2015-01-01: Geocaching a Power Run and a FTF

Today was a day for some easy Geocaching finds to boost my finds total. There was a power run down near Bartow that I had started a couple years ago, but never finished. Today would be a good day for that.

On the way down however, we stopped in South Clermont near the Four Corners area to grab a few new caches that had recently been placed. There were four along CR474 and we managed to be First To Find on one and Second on the other three. Yippee! It's always fun to get the FTF!

After that, we continued towards Bartow. We ended up with 28 caches for the day, a FTF, a nice drive enjoying the fresh air, but only one photo... this pretty cool moth on a tree:

2014-12-26: Geocaching and Hiking Wekiva River Preserve

Today was a day to go hiking in Florida! It was nice and cool, yet clear and sunny. Perfect weather for a long hike through the woods and Geocaching. We drove up to the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park which is located west of Sanford, Florida along State Road 46.

It was a nice hike at around 8 miles. Even going through the scrub with full sun was bearable because of the cool temperature. We were here a few months back, but it was too hot and didn't get very far. We found a total of 11 Geocaches and DNF'd two. Overall it was a great day.

2014-12-14: Roaming Around Sumter County, FL

Today was another day to be outside enjoying the fresh air, Geocaching, and exploring new areas. Yesterday we went south. As usual and with no particular destination in mind, we jump on the Turnpike heading north getting off on Hwy 50 and head west. We drove all the way out to Sumter County, caching through Tarrytown, Webster, Center Hill and Bushnell. It a nice drive up through there with a lot of oak lined roadways.

Then we came across the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park. On December 28, 1835, Indian warriors ambushed 108 U.S. soldiers at this site, and only three soldiers survived. This ambush started the Second Seminole War. Within the 80-acre park is a hiking trail, natural Florida landscaping, and a few memorials.

Passing underneath I-75 to the west, we found the Florida National Cemetery. And we like Geocaching in cemeteries because of the history there. Though we're not used to seeing all the headstones of the same size and lined up in perfect rows.

Also nearby and even more interesting was the Wild Cow Prairie Cemetery. Not much is known on the history of this Cemetery, but the graves date back to the early 1800's.

A few more caches later and we decided to call it a day and head on home. It was another great day of exploring the back country roads and small towns of Florida.

2014-12-13: Two Events and Some Random Caches

Because of today's date 12-13-2014, it was a day for Geocaching events where cachers get together and share stories. Our first event was only a mile away from home. It started at 10 am and we gathered for 11 minutes. Therefore it was called: 10-11-12-13-14! So after quick hello's and a little cit chat, we disbursed.

Some of us headed down to Winter Haven, FL for the next Brunch Time event. Along the way, we stopped to grab a couple of other caches too. When we arrived at the restaurant where the next event was being held, it was standing room only! So another few quick greetings and off we went down the road.

A couple more caches later and eventually we found one at Sample Park on the shores of Lake Hamilton. After finding the cache we strolled down by the lake to enjoy the view.

The next cache took us south to Lake Wales and then east on FL-60 over to the Flaming Arrow Scout Reservation. Not a really big day, but a good day seeing some caching friends and exploring some new areas around.

2014-10-26: A Power Run, A Tree Climb, and a Lakeside Stroll

Today's Geocaching adventure takes us south of Orlando and down into Osceola County. Last year another Geocacher decided to hide caches along US441 from Holopaw all the way down and beyond Yeehaw Junction. For 40 miles and about every 520'-600' there's a cache hidden. This is whats called a power run. Not much in the way of exciting or fun caches, but definitely a way of increasing your find count.

We started out a little bit late in the morning and we took Candy's granddaughter along with us. Well the only sightseeing down that way is the occasional group of cows or a floating butterfly. She was having fun for probably the first half. But after 41 quick park & grab caches, someone was way past bored by now.

There was one unique cache mixed in with the rest called Treediculous. It was rated a Difficulty of 5 and a Terrain of 4.5 on a scale of 1-5. All I know was that I get to pretend I'm a kid again and climb a tree! Yippee! I guess I climbed up about 20 ft and looked all over for a well hidden micro cache. I spent about 30-40 minutes up there looking under moss, among the leaves, different branches, but could not find it. While it drove me crazy, I still had fun. Having a DNF just means I get to climb it again the next time I'm down here!

Even though there were hundreds of caches left for us to find, we called it a day and drove back north up into St Cloud. We then stopped at Chisholm Park on the SE banks of the East Lake Tohopekaliga. There we enjoyed some of the more natural aspects of the lake with the large oaks and various wildlife.

The last stop before heading home was the recently renovated Lakefront Park located at the southernmost part of East Lake Tohopekaliga. We strolled the paved walking trails, took some photos, and the granddaughter got to play on the playground. It was a nice end to a beautiful day!