It's not about the numbers

Seventy Two Caches

Stokesy was Home Alone last weekend and had decided that he was going to do a spot of caching (as you do) and fancied a bit of a binge on Sunday. "Where are WE going?" I asked, inviting myself along. After rejecting an inviting series of letterbox hybrids near Blackburn, we decided on the North section of the UK Mega Series, between Fleet and Basingstoke in Hamshire. The whole series comprises of 126 caches, mostly regular sizes and nearly all with clues.

Word must had gotten out because I was informed that Steve-e-b would be joining us. The final seat was reserved for Stokesy's hound, Sophie.

Stokeys picked my up from Balders Hall just before 6am. and we had Steve in the car before half six, heading towards the M40. The M25 was fairly quiet (probably the best time to do it) and we arrived at the day's parking space, boots on and away by 8.30.

The first few went by easily and we made good time pausing for refreshments after our 20th find of the day. We passed close to Odiham airfield (which reminded me of my time at Birmingham airport) and we strolled along the picturesque and very clean Bassingstoke canal. I should also add that the canal is very popular with dog walkers, so much so that Sophie just had to pick a fight - they do say dogs resemble their owners!

As the afternoon wore on, and the relentless sun beat down, the legs where starting to protest but we pushed on, completing our trek in just under 9 hours. We all know that it's not about the numbers but the stats. are...

72 caches along 18 miles in 9 hours...

8 caches an hour or 4 caches per mile.

Arriving back at the car, somewhat fatigued, we all agreed that it had been a cracking day out. Doing 70+ in 9 hours makes 100 in 24 hours seem very do-able but where? We shall also have to return to Hampshire to do the other half.