1st cache: Travelers Rest, Brit Bailey's Virtual

I knew almost where this one was since I grew up near the area. The history of Bailey's Prarie has always interested me since Brit Bailey's ghost is supposed to wander around. There are stories of his ghost being a ball of light that goes around in and out of people's homes. Those who don't believe in the supernatural say that it is only ball lightning. However, I've lived in the area for many years and haven't ever seen ball lightning anywhere. Besides, someone who asks to be buried in the fashion that Brit Bailey did must have plans on not staying put even after death ;)

2nd cache: Billy's Birthday Cache #1

I've never done much around Alvin, except going to the library and antiquing. Dave has only been to one store in Alvin before - a comic shop that I took him to. As such, this cache took us to a park that we didn't know existed. We found the stash pretty quick even though it was our first traditional cache. We walked around a little after that and I took some plant pictures. The little creek that runs through the park looks like it might be interesting kayaking. I'm sure we'll be back in the future.

cool bug on Solanaceae plant

unknown plant found right at entrance to cache location

unknown Solanaceae
(click to see 1600x1200 wallpaper)

3rd cache: 1st National Oak Park

This was a cool virtual. I never even knew that this park was hiding out behind the library I have been to often. The tree was *huge*. Even after reading the description, it was impossible to imagine its size. You just have to go see it to fully comprehend it. The tree "is estimated to be possibly 200 years old. It long predates the town of Alvin. Actually two trees, an elm growing in the center of a giant oak, it is mentioned in Ripley's Believe It or Not and listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. The trunk measures 16 feet around, while the branches extend to a circumference of some 300 feet and a height of 75 feet."

Dave by tree for size reference

Faith by tree

4th cache: Hometown Heros

These two memorials were by Alvin City Hall. The Nolan Ryan statue has recently(?) had an American flag added to his arm. I had never been over to this area of Alvin either. An easy find.

Almost 5th cache: Billy's Birthday cache #4

We decided that we needed better shoes (not sandals) before trekking through the massive weeds and tall grass to find this one :P

5th cache: Geocache

We were thinking about eventually hiding some music caches and then I came across this cache listing. Just had to find it cuz we're such music lovers. This was just our second traditional cache to hunt and it had us stumped for a little while. Then we both were like DOH! and found it. There was definitely some hard work put into it that's for sure. And worth it too! Especially to the roaches - they seem to love the shelter. Because of them I wouldn't get the box out - Dave had to... roaches are my one bane. EWWWwww!

Took - DJ mix; Left - Jon Spencer Blues Explosion mix

Almost 6th cache: Billy's Birthday cache #3

We didn't find this one either because it started to rain. Also back to our decision that we should of worn better shoes (not sandals) before trekking through the massive weeds and tall grass to find this one :P