No Red Herring(s) Back Here Sandfly, Tasmania, Australia
By Swampy on 24-Nov-07. Waypoint GC17J5Z

Nice and easy short walk to the top - been meaning to do this a while so thank you! Great views of everywhere, could nearly see my house

TFTC

This cache was recommended to us recently at an event in Hobart. "Save it for a nice day" was the advice. And today was an exceptionally nice day! Clear blue skies and unseasonably warm weather made it the perfect opportunity to head up here. A pleasant incline through paddocks, open forest and olive groves, but then the pleasantness subsided somewhat as the incline increased. To be fair, I'm full of cold and feeling pretty sick so the effort getting up here really took it out of me. I usually love a good walk but today I was jealous reading Budgie's log managing to get within 200m on an ebike!
Anyway, after a long slog dragging myself and my congested head up here, I eventually reached the top. Stunning views from up here! I spent about an hour relaxing, having lunch, and finding the GCA cache & trig, before heading back down, which was much easier! TFTC Swampy!
Cheers,
The Hancock Clan

The cacher who logged they didn’t bother with this one (previous log), missed out on a fantastic walk. The excitement started by seeing the roadkill awareness signs from Wildlife and Community Together Tasmania and designed by truly gifted local artist Ruth Waterhouse. Then an easy to follow, but moderately steep track was beautiful. It certainly made my lungs work after Covid two weeks ago. The vegetation is diverse and halfway up you already get some beautiful water views. At the top the views are stunning! The cache is an easy find and in good condition. I don’t understand why I left this cache unfound for so long. It’s awesome driving on the highway and looking up seeing the towers, realising I have been up there. Absolute favourite for me! Thanks for the cache!

At the start of the track!

Didn't bother with this one

{unloved} 687 days.

8 April 2022 17:08
Well, I'll start with the advice for anyone doing this cache in the future...
1. Do not make a beeline for this cache.
2. See No.1 and Follow the cache directions.
I have looked at this cache a few times and thought of doing it. Never really considered the terrain, just knew it was there and thought it would be quick enough.
Well not always being one to read all the directions, and preferring a shortcut where possible, I had a look at the satellite image, thought I could make out a pretty direct path which should follow a kind of ridge and not be too overgrown. So... I parked a little further South than the suggested spot and made a beeline for the cache. Now initially this was steep, rocky, scrubby, but acceptable, did I mention steep. Then I came out onto a nice open "flat" area with a great view of the top... That looks steep too, maybe I should find the track... Nah, I've crawled this far, I'll keep going straight... Straight up that is!!! I soon found myself climbing rather than crawling my way up vertical loose granite, the forest got deeper and darker and if possible the hill got still steeper... Canopy now so thick, no light penetrated, fingernails ripped off, knees scraped, and the burning of cuts and scratches, upward I went... The only consolation at this point was it was too dark, damp, and probably too steep for snakes, and that as long as I was going up, I would find the top...
I could go on about the rocks, the sword grass, the loose ground, and the sheer vertical mountain face, but... Eventually I reached the top, and right at the cache by pure luck.
Fantastic views and light in the early evening, a fire nearby poured smoke into the air and had turned the sun red. No red herring, but very red sun. The peace along with the views was worth every scream of ouch (I think that was the word I used). Well, log signed, views appreciated, an hour till dark... Do I go back the way I came (obviously not, dodging death once is enough)... So back down the track... Well at least until the plantation... Then with the sunlight going, and knowing the car was further South, it was time to make a beeline again... With no navigation, sun gone behind the horizon, and time ticking, I stumbled, slid, and crashed my way downward through the bush, only to almost fall off the cliff onto my parked car below. How good (or lucky) was it to blindly but exactly arrive at both points...
Oh, if you're thinking of doing this cache. Don't make a beeline for it, you might die... Having said that, the "trek" which seemed to take an eternity actually only took me 36 minutes up and 30 down. Round trip with crawling, climbing, sliding, cache, and views was 1hr 8min.
Thanks for a great adventure Swampy. Worth a favourite for the view at the top.

After picking up three caches on the Kaoota Tramway walk we decided we still had the time and energy for another walk. Well after getting to the top to find this one and getting back to the car we had absolutely no energy left at all.
Great walk though.
TFTC

Mr W today decided to walk up to the top of Mt Herringback to find this cache, find the nearby GCA cache and the trig at the top. Walking time return was around 1.5 hours but he was there longer taking in the view. Mr W could see as far as Arm End, Opossum Bay but not quite back to our house. He had a chat with a telstra worker who had driven to the top. The road was frosty as a cold, clear morning. Enjoyed the walk. Great views. TFTC

Wow what an adventure that started with an idea over dinner at an event the night before. Mr T had had this one on his bucket list to to for some time and when Budgie suggested a joint attack to break the back of Herringback he jumped at the chance. At the time he was unaware that bikes would be involved but on the day all was revealed and he rose to the challenge. Mr T apparently rode like the "energiser bunny" and managed to ride to within 30m of the top. Great panoramic views were had before seeking out what they had come to find. The journey back was quick and exilerating - a memorable cache. Thanks budgie for providing the bike - saved a lot of time.

An easy find at GZ. Cache and contents were in good condition adding to our favourites.

Thanks Swampy for placing and maintaining this cache for our enjoyment.

At the event organised by Whitewebs yesterday I mentioned I was looking at Mount Herringback walk over the next few days. After looking at the maps and the logs it seemed a reasonable walk up to the cache and it would tick off one that I have driven past many many many times. Looking at the cache and cache they hadn't been found for 18 months, so they deserved a visit. Looking at google maps, the track looked fairly wide and maybe I could ride to the top??? Anyway talking to Tassie Trekers they were doing a loop around Huonville and would be in the area when I finished work. So a plan was hatched. Grab a couple of EBikes and attack the hill.

Well, there were a couple of issues with this. Firstly I didn't realise Mr Tassie Treker had just completed the Tour De France and secondly, the hill certainly wasn't flat and easy to ride up.

The first part was good, well kind of. I had to stop occasionally but nothing insane, then it flattened out and we rode through an olive orchard, but then we hill hit hard. Basically, I pushed the bike up the hill and Mr TT rode up at an insane pace.

Eventually, I got within 200 metres of the trig and dumped the bike. The next 100 metres was so steep there was no way I could ride down it, so no reason taking the bike further.

Trudged up this last 200 metres and found the trig after wandering around for a short period. Then wandered over to the cache and found this thanks to great coordinates and a great hint. Cache was in perfect condition. Log book was as clean and dry as the day it was placed, except of course the notes. So many great caching names from history in this cache. Took a photo of each page of the log book that had been filled in. First found in 2007, so this cache is 11 years 2 months old and in perfect condition. Testament to the container and the great hiding spot.

Photos taken and photos of the great view in almost 360 degrees. Amazing! Certainly worth the walk to the top.

The trip took about 50 - 60 minutes up, 20 - 30 minutes wandering around at the top, finding this trig, the nearby cache, taking photos, etc. The trip down from where I left my bike took 9 minutes. 6.23 to 6.32. So the bike certainly came into there own in this part of the trip!

TFTC for the cache Swampy

Had a very enjoyable walk up to the top of the hill this morning. There was no snow at all, but we could see plenty of snowy peaks in the distance. We also spotted 3 wedge-tailed eagles.
We found the cache and then headed back down and met about 20 field naturalists! Glad we found the cache before they got to the top! tftc

Great walk, today snow covered the last 400 metres of the road.
Wow! what fantastic views from here, with many snow capped mountains in the distance.
The cache was found quickly, log signed and returned. Thanks Swampy for the cache.

Hi Swampy, TFTC. Alby was planning another assault on the hill, oops, make that mountain, and so I tagged along. On the ascent, I stopped many times, I'd like to say to admire the views and closely examine the local flora and fauna, but in reality it was to catch my breath and have an occasional rest! Once atop, we took in the views, and while Alby was exercising his camera, I stepped down to GZ to find a very well stocked cache in excellent condition, and I was most pleased to add my monika to the log book.
Afterwards we scaled the ladder onto the rooftop for more views and photos.
Luckily it was moist underfoot, and so the steep decent was not slippy today. Thanks for the adventure. A fav from me.
#572 @ 0840hrs Monday 12th June 2017.

Well this is a very unloved cache! According to the online logs the last visitors in 2014 were muggles! Mr matmob went trout fishing in the morning, leaving Mrs home to do some washing so as punishment she made him take this little stroll [:o)] I think you could up the terrain rating a little! My calves are letting me know I've had a good workout! That slope is unrelenting. When we started out we could see our destination and it didn't look too far away . But of course to climb up to that height it is never going to be direct! Worth it when you get to the top. Mr matmob decided he needed a little more elevation so the ladder onto the shed roof came in handy [:o)]. Was interesting listening to the Tasmanian Fire Service dispatching crews from within - its obviously a repeater station for their radios. There were no electric fences to go through - they have all been disconnected. Thanks for a great cache and for the exercise. Also enjoyed the drive there. We were glad of the reassurance from a previous finder that it was OK to go through the Sky Farm gate.

We Found it. Was a great find, the kids were very excited. It was a good up, up, up walk, with a great view..I think.... it was very cloudy, we did not pick a clear day as suggested. I needed to get the boys out for some physical activity after a few days of rain. Thanks Team Swampy!
P.S Physical activity accomplished (I worked up a sweat)

Hello Swampy

After yesterdays walk there is no way I was going to go for another walk today so decided to go and do some drive by caching.

As I was driving over Vincent's Saddle I couldn't resist the temptation so off I went.

The first part of the road wasn't that steep BUT when I saw the sign saying 4WD only I knew it was going to get steep and it did.

The views from the top were great although a little overcast.

I took it very careful on the way down as it was very slippery.

After the walk I feel much better so Thank you for the cache.

An easy find after recovering our breath from the slog up the road. Thanks to the coordinates for the parking spot, the start of the walk was quickly located. We followed TeamSwampy's advice and chose a sunny day with little cloud and consequently enjoyed the "fantastic views all around". We also had a brief chat with a couple of Telstra technicians. TNLN. Many thanks for getting us to this location TeamSwampy.

This cache was hard it took me 3 seperate drives up Halls Track Road before I ever managed to find gate 301 and that was after using Google Earth to get some ideas. The terrain was extremely steep in places and physically quite demanding. My GPS had some trouble finding satellites. I got to the end of the track and the GPS still said 400m I was baffled. Then after sitting down and checking the information I glanced back at the GPS and it said 9m. I mangaed to then find the cache within in minutes. I also noticed that nearby Antenna had warning sign saying not to get within 2m of it unless you turn it off. The Ironic thing is you'd have to be within two meters of it to read the warning sign.

A perfectly clear sunny day - the climb was well worth it for the fantastic views.
Found the cache no problems (well - with help of the clue).
Our first day out geocaching - think we are hooked!
Many thanks Swampy

Stunning!
I hadn't read the logs, so got to the Sky Farm gate and balked - I ended up going back to Sandfly and up the Pelverata Rd and Halls Track Rd to end up at the other end of Vince's Saddle Rd.
The walk up was beautiful (if steep in patches) on a perfect late winter's morning, sun shining and no wind, the crunch of frost on the ground.
I had forgotten my phone, so I didn't have the description or hint, but I trusted Swampy to have good coords - and so they were - standing over the cache, the etrex read 0.00m.
After logging the cache, I used the ladder to climb onto the roof of the TFS building and look at the views.
Wow wow wow wow wow.
Perfect views of, from left to right: the Southern Ranges, Adamson's Peak, the range round to the Hartz Mountains, Federation Peak sticking out from behind the South Pictons, the whole South Picton Range, Mt Picton, a beautiful view up the Huon valley to the Western Arthurs spread out, Mt Weld, Snowy South, Nevada Peak, Snowy North, Field West (!!) poking over the back of the Wellington Range, Trestle Mt, Collins Bonnet, Mt Connection, Mt Montagu, Cathedral Rock, Mt Wellington - many of them snow-covered.
Thanks for a simply fantastic walk.

Hi Swampy - This has been on my to do list for so long. Each time I visit Mum and Dad I looked left and the towers beckoned. Couldn't resist any longer! Did "Slipped & Fell" prior to this and took Halls Track Road all the way round to the first gate. 35 minutes later, puffing like hell, I arrived at the towers only to discover that I had left the cache description in the car. The search began!! Took about five minutes to discover the hidey hole. Logged the cache at 1240hrs and enjoyed the views immensely. After doing Gregor and Big Woks I wondered if you were masocistic, sadistic and any other such adjective - wondered the same about those that have ventured to do those caches - now having done this one I know the answer to this question; we are all mad in the way we pursue plastic to the "nth" degree. TFTC, the walk, the great views and your friendship. Cheers OldSaint.

Cache # 1 on 3rd day of 'Sick of eating dust and will I make 4 figures Tour'
Set off after brekky..casual pace at first..then couldn't help myself as warp speed cut in...arrived at GZ in 35 min. Had terrible thoughts that cache may have gone with what looked like a fairly new tower erected...as GPSr showing against the wall initially...then settled to a more likely good & safe Swampy hide...and it was. Cache in pristine condition. A little hazy at 7:40 am...but still great views and definitely worth a trip up. Off again at warp speed...down in 30 min...4 paws enjoying the walk too. Many thanks Swampy....nice walk..top views...what more could we want....Cheers.

Great walk for Christmas afternoon. The weather was not too hot but there was a bit of haze limiting the views a little. Spectacular views regardless.

The electric fences are still disconnected so we only had to climb the entry gate and open two other gates to get through the olive grove.

Definately worth the walk to the top.

TNLN. Thanks for the cache.

I've wanted to do this one for AAAGES and it didn't disappoint: it was a wonderful walk!!! I hadn't taken in March Brown's tip (in his log) about the approach so we also got a bit confused because Vince's Saddle Road appears to end at a private entrance (to No 151 I think it is) but a friendly lad from there explained that it continued through and where we'd be going. So on we went and parked at the designated spot. We took our time as we kept stopping to admire all sorts of birds including "beautiful firetails" and an array of wildflowers. Other than the first gate to climb, there were only the two gates to open (either side of the olive grove) as the electic fences weren't across. There was no wind, terrific views and a bit of sun to eat our lunch by at the top. The snowy peaks in the distance were lovely too. Cache was in very good condition - TNLNSL. Being damp underfoot, meant the road wasn't too slippery walking down either. Thanks Swampy, a most enjoyable walk and cache.

Have been waiting for a nice day to make sure we could enjoy the view as much as the find. Today the forecast was for fine weather so managed to sneak some time off work and finally do this cache (again )
Nice bit of exercise to the top of the mountain and even a few pockets of snow near GZ.
The views to the west of snow covered mountain peaks were spectacular but felt a little bit sorry for the residents of Huonville that were covered by a thick blanket of fog.
Thanks Swampy for this cache! it really is a great one and like last time I climbed the ladder to get just that little bit higher and the views were 360 degrees
Took Highlighter and left an Ant

Rated: for Overall Experience

I could not make it to do this with Gspblu yesterday so I had to go today. A great walk to do after work. The weather was fine and the cache was easily found. I took in the views on the way up and going down concentrated on my footing. Thanks Swampy I enjoyed the cache. Took figurine and left golf ball

Got home after work this afternoon with plans to do something, not caching, but just had to look at the computer and as a new cache was only 15km away thought a nice walk would be good as well, so off I went. Bit of trouble finding the right road so for those of you to follow when or if you get to what appears to be the entrance gate to "Sky Farm" keep going right on thru as this is still the road. Walk up was excellent and I enjoyed every bit of it. As the summit is tree covered you need to watch out for the views when gaps permit. Coordinates for GZ were spot on and the cache was recovered easily. Did I forget to say FTF. TNLN Thanks Swampy

Rated: for Overall Experience

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