McShepardSons take 2

So, way back in September, I reported that we had hidden a geocache. See Placing Sheppy McShepardSons take 1.

Do you know what a geocache is? If you follow this blog on a regular basis, you have probably noticed our renewed interest in geocaching (see Sheppy's Blog: Geocache), and probably have either figured it out or don't really care. If not, it is basically a global hide-and-seek game using GPS coordinates.

As it turned out, we were too close to a "Multi-Cache", and that spot got rejected. We tried a few more spots, but we kept running into the same issue ... the cache was too close to some other one that we couldn't see. Eventually, we sort of gave up trying to find a spot for the winter.

Happy Easter, by the way ....

Yesterday, we went searching for Geocaches in Pence Park, which was a place I was thinking of hiding the McShepardSons cache last year. Last time we tried this park, though, the trails were closed due to the horrible flooding we got in Colorado last Autumn.

First, we went searching for Lichen It A Lot. This was a short hike up a pretty steep trail. It probably would have been nearly impossible in the snow, but the warm weather over the past few days melted anything we had. My oldest son found this one pretty easily.

Next, we found Daisy takes a walk - Pence Park. This was a short hike from the parking area. I told my older son to allow my younger son to look for this one. Big brother did find it first and did a bit of "warmer / colder", but Little Brother gets credit for this find.

Then we hiked a bit further and found a micro, Mondo's ODS (Twin B) Seed. Even though it was a micro, it was another easy one because of the clue. So, we were 3 for 3.

After that, we had a picnic lunch on some rock off a little side trail. We had the McShepardSons container with us and I convinced the boys that we should find a good spot for it. We hiked up the side trail while I kept and eye on my GPS to make sure we were far enough away from Mondo's ODS (Twin B) Seed. At the same time, though, we were getting closer to Daisy takes a walk - Pence Park.

We came up on some rock formations that were pretty much equidistant from the two existing caches, and eventually we found a decent hiding spot.

This morning, I submitted the cache for review. We will find out in a few days if it is acceptable to the reviewer. I have my fingers crossed.

When (if) it gets accepted, you can see it at:

Sheppy McShepardSons (take II)

Hopefully it will work out.

Blackhawks lost yesterday. This makes me sad.

Brewing T.R.A.S.H. Mexican Lager

I brewed last Sunday.

Remember that I am not allowed to use electronics on Sundays during Lent? If not, you feel free to refresh your memory by looking at Lent 2014. Other than not having any brew-day pictures that I would have posted to the SheppyBrew Facebook Page and that I could have put on this page, turns out I didn't really need  electronics to brew.

The beer that I brewed is T.R.A.S.H. Mexican Lager. There is a bit of a story behind the name, which is on the SheppyBrew Website, and I won't repeat here. If you want to know the story and/or see the recipe, go check it out:

T.R.A.S.H. Mexican Lager

Drinking the Arctic Vortex Saison

It is Spring now.

About a month ago, when I brewed my Arctic Vortex Winter Saison, the weather seemed much more winter-like. It was, in fact winter. I probably should have brewed it earlier in the winter months so that I could drink it during the winter season. Oh well, something to think about for next year.

If you want to read about the brew-day, see Brewing Arctic Vortex Black Saison.

I have been drinking this beer recently, and find it truly awesome. I mean, I really like this beer. The Beer Model says she likes it too. She said to me "it doesn't taste black", which from her is a compliment.

It does look very black. There are redish-brown highlights at the "corners" when held up to the sun light. The head is thick, cream colored, and long-lasting. Lots of tiny bubbles rise up throughout the drink.

Lent 2014

I am writing this blog post on a notepad. It is an actual notepad made of paper. Weird, right?!?

Why am I writing a blog on a notepad (to be typed into the computer later)? Well, because my family has decided to to ban the use of electronics on the Sundays during Lent.

The Sunday before Ash Wednesday, the wife and children were in our church's version of Sunday School learning about Lent. I was not there, so I'm not sure exactly how it went down, but apparently the kids thought it would be a good idea to sacrifice the use of electronics on Sundays. It became a family decision.

The Business of Craft Beer Infographic

I got another one of those emails from this blog's Contact Me form. The author of the email thought I might like to share with you an infographic on

The Business of Craft Beers and Microbreweries

As you may remember from other blog articles, I am generally pretty easy when it comes to sharing things people ask me to share. So, make sure you go and visit The Business of Craft Beers and Microbreweries.

This is only the top of the infographic. To see the whole thing, follow this link.

 

Wings over the Rockies

Here in the Denver area we have the awesome ... Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. It is located in a huge hanger which was part of the old Lowry Air Force base, and contains all kinds of military aircraft.

Best of all, on the 2nd Saturday of every month, they open up quite a few of the cockpits. The kids love this. Why wouldn't they? It is really really cool.

We headed over there last month and had a great time.

My Best Beers in America

If you follow this blog at all, you probably know that every year I seek out beers I have not had on Zymurgy's Best Beer in America list. Sometimes I even tell you about the beers and/or my progress (see http://blog.ericshepard.com/search/label/Zymurgy%20BBIA). I voted for the list a couple years ago, but missed the voting last year.

I actually voted for this year's list a couple days ago. I even posted on the SheppyBrew Facebook Wall that I would share my vote ... so here we go.