Mercator's Ghost Wonga Park, Victoria, Australia
By Quasar on 18-Aug-12. Waypoint GC3TWWB

Up until recently my husband has not been interested in geocaching. Now that he is retired and he enjoys walking, I have been able to encourage him to come walking (and geocaching) with me.Today was a lovely day for a walk, along the Yarra River and back through the bush.I assured my husband that LARGE containers are easy to find but it took us more than ten minutes, and many readings of the hint to eventually nearly trip over this container. Usually the end of my walking poles are great for tapping on non-natural items, but they failed dismally today.Thank you Quasar for this large cache.

Thank you for the cache! Well hidden but found it after 10min!

I always love finding a large, old cache. Tick for another challenge I'm working on.A day off for Anzac Day, 25 April. I'm trying to find 250 caches on the 25th of the month for a challenge (https://coord.info/GCA000R) so I couldn't resist a lovely 3 hour bushwalk around the Warrandyte State Park in the afternoon. We'd spend the morning at the Upwey/Belgrave RSL Service. Two of the kids were in the guard of honour for the parade as members of the Upwey CFA brigade. The other was in the parade representing the Upwey/Tecoma footy club. Zeus could've marched as he was an officer in the NZ Army about 20 years ago. It was a really special morning.

Thanks to our friend David for spotting this one! Plenty of loot still inside but we took the TB. TFTC!

What a great cache in such a peaceful spot. Swapped lots of swag.

Easy find after a nice walk. Dropped some travel bugs and a geocoin in. Thanks!

Tftc

Tried with the kids for ten minutes. Well hidden then!

We forgot about hints! So went back one last time. Found it!

Took a while but found it. Well done

Incredibly well stocked cache with some awesome swag. Didn't take anything but really enjoyed the sentiment and hope the cache lasts!

Replaced with a larger container, new maps, and new temporary log book. Taken the old log book home to dry and will replace again soon. But this cache is good to go. 1m away from original, hopefully hidden a bit better under overhanging grass, 1m from end of rotten log.

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### **OWNER MAINTENANCE REQUESTED PLEASE** ###

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Hi there Quasar,

It looks like this cache might need some attention, as one or more seekers have indicated there is some sort of issue. The recent logs may contain more details about what sort of issues are evident.

The cache has been [**temporarily disabled**](https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=38&pgid=235), so as to remove it from search listings and discourage people from visiting this location, until the issues/s can be addressed.

**You do need to respond in some way within 14 days,** so others know you are on top of it, as well as indicating exactly what is happening with this placement - please don't let a lack of communication scuttle this listing.

#What you need to do:-#
You have a number of choices so pick the one that applies from this handy list:-

- **Check On The Cache** - once checked, place an Owner Maintenance log and then enable the cache.

- **Place A Write Note Log** - indicating a date when you expect it will be restored.

- **Adopt Out or Archive** - depending on whether you want it kept or for it to disappear.

Full details for each of the above choices can be found at [**GEOCACHE MAINTENANCE**]( https://wiki.groundspeak.com/display/GEO/Victoria) on the Regional Policies page.

You might wonder what happens if you don't pick one of the above. Well, when the cache is next checked by a Reviewer, if the issue has not been addressed, or there is no acknowledgment as requested above, it will be assumed the cache has been abandoned.

It would be far better if you decide, so please do something before then. Please don't send an email but instead follow the information/advice posted above.

Thanks for your cooperation,

Bunjil (Pete & Helen)
Volunteer Reviewers - Australia

[3B]

Nice weather for a walk on a great little walk next to the Yarra. the cache is quite damp and the plastic bag with the logbook wasn’t sealed so it was very wet and we couldn’t write on it.

This geocacher reported that there is a problem with this cache.

Had planned a walk with some geoscouts but none could make it. Went anyway and picked this up along the way.

Very wet - log needs replacing

The hint didn't quite meet with GZ, so it took a while to locate. But after a minute, I saw the telltale signs of a hide. I think the cache has seen better days, and it appears most of the maps are wet. Luckily the log was all dry.

After doing some maintenance work on the back verandah this morning, we had to wait for the paint to dry, so we grabbed the deadly treadlies, and with Chewinprickles we rode some of the Gold series.
A beautiful day and nice trails although some were a bit challenging on the bikes, but a lovely ride with very few muggles spotted.

We picked up a few others we rode past, this was one.
Unfortunately no longer a Large container, but still easy to find.
Thanks, Robmc.

Hunted around here for a few minutes before spotting the hide. Nice spot here near the river.
Thanks Quasar

2nd stop on today's trail run. I was targeting this one because of its age and size. Although it doesn't seem to be as large any more, the lovely single track made up for it. Tftc

Nice, easy find. TFTC

Tiz's eagle eyes found this oldie that has miraculously survived being flooded recently. replaced log with new bag and log as temporary -may need to check on location after all the rain as it’s obvious it’s been flooded. Not a 5L

I forgot to mention their was a sign at the start of the path saying that the path was closed due to flooding, we chose to ignore it, and it was at this point that we started wondering if we would have to eventually turn back but it wasn't the case. We just made our own way.

Contents of cache water logged new log and zip lock bag added by kbucky...not quite were hint indicated .

Great walk!
Tftc

An easy find on a nice stroll

#1347 - With the sun making its way to the horizon and the legs feeling great, it felt like a Summers late afternoon as we made it to GZ. Such a refreshing walk.
Last cache of the day today feeling sun kissed.

Tftc

→←

Nice walk. Tftc

Came out to Warrandyte State Park today to finish off the Gunks "Gold" series as this series was a finalist for the 2020/2021 Victorian Cache of the Year Awards for Best Series.

I am very keen on trying to find as many of the finalists for these awards as I can. So the "Gold" series was my main focus for today, but when I saw that there was a large cache nearby I knew I had to stop and try to find it.

I am always on the lookout for more Large caches, and this one was my 50th Large cache find!

It was a beautiful walk along the river, this area was just so stunning. I definitely enjoyed my meander along the path to GZ. Once I arrived at GZ the cache container was found fairly quickly. Thanks for the fun and TFTC.


Cache Maintenance Status:

The cache container was in good shape and the logbook was clean and dry. The logbook had plenty of room for future cache finders to sign.

Quick find while out picking up some of the GOLD caches.

Nice quick find. Lovely walk too. TFTC

With 2peasinapod2012 and Geo-wife, Had my eye on this one for a while, and thought
I would get it one day, so while over here doing the gold series was a good time to get it,
Cache in good condition and dry.
TFTC Quasar

Nothing map-related on us so we did no exchanges. Tricky cache to find until you get the angle right but a good spot. Thanks!

With Crustyvarmint accompanying us today, we set off this morning for some GOLD, caches that is, not the real stuff. A beautiful walk along the Blue Tongue Bend with the river looking magnificent and not a soul in sight added to the experience.

Always good to find large caches and this one was a beauty. We checked out the maps, signed the log and continued on our journey.

Thank you Quasar. Hopefully this cache will last another 10 years for future geocachers to enjoy.

Thank you Quasar. On a walk through the park today with Knight_shift, we located your cache.
The river was looking great today and, after signing the log, we continued on our journey.

I had time this afternoon, and walked out to Blue Tongue bend with this as the target. It's a great spot, and well worthy of a cache. Thanks Quasar for keeping this one going.

What a great spot for a walk and a little bit of caching, nice easy find on a beautiful day tftc

Found it with crank1 TFTC

Accompanied with silence49 came back again and finally got it. We had a great time finding your cache Quasar, thank you so much for placing it.

DNF

I was unable to find this one today. Beware brown snake is there, while I read the description and comment where I can find and notice snake move. Thanks for placing the cache Quasar.

The river is quite high and fast at the moment. The cache's location does not exactly match the hint, but it's pretty close by.

Hint was an exageration, found anyway! TFTC

Quickly found it while having a nice walk along Yarra River.

TFTC, nice hide, real wombat territory

Beautiful walk! we had so much fun finding this one! lockdown has been pretty boring so fun to get out! it’s not to hard to find! Took us about 10 mins!
Also found some beautiful mushrooms near the location! enjoy!

#2071 - 2.05pm
Out chasing Gold and a little sanity away from lockdown with Heymissjo, all while staying within our 5km zone.

This part of the world feels like it's a million miles from anywhere, with the dual melodies of the native birds and flowing river performing an private duet in this scenic landscape.

We found the cache quicker than we would have liked, as it was clearly exposed and not well positioned in its hide.

As we logged in, and admired the thematic contents, several groups of muggles strolled by. Though remote, it's still a busy little location.

Heymissjo noted in the logbook that it had been found and signed by a number of muggles in recent times. Again, more evidence that it had been out in the open for a while.
We took the time to replace it in line with the clue. It's now completely hidden from sight with camo, and ready to survive for another 10 years.

Thanks so much wonderful cartographic experience, Quasar.

#1103
What an absolutely beautiful part of the river. I am really enjoying this walk with The Welder. We have visited this state park a bit over the past year collecting bits of gold as we go… and with another lockdown this seems the perfect retreat to escape home just for a bit. Homeschooling and working full time is tough and for our own well being… nature calls. I almost wish I had brought my chair to just stop and ponder as the river flows by. My thoughts are wondering to conversations of those that are doing it tough… lockdown is tough and every finds it through in their own way… or not.. I do know of some really struggling and messages linger in my memory. One day at a time… and pay it forward where you can. Hopefully ripples of light and love can make a small difference.

Finding this cache was easy… and to be honest, I’m surprised it hasn’t gone walking as it was open and viable from the track. Looking in the log book, it appears ‘randoms’ have found it and left their mark not appreciating it was a geocache. Once we signed the book, we rehid and made sure it was no longer visible. Thanks for the cache and bringing us to this awesome place.

A long beautiful walk in Mother Nature to find this one. Thanks for bring us here and tftc

Logged with original account BlackOpal2005. We've now decided we need our own accounts so I'm playing catchup.

This is the closest cache to our house but as it’s on the other side of the river it has remained unfound until today! Glad it won’t be staring back at us every time we open the app at home anymore.

Found Nice place to stop & enjoy nature. The river extremely full, and fast moving. Damp everywhere except the cache. TFTC

Lovely spot up here for a morning walk on a gloriously sunny winter day. Thanks!

I was just thinking how you could put Munzees in Caches and here you were!!

Found it in such a stunning location with such a full Yarra River.

Fantastic terrain for a short walk. Don't bring dogs.

Such a gorgeous place!

A quick find, sign and replace as the voices of muggles on the trail drew ever closer... Beat them!

TFTC

Found it laying in plain view, probably shifted in the floods. Heaps of muggles around so didnt sign, just quickly stuffed it away and kept moving

After a lovely walk yesterday, we came back here for our daily exercise again today. Today it was this loop that we took, and what a great loop it was. While walking tracks everywhere seem to be packed during the lockdown, there is barely a soul here.
Fifth find on todays walk.
The container was found in a obvious place. We thought we had taken a trackable, but it turned out not to be a trackable, meaning that there is no trackable in this cache.
Thanks for placing and maintaining this cache in this amazing location Quasar.

Always like to visit this cache when out walking. Glad to see it’s in good condition.

We found this cache as number 4 of 6 on our Gold Diggers Warrandyte Tour Part IV. We found the predecessor cache to this back in 2004, so the difference in dates between the old and the new is almost 17 years. That's got to be close to some sort of weird record in Geocaching. Thanks from D B-A with K & Z.

Great location

I really couldn't pass by this one on today's golden sojourn of the area given that I'd found its inspirational predecessor way back on **[7 March *2005*](https://coord.info/GL7VX29)** . Once at GZ, the find was a quick one at 14:50 and I even got the double banger bonus of 60 points from its Mystery Munzee .

And to top it all off, it's in a wonderful location so that seems to add up to a fave point from me.

TNLNSL. Thanks Quasar.

This themed cache is brilliant. We love maps! And we love history. So we have left a vintage topographic map behind. We picked this cache also because we wanted a nice walk - this delivered on all fronts. Thanks for the cache!

Thought about taking the map out of here but we did not come armed with a replacement.
A shame as we will be going to Cape York later this year and it’s the very map!
TFTC and we love maps so loved this idea.
A fav from us...as we love maps so much.

A really lovely walk to this cache. The river was flowing nicely and we enjoyed the scenery. Thanks for this one today Quasar

Thanks For the cache

it was a long lockdown
as demonstration we present
a three-day discussion-debate-rant from the sharehouse

how do you navigate
as in
when you’re walking around, hiking, driving
how do you picture it in your head

the sharehouse was split fifty-fifty
half navigated with lefts and straights and rights
half navigated with norths and souths and wests and easts
and each found the other’s methods baffling

i’m a north-south-east-west guy myself
i picture myself like a particle on a north-orientating map moving around
i reckon i usually have a pretty good sense of where north is

another housemate using the left-straight-right method
sitting at the kitchen table he struggled to point north
and on a precisely-hour-long walk recently
he struggled to point to home
despite the fact we were two streets away

i might stick to my method

Yippee bingo bango! Love maps, collect old maps, love map history - my fave maps won’t fit in the box! This has been on my radar for some time so along with a multi gold seeking puzzle mission very happy to be here on the trusty treadly. Lovely to be out in forest so close to the ‘burbs’ of Melbs. TFTC and the fun.

I was looking for a place that would be fairly quiet and removed that I had these solved puzzles. I hadn't been here before and as such seemed like a great day to visit. Glad it was supposed to be a cool day, as I still got dam warm hiking here.

While here I had to stop and collect this large geocache, especially when it was in such a lovely location. It was interesting reading the logs in the book too. Including logs from non-geocachers.

Thanks for the cache Quasar
Hunter

A beautiful Sunday morning that lived up to its name. We decided that we will revisit Jumping Creek Reserve to grab a few more of the Gold series. This was a bonus as we were on the right trail. I am also trying to boost my Large cache size number to complete a challenge.

A quick find. TNLN. TFTC.

Found today while searching for gold, beware there is a nasty rat inside this cache ( a fishing lure with a couple of hooks)

Coordinates changed from:
S 37° 43.245 E 145° 14.120

Coordinates changed to:
S 37° 43.245 E 145° 14.117

Distance from original: 14.4 feet or 4.4 meters.

Thanks to NinjaTortise for rescuing this cache. I found where you'd replaced it but I think that spot will involve too much damage to vegetation, so I've replaced it a few metres west on the same log as before, just a few steps from the track, but well hidden behind reedy grass. Please cover well.

No luck for me today - GPS bouncing around and couldnt find anything. TFTC anyway!

Cache found on a rock in the car park, more than a kilometre from where it should have been hidden! I carried it to where the co-ordinates said it should be. Everything appeared to be intact, but with a couple of strange entries in the log. Tftc.

Nice easy find along a beautiful but very full river thank you

Lucky find on the trail.

Lucky find on the trail

Found it!

The walk along the Blue Tong Bend track was very pleasant, and to claim the cache near the north end of the track was a bonus.
Tftc

Took a direct line down to the river path from the road. As we approached the cache we literally tripped over it. Its still in good condition, partly covered by a large grass tuft, but I noted in the log that no-one had signed since early 2019 - very odd, since many people have claimed the find since then.
As we were still 11m from GZ, went down the bank and found another cache, in a log and with all the signatures missing from the first, so we signed this one as well.

First time since lockdown that I arranged to meet someone else to have a day out caching. Lost_and_found_79 and I had planned some decent walking to tackle the Gold geoart series around Wonga Park. After parking up at the nearby car park we headed out on the trails. we has a few finds int he gold sereis and as we were passing decided to take a look fro this one too. L&F79 had fund it before and it didn't take me too long to make the find here either. Took nothing, left nothing, signed log and visited some trackables. Thanks for the cache Quasar. This is a great location.

Took one lap of the surrounds to notice the right spot

One of many caches today although not Gold.

Quick find -- thank you for a nice hide in a lovely spot!

A nice quick find whilst out looking for gold. Thanks for the location

Found this cache on the loop to find the gold series. Passed a family having a picnic by the river. Signed the log and kept on our way. Thanks for hiding this cache

Another short deviation from the gold trail. Clue came in very handy. Beautiful spot.

Thanks Quasar for giving us another reason to visit this beautiful area.
Chiefton!!!

Didn’t have a map to exchange with me, still a nice find

Yayyyy!!!

Thank you great location

Today was the third and final pass to complete the GOLD series (and a few nearby extras). I set out after lunch time from the picnic ground with the aim of picking the last 17.

I made good time, picking up #2, #3, #4, #7 and #10 relatively quickly as I had become accustomed to finding the precious nuggets. I found the clue allowing me to decode the coords for the final cache and continued on for a quick find of #14.

However, things came to a grinding halt once I hit #20. I searched for nearly 20min before finally spotting it. Coming across the "sheds" was rather unexpected as was the kangaroo skeleton on the mattress!

From here I went on to find #35 (final) - KACHING and a trackable! Along the way I crossed paths with a black snake and some giant fungi.

The next batch of #15, #13, #30 and #29 were nice and easy followed by a religious revelation at #12! Here I also think I had a quick chat to the telefreaks family who I suspect may have just signed the log a few minutes before I arrived, the first sign I'd seen of other cachers out and about for the day.

A deviation from the series led me to find the nearby Mercator's Ghost followed by #26, which took me much longer than average and then finished onto #25 after which my handheld GPS's battery died and then a quick find of the last one of the day, #21.

It was then a short walk back to the picnic ground and my mouth was watering after passing a few young blokes roasting a large cut of beef on a spit.

All in all, another fantastic afternoon hiking around the Warrandyte state park and completing the wonderful GOLD series. Thanks Gunks I loved the ingots!

The weather certainly help to make this walk along the river really enjoyable. Thanks Quasar, all is well in the cache.

A great day to be out and about walking this trail . Thanks for the adventure.

This was a lovely spot to place a cache and like all caches, it wanted to be found. Thanks for placing and maintaining this cache Quasar.

Out with BoabTree, we went caching in the Warrandyte area.
We had a great day with much walking and talking.
A very beautiful undulating walk along the river to GZ. An easy find, then return along the same track. Thanks Quasar

This was a really beautiful walk along the river. So nice that we decided to walk back the same way. Found the cache quickly and easily while out and about with Echidna44

Another cache find at a crazy hour. Took a bit of searching before was able to find this one. Gps was bouncing around a bit before it settled




Thanks Quasar for the cache.
Found at 11:39 pm on 22/2/20.
Find # 2103

After dropping of my son for some fishing I continued the walk around to the cache. It was an easy find and all returned securely. A further walk to Blue tongue bend then back on the 4wd track (wish I had a 4wd to do it in). Tftc

A lovely hike in to this one, although it was tempting to ask the park rangers for a lift.