A Hallowean Special - The Spooky Forest Lilydale, Victoria, Australia
By heymissjo on 18-Oct-23. Waypoint GCAFGZZ

**Happy Belated Halloween!**With Halloween being my all time favourite holiday, I absolutely adore the spooky season and as such I had been saving to find this cache for Halloween night. Unfortunately, this year I ended up catching a stomach bug the day before Halloween and was actually bed ridden for about a week or so afterwards. So I decided to save this cache for the next day I needed to find a mystery cache in order to fill in a missing calendar date for [ahomburg's](https://www.geocaching.com/p/?guid=1ded3729-fe62-40bb-9f5f-fd559e7163b1&wid=2ea93f43-d6fb-4f7e-938a-bacef589ab2c&ds=2) challenge cache, [WCW - Almost a Complete Mystery Challenge (GC9Z59N)](https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC9Z59N).This is one puzzle I have had solved for a little while, but I do remember it being a bit of a struggle. I remember I was able to figure out the first half of it, but was completely lost on the second half. I didn't find the second half until the very kind [CO](https://www.geocaching.com/p/?guid=6364a7b8-7c3b-4a79-b5f1-caa3f1677964&wid=d4320b67-6810-4871-bd9c-bb8a8ca6f787&ds=2) pointed it out to me. However, armed with that extra hint, I was eventually able to work out the coordinates for GZ. So today was finally the day that I decided to try and find this cache. I was a bit confused as I was driving up GZ, but once I arrived I spotted the very likely beacon. It was then a quick search before the cache was in hand. I grabbed the cache and retreated back to the comforts of my geomobile in order to sign the log without drawing to much attention to myself. Unfortunately, as I was signing the log, a nearby muggle starting mowing grass right next to GZ. I was stuck, there was no way to put the cache back and so I had to just sit near GZ and wait out the lawn mowing muggle. Of course, this muggle must have been a lawn expert as it seemed to take them forever! They paid so much attention to their lawn and didn't miss a single blade of grass. So after sitting at GZ for what seemed like an eternity, *in reality it was probably just my introvertned nervousness that made me feel like it, and it was probably only around 10 minutes*, the lawn mowing muggle, finally decided to pay attention to a different part of their lawn and I was finally able to quickly replace the cache back in it's hiding spot.A big thanks goes to [heymissjo](https://www.geocaching.com/p/?guid=6364a7b8-7c3b-4a79-b5f1-caa3f1677964&wid=d4320b67-6810-4871-bd9c-bb8a8ca6f787&ds=2) for the challenging, yet very fun Halloween themed puzzle. TFTC.**Cache Maintenance Status:**The cache container was in good shape. All of the inner contents were nice and dry and the logbook was clean with plenty of room for future cache finders to sign.

Found on my way past while heading home from Melbourne. I solved this last night in anticipation of making the find today. I had looked at this briefly previously, but not spent much time on it. Seeing some of my friends had found it I knew I should be able to solve it, so actually had a good look and soon had the coordinates. Today I made a slight detour to make the find. That was quick and easy, then continued my journey towards home. TFTC

And thats 300! This was a fun one and very well thought out and constructed. I impressed myself in being able to solve the clues. A lot of work has gone into this. Upon approaching GZ I could see exactly where I was going, very apt hiding spot, given the name. Quickly found, and as I was signing, a council worker approached and we had a better chat about geocaching. Thanks for this one

Found it! A mystery cache was needed today to fill a gap. I had this puzzle solved last year but hadnt had a chance to find it. Today was that day. After a morning of rest it was time for an afternoon outing. With Muggle Wen driving we soon pulled up at GZ. Before leaving the warmth of the car I made a quick survey for potential hiding places. The obvious place was where I started but it needed a leap of faith, breath held, and the cache was in my hand. Yay! I would not want to come here in the dark. Most likely I would have grabbed a spider or fallen over. Anyway Ive found it! TFTC SL

This was one of the few remaining caches in the local vicinity that was collected after school pick up today for the 4 caches required to gain the Leap Day souvenir. I managed to figure out the South co-ordinates with no trouble on Halloween night, but struggled with the East. The helpful CO gave me a strong hint, then after a face palm for not picking up on the obvious, I solved the puzzle.This has been sitting here in the solved pile for a day like today when I quick park and grab was needed. Thanks heymissjo! All in good condition here.

Thanks all - I am aware that there was some "unexpected modifications" to Spook Tree GZ after a massive storm went through the area - I suppose it is keeping with the theme - I will keep an eye on the cache, but so far it has remained in place.

Hey heymissjo, did you know that where there was two, now there is but one. Arter solving this very clever puzzle together, catnap777 and I came hunting this spooky special mystery. The cache was easily found, but suspect it was not quite where it used to be. [8)] After adding our names to the log, we returned the cache a little more concealed, but very close to where we found it. Thanks heymissjo for the great puzzle that earned us a quick smiley at GZ.

Puzzle solved and cache found with dalerious . What a super puzzle . To say I loved it would be an understatement. Picked up on the initial secret that the tale was willing to tell.But, that was only part of this wicked spell, and it was dalerious who stumbled on the key that unlocked the hidden hex.Powered with the knowledge that was conjured this night, we headed to the forest to claim our prize.So the familiar and her Warlock uncovered what lurks within the Spooky Forest.Thank you for the awesome fun heymissjo. A favourite point from me .

It was a few days after publication before I say down and had a good look at this puzzle. Trying a few things I've learnt, and paying attention, revealed the southerlies after a short while. Initially looking in the wrong place for the easterlies, a tiny nudge from another cacher put me on the right track, but nothing clicked. A couple of junior iTEEM members offered suggestions, but nothing worked. When I did see what I'd been overlooking, and overthinking, I was well pleased with myself, and if I listened carefully, imagined HMJ's amusement at the unnecessary mental gymnastics we had performed. After working away from home for a spell, tonight was a perfect opportunity to venture forth and make the find. Some substantial disruption has recently taken place at GZ, and I initially feared that the cache may have been collateral damage, but thankfully, it has narrowly escaped, and is still tucked away safe and sound. All in good condition. TFTC and the clever puzzle heymissjo

The old Spooky WoodsAnd prized geo-goodsWere only half the tale This fiendish ruseFull of shadowy cluesIs not for the weak or frailBut Im strong and braveAnd the smileys I craveSo into darkness I had to goMy intuition softly guided meThe Halloween spirits derided me But I know a bit about HeymissjoI tried to connive like herOr the four or five just like herEvil COs that have us clutch at our hairMany tormented nights after HalloweenWhen December itself ticked to thirteen.An epiphany struck me through the fog.The memory of the original spooky sinA place that inspired all this to beginYielded a smiley when I signed that damn log.Now please dont take a offenceAt how I left the condition of the fenceI swear it was like that when I arrived.Just be satisfied with my storyAnother misadventure ending in gloryAnd Ill take solace from simply having survived.Thanks heaps.A favourite

This was an enjoyable puzzle to solve, I had no trouble locating the cache.Thanks heymissjo for the cache.

GT37 got a call from OHC asking if we wanted to go and look for some new caches that had come out. It was a stunning day so yes was the obvious answer. CnC were staying at OHC's so we set off in the wrong direction. I hadn't realised that this one was first on the list. When we arrived, the others were already there and with the cache in hand so we didn't have to do anything but add our names. Thanks for the cache.

I had managed to work out one set of coords but had no idea what to do for the second set so put it away to ask about on our puzzle night. Luckily, I had a chance to work on it before then. When I got a message from OHC asking if we would like to go caching, we decided to go as the weather was great for a stroll. Although I didn't realise that we were going to add this one to the list, I was more than happy to do so, especially now that I had it fully solved.ChooknChunk had been staying at OHC's house for the weekend so it was a lovely group that made a quick find here. Thanks for the cache.

Having enjoyed a fabulous weekend in Melbourne celebrating all things GIFF movies and milestone birthdays, there was time for a few more caches before heading back to Western Victoria.This puzzle was solved on the night it was published - Halloween of course. Chook happened to be sitting at the computer when the new puzzle notification pinged. Looking at it, and working out the southerlies fairly quickly, but the easterlies not so straightforward, her attention turned to the general location. Nowhere near us at all, but not far from OzHockeyChick, Chook messaged OHC to see how she was going with it. Both of us at exactly the same spot, swapping our thoughts but pretty much on the same page. Some numbers found but still not working. Maybe a typo here and there in the checker didn't help either LOL. Oops, let's fix that and bingo the checker goes green. Go go go OHC, encourages Chook, not thinking that after all these spooky stories she was sending her friend solo into the spooky darkness with all sorts of creatures roaming the neighbourhood. Mission successful though!Anyway, that was the puzzle solve, and what a really nicely put together puzzle it was. Fast forward to today and being in the neighbourhood, it was our turn to finally sign the log. No spooky darkness and scary creatures to set the scene though - just glorious spring sunshine. All good at GZ. Thank you heymissjo for this cache and puzzle.

omegaman1971Support Your local Villain Iive - Laugh - Lurk Caches Found: 12680First To Find Number: 116Sidetracked Cache Finds: 102Out and about in the area putting some smiles on the map, this puzzle certainly had me stumped for a few hrs, but in the end got the log stamped.cheers for the cache.

What a fantastic puzzle! But what would you expect from Heymissjo? She sets the bar very high.I had worked with RedcbBluebm on solving this, and we both found part of the coords. Luckily they were different parts, so we had GZ. Today I had an early trip to the airport, so Pilot and I called by and signed the log.This definitely requires a favourite point from us.Thanks for your excellent work Jo.

Sigh.... second to find, always the bridesmaid lol. Crusty and I worked on this fabulous puzzle with each of us coming up with a required co-ord. I may have even done some of my workings whilst sitting in the audience watching the grandchildren's school concert...(don't tell the children!). This morning BlueBM and I were out giving the new e-bikes a trial and dropped by here on our way. The cache was quickly spied, and the log signed. Thanks for the cache heymissjo.

##Published - thanks for contributing to Geocaching with this Listing.##*Don't forget that regular visits to check on this cache will keep it healthy as well as keep seekers happy. Be sure to log an Owner Maintenance log each time you visit to check on the cache.*>***The challenge for any Cache Owner is to place the largest possible container . . . . . . . not the smallest.***

{FTF} @8:42pmIve never really liked scary movies. Luna Parks House of Horrors gives me the creeps. Anything that goes RAHRR!! Even when expected, I always jump out of my skin, then I get angry with myself for allowing whatever it was to scare me.Halloween to me has always been and always will be my brothers birthday. Happy birthday, Bro!! The closest I get to Halloween is my two black felines both of which were cuddled up on my lap when my phone started pinging. Messages saying new mystery right near you!What? Who? Where?I quickly set about checking it out. It wasnt long before I had half the coords sussed out. But the rest took a little more digging. A lot of to and fro with Chook(nchunk) and between us we had some more useful numbers. But the checker kept saying no. We tried this and that, and just as I was about to fire up the laptop (Id been only using the phone until now) a message came through Got it! Go go go.A quick check of the map, and I darted out the door. then back in to exchange slippers for runners!The garage door has never seemed to be as slow as it was tonight. Nine minutes to gz.I think I made it in five! I parked near gz where I expected to find other geovehicles, but there were none. As I approached I was preparing myself for a possible RAHRR. I could feel my heart beating out of my chest. I was so happy to find the cache with a blank logbook inside. However, while I was adding my name to the fresh book, just behind me I heard someone or something with very heavy breathing and snorting. I spun around to find an inquisitive creature of the equine variety.OK thats enough of an adventure for one night. Now to return home to finish my dinner and try to explain my sudden departure to my furballs.Thanks for the new mystery, HMJ. May there be many more to come.