

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travisl

+travisl

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Draft 2 is up! I'll post the next and final update on Monday, March 13. Thanks to each of you for the advice, including the folks below:

 

GCFD96, Step Right Up--- requires 3 sets of long stairs, a lot of searching and you'll end up pretty far from where you have people parking.
GCFD96 is not the most straight forward of virtual caches and does require a lot of walking up and downstairs.
Removed.

 

7:45 AM 16.4 mi Turn RIGHT (West) onto Ron Druffel Rd for 1.2 mi you cant do that. Summer only trail! Just continue south on Becker Rd until you get to GC3JE56 I.C.U. U.C.ME? by jcksn6byz
Fixed.

 

Please remove GC25M08 Recycle - It's Easy to Do - Whoosh (#47) from the route. It was just archieved.
#47 GC25M08 archived

removed.

 

GCE1AC diatryma & Junior fell over a while back....check out Mama_Dawn's photo on the cache.

#13 GCE1AC it is gone. A reviewer might notice this and archive it.

Looks like it's still loggable. Too bad it's down -- I found it on QCCM1, and it was pretty cool. I'll keep an eye on it in case it gets archived pre-QCCM.

 

Is GC1B7F6 the best cache for a cache machine? it requires water to find and is located in a small residential/business locale and prone to breakage?

This is totally a cache machine type of hide. Most cachers will have water with them and it normally the inexperienced cachers that break these types of hides. I'd leave it in my opinion.

I've e-mailed the owner to find out. Edit: The owner has asked me to add it to the do not hunt list because it's been frequently damaged. Thanks for pointing it out.

 

#33 GCFD96 Should be taken off the route. It is a great cache but will take more then an hour with multiple stops and little to no parking at each location. Removed.

 

#34 GC1ZV0X Move this cache to after #38 GC207ZT if you remove #33 Done.

 

Between stops #36-#37 change route to 8th St to Preston Ave then onto #37 GC2KH6A this cache has a really BIG pullout/turn around Done.

 

#41 GC2NF2G is a really tough cache to find and it may destroy the vegetation in the area and turn super muddy at GW I've contacted the owner. She's going to check on it and let me know what she thinks.

 

@ #46 GCRYZC turn Left on port drive it raps around under the bridge for easier access to #48 GC38GHR Fixed.

 

...

 

#49 Parking coords N46 25.389 W117 01.982 Fixed.

 

Route order needs to change to safely access caches and roads that don't exist.

 

New order

#61 GC1N620

#60 GC2NEJP

#59 GCGKHK

 

Fixed. Had to do some creative mapping to get the route to go to GC1N620. It tries to take me across the closed railroad overpass and won't route on the road out of the traffic circle. I'm going to have a good laugh at dinner at the expense of folks who didn't follow this route and ended up taking a six mile detour upstream.

 

Route change

To get to #74 GC7633 you must stay on A stick to Nichole Cherry St because of one ways and dead ends. Fixed.

 

#75 GCGDFZ could take a whole afternoon Removed.

 

#76 GCG4TH some roads near this cache are closed but this isn't Seattle so I say leave it. It's all good. BlueAl mentioned this above. I e-mailed Moscow's public works department and confirmed that it will indeed still be closed for construction on March 18. Re-routed in accordance with BlueAl's suggestions (which Public Works agreed with).

 

Route after #79 GCCDED you must go back out to NezPerce Perce drive because the roads on S&T are pedestrian paths You sure? Google Earth shows a parking lot just outside of the TV station building where GC2JBRY Dinosaur Train Deinonychus is located. StreetView shows that it's driveable, but it could be outdated.

 

Again, thanks to all of you for your advice.

Edited by travisl
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quadsinthemudd

+quadsinthemudd

Posted
Posted

 

Route after #79 GCCDED you must go back out to NezPerce Perce drive because the roads on S&T are pedestrian paths You sure? Google Earth shows a parking lot just outside of the TV station building where GC2JBRY Dinosaur Train Deinonychus is located. StreetView shows that it's driveable, but it could be outdated.

 

My suggestion was based off of the first draft of the route. You added dinosaur train and changed the route. Your new configuration will work smoothly.

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travisl

+travisl

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My suggestion was based off of the first draft of the route. You added dinosaur train and changed the route. Your new configuration will work smoothly.
Sweet. Sorry for the confusion. Sometimes I make interim edits to my version of the route between drafts, and then get mixed up.
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travisl

+travisl

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Grizz Rider fixed GC4Y84A. You HAVE to put this on the list (unless he requests otherwise). It will probably be the most favorite cache of the day.

It is a must Matt is correct on this one. You will not be disappointed. Also the snow is gone from most of the route!

I've not received any request to keep it off, and it's, like, right on the existing path, too! Definitely adding it in tomorrow's final.

 

And yay for no snow! I appreciate your offline offer of snow advice, QitM, and I'm glad it sounds like we won't need an alternate route.

 

Current long range forecast (i.e., unreliable forecast) is for a 60% chance of showers, and a high of 59° in Pullman and 64° in Lewiston. Tropical!

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travisl

+travisl

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Posted (edited)
Did you notice the lunch stop?

I just spotted it in this morning's pocket query. Thanks a ton!

 

I've added it to the final route, which is now live. Any changes after this point will be announced at Friday's pre-event dinner and shortly after that, in this discussion. See you and everyone else this weekend!

Edited by travisl
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travisl

+travisl

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Only one change to the route: stop 37, "Don't be grilled," is on the do not hunt list. Please do not hunt it on Saturday.

 

Otherwise, all of the caches, including 41, 42, and 49 are, to the best of my knowledge, still available despite recent DNFs.

 

See you in less than nine hours!

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