Up Up and Away (Otago) Sunshine, South Island, New Zealand
By Cumbyrocks on 27-Jan-10. Waypoint GC23DH9

Yes! Been here before, looked in that exact spot several times, and yet by magic the cache has appeared to us this time. Phew! We don't have to go back again. Found with Debsnz.

This has been sitting in the solved pile for a while and despite a previous extensive search sifting through masses of leaves we had left disheartened. A new day with the sun shining and being in the area we thought it worth another look so up the hill we headed. Took a few minutes of poking around in all the spots we'd looked previously and BOOM. I remember looking in this exact spot at least twice during our last visit but I wasn't going to complain as I happily signed the log and returned as found. Found with Spoonz2

Signatures are in the logbook. Off to by some beer. TFTC

This puzzle was a collaborated exercise that required some fresh eyes to make the approach to the hide by the least amount of angst I wouldn't go sailing down the bank cartwheeling with all arms flailing to the mirth of half of Dunnas watching from the carparks, maybe no so the three cache watchers who should be keeping a closer eye whilst the owner was last active in QLD back in June'24. Sadly not every Dunnas has checked this cache in a year since the last finders vindicated their come backs with 'recent' cacheri pointing out errors in searches - out of town visitors were making yearly attempts over the existence of the cached since Jan'10. Only 2 favs in 14yrs, no triers over the Mega'24 as peeps were snowed under by newer challenge caches. It achieved it's most saturation of finders the last time Dunnas hosted Mega'12. Logs reading a who's who of veteran cacheri who are still with us today albeit a few name changes. Entered the hide by the least resistance to spot the small 400ml cache sitting on ground in plain sight. Maybe the recent rainfall had washed off the abundant camo but opening the cache found the goods were super dry. Signing logbook but not lingering long enough other than to help next come back vindicators to an easier find so they can wipe this dot off their map. No particular notice of the doe eyed noob signing the logbook but you will probably ascertain she hasn't signed her previous 200 or so logbooks either. Only one Dunnas owner has deleted her finds for not doing what we are all supposed to do - signing the logbooks. Shame on an anti caching owner who doesn't check their logbooks regularly. *Do as I say, not as I do*. Have another fav courtesy of my luvly sponsor for the fun puzzle cache and the effort we made to reach the easily spotted cache. TFTC

Second time here with Debsnz and another fail in spite of a thorough search. Drat!!

I can remember spending a bit of time on the solve and SW unsuccessfully looking for the cache a few years back. I should have vetoed him when he suggested having another look as we still had a way to go to Chch and it was already after midday, and there was no hint.Same result as last time, not one to search for when under time pressure. All round, a most frustrating cache.

Probably a bad suggestion by me to look for this one on our way through Dunedin (after a DNF four years ago). This time Troodles found a route to GZ so we had two of us searching. I found something odd ( a soft drink can attached to a branch with two cable ties), but I'm pretty sure that wasn't the cache.

Took me many many attempts to solve the puzzle. I had an idea but the thought of it seemed so daunting. Anyway finally sat last night and found a way that could make it easier for me, and thankfully persevered long enough to realise I was on the right track. Up, up and away I went with my mum and soon had the container in hand. Very cool puzzle and a neat place for a hide! Thanks!

Found the second time I looked - thanks to a hint from WilbyWarrior. The logbook is still nice and dry although this cache hasn’t been found for a while.

I solved the puzzle after trying 2 options - it was the second one naturally. But I couldn’t find the cache. There are a lot of fallen leaves at this time of year.

Thanks for the Cache

Today we are caching around Dunedin picking up a few solved puzzles, with a particular emphasis on the Toilets series. In fact this was the only non-tiolet cache of the day.
For a 1.5 star difficulty puzzle this one sure took a bit of sorting out and working through. We have had it solved since 2016, and had an unsuccessful look for it our last South Island trip 2 years ago. Parked nearby this afternoon and one of us headed up and along to GZ. And this time found the cache within 5 minutes. Very pleased to finally get the find. Thanks.

Found this also with Natalie 247 but hadn't logged until now.

Been working on a number of puzzles during this time of resting my foot. Finally cracked this one this month. With my limited ability on reaching caches decided to call up Eve07 to see if she too was feeling a bit of cabin fever and to head out for this unloved puzzle cache.

Cache in good condition and can now complete the challenge spell June with caches found in June

======== NZ Mega 2020 ========

NZ Mega 2020 is definitely happening, but has been postponed until 2021. It will be held in Auckland over Labour Weekend, 22 to 25 October 2021. It's going to be a massive celebration of geocaching:

20+ years of geocaching worldwide.
20+ years since New Zealand had the very first geocache hidden outside of USA.
All the 20s and now 21 as well!
Talk to your geo-friends and start planning to be part of this event - you won't want to miss it!

Took a day out caching with Malinkaly and newbie Raza to introduce Raza to the sport and to knock a few caches off my three mile radius. This one had become a nemesis cache for me, having tried and failed by myself twice (and not leaving DNF logs, naughty!) This time I had more pairs of eyes and the find was made. Finally, having had the puzzle solved for years, I can clock it off my list. Cheers!

Wonderful! Great story and knowledge nugget as well
Thanks a bunch

Really enjoyed this puzzle. Took me a while to get the numbers working right and so satisfying to finally get a congratulations from the geochecker. Tried to find the final once before in the dark with no luck but we tried again tonight and it was spotted after another longish search by Kerynz!! Yay we don’t have to come back and look super dodgy again!! This cache gets a favourite point from me as I loved the clever puzzle and the history lesson. TFTC!

What a puzzle!! I spent many hours just looking at this one, reading and re-reading. Finally came up with an idea. Got started but was soon put off and decided I wasn’t on the right track. Frame family persevered longer and stuck with it until it all fell into place. Very exciting!! We headed to GZ on a dark night some months and started the search. We came away without the find that night. Tonight we had success with another puzzle final so decided to have another go here too. Got under cover and looked high and low. Picked up a stick to help with searching the leaf litter more thoroughly and before I even started poking something caught my eye! Second find for the night - two off our solved puzzle list. Only about 40 to go!! Tftc the tricky puzzle and cache.

Had a look at this one a few times but finally it all clicked during Lockdown. Was nearby today so decided to see if I could find it. Happy to have the cover so I could do a thorough search as there was a lot of leaf litter and a previous DNF. The obvious spots came up with nothing so expanded my search. Was about to give up when there it was - the last placed I decided to search! Added my name to the logbook and, as casually as possible, left GZ. Tftc.

The slope was steep, but I still went up and up. However, despite a decent search I was unable to locate the cache (maybe it has gone away).

Consistently failed at this puzzle until I found an easy solution. I happened to be in the area today, and while I was not confident considering the time since the last find I was able to make my way to the final easily enough. Tftc!

A tip off from a newly minted caching colleague led to a new approach, and voila - success! At GZ , there was cache detritus scattered amongst the foliage, but a quick survey found all components, and the cache was put back in a tidy manner, safe and sound. TFTC.

Have had this one solved for quite a while but thought I might pick it up today. Was easy to find once I got there. Thank goodness for the cover! Thanks

05/04/2014 2:48:00 PM
4233
Came down to Dunedin for the weekend - mostly for the event, but also to catch up with the family
Had a great weekend caching all round the city, getting caches that have been published since my last visit, as well as a few puzzles that I had time for.

Haha wow retrieving this was interesting...

Some muggles had parked right next to us, but were not leaving... so I tried wait them out, but eventually decided to just do it anyway.

Went there, with some strange looks... and then I made sure to look like I was admiring the view for a bit before popping in.
In the end, I quickly did it, and cache was found soon after too.

Coming out was interesting too, as then some new people had showed up... apparently I had some funny looks though mum said! I tried not look, as I was too busy looking hoping I wouldn't fall. Still fell like 3 times and slipped though Fun times!

Consec caching day # 517

TFTC!!

-------------------------------
For info on the next NZ mega, and to pre- register, go to:
www.nzmega2015.com

Found with Hinemoana doing some errands and decided to finally get this one.
TFTC

Have been looking at this one for some time being more puzzled than the difficulty rating would warrant. Several enquiries did not lead anywhere useful until recently and I am so relieved to have this question mark turn into a smiley on my map TFTC!!!

Technically private property so I felt a bit nervous heading to the cache but fortunately once at GZ you are nicely hidden from view. Probably a place where you would look more suspicious and obvious going outside of business hours than at the height of them! Good to have this one off the "To Do" list. TFTC.

Found at 6:19:00 p.m. on 03/12/2012.

Finally found this one after a few attempts amongst the rubbish at GZ. Nice puzzle and also fun to confuse nearby muggles.

TFTC Cumbyrocks

Day 5 on our 6 day caching trip to Dunedin for the NZ MEGA 2012 event with Gunnie69, Kaisho53, Ozibags, ghostgums and MrMeccano. Once again we hit the road reasonably early with a plan. The day started off spent around Saint Clair, St Kilda, South Dunedin, Kensington, Mosgiel, and Caversham.

Sorry about the bulk log but I am never going to catch up at this rate.

TFTC and puzzle, Cumbyrocks!

Interesting story and puzzle, that was a little perplexing at the start, but soon sorted! Fourbees had this one sorted at GZ as well!

Day 5 on our caching trip to Dunedin for the NZ MEGA 2012 event with Gunnie69, Kaisho53, Ozibags, fourbees and MrMeccano. The day started off spent around Saint Clair, St Kilda, South Dunedin, Kensington, Mosgiel, and Caversham..

TFTC Cumbyrocks

Last day for me of Cache Hunting at NZ Mega 21012 with Gunnie69, Ghostgums, Mr Meccano, Ozibags and TheFourBees

Another we had worked on at home..

Arrived at GZ & Fourbees had log out for signing

Luckily the rain shower was short so we didn't get too wet


TNLNSL

Thanks Cumbyrocks

I'm not much of a reader but sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do right... I had the right idea for this puzzle but had to get the settings right for it to come together. Once I was on track, it came together easy enough... [^]

At GZ today, we were in muggle central and being watched by a curious muggle who had been left in the car nearby... Once at GZ though, it didn't matter as we were out of sight...

Cache was located by TheFourBees and with the log out, we added a group sticker to the log. Then it was back to the van and outta there. We scored a little rain at GZ but didn't get too wet, thankfully...

Found in the company of fellow Queensland hunters Kaisho53, OziBags, TheFourBees, Ghostgums and Mr Meccano.

Cheers Cumbyrocks.

Caching with Ghostgums, Mr Meccano, Gunnie69, kaisho53 and fourbees while attending the NZ Mega. Love the story - an amazing feat for the times. TFTC Cumbyrocks.

#3301 Attemding the NZ Mega with Dazzpete. We weren't too sure about the access into this cache but after a little while we managed our way close to GZ. Got the ticker kick started for this time of the morning but we soon found ourselves at GZ where Dad came up with the goods. A terrific cache page and puzzle, our thanks to Cumbyrocks for the fun. Cheers from Australia [^]

Another find we can lay squarely at the feet of the skullracing team. We gerenrally suck at the whole puzzling thing and tend to find most of them in the company of skullracing after the Queen solves the puzzle.

A bit of a steep climb before the Alpha Male from skullracing placed his hands on the prize.

TNLN SL TFTC

We solved a few puzzles at home with some help of our geo friends in the hope of finding some whilst here for the MEGA.

So today was to be a day of finding puzzles and attending the CITO event.

A little too tricky at GZ for Mrs Felix with her dodgy knees so Mr Felix went it alone.

TFTPC Cumbyrocks

Was in Dunedin to attended the first ever Mega in New Zealand. Managed to work it out so that I was able to team up with fozzmiester and agcnz and go on an 8 day caching trip around the South Island, this was day 2 of the road trip.

After finding GC32GTA - Hope upon Hope (Otago), this was the next cache that I had on my list to find today, I managed to solve this puzzle cache before leaving Wellington, this was definitely a very interesting little puzzle and it took me a bit longer than I thought it would before I realised what was required to gather the required numbers for the final location.

Realising where this cache was and still being quite early on a Saturday morning as we neared GZ we were able to find a car park not too far from GZ. Making our way towards GZ we were quite surprise how open it was here and was hoping that there wasnt anyone watching us. I think that GZ could get quite busy if we tried this on the wrong day.

Finally arriving at GZ it didnt take too long to track down the hiding spot for the cache, signed and replaced the cache back as found. Thanks for placing this puzzle cache here and for bringing us to this spot, had great views of the nearby establishments from GZ. TFTC TNLNSL (4982), now to the next cache.

While visiting a nearby shopping establishment we noticed that the final to this puzzle was nearby so it was up and away to the gz where the cache was quickly discovered. TFTC

Found as part of an 8 day NZ Mega Event trip. Day 2 - Dunedin and surrounds. Thanks to the owners of the 500 + caches which I had the pleasure to find along the way and which contributed to a very fun trip.

A quick find with fozzmiester and Yeetrees during a few hours' caching in Dunedin before heading to the MEGA event. I had solved the puzzle quite a while ago so it was very satisfying to finally score the final and the smiley. Signed log, TFTC!

Having tried many different options, including alongs the lines of the correct solution this one seemed to be difficult to solve - probably something to do with forests and trees. The CO was in need of some assistance with another cache so a bit of horse trading was done. Seems Papa was not far off the right track after all. Interesting location - came down quicker than going up! Salamat!

Yes - we agree with prior logs that the final could hardly be more muggle exposed but we solved this at home in Auckland so it is our first puzzle smiley in Dunedin and we REALLY wanted it. Loved the pics and history - what a fun story. NINO TFTC

Still heaps of muggles but just ignored them.
Not too long before turning up the cache.
Thanks cumbyrocks (although Arana is better )

Really interesting story, love quriky history. TFTC

I'd never heard about this event until now! Really liked reading the reporter's dramatic narrative.

The first half of the latitude unencpryption was fine, but the second half seemed to have a constant shift error. Found a way around that, and from then on it was a quick process to decode the rest. Very thankful for the 'start here' hint; without that I would have taken much longer.

Plenty of muggles around when I went up to retrieve the cache, but none of them could see what I was doing up there so the cache will be safe. Thanks for setting this one up, really enjoyed it.

really a "did not search". far too many muggles for my liking today. I'll be back.

Very interesting article and puzzle. Many people in the GZ vicinity today. Fortunately all the muggles were too preoccupied to take much notice of the geocacher in their midst. TNLN T4TC.

Out with the jonnygoescaching crew on a warm and sunny spring afternoon. Tftc.

Nice findTFTC

found with Jonnygoescaching - tftc

What can I say about this one????? wel nothing........more grey hair!!!!

Got it early morning with no one around.

-coin.

TFTC. Another good one CR!!

This entry was edited by AdventureTharon on Wednesday, 01 September 2010 at 01:37:03.

great one took some looking but found it TFTC

TFTC SL TNLN this one I have had solved for ages and it was good to get it tonite, a bit of a steepish bank with a bit of a sorish leg but manged fine lovely nite good to get this one out of the way thanks for the hint on this also

rrived in the middle of a shopping day. Only two real choices go away and come back in the middle of the day or just do it. It was done!!

not for the faint hearted ...grabbed at midday with nofs and A few hundred others LOL!!

Appreciated the history and the well-constructed puzzle (particularly the "start here" instruction!). Had expected this to be on the public reserve mentioned in the article- it always feels a bit uneasy looking for a cache on private property unless there's reassurance that it's been "placed with permission". The present-day view includes slightly historic plastic bags, foil wrappers, bottles etc so tidied up the immediate vicinity of the hide. The geocoin we dropped off wants to go to micro or magnetic caches, and is cleverly designed to be placed close by (but not actually in) the cache.

Took a few false starts on this one, but finally the pattern appeared as I was about to give up on it for the night. Today decided to wait till later to pick it up, so went to BK for tea first (possibly muggled??). Then onto the cache. That was when we wished both torches weren't in the house. Scrambling around in the dark felt some things positioned in a suspiciously geo-oriented way. Success!

Unfortunately we were too early for the show as we got there at 1850 (hours) . All in all, lots of fun. TFTC.

Great story from the past and a fun puzzle which took some time to piece it al together. Quick find at GZ. TFTC

Very interesting piece of history, thanks for that. Was primed for the puzzle by a similar one recently, so solved in short order. Picked this one up after a good walk, investigating options for an interesting multi, and picking up some long outstanding caches in Waverley.

TNLN. TFTC.

Realised the nature of the puzzle solution pretty quickly. Working out exactly how to apply the numbers took a bit longer.
We picked up the cache just before 11pm, which was a nice quiet time.
Easily found the cache with W.E.K.A. and nick_h_nz.
Thanks.

I love this puzzle! Very interesting story of Prof. Baldwin and his ballooning exploits. I found this in the dark with W.E.K.A. and nzcoozer - which is possibly the best time of day to attempt the cache, as there are very few muggles (in this case, none) about to see what's going on. This was the last stop before bed, after finding the four waypoints of Stegan's "A Puzzle Cache". TFTC

Found with nzcoozer and nick_h_nz in the dark about 11pm.
When this was published we had the general idea of what was required but we weren't able to pinpoint the exact technique.
nzcoozer clarified this and it was then a long slog to calculate the co-ordinates.
TFTC

Didn't find it i the dark last night (after midnight) because I didn't want to use a torch= there was too much activity round and about here at 1 am. Not just cars parked up, but also vehicles sneaking around with no lights on, and cop cars screaming around. However, I went back at 7.30am for a quick find, must have put my hand on the "cover" in the dark . TFTC, the article was most interesting.

I quickly figued out *how* to solve this puzzle, but was constantly getting frame-shift errors trying to solve it. With some reassurance from the owner I was on the right track, and a wee nudge in the right direction this took less than 5 mins to work out. TFTC!

Yahoo! Bit of a marathon but I've got it solved. I am sure there must have been a quicker method available, but I found I was on a roll and I couldn't be bothered looking further. Great puzzle and a very interesting newspaper article about a brave aeronautical pioneer. I look forward to signing this cache off when I am next down that way. Cheers

Fun puzzle, found Sunday, first to log not FTF, 9am was not early enough to beat Bitspayer and co,

Wahoo a FTF in Dunedin it's been a while, mind you, it must have only been by minuets, cause it was around 9.00am that we were there.

A fun puzzle to work out, took a few goes to get on the right track.

Thanks Bitsprayer

Took quite a bit of time to work out once I thought I was on the right track. It was good to travel down this morning with Bitsprayer and confirm the final location.
thanks
ernienz

Published