Watch out for Elves Lorne, Victoria, Australia
By The Hill Folk + Robert, Rita, Allison and Paul on 09-Aug-08. Waypoint GC1F31K

This cache serves two current lessons.

1. Why reviewers shouldn't just disable / archive caches because of a couple of DNF's when the cache is clearly there and able to be found, which has a full logbook waiting.
2. Why newbies with all good intentions need to devote some time to finding caches before placing them! (16 finds by the short lived CO's)

Today noworries needed the DT on my earthcache, so we all made the hike down here, included me carrying my 2yo son in the backpack. The falls were barely a drizzle today, not like the raging torrent last time I was here. The cache took forever to find, mainly due to so many places to look and the 'bottom of the stairs' being a bit vague given there is the bottoms of the STAIRS then the bottom of the PATH. With help from a previous finder and a long, long time searching, we were very very happy to walk away with a find today! Thanks for the placement either way in such a scenic locations.

Ok future finders (if cache doesn't get locked by then): Once at the bottom of the path, you'll have a flat horizontal rock to your right, falls straight ahead. To your left, in beside the rock and thistles about 2m from the path, climb up and you'll make the find!

Log later

Out at the Falls today

Full log to Follow.

6 January 2019 @ 1:48 pm
Caching buddies: n0w0rries, jacko83, Ausfox;, The Morris, Aysen

A team of us hiked to the falls to get info on the nearby Earthcache called Phantom Falls. We were told that an archived traditional was still available to be found. At the least, an hour was spent. All of us looked everywhere. The hint was a bit confusing till we were directed to the flat Rock at the end of the trail next to the fall, by PAF. After that we all looked to the left.. 2 uphill and 3 downhill and finally a green bum spotted it!

TFTC The Hill Folk

Follow my story on Instagram @AlphaDeltaIndigo

Ltf

Found with the group whilst checking out the falls.
Thanks for the cache The Hill Folk etc.

Photo of the green elf

Never give up! I had a DNF here several years ago, and today I "made it right".
I headed to Lorne this afternoon specifically for this cache, even though it has been archived for a couple of years due to a MIA CO.
The CO may be missing, but the cache sure isn't!
Unlike the first attempt where I bushbashed and got lost, I followed the trail easily to GZ. And unlike my original search where I gave up after 20 minutes, I wasn't going to give up so easily this time.
It took 55 minutes, but find it I did. Cache is in perfect condition. Exactly where the hint said it would be.
No water in the falls today, but smilie time anyway.
Thanks, hill folk.

I cannot see any information that suggests to me that steps have been taken to resolve the issue/s associated with this placement - one or more of the following applies:

- Cache Owner unable to maintain cache
- No response from the cache owner.
- No cache to find or log to sign.
- It has been more than 28 days since the last owner note.
- Cache has been abandoned by cache owner

As a result I am archiving this cache to keep from continually showing up in search lists and to also prevent it from blocking other cache placements.

If you wish to repair/replace/make available the cache sometime in the next 28 days, just contact a reviewer (by email and include GC number in Subject), and assuming it still meets the current guidelines, the reviewer will be happy to unarchive it.

Should you wish to replace the cache after 28 days has passed please create a new cache listing so it can be reviewed as a new cache.

This cache appears to be in need of owner intervention, therefore I am temporarily disabling it so as to stop it showing up on on search lists and to give the owner an opportunity to check on the cache, and take whatever action is necessary.

Geocache maintenance is a cache owner responsibility. Your prompt attention to any log that indicates things could be amiss is greatly appreciated by all geocachers. The rule is; if you can't fix it straight away then "Disable" it till you can - I have disabled it for you this time! [^]

Please respond to this situation by 18th October to prevent the cache from being archived for non-responsiveness.

If you require more time, please be sure to post a "Write Note" log (not an email) explaining the situation and how much more time you require.

For ongoing issues please ensure you visit the page and post a note every 28 days so as to keep everyone up to date, or the cache will be treated as an abandoned cache and archived without further notice.

Stayed in Lorne last night and got up early to do a couple of walks around this beautiful area. So much green colour and water flowing in the rivers.

This cache isn't a T1.5. We had a lovely but quite steep walk in. Even if you get here via 4x4 heading down those stairs should elevate the rating a little.

Heaps of water flowing today. Arrived at the location the hint suggested but after a decent look and feel around the search was called off. Felt like I was about to trash the place looking for a difficulty 2 cache... and after 3 DNFs in January I figured maybe this ones gone walkies. Either way I'm here to enjoy nature and the cache would've been a bonus.

Great spot well worthy of a cache. Maybe another time.

Extremely hard to find, spent over an hour and come up with nothing.

Looked for ages, even the clue did assist us, maybe next time

Lovely falls

Great Cache except for getting prickled by the blackberries. Added a car and took a shell. Beautiful waterfall at the moment. TFTC

Found it easily after a second attempt with a couple of Geo kids helping me this time. The first time I spent over an hour looking in all the wrong areas as the GPS was all over the place. Then after giving up as I needed to leave, I realised the mentioned flat rock IS actually at the bottom of the staircase and not below the waterfall. Anyway this visit we immediately looked in the right spot and Cache was soon in hand. Log book was signed by everyone and Cache returned safely into it's hiding spot with some new swaps. TFTC.

no luck here... too bad

Find # 3122 @ 15:50

Nice walk and after a reasonable search, the find was made. Two of our group took a dip.

Thanks to The hill folk for the cache

Wasn't sure of the access path from the road to the falls, and being unfamiliar with the area I inadvertently ended up on private property and bush-bashing quite a bit.
Despite a 20 minute search I couldn't find the cache.
At least the falls were flowing wildly, so it was a great view.
TFTH, hill folk.

Really hard without compass, we didn't want to give up but after an hour decided we will be back to try again soon.

Thanks for the walk 100 find

Found in the company of MrSnoop, whilst having a short break in Lorne for my birthday. This was quite a strenuous climb in places for a couple of Seniors (who are also lacking in fitness). I had a double reason for wanting to do this cache - 1. to firstly find the cache & 2. to do a photo shoot on the trek. I needed a series of photos from the one location for an assignment for my U3A photography class & this was a marvellous choice of location. Many stunning photos were taken. Thanks for this cache as I had never heard of the Phantom Falls before. TNLNSL

Found with OzzieBear at 12.45pm. It was a hard slog for 60+ Seniors but somebody had to do it. Noted at times there was no mobile reception & surprised to find it at the falls. Couldn't the Garmin around the falls to pinpoint GZ, it was very misleading. A definite recommendation in remote areas is that you don't depend on electronic compasses, use the old style magnetic compasses. Tell someone where you are going in remote areas. Moving right along ...... we poked around a little bit & eventually the cache was located. The last few metres were extremely challenging but we got it. We took lots of photos. Mostly downhill back to the car, thanks Mr Emu for your parking suggestion as I doubt we would have found the best place to start our walk. TFTC

Epic find! Well not really, just a lot of persistence! Thanks to Emu for tips on parking, a bit hard to know from description! Take an old-school compass (non electronic) and use the hint to make this find easier. Beautiful walk in through a gorgeous old orchard. TNLN TFTC

Great walk helped a lost MT bike rider with directions and saw some Water skinks. Had some friends helping with this one but my Caching mate SCOTTIE helped out as my GPS did`nt like the enclosed conditions around the Falls ! Not many people seem to vist of the track ones around Lorne !

Enjoyed the walk to the falls from the campsite... and was really impressed when we got there, the falls were worth the effort (and the hill climb!).

Unfortunately, we searched every nook and cranny in the vicinity of the GZ and also according to the hint... but we just couldn't find it.

Have searched through all the previous comments but haven't seen anything that would have helped in our search. Quite disappointed we didn't find this one

Found the cache after looking around for quite a while, the previous comments helped a lot.
Was quite a walk in, some very steep terrain. Be sure to have some change in your pocket to buy an apple from the orchard you walk through.
Signed log, took wax, left dinosaur.

No elves here today, only AWG Bushwalkers who were very patient while we located the cache at 2pm. Took a bit of finding and I would say that a terrain rating of 1.5 is a bit low given the final location and also the length of walk required to get here. Great spot though and a magnificent waterfalls. Glad we came this year not last!
TNLN
thanks The Hill Folk

Found this one at 14:00 with Alsume and slacas while on a bushwalk around this beautiful area. It took a while to hone in on it as the coordinates seemed to be about 18 metres out but persistence and a liberal reading of the hint eventually had slacas pulling it from its hidey-hole. I've added the coordinates I measured for reference but the rock walls in the area might have increased the EPE significantly. We all agreed that the terrain rating for this one was significantly underrated and a quick look at [url=http://www.clayjar.com/gcrs/]clayjar.com[/url] indicated a terrain rating of at least 2½, if not 3, would be more appropriate given the length of the walk from the nearest parking spot combined with the 2-3 metre climb to GZ itself through thickish bush and blackberries once at the point to which the hint refers .

With all the rain we've had recently, the falls were absolutely beautiful , which meant that the rest of the group were more than happy to wait around while we found it .

TNLNSL, although our Signal Geocoin had a visit to mark the occasion. Thanks The Hill Folk + Robert, Rita, Allison and Paul.

Drove a car called an Elf once. Lost it in a car park, finding it was a sight easier than this little baby. All difficulties forgiven as it meant more time around the fantastic Phantom Falls.

what a walk and what a area - withot geocaching we wouldn't have see the Phantom Falls. We looked in every cave und under every rock - but we didn't find anything
but is was very interesting
thank you
the Bergpirate + Jutta from Bavaria/Germany

Found with Rach while Nan looked after our daughter while holidaying at Lorne for a week. Our 2.5YO's first real beach holiday. Loved it.
Used the clue to spot the GZ, then aproched from above using an anticlockwise direction. Easier than going crow flying.
The previous log signing said 'Happy New Year' for 2010. Now Jan 6 a year later, I put 'Happy New Year' in again for this next year. Even though a year passed, cache was in PERFECT! condition. Well done! Lovely falls. TFTC!!

David was all primed to do this walk. Took Mr Emu's lead for the route. The only problem was that the track has been closed for DSE Fuel Reduction Burns taking place in the area for the next few days. We'll just have to come back.

On arrival I had this location to myself, not that it helped the blackberry compass was spinning in circles and I just could not find the cache. I gave up after the blackberries got the better of me. I will return!!
Ok so I want to thank the person whom left the compass at the Cumberland Clamber which come into good use today when I returned. It put me right and the cache was found quite easily!!. Can I suggest a round trip by returning along the river path (downstream) to the Henderson Track then cutting down the fire trail back to Allenvale. Stop for an apple in the orchard (I didn't tell you that) and then checking out the Bower Bird nest. A worthwhile trip I highly recommend. tftc Happy New Year

[This entry was edited by themd on Friday, January 01, 2010 at 1:49:32 AM.]

Have been here 3 times in the last few months enjoying the view, thought it was about time to grab the cache. Hardly any water coming over the falls today. Left 2 sharks, TN. TFTH.

Speedy & Bushfire decided to head for Aireys today to place a new cache for Bushfire but once again it still needs a little modification before it’s ready to go. While down in this area we decided to get a few more smiley faces around Lorne.

Found this one at 16.15 after a good 30 minute walk up the lovely gorge to the Phantom Falls. Anyone attempting this cache MUST READ MR EMU’s log of March 31st 2009 as the information is spot on and a great help in finding where to park and which track to take. I would like to see this in the cache notes.

Near the start of this walk as you pass the orchard look for the track signs near the sheds. There was a lot of water coming over the falls today and was quiet impressive. The walk back was a lot easier than going.

Also take note of Cracked Pepper’s log re the slippery rock near the cache and the blackberries. This was a very good cache location and well worth the effort to get to. NI-NO and thanks for the cache.

Popped in Ben's travel bug "Quacker" and retrieved.

Was off with Bushfire for another days caching. We took Mr. Emu's advice and came in from the Mill carpark. A bit steep in places but it is well worth it. I'm not sure if we were lucky or not, but there was plenty of water going over the Phantom Falls today!
After a short search, Bushfire found the cache, but not after prickling himself on a sharp bush - so gloves are a good option when searching for this one!
TNLN, TFTC. This is a spot that I will certainly return to!

Lovely light rainy day in Lorne. Thankyou Mr Emu for the additional hint of where to start - we agree that additional locaion of road and car park would be a good start as there are a number of ways this can be accessed but google maps does not clearly show any. Took keyring left smilies . Beware on wet weather days of accessing this cache, very slippery and a nasty fall almost had from multiple attempts to access.
Lovely location.
Cracked Pepper

Found today by Mr Emu @ 10.30 a.m., GAFF3 http://wiki.geocaching.com.au/wiki/GAFF . It took a fair bit of research at home before I worked out how to get to this cache. The maps on Google, Shonky Maps, etc aren't that much help. In the end it was sinplicity itself. Perhaps the cache description could add a parking waypoint for the Allenvale Mill Camping Ground at S38 32.930 E143 57.513, and also mention that you take the walking track to Phantom Falls?

The walk was very nice, although pretty steep for one section close to the waterfall - probably closer to terrain 2. The "waterfall" was appropriately named - there was not a drop of water coming over it today - Phantom Falls indeed.

To find the cache I needed to use the good hint and my compass, as GPS reception was no good in the valley & under trees). The bonus for this adventure was when I was almost back at the car. Between the footbridge and the carpark there was a sign I had not noticed on my way in, providing information about a nearby Satin Bower Bird's nest just a few metres off the track. Awesome to see that they really do like to collect blue things, as I had learnt in school many years ago. Aerogard lids, kid's bouncy ball, and other plastic human rubbish of different kinds.

I think it took about an hour all up, including taking some photos. Thanks for the cache "Hill Folk et al". No kids today, so I "Took: Nil; Left: Nil"

OK..this one took us two visits to find.
The walking group didn't want to hang around long enough to find it properly the first time. So when the next group headed out I managed to tag along and revisited GZ for the find.
TNLNSL
TFTC
The Riddellers and friends

Finally getting around to logging these finds after a 2 week road trip (over 100 caches to log [XX(] )

A very nice walk in (although we almost missed part of the track in the farms at the start of the track we went in on).

Our GPS had GZ quite a few meters away from where we eventually found the cache. We only found with the help of the clue and even then it took a while as there was some debate over which item was the one mentioned. It also didn't help that we went down to the right on the track just before it reached the bottom instead of continuing on to the left so ilnitially missed the item.

It was a nice walk, but a hard thing to find the cache. Without the hint you stand no chance. Cache could be everywhere in this area. But don't we all love a challenge?

Gut versteckt, aber nach rund einer halben Stunde haben wir den Cache gefunden!

Found at -12.15pm GAFF3. Went looking for a 4wd track all around the area and couldn't find anything open. Our maps are really starting to get out of date! Even went into a private property and had a chat to the housewife about an access, but she couldn't help either. Finally the walk to the falls was embarked and it really only took 25 minutes to get there. A young couple later turned up and was wondering what was going on so a full explanation of the game was in order. The co-ords were way out due to the conditions so anther set of co-ords were taken, but no guarantee is offered!
Thanks The Hill Folk + Robert, Rita, Alison and Paul (quite a cumbersome team name isn't it?) for showing us this fantastic spot.

Yeah our 57th FTF at 1159 hrs today. Not sure if we approached from the right way. We came in from Allenvale road end. The terrain rating is more like 3.5 stars.
Nice area but very wet and muddy this time of year. GZ was very hard to reach due to blackberry bushes but we got there.
Top walk for bird watching.
Thanks for showing us the area and another FTF.
TNLN

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