September 13, 2012 / Issue #22

Geocaching, Part Deux

A sampler of fun fall outings that will keep you and your family hunting for trinket treasure

So, you’ve read our introduction to Geocaching and are ready to give it a try, but aren’t sure where you should start. This week we bring you a pair of cache locations to get you outside and having fun. Enjoy life and get out there!

Apple Picking and Geocaching at Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury, MA

Photo Credit: Lori Stalteri

Photo Credit: Lori Stalteri

A short hike, some pretty waterviews, and some apple picking

Thanks to a recent law pushed through by the state legistlature all Massachusetts residents are now required to pick apples, bring them home in tote bags, and say the phrase “How much for a half a peck?” to their significant other at least once per year.

Do your part by adding a stop at Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury and target this Geocache as well. The best time of day to stop at Cider Hill is early in the morning so you can grab a few of their cider donuts. Pick your apples, grab a few candy apple kits, then head on over to the cache location a few miles away and take a nice hike in the woods before heading home to make those candy apples.

An Offseason Geocache Picnic at Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, MA

Photo Credit: pfly

Photo Credit: pfly

An off-season beach day with friends

Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, MA is one of those beaches that is big enough to be a great beach with tons of stuff to do while at the same time small enough to never be the most travelled to beach in the area. The small parking lot helps with the crowds as long as you don’t arrive too late in the morning to get your own spot. But none of that matters now that it’s past Labor Day! At this time of year you can enjoy a reduced (or non-existent if you are lucky) parking fee and if you arrive after lunch your group may double the total number of beach goers.

Email a few families and make an afternoon date to meet at the beach. Leave the suits at home, pack a few kites, your kadima, bring a potluck of dinner apps and perhaps a bottle of or two of adult grape juice (no, it’s not officially sanctioned), and get ready to have some fun. Once you are all set up and the kids are starting to get a little antsy, head out on your treasure hunt looking for the Geocache. It won’t be that difficult to find and after you do, you’ll still have a half mile of beach for the kids to run on while you relax in relative peace.