It started with MAGICN3 and I heading to San Diego to start with the three caches closest together. We went to Mt Soledad as it was the closest to us as we headed south and then worked our way back to the north. So we started with BZ A.P.E. 55(a): Supernatural Supernova - this was unique in that the final coords seemed to be confusing as there were two locations. We finially figured out that the Traditional Cache along the nearby guardrail meant that the final location was the Original coords per the log entry and not the posted. We were excited to find the first of thee FBZ A.P.E. Missions and it did not disappoint. The treasure trove of information from the SECRET envelopes to the number of TBs was insane.

Next, we did some Challenge Caches that had been recently published in the area by LaJolla- who can pass up Challenge Caches.

Then we headed southeast to accomplish FBZ A.P.E. 54: Rock River Burial Mound. At first we thought this would require a long hike since the trail seemed to in a gated community. The gate is apparently open all day so we went in an parked at the trailhead mentioned in the description. The rocky riverbed meandered around a bit and at one intersection we went the wrong direction but soon realized our error and backtracked back to head the other way. This was another amazing find. So examined the evidence and took pictures for later and then headed back the way we came.

The last one was actually the one we shouldve done first as it was the longest hike on the day. We enjoyed the hike but with a time limit for our return to OC of 7pm we needed to hustle. That said we did managed to add a few other caches along the way.

After discussing the first three complete missions at an event, there were a few other cachers that wanted to start the A.P.E. Missions. So mpark65 and mike2find went down to San Diego a couple of weeks later and they completed the same three that MAGICN3 and I had previously completed. Once they returned we helped them navigate the fbz.geocaches.org site to enter all teh Spec Ops and mission codes into their accounts.

Next we started to plan for the next cache on the list - since it was over a 2+ hour drive just to reach the trailhead. After almost a month, we headed down south to the farthest cache FBZ A.P.E. 52(a): The Bunkers. Here we unfortunately found the cache had been destroyed with only bits and pieces of the evidence left in the bunker. Muggles had apparently used the ammo can as a fire pit and burned it all. So disappointed but in reality felt immensely sad for SGTF as the work on the first three was unbelievable so we were expecting another amazing cache.

The CO was contacted and given a Situation Report- devastated but did give permission for us to log the cache as foudn and thus another completed mission. He further assisted in helping us advance our rank by providing info about the TBs that had been in the cache container.

Now we are in talks to figure out when we will head out to find the last two missions FBZ A.P.E. 51: Stone of the Lost Valley Revisited & FBZ A.P.E. 56: Little Green Men. Hoping to make a trip before the end of September so we can get ready for the FINAL MISSION.