Cache of the Month - October 2008

Camden Promenade – RCA Pier (GCTRBV) by Grünriese

Contributed by GuentherGal

The opening line for this cache states, "Located along the Camden Waterfront Promenade, this micro cache is hidden on the old RCA Pier."  Sounds innocent enough, right?  Wrong!  Although this was only his second hide, this one has truly proved its muster in more ways than one.  There are so many "great hide" and "clever" comments cited among the one hundred and thirty log entries that I gave up on ever counting them.

Many folks will say they do not like urban hides, but RCA Pier sure seems to be the exception.  This well camouflaged cache has stood the test of time, especially given the muggle factor at this popular waterfront area.  Many cachers have admitted it took three or four visits to locate the cache and sign in.

Another interesting aspect of this cache is the history of the area which is explained nicely on the cache page.  Additionally, this one is handicapped accessible, parking is readily available, and there is public transportation nearby.

The scenic aspect of the waterfront promenade is high on the list of what makes this a "must do" cache.  The city skyline and views of the Ben Franklin Bridge are reason enough to visit here, whether it is day or night.  In fact, the views at sunset or at night with the city lights are a great motivation to plan to head on over.

Grünriese, aka Pete, is known for many things here at South Jersey Geocaching.  Quick to dash out during his lunch break, Pete can often be spotted wearing dress clothes, complete with tie.  In fact, that’s how I met him several years ago.

Pete and his sons were involved with the Boy Scouts for many years and he has truly taken the motto "Be Prepared" to heart.  If you are fortunate enough to be out on a cache run with Grünriese you won’t have a thing to worry about.  Whatever may be needed to make a grab, whether its tweezers, gloves, or tape, Pete is the man.

Another "specialty" of Pete’s is his fondness for statistics.  Perhaps Pete is best known for his love of First To Finds.  With over one hundred and twenty five FTF’s to his credit, you have to get up early to beat him to a cache!

Pete is not all business however.  Even when his job requires him to go out of the country, you can be sure a couple of International "smilies" will be added to his find count.

"Camden Promenade – RCA Pier" is one of those caches you just have to love, unless you can’t find it of course.  When you have the opportunity to visit the waterfront promenade, make sure and visit this cache.  Better yet, make this cache your reason to visit!

photo by FreilingNJ	photo by Storm Runner
Philadelphia skyline at sunset, from cache page
The pier (lower left) in 1928 (www.dvrbs.com)	picture of the pier circa 1990's, from cache page

Cache of the Month Feature

The Cache of the Month Committee is looking for nominations for the next Cache of the Month (COTM) from the South Jersey Geocaching membership.  The candidate cache must be an active cache in South Jersey (Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem counties).  Consideration of nearby caches outside this area is on an exception basis.

The selection process is the following:

• Caches can be nominated by either posting a note on a SJG forum thread, or by sending a note to one of the committee members
• The committee will review the nominations and select the Cache of the Month
• The cache will be written up and presented on the SJG site
• Shameless self-promotion of your own caches is permitted
• Old caches and new caches alike can be nominated
• Active caches only, please.  Not much point to highlighting a cache that is no longer around or out of commission
• Large and small caches can be considered.  We are just looking for caches with that "wow" factor.

The Cache of the Month is meant to highlight those fun, out-of-the-ordinary, standout caches so that all the members of the club can get an opportunity to learn about these caches and visit them.

The Committee

The Cache of the Month Committee consists of the following cachers:

Feel free to contact any of the committee members if you have any questions.  We are inventing the process as we go so your indulgence will be appreciated.  Feel free to make comments and suggestions!  As with any new process, it will change and evolve as we go.  So please think about those special caches you have visited and would recommend to your friends, and consider nominating them for Cache of the Month.