Mount Goolman Loamside, Queensland, Australia
By Penguiny on 02-Nov-08. Waypoint GC1HRM0

Found it. Fun climb

A fun day out with the Goolies Gang! We all headed out from Hardings Paddock Picnic area at 6.30am at a pace that enabled a constant stream of conversation all the way up the hills. After a small navigational error from Brislions, I joined him in the lead to make sure he didn't lead us astray again. This saw the two of us become spider patrol as we both removed the many webs and spiders from the track with sticks or various parts of our bodies.All of us had the turnoff waypoint plugged into our devices so there was absolutely no chance we would miss it. After we turned off the track GreenGecko led the charge up the mountain forging a path for the rest of us to follow. I think we all enjoyed this little off-track adventure and it made the climbing of this mountain quite unique. The chit-chat also lessened as we ran out of breath towards the top and focused a bit more carefully on our steps. By the time we arrived at the top we were all hot and tired but before we could rest there was a chache to find. It didn't take long to spot the impressive container and I was proud to add my name to the logbook. Then GreenGecko produced a grand morning tea including hot lattes, scones and sausages. It was a lovely surprise and a great way to celebrate our achievement! Then we began the descent which was a bit steep at the top followed by a nice easy downhill all the way back along the track to the carpark. All up the 12km hike took us about 5hrs. Thanks for placing this cache Penguiny! It was an enjoyable walk with a great group of people.

Mount Goolman day, our main mission was to climb Mount Goolman I was join by Muggle65, GreenGecko1 Davinells, kolour and Brissy Cat. It was a very nice climb up this peak. We found two caches plus attended an event. Cache was found log signed and replace back. penguiny thank you for placing and maintaining this cache for enjoyment of the caching community.

Great oldie in fabulous condition. Our Gollies gang have hiked up here to claim this great cache with the original logbook.WOW!!!

JDavs and I joined a small group of enthusiastic cachers taking on Mt Goolman. We set off early and the humidity reared its ugly head and made it a very warm hike.I strategically hung back to not lead the group and that payed off as there were a lot of spider dances going on along the trail. Those orbs build some big webs! After leaving the fire trail it was a steep hike up to the top but we kept trudging on and soon found ourselves on top. A short walk over and the cache was found in perfect condition with original logbook. We enjoyed the views and morning tea before making our way back down. Tftc penguinyFind #5814

Seven of us met at Hardings Paddock Picnic Area for a 6.30am start to walk to the event on Mt Goolman. The fire trail was in great condition having recently had grass mowed, even with the warning signs! - which we think may be for horse riders. We used the waypoint mentioned by Davidwazza to find the start of the geotrail up the ridge to the summit. Most of the walk was pretty straightforward, just a few tricky sections where branches have fallen down. And we also had to watch out for some itchy grub trails. Once up the final steep section, we headed to gz where the cache was quickly found. Everything is in perfect condition, even the original logbook.After signing and replacing, we enjoyed a scrumptious morning tea of scones, jam and coffee provided by the event CO. Tftc

7 of us set out for a nearby event. As this one was only 20m from the event, it was a no-brainer that we would sign the log today. Cache is in perfect order thanks to the great choice of container. Thank you for the fun

Regarding the hike, [bedmakerTG](https://coord.info/PR126KQ), [wayn0](https://coord.info/PR8DMMF) and I set out on this walk departing from the Harding's Paddock Campground just after 06:30 hr. We walked a total distance of 12.8 km across an elevation of 600 m, with a moving time of 3:05 hr, and we returned to our cars in 4:10 hr, as per my [Strava record](https://www.strava.com/activities/10495797193). Between the heat and humidity, and lack of breeze, the weather worked against us towards the latter phase of our walk, but the scenic views at each of the two summits made it worthwhile.It was clear that we hadn't done a lot of research in preparation for this walk, and there wasn't a lot of information that I could find on the internet other than on [Aussie Bushwalking](https://www.aussiebushwalking.com/qld/se-qld/ipswich/ipswich---flinders-goolman-conservation-estate/mount-goolman). I didn't record the waypoint to leave the main track, and as we approach Mount Goolman, we spotted a rough ridge, but after discussion, we dismissed it and continued, opting for a shorter/direct approach. This had me nervous as the track was starting to descend and looking steeper, so I scanned past logs to discover a suggested waypoint to leave the track from Gaz'n'Kab's [log](https://coord.info/GLDHD3HN): S 27 45.489' E 152 47.583'. So we backtracked, and despite not seeing any pink ribbons, there was a reasonable trail that we followed with a few small rock cairns confirming our route. No issues with lantana or other prickly ivy, and it just became a mental game with the steepness. Amazingly, there were a few cane toads that we passed, so I'm not sure where there was nearby water that they could have come from.As we arrived at the summit for the event, we all took a rest and breather, and I went to a nearby location to get a few photographs of the views. I had thought that this geocache was in the opposite direction, so after returning to the summit cairn and suggesting to the group to grab this cache, I realised that I had already visited GZ (or within a couple of metres). I have no idea how I missed it before, but perhaps that is how a muggle feels like; so close, yet without realising, a cache is right there! The cache container and logbook were in good shape, and it was fantastic to grab this nicely sized ammo can container. Thanks penguiny for the cache placement and ongoing maintenance. Favourite Point for the great adventure!----------Today, it was an early morning start to hike Mount Goolman, followed by a trip west to the Lockyer Valley.The morning's hike with [bedmakerTG](https://coord.info/PR126KQ) and [wayn0](https://coord.info/PR8DMMF) was an enjoyable four-hour walk, with surrounding views and a large goanna on a log. Following the hike, I had rough plans to geocache around Ipswich, but these carelessly changed as I headed west and visited the Lockyer Valley region off the Warrego Highway, which included the towns of Marburg, Plainland, Laidley, Grandchester, and Forest Hill. Whilst visiting Laidley, I also completed the [Laidley - Fire and Flood](https://labs.geocaching.com/goto/5807bcfa-8fe5-4aba-b036-4f4bb6f83116) Adventure Lab.

Found this cache with Davidwazza and Wayn0 while attending an event just a few meters away from GZ. Our day started off early from the Hardings Paddock carpark just after 6.15am. The first part of the walk was good in the cool morning but as time passed by, we all agreed the humidity that was setting in will be the challenge. Along the way we made a detour to Namloog Lookout to pick up the cache there. Once that was done we continued onto this one. At the bottom of Mt Goolman we couldnt see any defined track up but we saw a ridgeline which looked to head in the right direction. As we walked the it soon became clear this is the way as the trail was marked by rock cairns here and there. (We turned off at S27 45.492 E152 47.585 to make the climb up).This part of the walk was a steeper than the fire trails we had followed earlier and we were all glad once we arrived at the top. Here we had a chance to take our backpacks off to try and cool down while checking out the views. The cache was found after a short search and log book duties done. The walk back seemed a little cooler as cloud cover had started coming over plus it was downhill. An easy return walk was had and we arrived back at the carpark mid-morning. TFTC Penguiny, I think any elevated spot is a good view and this one was just fine. It receives a favorite point from me for that.

A nice walk up here this morning with Davidwazza and bedmakerTG. A humid day though! Cache found in good condition. Its great to see the original logbook. Thanks for placing. Cheers

This cache has been on my radar for ages but when I noticed recently that finding it would be good for a long-standing Challenge I have been working through very slowly, it was time to get serious about a visit.
It has been quite a while between big hikes and only deciding this morning to come on up also put me a little behind the 8-ball.
Long pants: good idea, but actually not essential with so little lantana to go through.
Short hi-vis shirt: good idea. It was a bit warm.
About 3L of water: fine. I had plenty left over.
Hiking poles: indispensable. I don’t know how I used to hike without them.
Plenty of phone charge. I noted the crucial turn-off coordinates from earlier logs which I hereby dub the “Kab-le Kar” (cable car) route to the summit.
My fitness is not at peak right now so I took lots of breathers whenever I felt the need along the way.
After leaving the paddock at 11, I arrived at the Outlook just after 12 and found that cache shortly thereafter.
Then it was back down and into the next phase. I didn’t see anyone else from here on in, but did encounter a green snake on the track; 2 goannas (the first of which didn’t even bother to climb a tree when he saw me - lazy!); 2 wallabies; and lots of birds and bugs.
The hike seemed long but not especially strenuous until it was time for the “Kable Kar” route to the summit.
Just as the last visitor recounted, it gets steeper and steeper. I was really counting down the metres for the final 200, but the feeling of exhilaration on seeing the rock cairn and knowing this is definitely the end of the Up was amazing. I immediately just lay down and recovered for a while before deciding I’d better go and find this cache after all the effort. I think I arrived around 1.37pm.
Happily, the ammo can continues to do the job and the contents are pristine. More great reading was found in the logbook and it seems I am today just the 39th finder
in the previous 15 years or so.
After a very decent lunch break, it was time to take on the slippery descent and it was indeed a fast trip down, emerging back into the fire trail around 2.15.
At this point, I realised I had a potentially serious problem: my right boot sole was coming away under my toes. This brought back distressing memories from another long hike where both soles came off with about 10km still to walk…
Anyway, it held together just long enough for me to get back to my car.
After surviving the longest hike I’ve done in a while, I had another near-death experience on the way out of the paddock when someone driving a Ute came hurtling over one of the several crests in the road, no doubt assuming the odds of encountering another vehicle on this lonely road were in her favour. Luckily I was bearing left and so avoided what could have been a bad end to the day…
TFTC and an FP from me for this oldie. It was a memorable hike. More than 18000 steps taken today and over 155 stories of elevation climbed!

Accio 09:55:48
A very long overdue hiking day. Due to still not feeling the best I opted for out here as there are marked tracks, few people and plenty of sunshine and fresh air. And what a fantastic few hours I had. A nice little trek in from Hardings Paddock up to the lookout - and then out to a point others have noted ... 575m from the cache and I turned left. A bit of a footpad which does go basically all the way up - it just gets steeper and steeper as you go. At 320m to go I felt it was pretty steep. At 170m to go I knew I was wrong before ... and still it got steeper and steeper. Started slipping a bit at times in the loose dirt - and yes it was just as slippery and steep when I came back down. But managed up and down with no major falls or injury.

And then finally popped out on top. Paid homage to the cairn of stones and trundled over to the easily spotted GZ. Wow - Ammo can goodness, and an original logbook from 2008 ... what's not to love here (FP all round). Views are somewhat "between the foliage of trees", but feeling pretty stoked to be up here.

Whole trip took me bang on 3 hours (I motored along but did smell a few roses). Spotted two other humans. Just lovely.

Thanks Penguiny for entertaining me at this location.
*{Overall find #10811}*

After visiting the lookout, I headed back downhill and followed the trail bike tracks along the muddy trail until it was time to turn right and they disappeared. I followed the footpad mentioned in Karicka’s log and it got steeper and steeper but no bush bashing required. Quite a few fallen trees and branches across the path though.

Once at the top, I added a rock to the cairn and admired the glimpses of Flinder’s Peak and Ivory Rock before sitting down to read through all the old logs in the log book. Although the last online log was a year ago today, Logan and Beaudesert Bushwalking Club have signed the physical log a couple of times, most recently in July.

The hike back down was uneventful and the whole journey took about 4hrs. It was beginning to get warm but the time I got back to the car.

Thanks for the cache

Walked in from the north,
At 575 meters from the cache there was the start of a footpad that took me all the way to the summit.
A few ribbons too but i did not need them.
Made the summit panting and soaked.
Found the cache, last finder was here almost the same day as I was hiking up Flinders peak.
Was in a rush back as i feared that the gate would be locked.
Drowe out at 6.20 the sign said that the gate was locked from 6pm. Felt good about the find and making it out.

Thank you for hiding this geocache Penguiny
Find number 21874
R

The first day of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions allowed us to venture 50km from home...this cache came in at 46km! A beautiful clear day with a nice breeze, perfect walking conditions lured us to this 2 + years unloved hide. From the carpark we headed up to the lookout. An embarrassing GPS fail saw us heading down the wrong spur before we realised our mistake. We then had to traverse through some unfriendly undergrowth before we got back on track. At this point Mrs. Herbz was thinking about giving up and heading back to the car. However, once we reached the ridgeline and found a nice footpad to follow her sense of humour returned and she decided to soldier on. By now tummies were rumbling so we found a nice spot for lunch amidst some pretty grass trees. Suitably fortified pushed on to Kab's waypoint where we left the track and from here it wasn't long before the serious up began. We were pleasantly surprised to find a decent footpad all the way to the top and no lantana to be dealt with. It's still there but had been cleared nicely for us. We had a rest at the top and took some photos before finding the cache. It is in good condition and perfectly dry inside. The return trip was much easier and quicker as we used the fire trails all the way. A very enjoyable walk. TFTC.

After a pretty full on week of work I needed a nice walk in the woods to clear my head. Unfortunately, we'd arranged to meet friends at the German club last night for their infamous pork knuckle special, and who can have pork knuckle without a pint (or 4)? Thus it was that I found myself, a smidge hungover, on a very sticky day, heading towards this cache, after having completed the other one nearby.

The track part of the walk was completed easily, if somewhat stickily... it was *hot* today! I then followed the ridge line for the first part of off track, before stumbling across some red surveyor tape. This seemed to be leading me the way I would have gone anyway, i.e. up the ridge, so I followed it the whole way up, and it led me along a fantastic clear track through the lantana and other scunge. Happy days!

Cache was easily found at the top and I spent a happy 20 minutes reading through the old logs. I then sat and had nice break for a while before starting the trip back to the car.

TNLNSL, TFTC Penguiny

TNLNSL

Wow. Great views. The last 100m was tough. No lantana bashing for me.

This morning we set off fairly early to Goolman as it looked like a beaut day for a hike.
We took the Wards Rd route and parked at the end of Spowers Rd. The track from here was a fairly short walk to the main track. The point we chose to leave the track and head to the top was a good one - some kind soul has cleared a path through the lantana all the way to the summit.
The last bit of the hike was steep but not too bad.
We had some fruit and water before setting about to find the cache. Good coords made it an easy find. All good here. We replaced the torn zip lock bag just in case.
Thanks for the nice hike this morning and luring us up here with your cache penguiny.

This is the first T4.5 geocache that chikin little (6) and chikin littler (5) have accomplished. We walked 13.3 kms for the day doing this cache and the one at the lookout. The trails were easy walking for us all but the kids did find the scrambly bushbashing bits walking to the top of this one just a little harder. The soil is so loose underfoot they were down on all 4s in a few sections. But they loved it none the less and thought it was a great adventure. Everyone was excited to get to the very top. Mrs EMC went and found the cache whilst everyone else was still munching on lunch. We left the carpark at 9 am and got back at 3.30 pm. We walk quite slow as we take lots of breaks and let the kids have fun on the way walking logs etc. TFTC a fun family day today.

I may have been a little hung-over.. but it had been a couple of weekends without a walk so I limped out of bed and made my way to Hardings Paddock for this morning's stroll.

I had seen the map and all those contour lines look oh so simple. Then of course I got to the Goolman Outlook and could see that it was a little on the steep side but hey. What better way to clear the ol' noggin that a bit of up.

I followed the tracks towards Goolman and kept an eye out for a footpad up the hill but didn't see any. When I got to the gate at the other end of the park I decided that the ridge line up looked fine. So I headed off through the brush. Thankfully the scrub wasn't too rough and I managed to get onto a good ridge and was quickly getting into some of the steep.

Some fairly steep bits later and I got to the fabled lantana. Somehow my route took me around most of it and just a couple of tight spots and then I was on the final push up and up. Quickly enough I was at the summit and found the cache in good condition before having a little bit of lunch.

On the way down I found the track though the lantana and thought I may as well follow it which meant that when I got through it I was100 m off my waypoint for getting back down. So I did 100m though the lantana to get back on track... After that it was pretty clear sailing back down the way I came up.

Thanks for the walk and the cache!

Found with Swellerfungus. With stairman1 busy renovating and 2/3rds of the Bromance busy, Swellerfungus and I decided to go for a pleasant walk up a mountain. I left geodog at home as it was far too hot for him.

Swellerfungus' chariot picked me up and we headed off bright and early to beat the heat. I was glad we started early. We may have beat the sun but we didn't beat the darn cicadas. They were so noisy there were times when we couldn't hear each other talk.

We headed off to the entry point where the up started. It wasn't too bad and soon we were on top of the world. We had some great view over Ipswich and Brisbane. We signed the log and had some refreshments before heading back down to the bottom just as the sun was starting to hit us.

Lucky Swellerfungus has in inbuilt GPS as he knew exactly where our trail was. We followed it all the way back to the car. it was a great morning walk with a great companion. An added bonus was an unloved cache. TFTC

With the Bromance on hiatus for the weekend, and a need to climb something, I called on old mate Goldielover to accompany me to the lofty heights of Mount Goolman. She quickly replied yes, and I set about a plan of attack. I read up on previous finders experiences and found a set of coords that made todays walk an absolute delight. With machete in one hand and an iphone in the other (I had forgotten my garmin - D'oh!) we set off up the trail. After a little heartstarter we made it safely up to the dam. I decided to try out my new 'life straw GO' bottle, and managed t drink some sweet water from the fetid pool/ GL was watching me for strange behaviours fro the rest of the morning - sadly there was no unusual ones!\
We continued upi to our off track launch point, and found a path up the ridge line that looked like the ICC are trying to discourage horse riders to climb. Eventually the path led to a veritable super highway through the lantana. Someone had been very busy indeed!
Before long we crested the summit, and enjoyed the breeze and the view until it was time to find the cache. GL led the way to an easy find.
We were certainly apprehensive about the walk back down some of the steeper scree slopes at the top section, but managed to navigate our way back safely to the main track, and from there an easy ramble back to the car. Wow - just under 3 hours total return to Spowers Rd entrance.

We noted the cache was 6 months unloved as of yesterday! Not anymore. A very enjoyable stroll indeed.Thanks Penguiny and GL!

Tyftc

A fantastic view. Found on a day out hiking from Harding Paddock to Flinders Plum Picnic area & return. Took travel bug.

I have long wanted to take the hike out to Mount Goolman, but all the friends I usually go with had already been there, done that so the idea got shelved. However, recently one of the PTs at my gym mentioned she was keen to go hiking, and was happy to find geocaches as well, so we made a plan for today and set off before dawn from Brisbane

After getting the cache at the Lookout, we continued along the trails, with a few little ups to keep the heart rate clicking along. Along the way we took the detour to see the waterhole, then had quite a bush bash up the hill again to find the right track Eventually we got to the point where it seemed the trail was going past our target, and although we missed the best route up, a little further we managed to find another ridgeline to follow. Not too much dodging of lantana and a lot of stops to find the lungs again then we discovered a "clearer" track which took us all the way to the summit! I went straight over to find the cache which was nicely tucked away, and then we had a leisurely early lunch on top of the world [^]

We took the better way back down off the peak, then enjoyed the walk back to the car. Altogether it was about 4.5 hours for us today. TFTC, penguiny. A pleasure to tick this one off, so a favourite point from me.

On the to of the world . But is hot, why? It's mid winter. But what a hike! Loved it, power walked it as well. Hiking sticks etc. 3 hrs 20 mins return to the car for the 2 caches. I was seriously sweating.
At the turn off the track is now better than faint. And a massive thank you for pioneering a track through hated lantana! [^]
A massive fave point from me! Left a TB

a little too easy to find, the previous finder placed the rocks on top of the box upside down so they contrasted with the weathered surrounding rocks. I did my best to camouflage the position with a judicious sprinkle of leaf litter and twigs.

Aaaaaand that's #2000. Wanted something a bit different for my 2000th cache so decided to climb a mountain. Not an overly difficult one (I saw some of those from up the top - I hope to get to those ones soon), but it certainly got the heart and legs pumping. The morning didn't start off overly well as I made an navigation error very early on (that will teach me to only plot waypoints further along the track) but it was soon corrected and I was on the right path. An easy trail to follow and quickly found the turn off point. Managed to follow the faint trail to the top, although I did lose it momentarily a couple of times, but I had to have a breather a couple of times to get the breath back. Good views from the top, but a bit chilly in the early morning air. Cache found and log signed and after a couple of happy snaps was on the way again. Thanks for a great cache and here's to 2000 more caches.

Quite a climb.

We joined a new tough mother to our group, welcome Jemalucy! We missed the waypoint to head up and battled our own way through 60m of thick Lantana before we realizing we still had 200m to go. We decided to back track and try the right track. A much easier path to follow but just as steep! Lunch at the top before heading back down!

Out with misssusan and jemalucy today. This was on our hitlist as it one little blip in the map that I hadn't tackled yet having completed flinders peak, mount Blaine and all the others near Hardings Paddock. Jemalucy is fairly new to geocaching and we joked that she had to be initiated into the tough mother club (you have to climb a mountain to be a part of our exclusive club.... HAHAHAHA). We parked at the end of spowers road and found the fire trail to start the walk. We went slightly off track as we went to the watering hole but instead of backtracking we bushed it back up to where we thought the track would be and we pretty well on the mark. We continued on the fire trail for a while until we realised the trail was going away from the peak, ok so we decided to head bush from here but we couldn't see any little tracks. For the first bit it was ok until we hit lantana and tried to battle it but it was ridiculous, we looked back at gaz and kabs log, there was a waypoint where they'd headed in, so we plugged that in and backtracked to that point. We got to that point and then headed back in, this was a much better option as we could definetly see a trail. The lantana is slowly growing over the trail again but it was ok. We finally got to the top found the cache easily, had lunch, the obligatory pic and then we were off again. Much quicker trip down. Jemalucy is official now..lol. Anyway a great cache, a great walk and a lovely day out. Tftc

Relogging this under individual account, previously a member of Gaz'n'Kab account.

Previously logged under a team account. Re-logging with my individual account.

Such a great morning today, with the skies overcast, and a sprinkle of rain every now and then, we headed off from the carpark at about 7am alongside Gunnie69. We headed in from along Spowers Road, and after making a wrong turn, we grabbed the other cache nearby, and soon headed up to this one. We followed the trails, until we hit the waypoint to leave the track, and head up the spur @ S27 45.489 E152 47.583

Thankfully we spotted what looked to be a small trail along the ridgeline, and followed it up the hill, all the way to the top of the hill We headed in to GZ, and began the search, and quickly spotted a likely spot, and soon had the cache in hand [^] A quick look through, and Gaz enjoyed reading the topo map, whilst everyone added their names into the logbook A great cache this one was, and we were soon back up the top, taking our time to enjoy the views (although obscured by the rain) and eat some lunch

TFTC penguiny, a fav point from us for another enjoyable hill climb

Gaz'n'Kab

Out for a stroll with Gaz'n'Kab this morning, we made our way to this one, via the outlook cache and used that as a warm up... Something we thought we should have reconsidered as we ascended the ridge to GZ... The morning was warming up and with the odd sprinkle of rain, was oh so humid and nasty...

As we made our way, a check of the GPS highlighted that this one had not seen a visitor for quite some time... Ah, we do love an unloved cache and it's nice to be the first finders for a while... [^] The path up the ridgeline was relatively clear and showed signs of regular visits. Then we remembered that not all walking types are cachers... I KNOW, who'd have thought...

A fairly slow ascent with the humidity and being the first hike in a few months. We took our time and zeroed in on GZ where Gaz was first to unveil the container... Cache and contents all in good condition, we added our details to the log, before Gaz spotted the Topo map and got those warm fuzzy feelings... Err, Gary... Earth to Gary... Ah, forget it, it's useless at the moment...

Business done, the cache was replaced and we headed to the top for a bite to eat... Sadly, the tree cover denied us of a great view from here, but what we could see was worth the trek...

The trek is mainly clear of lantana, but it's making it way across in some spots and won't be long before it thickens up. Hopefully the muggle hikers will keep it clear for the next hunters...

Interestingly, there was a log in the log book when we got there, from August 2013. No sign of any log online though... [?]

Cheers Penguiny.

Had a mad fit and decided to ride the geocycle over from Flinders Plum after having done "Matt's High Point" Rode along some awesome trail to about 500m of GZ. Spotted an old 4WD track and headed up. Stashed the bike and continued up the track. It soon narrowed to a goat track, but the lantana had not yet grown back. Made it to the top unscathed - well, no more scathed than I was at the bottom . GZ was soon located and the log signed.

Finally after looking at this cache on the map for around two years the day arrived to get out there and find it After finding Namloog Outlook I headed back down the hill and followed the Ipswich-Boonah trail. After some time and a bit of up and down (mostly up) I reached a point approx 500m from GZ. The trail was going the wrong way for me so it was time to bush bash the rest of the way, and it was all uphill. And not just any old uphill, this is seriously steep and overgrown At least the direction of travel is a no brainer, just keep heading up....and up...and.......you get the idea[8)]

Luck was with me as I was able to follow a trail I suspect was left by the last caching expedition to come this way. This was really good news when I hit the lantana belt further up the hill. I was happy to find a cleared path through this barrier (I'm sure I recognized the mark of Captain Terror's machete). This saved me a lot of work, all I had to do was tidy up around the fringes a bit. Thanks to all who chopped before me, I am most grateful This is one of the deepest lantana fields I've seen yet, if you are planning to come this way, don't leave the machete at home.

Eventually I was withing ten metres of GZ and the views was spectacular. No worries finding the cache either, the hiding spot is obvious to the cacher's eye. As you'd expect with an ammo box cache all is dry and in prefect condition. Took out a weird Elvis Jumping bean thingy and left a keyring.

After a bite to eat a a well deserved rest it was time to backtrack all the way to the car. Quite an adventure and I'm very pleased to get a smiley on the map for this one. Cheers penquiny

That's certainly good for the old heart! The walk in from the carpark was pleasantly varied, with some serious uphills, a few downhill bits and even some flats in between. We started off by visiting Namloog Lookout before descending and taking the other path toward this chunk of rock. The path was easy to follow, if muddy, and it was not until the last 500m that I really started to question whether my newly healing tummy could handle it. But I'd come this far, and there was a smiley to be had, so I took my sweet time and toddled carefully up the slope behind the boys. I won't say it was easy, and I certainly needed my sandwich at the top, but there was a great sense of achievement at being able to claim this one. Great area to walk around in, even with the mud clinging to my boots! TFTC penguiny! =^.^=

(This cache counts toward the GC2XBA7 Rambler's Reward Challenge Cache in Dunedin)

Some time ago it was decided this free weekend needed a good hike planned for it, so this one being a bit closer to home than some hills was chosen. However in the preceding week the weather turned against us and right up until last night there were doubts about whether we would get a break from the rain. It was only a small bunch of manned-up cachers that appeared in the carpark this morning, I was in the car with Fangsoki and La Kedi and we ended up following the GPS into private property so after a bit of common sense was applied, we followed the signs. I recognised the nearby area from a cadet's camp many years ago. At the carpark we met up with Brother Colin and Dosshell and with no rain upon us, a quick squirt of aeroguard and filling of waterbottles, we set off. being overcast the ground was still very wet despite it being 8:00 already. We followed the signs and made the detour via the lookout on the way up. We managed only two wrong turns, but neither led us very far down the wrong path. Up until now some parts had been heart pumpingly uphill but lots also seemed to be rather level.. we like level. The clay type soil when wet does like to stick to boots though so at a few points we stopped to de-mud. We stopped for a rest break at one point and it seemed here was the bottom of a spur from Mt. Goolman, so we left the path here, a bit over 500m to go. It seems the rangers or someone has driven a quad bike some of the way up, so a very convenient track as we pushed upwards towards the cache. We eventually came to where it was a lot steeper and had to dodge some lantana, but nothing that slowed down progress substantially. The group going slow to account for the healing cat among us but we popped out on the summit, 3 hours after leaving the carpark. The hunt was launched and it was Dosshell who spied the container and we sat around to sign the log and appreciate the area. Back up the few metres to the summit and we pointed out the mountains nearby we've already conquered and those left to climb as we chowed down on lunch. A very nice spot and a good place for a cache. On the way back we simply enjoyed the downhill sections and laughed a bit more at the redundant signs en route. TFTC penguiny, a favourite point from me also I'm also happy to announce this as a personal milestone - 1992, the year of my birth. That 2000 is close now

Today a group of us ( Geoff, Steve, Janet, Thomas and myself) headed off for a walk to grab the three caches along this track. We were a little worried about the rain forecasts leading up to today but in the end we had cloud cover but no rain. Though the tracks were a little slippery in places.
We made it up that steep hill.
We departed from the fire trails about 450m from our target and followed a 'trail' up the hill.It was lucky some has been through recently to cut a path through the lantana. Go now if you are thinking about coming up here.
With a couple of GPSr's bouncing all over the place we thought we were never going to find this one but Steve ended up grabbing it. A great view(even with the cloud cover).
Thanks for the cache. All dry inside.

With with threatening weather looming over us, this planned walk was nearly blown out of the water before it even started.

However a group of us (Captain Terror, La Kedi, Dosshell, Brother Colin, and myself) drank a teapsoon of cement, hardened up, and set off for this one at about 8am. We first tackled the nearby "Namloog Outlook" cache. The walk to that point certainly got the heart pumping.

With Miss La Kedi needing to take her time, we mostly stayed in a group (Leave no man.. or woman.. or cat... behind!). There was times the path was just thick clay. But thankfully we all managed to keep traction with our boots and not end up in a muddy heap.

We did make a few wrong turns (alas we had no horses that required to drink water from a nearby pond - which is where one path lead us!) - but surprisingly we picked a very direct route in the end without much fuss. The weather was holding out very nicely for us.

Then, at about 580m from GZ, we left the main track and headed "up". This was not so bad - most of us took it slow and steady. The lantana gods were smiling on us today as there was an open-ish path up to GZ. It started to get really steep - and started to remind me of "Way-gawn" a bit - but we still powered on. All the troops eventually arrived up the top and we joined in the hunt.

Mr Dosshell found the cache just as the rest of us arrived. It was in excellent condition. We all signed the log and then went back up the top to eat a well-earned lunch.

Our trip back was not so bad. A few stumbles every now and then - but nothing too bad. We got lost once going downhill - but our GPSr's lead the way. We were getting tired by the time we got back - and it started to shower just as we arrived at the cars.

An excellent day.. and an excellent place for a cache - with a good group. Some great views from up here. Very proud to have this smiley [^] TFTC penguiny - an easy favourite

(This cache will count towards my Rambler's Reward Challenge (GC2XBA7) in Dunedin)

I have been watching this one for a while now. Today is the day, armed with track clearing gear and well protected my daughter and I headed off. We left from Wards Rd so it wasn't long before we were ready to tackle the assent. It was surprisingly easy to about 400m from GZ when the wall of Lantana greeted us. After clearing a nice track for us I popped out just before the summit and was greeted with another well cleared track only about 10m away. Wish I had looked around a little more at the start of the lantana we would definitely have seen it. Oh well, at least there are now two tracks to choose from, even if they are very close together. We arrived at GZ, and then it started to rain. Found the cache safe and sound. No view at all for us today. A real pity, I was looking forward to seeing Charlie D from another angle. While signing the log I noted there had been another visitor in March this year, who had kindly cleared the previous track. Apparently their 4th visit. (Sorry couldn't remember their log name.) Replaced the cache and headed off. Will definitely be back again, I have got to see the view.
A great walk (not too challenging)
Thanks penguiny for bring us here

Well, after finding the nearby "Namloog Outlook", I continued on south to this one. I left the fire-trail at an obvious spot, and proceeded up the hill for about 400m. That was as far as I could get! The Lantana was impossible to break through, and I had to turn around and head back down. I got to within 200m of Gz, but I think I'll have to wait for a fire to go through and clear out some of the Lantana before I try this one again.

Thanks anyway, Penguiny

No visitors here for a good while, and a nice holiday in Brisbane so George and Mrs George and a couple of friends decided today was the day to tackle Mt Goolman. Have been wanting to get up Mt Goolman for many years, but never managed it till now. After a quick drop by to check Namloog Outlook, accross country to Goolman was the order of the day.
The path up was not too bad with only a short patch of lantana. Fortunately somebody has been through recently and there was a reasonably clear path to the top.
No trouble finding the cache - thank you - then a quick descent for lunch.
TNLNSL TFTC, Penguiny - almost a payback for Daves Hut?

JAT - I've looked at the track log and we made a similar assent time to Lat Junkie.( Just over the hour)

With the end of the caching year fast approaching, ruzzelz was obviously wanting to end the year with a BANG and flicked a few emails to some unsuspecting fellow cachers [:o]
I thought it was a good idea and so too did Just A Trifle.....will we ever learn

The weather forecast was for a max of 37 C [:o][:o][:o]
Better get an early start

So why oh why was I driving through a pea souper of a fog at 5:00 am on the Cunningham Highway south of Ippy ? Weird Queensland weather !!

Rather than use the parking area we decided to start at the entry gate to Harding's Paddock to up the ante a bit (Just for fun) [^]
The stroll up to the Namloog Outlook cache rewarded us with great views over the fog shrouded valleys and of the menacing looking profile of Mount Goolman, waaayyyyyy over there [:o]

We soon found out that you can't get there from here without losing a lot of elevation already gained
Heading upward again along the spur, we ran into an obstacle in the form of a small cliffline. Rather than go around it we continued straight up, just for fun you understand

That turned out to be good practice for the final push to the summit
It was getting rather warm by this stage and for once I almost had to sit down for a while and recover before finding the cache. That thought lasted all of 10 seconds
Nice hide, nice container and nice views. I left "LochB's Travel Bug Geocoin" to enjoy the views [^]
It was finally time to fall down in a shady spot and have lunch

The walk back to the geomobiles was truly an epic worthy of the Foreign Legion though. In the now stifling heat of the midday sun we trudged down, down, down, up, up,up, down, down,down, up a bit more then down, down and finished with a long march across the paddock along the road [xx(]

That was fun, I drank 4 litres of water. Walked 15.2 kms. The summit is 460metres. The temp at Amberley was 19.8 C when we set off at 5:45am and 36.1 C when we arrived back at the geomobiles at 12:30pm

With the year fast drawing to an end a little hill to climb was the plan. Holiday season – too many people on the coast so go west was the plan. Willing victims selected; all seems in order. Oh BOM predictions for the day looked HOT, HOT, HOT. Adjusted plans to earlier time slot to avoid temperature extremes.

Leaving home early preparation and planning for an early start looked fine. Oh unplanned events pea soup fog slows progress to 60 km on Ipswich bypass and even slower on the Boonah Rd. Second unplanned events access gates are locked [:(!](funny the information board claims gates are unlocked at sun rise) maybe the fog has slowed the rangers progress.

So it was we set off on another great little SE Qld hill climb adventure. 15.8 km (2 extra thanks to the locked gate)[xx(]

In: 4 L Water
Out: Lots of perspiration, Lots of fun
Weather : 39 C (according to the car) and about 60% Relative Humidity.

Special Thanks: My walking victims for the journey IF & Just a Trifle


[This entry was edited by ruzzelz on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at 3:32:56 PM.]

I must have been mad to agree to this walk on a day like today [B)] as it would have to be the hottest walk I have done by far to find a cache [xx(]

After having done nearby Namloog Outlook, we found ourselves at the bottom of the mountain with 1.2km to the cache according to the GPS. Having read lat&long junkie's log stating he made progress of 1.4km over the ground, we thought we would reach GZ in less than an hour How wrong were we After the best of 2hrs later, we finally made it to the cache - had the obligatory signing ceremony and a well earned lunch break

The views of the Scenic Rim were certainly worth the effort to get here [^] TFTC Penguiny

Last Saturday I was over at ‘namloog lookout’, 1.8 kms away, gazing wistfully over here. I decided, much to Mrs Lat&Long’s relief, to come back another day. So today, after a bit of a chat with ‘Penguiny’ about topo maps and approaches, I parked at the end of Spowers Road and started up. Climbing over the gate was easy. The rest was invigorating, to say the least . According to friend GARMIN, I ascended 1000 feet during my 1.9km approach at an average speed of 1.4km/h. That includes all the rest/drink stops. Guess I won’t be winning any king of the mountain races at that rate. Homing in on GZ was a slow business. Almost as slow as my vertical advance. The cache notes mention, “a punishing off-track approach to the summit†… yep [xx(].You want some advice? When you reach the lantana, keep left. It’s a bit loose underfoot, but there’s almost no lantana and I didn’t get a single scratch .
Once at the top, I took a few moments to recover before finding the cache. It’s a nice big one, which makes the climb all the more worthwhile. Signed the log, took nothing and left a bottle opener. Took a few pictures and did a walk around video to show the geowife. Before heading back down, I rang Mrs Lat&Long. She was pleased for me but this one isn’t her cup of tea. She loves to sit in these places, gazing around at the bush and/or view, watching kangaroos, listening to birds, but can’t handle these severe uphill caches. No matter, I have photos and videos and there’re plenty of flatter bush caches for us both. Thanks ‘Penguiny’ for this one. It was one hell of a great way to spend an afternoon.

F.T.F.... 10-50am....9th...November..
You know your pushing it up hill , when the altimeter is going up faster , than the metres gained on GZ ...
Now I know I have a bit of BILLYGOAT in me..
Nearly pulled the pin on this 1 when I saw it from Goolmans Lookout
Glad I pushed on even after a wrong turn , costing me a couple of k's , 16 in total , including 2 other nearby CACHES
TFTC... Penguiny,
absolute awesome views & now I am knackered too
left-- pen , ANZAC coin & my print out topo map of area
took-- lure
GREAT CACHE ........................................

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