Logs for The Rustys 

The feet were a bit tired by the time we got here. We had parked at the far end of Crown and aimed for a couple of caches before making our way here. Trouble is, there was about 100 Ad Labs along the way that distracted us. About 8km and a few hours later, we finally found ourselves out the front of the theatre!!Made quick work of getting the answer and a photo in front of the billboard for the current show. Thanks for this virtual. 

Im going to preface this by saying that I ended up loving this cache, BUT it wasnt love at first sight. I was a wee bit pissy about the fact that the cache page told me to scan the QR code at GZ, but when I scanned the QR code that IS at GZ, it took me to a tourism page about Melbourne. Eagle-eyed friend spotted the Geocaching Victoria QR code quite some distance from GZ through the windows, so we proceeded around the corner to where it was. After that, we found the cache (thanks to an eager employee of the building) not where the instructions stated it would be. But thats where my frustrations ended. We loved the beautifully organised large cache full of goodies and wonderment. Other than one of my own caches (freshly archived Im afraid), Ive never seen a dress-up box of props inside a cache before. Hera and I enjoyed posing with Signal and ummmm a piece of elastic which I could only assume was meant to be a very tight and ineffective sweat band. (See pic). This gave us a bit of a giggle!! Thoroughly enjoyed the cache in the end, but boy, was I a bit miffed in the beginning. Hahahaha!!! 

Obviously, being a resident of Melbourne, Ive passed this spot more times than I could count. But today I took the time to stop and complete this cache while out with geocaching friends for an afternoon/evening of caching, dinner and an escape room. I think I was the only one who hadnt already logged this virtual. Up and down the steps we went, under the watchful gaze of some people who call the area home. I enjoyed gaining the answers for this virtual, even though I never know whether counting steps means you count the bottom/top/last step or its just the risers. Hopefully my answers are correct. Enjoyed our wander around many parts of Melbourne wed never seen before. 

I made this much harder than it was! I had hovered around this spot a number of months ago, trying to be inconspicuous in my search as a solo geocacher. I never feel comfortable caching on my own. I had no luck back on that day. Today however, I returned with two geocaching friends and, after still hovering in the wrong spot for far too long, the cache was found by the cacher in the group who barely ever caches. 

Had a wonderful day down on the trails of the Mornington Peninsula last weekend. This was our first stop on the walk. Wandered in circles for a while but came across this quite elaborate cache before too long. What a surprise!Continued on to Bushrangers Bay and Cape Schanck. I believe we were very lucky to time our visit with the low tide so we were able to explore the rock pools at both bays. Spent 7 hours on the trail and exploring while our husbands were watching the Grand Final, which was so good. Sadly, a lady died doing exactly the same thing just a couple of days later! RIP 

Filling in time and multitasking, walking the dog in the sunshine while waiting for my son to have an appointment at Belgrave South. We had already done a loop of Birdsland and had more time to fill, so figured Id pop up here to grab this cache. I didnt bank on meeting a couple of boisterous off-leash dogs, who spooked my timid little Cavoodle out of her harness. Spent some time trying to coax her back to me, trying all the tricks (no sudden movements, hiding the leash, sitting on the ground, pretending to get treats out of my bag). She eventually sought comfort with me and I managed to slip her harness back on, thanking my lucky stars that I didnt have to go home and explain that Id lost the dog!! I barked up the wrong tree for a minute before trying the second most likely option and finding the cache out in plain sight. After signing I rummaged around for some more natural cover, which will hopefully stay put in the strong winds. TFTC Rabbito. 

After satiating our appetites at the nearby KFC, we met up with jascat at this cache. Enjoyed admiring the bovine beasts in the area as well. 

Shame the CO wasnt at home, but that was to be expected since wed seen her out and about around the state across the weekend. Im not a Harry Potter fan, but could still appreciate the work that had gone into this great piece of art. 

A bit of a detour though Shepparton instead of sitting down for lunch, meant that we could find this cache. We counted out the concrete pads, as instructed by the CO, and found ourselves bang on GZ. A good sized cache in excellent condition was found shortly thereafter. Never seen so many pens in a cache before!! No excuse for not signing the log!! 

Almost at the final event of the weekends cache crawl, we stopped here for one last find. Arrived at a deserted reserve and made our way to GZ. We made short work of the lock code and added our names in the log book. Thanks for bringing us here. 

These caches were not on our target list, but hearing others talk about them saw us add them to the days tally. Immediately spotted the hide, but it took a PAF for us to really crack into it. We were on the right track, but didnt want to do any damage so we were being maybe just a little toooooo gentle. A great hide that Im sure wont be muggled anytime soon. 

These caches were not on our target list, but hearing others talk about them saw us add them to the days tally. Impressive camo of the tool here. I think I would have been looking all day, but a hint and Heras eagle eye saw us get it relatively quickly. We disturbed a lovely camouflaged gecko who had taken up residence inside the cache. It seemed rather happy to have a safe space to sleep. Im sure itd be even happier when the Cache Crawl is over!! Edit: have just seen that this went south at some point, unfortunately. Hera took photos of the cache and key to keep with her personal cache notes in case people ask for hints later. All in good order when we were there after the breakfast event. 

What a cracker!! We really enjoyed the story line and unique way of getting the final coords. Heaps of fun had after a long day of driving and caching. A really sweet cemetery as well. A favourite from me for the fun and memories. 

What a fabulous town and an impressive series of murals. Whilst in Tongala we also admired the small street art space and some of the cars at the Show & Shine. It seemed that it was really buzzing in this tiny town with a huge community spirit. As we found this bonus cache, we were joined by the CO who was doing maintenance. It was lovely to have a chat and receive an explanation of the murals on the cache container. 

Came for a CITO, but didnt find much rubbish. Did however get to sign this log while we were here. It was like a mini convention at GZ with groups of cachers joining us as we were signing our names. Unfortunately we didnt have the time (or apparently access to all clues) to complete this entirely as intended but we did enjoy the area, all the same. 

Lovely artwork on this tower, right in the middle of town. Mooroopna could take some ideas from this! We found this quickly before the lunch event during the Cache Crawl. 

Came to clean up rubbish but barely found a scrap. I guess thats a good thing! Whether it was the cachers that came earlier than us or whether it was just a tidy park, Im not sure. A lovely spot that will be all the better for a quick clean up. Thanks for hosting and for the coords for the multi! 

Wed already wandered around the port, walked to NSW, visited the cemetery and grabbed a coffee before attending this event. We arrived a tad early and followed the crowd & the smell of BBQd snags. Had a bit of a dig at the COs wife for her crazy assumptions the night before, in relation to my non-drinking. Hahaha. Really appreciated the wholesome brekkie. Thanks for being the cook on this occasion. 

Well thats a wrap!! Our first Cache Crawl and definitely not our last. I love a weekend away and when I visit new places with friends old and new, it makes it even better. Cant speak highly enough of the experience weve had this weekend. Thanks to all involved. Now to go home and sleep like a dead person!!!!! 

We attended but didnt stay long for this one. Had a few target caches in Shepparton, and with the shorter timeframe between events this afternoon, we decided to grab lunch on the go and get some caching done instead of sitting for a meal. Looked like a great venue though. Enjoyed the Photo Booth props. Thanks for hosting. 

A chilly early morning walk saw this place deserted, so we had no competition for photos. A great spot to stand and watch the sun rise over the treetops. Thanks for bringing us here. 

Super busy car park this afternoon with the footy on! We double parked and took turns to sprint out and get our picture. Shame we didnt get time to enjoy the poppet head. A good excuse to come back one day and explore more thoroughly. My caching name on my jumper in the picture. 

I dont love that conspicuous feeling when rummaging around for caches in public, but put three statues in a reserve next to a busy road and ask my to take a photo of myself posing like an idiot.you got it!!! Had loads of laughs here with my geocaching buddies. I admire my aunt, who always speaks so much sense and gives great advice. I love her yearly visits from NZ! 

After the breakfast event, and before leaving Sunbury, we wanted to target a couple of caches to leave our mark. A neat and tidy cemetery, one of many that we visited over the weekend. TFTC 

Caching with my buddy Hera of Zeus, Hera & kids who has offered to send the answers on behalf of us both. I liked the contrast of the old bridge next to the modern bridge. This took my interest more than the basalt, Im afraid. Admired the area and found a nearby cache before moving along to continue the Cache Crawl. 

One of my favourite caches of the Cache Crawl weekend. We managed to arrive and get this mini adventure done and dusted between rain showers, which made for beautiful colours in the bushland - blue sky, green trees, bright yellow wattle, red-brown dirt and our colourful clothes. We (sonic___ , Hera and I) parked the cars back on the firmer road and walked in past all the deep puddles and soft mud. Another couple, LaidleyM&M, joined us on foot as well. It took the five of us a good 10 minutes or so of searching before I decided to explore another digging that wed ignored. I was rapt to be able to call out that Id found it, which just made this even more special. Made a point of having a little play in the New Moon Mine area before leaving, as the moonscape was fascinating. Thanks for this cache. A fave from me for the memories. Added a few pics of our colourful adventure. 

A great way to find a couple of caches in Colbinabbin before the weekend Cache Crawl event. Nice and easy as we entered town. 

Last one after a long day of caching and eating. It was awfully chilly outside but we braved the cold for JUST ONE MORE before bed. Could have been out there all night looking for this one, but a welcome hint was tossed our way and we made short work of it. Thanks to jascat for making the find so I could get to my room and defrost. 

After the breakfast event, and before leaving Sunbury, we thought we might find a few caches. We were soon to learn that 3 hours between events in different towns flies by REAL fast. Thanks for this find 

Travelling on the Cache Crawl with a fellow TDOC CO, so she was interested in finding this one before departing for the next location. We read into this one more than necessary, preparing about 4L of water before setting off from the cars. It turned out to be far less wicked than other water required caches weve done, thank goodness. 

Woweeeee!! This is one of my most memorable locations of our Cache Crawl weekend. What a ripper! Loved the view and would have killed to have the time to do a tour. Next time!! Thanks so much for bringing us here. 

Mmmmmm homemade soup!! Thanks micaparamedic for doing the cooking on this occasion. A lovely park to explore as well. Love all the art pieces. 

If someone had told me that snacks provided actually meant pineapple lumps and caramel popcorn Id have been there half an hour early and finished them off before everyone else arrived. I guess thats why you keep it vague. What a killer location! Impressive silo art, heaps of room for schmoozing, dunnies for those who need them, and a mean homemade lemon slice. Thanks for hosting. I wont forget standing underneath those silos in a hurry. 

My first time in Echuca and what better way to explore a new place than a caching weekend. We were very pleasantly surprised when we turned up to our accommodation and realised it was out the back of the dinner event hotel. Winner!!!!! By this stage of the weekend, wed made some new friends, so the dinner event was even more enjoyable. Thanks for hosting this event 

Wooooaaahhhhhh that was close! Made it with 5 minutes to spare. We channelled our inner Olympian and did a 100m sprint to the finish line to make it on time before the log book was slammed shut. 

Well that was an early start!!!! Arrived 15 mins after the start time and missed the photo. But got our names in the log book and found a few caches in Sunbury before moving along the route. 

After just visiting another virtual and taking a great pic under blue skies, we arrived at this location just as the heavens opened. The wet weather was the reason we were targeting virtuals this afternoon, so it wasnt unexpected. Answers given to the CO verbally at his event. Thanks micaparamedic. 

The tool for this cache was nowhere to be seen, even after phoning a friend to confirm that we werent being daft. But before giving up entirely, Hera decided to make an enquiry inside. On explaining what we were looking for, a look of realisation came over the staffs face and the tool was produced from under the counter. They explained that the proprietor of the post office, who I believe was aware of this cache (according to the cache page), had died suddenly recently and when they gave the area a clean up last weekend, the tool was discovered and brought inside. Without going into too much further detail, for fear of giving too much away, the post office would be very interested in hearing from the CO as they need to clear up a few things. We explained that this cache might get a few visitors over the weekend, so theyve replaced things as they found them, minus the very old tin that they threw out. 

An interesting area and a nicely hidden cache. Thought wed grab this while stopping for an Ad Lab waypoint. 

Had some technical difficulties with my ABCs while recording the clues for this one, so gave up on being any help and just did my job as designated driver. Followed Hera to a lovely final location and enjoyed the more challenging route to GZ. Not sure it would have been as much fun at high tide, but I enjoyed the location on this occasion. 

What can I say..the food here was AWESOME and I will be back!! Thanks in advance for all the work that has gone into organising this weekend for us to enjoy. 

Piggy-backed off Heras stunning puzzling ability and came along for the find. It does help that I am her only mode of transport this weekend. Thanks for this cache. 

First cache of the weekend as we arrived at our nights accommodation. Looking forward to a weekend of fun at the Cache Crawl. 

A quick stop on the way back from finding the Menoa Tree. Felt a bit exposed and had a half-look before getting my caching buddy Hera to come and keep me company. 

I see that both myself and Zeus, Hera and kids have RSVPd for each other, so you will have 2 less than stated. 

City staycation tonight for the city-loving sons 14 year old birthday present. We are staying in the apartments right next door to this cache, so it was a no-brainer that I duck down to find it before heading out for dinner. I took a seat and surreptitiously felt for the cache between passing muggles. I was glad to feel something move in my fingertips in the first place I tried. Dont think this cache will ever get muggled. Great spot. TFTC 

Wed admired this building, and joked about it looking like cheese, on the way in to our accommodation. So I had a chuckle when I looked at the caching map and saw the name of this cache. I wandered around here this afternoon and took a quick look, but being on my own and the steady stream of muggles, I wasnt comfortable making this find. Instead, after dinner, an escape room and a walk all the way back down the Yarra, I enlisted the help of my 14 year old son, who was totally up for sticking his head into holes. This time, there was barely a muggle in sight and the cache was found in the very first hole he peered into. Such a cuuuuute mouse!!! And nice work inside the cache too. I loved this one.the theme, the use of the building, the teeny mouse. Fave from me. 

Well done mate!!! What better way for you to enjoy one of your fave cache types than to host one yourself!! As soon as this popped up in my email notifications today, I added it to the calendar. Would love to support you at your first, and surely not your last, CITO. 

Need to update field puzzle and check on waypoints 

Hera (Zeus, Hera & kids) and I (the last Rustys left caching) will be there to lend a helping hand.