Logs for Stefanoodle 

This was our monthly outing to the Galston Club for supper and an event. There was a good turn-out of the usual cachers. I suspect some puzzles were solved by the serious cachers, though a lot of socialising was also going on. While I didn't attend to any puzzles, I did sign off on a challenge that I qualified for a while back. The actual cache has been archived, but the CO graciously brought me the log book to sign. Nice to pick that one up. Done and dusted. Looking forward to the next CCC event. Thanks for organising these regular get-togethers. 

I haven't been to Barangaroo for ages; I think the last time I was in this area was for Vivid, but it was at least two years ago. So what better excuse than to come and help clean up the area a bit. What's more, the Metro from the Hills stops conveniently close.It was a huge turn-out of eager cachers, mostly fighting over tiny little scraps of polystyrene and other small items: the area was actually quite clean for the most part. Yet, we still managed to collect a good bag each of little bits and pieces of stuff that didn't belong here, mostly from the cracks and gaps in the sandstone blocks. My grabber proved very useful in extracting things from nooks and crannies that were too deep and narrow for me to reach into with my hands.The rain held off for the entire event, and only once the group event photos had been taken did the heavens open up for a few minutes. I had intended finding a few more caches in the area, but with the inclement weather I concentrated only on one TFTC and an Adventure Lab in the area. There will be future opportunities to make a few more finds ...Thanks for a pleasant outing to the city to clean up our playing field. 

After attending the nearby CITO a bit earlier in the afternoon, I collected the necessary information to put into the checker, and duly received the final co-ords for the hide. By now it was raining on and off; it was a good thing I had packed for that eventuality. Suitably protected from the downpour, I made my way towards GZ, at the same time also picking up waypoints for the nearby Adventure Lab.Initially, I was a bit concerned that I would be within view of several muggles, but it turned out that GZ was quite well out of sight. I used the detailed info from the checker to get close, and then went into visual inspection mode to make the find. What a clever hide in terms of the camouflage!! I always appreciate a good hide that blends in really well, especially in an urban environment. Hidden in plain sight, so to speak.Fortunately, the rain had let up quite a bit by the time I got around to signing duties, so the log sheet didn't get exposed to moisture. Then it all went back as found, and I concentrated on the AL for the next bit before heading back to the Metro and home.There must have been several Halloween parties on this afternoon/evening: on the Metro in both directions at various stations I spotted people suitably dressed as witches, vampires and ghouls. And no, these were not kids who were lost and were still trick-or-treating their way around. These were young adults. Such fun! 

The CCC Event is a fairly regular outing for us every month. Though I didn't solve any puzzles on the night, I was presented with a new conundrum: what kind of a meal my tweenager son should order in future -- he's developing a voracious appetite as he heads towards his teens, and the kiddies' meal isn't enough anymore ??.Anyway, it was an enjoyable evening, as usual. Lots of chatting was done. Always a good way to end a Monday.Thanks for hosting, C62. Hopefully, we'll see y'all in two weeks' time. 

My third and last find for the day. I was heading back towards Castle Towers after this to do the weekly grocery shopping, but I decided to use the opportunity of being right here to pick up this one, too.I had actually underestimated the position of the hide, and had to walk along the road a little bit further. Then it was a matter of trying to see where the container might be, but it eluded me initially. Fortunately, it didn't take too long to spot what I was after, and to add my name in the log sheet.Sadly, quite a bit of litter on the other side of the fence here. Perhaps we should hold a CITO here sometime. 

This cache proved to be a bit of a milestone for me. It wasn't a particular number, but rather a little empty spot on my "found date" calendar. It's taken only 22 years of caching to finally fill in the whole calendar!! That lonely spot sat open for about two years as the only date still required.I'm not all that goal-oriented when it comes to caching. But today I decided to see whether I could complete the calendar by removing this blight. I checked for a few options in the area and settled on four caches, just in case there might be problems preventing a find. A good thing, too, because at the first option there was a muggle across the road, sorting out the bins in front of her house. I thought I would be too exposed across the road, looking for a cache in a vacant plot. Thus, on to the next option, which was this hide.Initially, I checked a few spots that I thought were likely places to hide a micro container, but none of them panned out. The GPSr didn't want to settle for quite some time, so I was back and forth quite a bit. After picking up nothing I had a closer look at something I had initially dismissed or inspected only with a cursory glance, and then I spotted the little container.All good here. I added my name and put everything back the way I had found it. Then on to find another two hides over at Fred Caterson Reserve. 

I made a long weekend of exploring Barrington Tops Forest and National Park with some other off-road friends. Although I was hoping to pick up the old cache at Frying Pan, that never materialized; the guys I was with are not geocachers. Besides, after looking at that particular campsite we decided it was a bit crowded and very muddy, so we camped at another site.Anyway, between some showers and lots of muddy tracks we enjoyed a brief stop here to admire the views. I'm really glad it had cleared to see something. While we were standing there I checked my app for any nearby caches, and this one popped up. I was just metres away from it. Thus, a quick bearing check and soon I had the cache in hand. Nice 3D-printed outer container, too.Log signed, everything returned as found, and soon we were on our way again. Thanks for a pleasant surprise cache to add something different to the 4x4 weekend out in an area I haven't been to before. 

The Adventure Lab at the fountain was a quick and interesting lab, and after getting the codewords in the correct order and obtaining the final location from the checker, we made our way towards GZ.It didn't take long to make the find with the provided hint. There was nobody around, so retrieval was quick and easy. Nice hide. I did notice that the epoxy on the key box has come loose, but the cache was all in good order otherwise. On the way back we stopped off at the cathedral to have a very quick peek inside. Several people were arriving dressed to the nines: they were gathering for a wedding. My first thought was that this was a Mafia wedding, just based on the way the people were dressed. I didn't want to stare for too long, lest someone asked me whether I would like a nice pair of cement shoes ... ?? 

Our last cache for the day before catching the metro back home.I was quite surprised at how busy this area was when we came to have a look for the cache. We waited it out for a while, and eventually things calmed down enough for a quick grab while sitting right next to GZ.As often happens, just as one is ready to return everything to its hiding spot a whole throng of muggles appears, so we again had to wait a few minutes before there was a good opportunity to replace the goods as found.Thanks for another easy cache in a pretty location. 

I was again in town to visit the Australian Museum with my son ... last official day of the school holidays. On a previous visit I had espied this hide, but there were too many eyes about, and I didn't want to compromise the hide just for a smiley. Today turned out to be a lot quieter in the park, and we were able to pick this one off without anybody bothering us.Well, actually, while we were sitting on the adjacent bench, and I was completing the log, a young lady approached us. At first I thought she was a "chugger" -- a portmanteau of charity + mugger -- but it turned out she wanted me to sign a petition. I prefer to know more about what I'm putting my signature to, so I didn't sign up then and there, but asked for the website that had more information.After returning the cache to its hiding place I went on to do the Adventure Lab at the nearby fountain. 

I really enjoy EarthCaches, but my weakness is getting around to writing them up and posting the find. This EC was no exception. I've now visited this site three times over several years. Each time I've inspected the walls, taken photos and made notes. Today, I'm finally getting around to answering the basic questions in order to log a find. Answers have been sent to the CO.We were in town for a visit to the Australian Museum. Now that the Metro runs all the way from the Hills into the CBD and beyond, it was our first excursion going further than the previous last stop at Chatswood. A very enjoyable 32-minute ride, station to station.We also made sure we attended the International Post Card Day Event at the GPO, albeit a very fleeting encounter to sign the log and say a few hellos. Then on to the museum via this EC.Thanks for the EC and the practical lesson in geology. 

This wouldn't be my first visit to the ANZAC Memorial, but today our outing was to the Australian Museum next to Hyde Park. After our day of science and culture we made our way back to the Metro station, thus coming past the Memorial.The necessary information was quickly sourced and the logging requirements were met. Answers sent off to the CO for approval.Thanks for the brief visit to the Memorial. It's interesting to come back more than once and notice different details on each visit. That's what's fun about geocaching: one discovers interesting things, sees little details from a different perspective, or is alerted to places that one would never have visited and experienced in the normal course of one's day. 

We had a day outing at the Australian Museum, so we decided to combine a few things with our trip into town. First off was the Metro trip all the way from the Hills into the CBD. Finally, it goes all the way and doesn't terminate at Chatswood.Then there was a very brief meet-and-greet at the General Post Office where Brewmaker was holding his International Post Card Day event. Sadly, we couldn't stay very long, but I did sign the log, added my name to a post card going to Geocaching HQ, and say a few hellos to some of the cachers we saw there.On the way to the museum we came past this cache at the Sydney Hospital. I've been past here many a time, but before there was a cache here. With the usual explicit hint it was a very easy find. I added my name to the log sheet and returned the cache to where I had found it. I also couldn't resist touching the piggy's snout before we headed off in the direction of Hyde Park.Thanks for a quick diversion and cache on our visit to the city. 

Today we had the opportunity to take the Metro all the way from the Hills into the CBD. Great that the line is now operational beyond Chatswood. 32 minutes from station to station.We arrived on time where a small crowd was already gathering. Lovely idea to use a postcard as the logbook, which I duly signed. I also added my handle to the postcard going to Geocaching HQ. I wonder what kind of a deluge of postcards they will get in the next few weeks.Alas, it was only a very brief meet-and-greet because I had two youngsters with me and we had an appointment at the Australian Museum. So, after a few very brief hellos, we left again. Sorry about that. It looks like it was a highly successful event with a huge turn-out. Well done, Brew. Superb idea of holding the event right at the Post Office in town. 

The CCC events are always a great excuse to get the family out of the house on a Monday night, and to sample some of the culinary offerings at the club.I pop into the meeting after dinner, catch up with a few cachers, have a look at what they are working on, and stay for the announcements. Alas, it's usually a school night, so by then it's time to take our young lad home.Well done on 100 events hosted, Bruce: an enviable milestone!Thanks for hosting this CCC ... hoping to attend the next one. 

Another fun event to bring us to this side of town for an evening. I caught up with a few cachers, enjoyed the stories and announcements, and didn't tax the brain with any puzzles ??. Sometimes I feel a bit like an imposter, sitting in on the meetings but not getting around to doing much actual caching in the field these days.Thanks for the opportunity to touch base every month, though. 

It's been a while since I last attended a CCC event. Really nice to catch up briefly with other cachers and also to hear about the NI adventure that many had gone on. By the sounds of it, there might be further caching expeditions to remote and exotic places in future.Thanks for hosting the evening, C62. I hope to make it to the next one in July. 

The log sheet is soaked. 

This was definitely a different format of event, and one I really enjoyed and appreciated. I remember events along these lines back in South Africa when I started caching: a picnic and sundowners on the beach; a BBQ and overnight camping; a get-together for coffee or a meal in a pub; a hike on a mountain; a guided tour through the old stormwater system in Cape Town; a visit to a submarine in the dry docks; etc. Sadly, such events have become rather rare. Mostly, these days event caches have taken on the format of standing around in a cold wind for 30 minutes before everybody disperses to do their own thing.Thanks for hosting this special event, Big Matt and Shell. I really hope there will be more like this in future. It was a fabulous experience to be up on the hill, overlooking the valley with the lights of the towns twinkling below. I missed the sunset, alas, because I had agreed to some caching earlier in the day, but the warm fire and the cachers up here were very welcoming. A great evening was had around the fire.And how fortunate that you managed to secure this spot which we had to ourselves. For the life of me, I still can't figure out why all those other campers at the beginning of the trail chose that spot which didn't seem to have much going for it at all; there certainly isn't a view from there.Hoping there will be more events like this in future. Kudos to you. 

I generally try to attend this annual event in the Bluies most years. Sometimes the days have been spectacular with blue skies and warm sun. Today we had a bit of an overcast day and a cold wind, but that didn't deter us from meeting up and having a brief chat. It did make the event a bit shorter than usual, though definitely a pleasant get-together. I must have missed the last event up here, or the new metered parking is a fairly recent addition. Whew, they are charging more here for the hour than when I last visited the Northern Beaches down Sydney way. I'm definitely not a fan of paid parking ??!One of the locals asked me whether I would like to join him and look for a series of caches in Springwood after the event. Although I was heading up to Cessnock for a camping event later, I agreed. Thus, we said our goodbyes to the other cachers and headed down the mountain again.Thanks for hosting the event again this year, Webby. Always nice to get out of the city and come up to the mountains. See ya all next year. 

Finally, the end was in sight! There was a brief section of a real track we could follow, but soon we had to head bush again because the compass was pointing off to one side.Again, not an easy find by any means. I had checked this spot earlier on, and I had even noticed something slightly suspicious. However, I had dismissed that little nagging voice telling me that I was recognising something I had seen many times before. So we spent far too much time here looking elsewhere. Eventually, I came back and had another look. This time it really stood out what was incongruous, and I made the grab.Alas, the log was soaking wet and despite trying to write on the paper with a pen, and then also with the pencil, we gave up for fear of tearing the paper. Instead, we opted for a photo log of our find. This cache, and perhaps the other one on the ridge here, needs a bit of maintenance before the log sheet turns into a mouldy mess.Anyway, I was glad to have completed the food series. Now there was a 3+ hour drive up to the camping event near Cessnock ahead of me. At least I knew I had some nice steaks that would go on the BBQ later that evening ... a real dinner to round off the day. 

The CO of this cache had accosted me up at the event in the Bluies earlier in the day, asking whether I would be interested in looking for the other caches that someone had put out, using a similar naming style. It looked like those could possibly be a bit of a bush-bash. Although I was still planning on heading up to Cessnock for a camping event later in the day, I thought this could be a fun series.This cache was down an easy track, and it proved to be an easy find, too. Fortunately, I didn't need any help, hints or prompts from the CO, nor from gavingo4, a previous finder, who was also along to look for the other caches. All was good with the cache. Name added and everything put back as found. Then the serious adventure began. 

Yet more bush-bashing in its purest form. I was beginning to think that I would rather have been heading out to Cessnock for the other event than making my way through scratchy undergrowth. Eventually, my GPSr led me to a bit of a burnt-out tree stump. However, nothing resembling a cache container was presenting itself. When the others caught up with me they also converged on this area, close to the little creek.After reading a few logs of previous finders we realised that this couldn't be the right spot, and that we would have to cross over the creek and head up towards the rockface on the other side. It was the only logical place that matched a hint from a previous finder. This did seem a bit at odds with our GPSr, but considering the physical location, there was bound to be a bit of signal bounce.Fortunately, I checked the correct crevice and made the find. As *bisygisy* mentioned, there are lots of ferns all over, and a "crevice in the rock face" is a pretty ubiquitous feature here. Anyway, by the time we had signed the log and returned the container, my GPSr was saying only 3 metres to go. Thus, it had settled and now the co-ords seemed rather good, considering the proximity of the ledge above us.It looks like something has tried to nibble its way into the container. The integrity of the contain has been breached, and water might seep into it at some stage. Right now the inside was dry, but who knows what the future holds. 

We had no luck finding any sort of track or path towards this cache. I was considering -- as I did for some of the other caches in this series -- whether we should try head up to higher ground to avoid the thicker bush, and then descend again. According to a contour map, the cache was at a lower elevation, though, so we decided to stay low and just have a slow bush-bash. I can't say that it was a pleasant experience, and it took some time to wend our way through the undergrowth, following the compass.I found GZ relatively easily, but waited for the others to catch up. It was *bisygisy* who made the actual find while I waited on top of the little rock ledge. Our names went into the logbook. Everything was in order with the cache. 

At the event in the Bluies earlier in the morning *bisygisy* had asked me whether I would like to join him looking for this series because it looked like it could be a bit of a bush-bash. We managed to rope *gavingo4* into the adventure, too. The cache page mentioned a very overgrown and feint track that we would be following. Initially, that description was about right, but it didn't take long for the track to disappear completely, and from then on it was really just a matter of picking our way through the undergrowth and around trees. In other words, pure bush-bashing.This first cache was fairly easy to get to, but the search took quite a while. We were back and forth, checking under all the ledges and rocks. Eventually, I tried moving a bit of rock and spotted the cache. After signing the log we put the container back as we had found it, and checked around for some kind of track towards the next cache. Alas, no easy track presented itself, so we just opted to follow the compass and thread our way through the bush. 

Alas, the bush-bashing was getting rather tedious. I opted to stay close to the base of the ridge in the hope that the vegetation here was a bit thinner than lower down near the creek. I made relatively good headway while *gavingo4* and *bisygisy* trailed behind somewhat, each choosing their own path towards GZ. It took them quite a while to catch up with me when I eventually got to GZ and made the find -- the find also took a while, even though I was searching the most obvious overhang. These hides were quite tricky.I lost my special geocaching pen somewhere between the last cache and this one. It's a pity because it was a nice and compact telescoping pen which I could clip onto my GPSr. Ahh well, some sort of sacrifice to the geocaching gods is necessary every now and then. At least it wasn't blood, just a bit of sweat, too. 

I was glad to be heading up onto the ridge now where the vegetation was a bit sparser, and we could make headway a bit quicker. Still, it was also not on any trail we could see. At GZ we circled around many times, heading out to various radii from where we thought we ought to be, and back again, checking the various option where a cache could be hidden. Eventually, *bisygisy* resorted to calling a previous cacher who amazingly remembered the details of this cache and gave some more hints. We went back to an area we had checked before, and after removing quite a lot of leaf litter we spotted the container. A rather tricky find!The container was full of water, but the log book was actually still dry in its baggie. We poured out the water and signed the log. Then we put it all back as found, but placed a bit of a burnt branch over the hiding spot instead of the leaf litter. In time, this might also not be adequate for a keen eye to spot, especially if more leaves begin to cover everything over. 

I'll be joining you to celebrate the big milestone. 

Ooops, almost forgot to log this event ...It's worth celebrating these important milestones and keeping in touch with others who have been on a similar journey of discovery through caching. Congratulations, Team Webguy, on 20 years of looking for Tupperware using GPS technology.It was a very pleasant evening in the tavern where we had a large table and many people had dinner. Nice to catch up with some cachers from this side of Sydney that I haven't seen in quite a while, and also to meet some people whose names I have seen in logs but hadn't met in person before.Thanks, DangerQueen, for organising the event. It was a great way to round off the week, too. 

While my son was playing a soccer match on the soccer fields at this reserve, I took a few minutes out of spectating to come over here to have a quick look for the cache. There were two people not far from GZ, but on the other side of the fence, and they were preoccupied with their own things. They probably didn't notice me checking out the area. Once I had espied the container I made the grab and walked off a short distance so that I could add my name to the logsheet. Then I returned to GZ and put back the container where I had found it.Thanks for a quick diversion and an interesting placement. 

There was a good turn-out for this event, the last leap-day event for the day, I suspect. I ended up having a long conversation with some part-time cachers that I had not met previously. Before we knew it, it was already 20h00 and time to pack up. How time flies when you're having fun. It probably won't be long before we celebrate the next leap-year in 2028 ??. 

As usual, late at logging my attendance. The monthly trip out to the club is one of the highlights, even though I don't get much puzzling done on most evenings. Occasionally, I will put in a bit of work, but I'm mostly constrained by the family wanting to get back home because it's a school night and tired kids are not all that different from little ogres the next morning.The food from the bistro is really good in comparison to other offerings at other pubs/clubs, so that's another reason why we enjoy coming out to Galston for the event. Thanks for hosting. Looking forward to the next instalment. 

I was in town to meet up with a friend I had not seen in about eight years. I was quite early and so I thought I might do a spot of caching before heading up to The Rocks. I noted that this cache was not far from where I had alighted from the bus, so it was the first on my radar.Being a Sunday morning, things were fairly quiet in town. The actual street at GZ was deserted. I spent a bit of time admiring the exhibition, and listening to the bird songs that were coming from above. What a fabulous idea. As is often the case, this is very likely a place I would never have known about had it not been for geocaching. Thanks for bringing me to this amazing spot. I'll be sure to mention it to others so that they too can appreciate this tranquil nook in the middle of the city.With the very explicit instructions it wasn't long before my name was in the log and the cache was back in its hiding place. Shortly after I got a ping on the phone letting me know that my friend was actually off the cruise ship and ready to meet up. That brought an end to the caching for the day. 

Oops, late as usual. I attended the event as our family ritual for a pleasant meal at the Club once a month. Although I didn't bring any tools along for solving puzzles, I did participate in assisting with two of the Yin/Yang series that others were working on. Then the CO stepped in and made things even easier with a few more nudges and hints.Thanks for another fun evening which provides an easy-going time to socialise and sometimes solve a mystery or two. 

This virtual cache reminded me of some of my trips to Europe that coincided with renovation works on various famous landmarks. So, here is the scaffolding of the Brandenburg Gate, there is the scaffolding of the Regensburg Dom, how about a photo of the Scaffolding of St. Paul's Cathedral, etc. I'm sure the final result with be a good outcome, so I look forward to seeing things completed in due course.In the meantime, there isn't all that much to see of the lighthouse, but it's kinda recognisable for purposes of this cache. Lots of history up here, and a lovely spot to view the harbour, and especially the start of the Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race. It was my first visit to the Heads ... hopefully not the last. 

This was the first time I have been up here on South Head, and it was also the first time I have watched the start of the Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race. Had it not been for this event, I probably wouldn't have been here today.With each weather report predicting something else for the day I just decided to come out anyway, expecting a bit of everything. It turned out a very pleasant day, partly cloudy and even with a few drops of rain. Most of the rain was actually to the north over the bay, along with some bolts of lightning and peals of thunder in the distance.It wasn't very busy when we arrived -- in fact, the event hadn't yet started so there was no signing that early. But as the beginning of the race drew near, the throngs arrived. Fortunately, we were right at the front of the viewing area, so our line of sight was unhindered.After the event, while the crowds slowly filtered away from the area, I picked up a few more caches and even got around to traversing the cliffs below in search of The Orb with tronador. By the time we had completed our mission, it was fairly quiet up on South Head and we could walk down towards the harbour without being jostled by spectators. 

When we arrived in Sydney more than seven years ago, one of the first excursions we did over a weekend was to Watson's Bay by ferry. From there we climbed up the hill and had a look out to see at The Gap, Back then I had no idea how popular this spot was for people attempting suicide.Thus, it's been over seven years since our last visit. Today's outing was to attend an event on South Head to watch the start of the Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race. We came by bus this time, which was quite a different experience from a ferry ride. In the intervening years several TFTC caches have sprung up, so I busied myself with looking for them while in this part of town.There were two muggles sitting at the bus shelter, right next to where I needed to be. I opted to view The Gap first and collect a waypoint for a different cache, and returned to find they had departed. Knowing what to look for, the hide was obvious. I love those hides in plain sight. The grab was made, and a neat cache popped out. No TB in here, though, so I think the cacher that apparently left it was mistaken about which cache it went into. I also really like how these hides are clean, neat, and contain even a writing implement. Definitely hidden with care and forethought.So, what else is there to say? TFTC! 

After watching the yachts in the Sydney-to-Hobart race pass around the Heads and tack out into the open ocean I headed back towards the lighthouse cottage to have a look for this cache. There were a few muggles having a picnic nearby, but they were engrossed in their food and keeping their young kids together, so nobody cared that I was filling my water bottle and making a grab right here.As indicated, the magnet has come loose, but it can sort of be clipped into the original adhesive. If only I'd had a drop of superglue on hand to fix it up. Anyway, after completing the paperwork a few metres from GZ I put it together as best I could, and then went back for a bit more water and a deft return of the container.The earlier crowds were still queueing on the path, trying to get off South Head. I didn't feel like jostling all the way back to the road. Instead, I headed the other way and spotted tronador, Jackscruff and Loci612 exchanging conspiratorial whispers on the verandah of the lighthouse keeper's cottage. Loci612 had returned from The Orb and the others were interested in going off to search for that cache, too. I was also keen, so tronador, Jackscruff and I headed off to a small track to get down to the rocks. 

After a good day of watching the start of the yacht race from South Head, along with some traditional caching, we were ready to head back home by bus. However, because one of the family was dawdling, taking photos instead of getting to the bus stop on time, we missed our bus. The next one was scheduled to leave in 25 minutes, which was plenty of time for me to scamper up the hill and look for this cache.It didn't help that there were lots of muggles moving zombie-like up the stairs when I was in a hurry, but I managed to get to GZ, have a good feel around, make the grab, sign and return everything as found, and descend back to the bus stop with plenty of time to spare. Fortunately, I'm not one of those cachers who always has to look for "just one more cache". I know when to stop and focus on other things, like catching a bus or train.Our timing was perfect: when we got off the bus back in our suburb and walked towards our parked car, the heavens suddenly opened. We made it into our car in the nick of time. As I pulled away a deluge of hail pelted down, making the drive home rather noisy as pea-sized hailstones drummed on the car and bounced off the road. Definitely a memorable day. 

With some time to spare before the event up on South Head, from where we were going to watch the start of the Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race, I popped down to the ferry wharf to look for this cache. It was a trip down memory lane because Watson's Bay was one of our first excursions over a weekend when we first came to Sydney. Back then, I think we had no real idea where we were heading, but this sounded as good as any other place at the time. And from there we eventually headed to Bondi beach by bus after a lunch of fish & chips right here on the wharf.Today, as luck would have it, a ferry arrived just as I did. I opted to wait out the passengers -- those disembarking and the others embarking. Then, when the ferry finally moved out into the harbour, I scuttled around the building to find the place deserted. With intention, this cache was very easy to find and retrieve. A neat hide, including a small pencil for those dodgy cachers who don't bring their own writing implement.Once everything was put back as found, I rejoined the family and headed up onto South Head for the event.It's not my usual way of logging a find, but TFTC! 

After the last yachts had left the harbour and passed through the heads, sailing out into the open ocean, I started heading back towards the path that would take me back down to the road. However, I wasn't really in the mood to shuffle along in the crowds and opted to wait them out a bit. I spotted tronador, Jackscruff and Loci612 exchanging conspiratorial whispers on the verandah of the lighthouse keeper's cottage. Loci612 had actually been down to look for The Orb, a cache I was keen to look for, too. However, I had been a bit hesitant for several reasons: it was muggle central up on South Head and I didn't want to attract attention by heading down towards the rocks; there were several Park Rangers prowling about; I couldn't remember what the tides were, even though I had looked them up a few days prior; and I didn't fancy scrambling alone on the exposed ledges without anybody knowing where I was. Yet here I was presented with the perfect opportunity to give this cache a try.Jackscruff, tronador and I headed in the opposite direction of the crowds and started to descend towards the rocks below. There was a bit of rock-hopping involved, though in hindsight we could have descended to the rock shelf a little lower and stayed on that level for the first part of the way. At some point Jackscruff opted to bail; tronador and I continued towards GZ. There were a few interesting boulders to clamber over, and two slightly more tricky sections with narrow ledges. Good to get the adrenalin pumping! We pushed on, picking up a few abrasions and donating a bit of blood to the geocaching gods who finally granted us access to the last, wide ledge.Alas, even with additional intel and the hint, I was unable to spot any Skittles container; Loci612 had also not found the container. After looking around a bit more I spotted a logbook, but it was a new one that Loci612 had placed. It was already getting a bit damp, and it had been there only perhaps half an hour. I was a bit in a quandary whether I should just leave the logbook under the rock with no protection, or whether I should place it a bit higher up under a flat stone. Neither was an ideal solution. However, I opted for the latter. The logbook is now at about shoulder height in a little overhang on the western wall (away from the sea), under a flat stone. See the images of the overhang and a close-up of the stone that I've raised, showing the logbook underneath. Sorry, I didn't have any container with me, and I'm not fond of moving caches to other locations. However, I doubt leaving the logbook under the large rock at ground level would have ensured its survival for very long. Could the next cacher please take a suitable container and perhaps a fresh logbook, and place them where the original container had been, under the large overhang behind the large boulder. 

This sounds like an awesome plan. I've never watched the start of the race. I'll try to attend. The rest of the muggle family sounds curious, so that's half the battle won . 

As usual, it was a school night so we couldn't stay for the full duration. Thus, also no puzzles solved tonight, but I had a good chat with some other cachers, and the food at the bistro was filling and tasty, as always.There was a good turn-out for the last CCC event for the year. I'm looking forward to another good run of these events next year. If I don't see ya all before the end of the year, then I'm wishing you a Merry Christmas and a healthy and safe 2024 now. 

After a rather cool and drizzly morning, the day warmed up quite considerably. It was my first visit to Brooklyn -- in Australia, that is; I have been to the one in New York. I was a little early, and had intended to find a few of the local caches. Alas, parking proved to be a bit more tricky than expected, and because the afternoon had become quite humid and warm, I resigned myself to attending only this event, and heading home straight afterwards in an air-conditioned car.Thanks for the fun event, and for the cuppa tea, which went down a treat. I'm sure I saw cookies and/or lollies, but I gave those a miss, apart from the small packet that Santa forced into my hand. I wasn't going to refuse and possibly upset Santa ... he might just bring me reindeer poop for Christmas if I offended him.And so another year of caching draws to a close, although there are still quite a number of other events before we write 2024. Have a peaceful Festive Season and a safe transition into the new year. 

It's not very often that we visit the Sutherland Shire but the family wanted to go to the beach today. When that's the case we usually head up to Avoca or somewhere up that way; it's generally much quieter there with fewer people, more parking and a huge beach. Anyway, it's good to discover other parts of Sydney, too.The others went to get their dose of solar radiation while I opted to sit in the shade under the lifesavers' tower and read my book. I'm not much of a beachgoer. After the suntan-seekers came back medium-to-well-done they sought out some refreshments at the nearby coffee shop. I checked my geocaching app and headed off to look for this one cache for the day.Considering how busy the beach area was, this hiding place was absolutely quiet. Not a single muggle about. I checked the indicated area and at first found only a folded-up T-shirt, which didn't seem a likely candidate for a cache container. Nothing was visible otherwise. Drat, had it gone AWOL again?!? Then my hand bumped something and it tumbled out. Aha, success. Nicely hidden.After adding my name to the new scroll I put it back as I suspect it had been hidden, noting that the magnets are not very strong and any light touch would probably dislodge the container very easily -- probably like what happened when I was feeling about for it during my search.Anyway, I'd certainly like to explore the cycleways around here oneday, but probably not during the heat of the summer. I'll do some research and perhaps come back at a cooler time of year. Thanks for the cache and for alerting me to the options of riding my bike around this area in future. 

Today was my second "Yarn" event in as many months. The turn-out was a little smaller than at the last event, but I think we did well with our crocheting and ripping of banners. I had pitched up about an hour early, mainly because I had finished some work and didn't want to backtrack home first, and then head down to the Bike Hub. However, that extra time was put to good use because I was able to walk down to the Newington Armory to find two caches that I had not looked for on a previous visit.Thanks for the event, ziggiau, and for the cuppa. After all that walking and then the banner-ripping, it went down a treat. Pity I didn't get a chance to try my hand at crocheting a square; when I was a kid my grandmother had taught me how to crochet -- nothing fancy, just the basic technique. I wonder whether I could still manage to make a simple square. I could still knit one, but I gather the knitting is too stretchy for the sort of artwork that is being put together here.Lovely afternoon. Thanks for the outing. 

I was about an hour early for the nearby "Drop in for a yarn" event so I decided to head off to the Newington Armory to search out two caches that I hadn't managed to look for on a previous visit. It was a sunny afternoon and a very pleasant walk along the Parramatta River from the Bike Hub.I soon spotted the hiding place and espied the cache, though I had to make the grab from the other side. Nice, a mint tin, better known as a Bebes' Ammo Can, by Geocaching NSW!! Anyway, it was quiet out here and I could add my name to the log sheet without any muggles interrupting my activities.Then there was enough time to look for the other cache I had on my radar before heading back to the Bike Hub for the event. 

I had some time to kill before an event at the Bike Hub so I used that time wisely by taking a walk along the Parramatta River and visiting the Newington Armory to look for two caches I had not yet found. It was fun going through the railway tunnel in order to get to the gallery. I didn't actually have a look around the other side of the gallery to see whether it was open today. Perhaps some other time.I had the place to myself so I could conduct a quick search without being bothered by any onlookers. After an initial search in the wrong area my GPSr settled down and pointed me in the right direction. Then it didn't take long to spot something what just looked a bit different.Log signed and everything returned as found. All that remained was a brisk walk back to the Bike Hub for an afternoon of making yarn for an artwork. 

Trust me to be the last to log my attendance. I'm just not getting around to all the admin this hobby takes, with quite a backlog of caches from our overseas trip, and a cycling trip in WA earlier this year, still to log, too.A trip out to the club is always a treat for us -- decent food at a reasonable price, and ample portions, too. So while the muggle part of the family did their own thing after dinner, I sat with the cachers for a bit. I was hoping to get stuck into some puzzles up in the Hawkesbury area, but the people on my table were eagerly working on Norfolk Island offerings. Thus, no solving for me tonight, but a pleasant outing all the same, like always.Thanks for putting together this regular event, Calypso. Hope to make it to the next one, also. 

It's been a while since I've attended a CITO. Considering how early this one was, I was in two minds about getting out of bed. However, I decided that if I were awake in time, I would make the effort and head on out to Knightsbridge. That's what happened, too.The area was surprisingly clean, though I did manage to fill about a third of a bag with litter from the bush around the playing fields. After about half an hour it looked like that was all the work done by four committed CITO warriors. We took our bags to the wheelie-bins, and then made the call to declare the CITO a success. Done and dusted.Afterwards there was a unanimous decision to reward our hard work with some brekkie at the nearby coffee shop.