Today we had the pleasure to go geocaching with Kiwifamily (Glenn, Debbie and Krystal).  Glenn has a great blog – thanks 4 the cache.  Just like last week with psychrn, I can highly recommend joining up and geocaching with other people – it’s a completely different experience.

We decided to hit the area of Whangaparoa.  Kev said we should meet up with Kiwifamily at the petrol station and eateries by the motorway and gave them the link to GC1NK1G Toll or nothing (N-bound) (Auckland).  As we approached the petrol station we noticed our GPS was 5km’s out, oh dear, we had the wrong cache, it should have been GC12NFG Petrol, Burgers & Souviners *Northbound(Auckland).  As we were already running late, we had to flag it and drive to GC1NK1G Toll or nothing (N-bound) (Auckland).  Kiwifamily were waiting for us at the side of the road and while Kev was chatting I went to go get the cache.  I just found it but it was out of reach, so Debbie came down and helped me – our first find for the day (Kiwifamily found it last month).

We got into our cars and headed off to GC1YV9H TheWonderStuff’s Bridge (Auckland).  As we approached the bridge something caught my eye.  Just like another geocacher has said to me before, if it looks out of place it will be the cache.  I was right and it was the cache – great hide.

Next was GC1NMWG Pioneers (Auckland).  Debbie and I tackled this as Kev and Glenn guarded the cars.  With the help of the hint we easily found this cache – the hardest thing was putting the paper back in!  This is quite a pretty park, worth a visit.

The next three caches Kiwifamily had tackled last month, so they gave us a helping hand.  GC1PCWJ TheWonderStuff Celebrates 3000 Cache Finds (Ackld) was an easy find with the extra help.  By now, the wind had started to pick up, as you can see in my photo.

When we went to get GC163ZX Hazel’s Retreat (Auckland) there were a couple of young muggles around.  With Glenn’s help we were able to discretely retrieve the cache under their eyes – thanks Glenn!

The last one to help us with was GC16T40 A View of WonderLand (Auckland).  Thanks Kiwifamily!

Now both teams were looking for the geocaches.  We went to GC17ED0 Red Beach lookout! (Auckland).  It was a quick find as we are able to spot out this type of disguise.  Lovely little park and on a sunny non-windy day, would have like to spend a little more time to enjoy the view!  But we were out geocaching so time to move on – especially since Kevsteam is so close to 200, we wanted numbers!

At GC1Y667 Metrosideros Excelsa (Auckland) Debbie was the one who found it.  Great disguise and tricky hiding spot.  But what was even more impressive was Debbie who could get up and down the hill while nursing her stitches!  Kev who is suffering bronchitis waited for  us at the top of the hill – showing off his little video camera.

Debbie did it again at the next cache – GC1YVC0 All the way from the United States (Auckland).  The cache was out in the open a little, so we noted like a previous finder, it might need to be checked on.

GC1Z4ND Bifurcated, On the Chelve. (Wonderland) was our next cache.  What a beautiful tree!  Glenn did the honours for this one – glad we went geocaching with Kiwifamily – they make it easy work!  What wasn’t easy was the steep walk back to the car!

It was now time for hot drinks and food and come up with a plan for the rest of the afternoon (and Kev got to pull out his camera and get some much needed tips!)

With our tummy’s full we went to GC1Z11M Let the Dogs run Free (Auckland).  We were lucky we were filled up as this cache took us awhile!  As the recent logs indicated, the numbers are out, so we just randomly searched the area and eventually Glenn said those happy words “I’ve found it!”.  I definitely would have needed to post a DNF if it was just me!  Lucky me got a travel bug Singapore Merlion Medallion Keyring.

The next cache GC1WEDG Vive la France # (Auckland) felt like we walked to France! We zigzagged over soft marsh land and the smell was unbearable.  But as we narrowed in, I found the cache – phew about time Kevsteam!  And yes, we did notice the pathway continued right around to the area, so walked back the proper way – oh well, was still fun!

The day must have been getting to long for us, because we went off in the whole direction again – but at least this time we were on terra firma!  We went back and I found Kev on the bridge taking photos.

We continued without him to GC1YNRY For Baden-Powell (Auckland) and Glenn quickly found it.

The last two caches we were not successful.  We are both pretty such they have been muggled, so both teams have added them to their watch list.

GC1PHFP STUNNING STANMORE (Auckland) had a couple of DNF’s before us, and we are pretty such where it would have been hidden but it just wasn’t there.  The owner has put it on hold while he goes and checks it.  I must say, this part of the country is very beautiful.

Last one was GC1Z118 Just Drift On By (Auckland).  Not sure if this one was muggled or just a great hide.  There was all of Kiwifamily and me looking, we just couldn’t do find it!  Will need to return another day.

You might be wondering why Debbie who was on crutches was out geocaching but Kev didn’t seem to be taking part.  Like I said before, he was suffering from bronchitis so wasn’t feeling the best and as I don’t drive I still needed him!  But one thing he did do was make this video – so yes, he is worthwhile (hehe) – thanks Kev!

Again a big thank you to Kiwifamily – we had such a great time and would love to do it again soon!

I will give Kev a rest tomorrow and hopefully on Monday (Queen’s Birthday) he will have enough energy to help get eight caches so we can reach our 200th!