Hacking the Paragon Aspley, Queensland, Australia
By /dev/gc0c on 12-May-13. Waypoint GC4BXTG

JDavs and I have come down to Brisbane for a day of targeted caching, picking up stuff Ive been wanting to get for a while but havent yet had a chance. After riding out a short but heavy downpour in the car we decided to still give this one a go. I carried the TOTT and we had to cross a muddy creek but soon found ourselves at GZ. We couldnt see the cache from the ground and thought the black tape may be a clue so made the ascent but came up blank. We called on a PAF and tried a few more times in that area but still no luck. During all this the mosquitoes were unrelenting and eating us alive. At one point we had the idea to try another spot but got distracted and didnt try. We got fed up with the mosquitoes so called it and decided to try another time. We started to make our way back to the car when another PAF came through with different info so we decided to head back and try one more time. Lo and behold it was the spot we mentioned earlier but didnt check. TOTT back up and a massive sigh of relief when we spotted the cache!! While signing the log, I may have showered JDavs with lots of bark and dirt and unfortunately some went in her eye. Back to the car to wash it out! That was eventful!! Tftc /dev/gc0cFind #5356

The paragon had been hacked quite some time ago and GZ visited but I didnt have the necessary TOTT to retrieve the cache then. I rectified that today, bringing a long lanky junior DisSister with me to perform the ascent. Our TOTT was only just long enough and I was glad to not be the one precariously balanced on the top rung. With deft fingers, he had the cache out and passed it to me for signing before replacing and returning to earth. Thanks /dev/gc0c

Another day out with Peppa who had a list of caches we both haven't found on the Northside of the river. This cache came up on our conversation and as we had ALL the TOTT's with us, we decided to make our way to GZ and look for this cache. (Not sure how long ago this was solved but happy not to have to work on it again).

Making our way to GZ we crossed a dry creek. Once at GZ, the TOTT was deployed and Peppa ascended and not finding anything there, we moved the TOTT to another location, where it was found. Unfortunately fat fingered Peppa couldn't get a hold of it, so I made the climb and with the help of another TOTT managed to retrieve the container. With our names in the log, cache was returned with a bit of nature helping to make it easier for the next finder.

On our way out, we heard workmen talking about flooding and such just on the other side of the creek. We stopped still, waiting to see what they were going to do. I stepped behind Peppa as I was wearing a rather bright purple sweatshirt and stood there for about 5 minutes while they discussed their work. Took them about another 5 minutes before they spotted us.

2 workmen continued down the creek to inspect the water course, so we decided now was the time to get out of there. With ToTT under his arm, we made our way over the creek and back to the path. Most interesting encounter ever!! Wander what the talk would be in the lunch room that day...

Patrol14 and I planned a day out and decided last minute to work our way through the northern burbs of Brisbane…

I’ve had a solution for this puzzle for awhile, it may have come from my co-conspirator today… Seeing as we had almost every TOTT possible in the boot, this cache got added to todays tour…

Locating GZ wasn’t an issue, but we couldn’t spot the container from the ground… so on the second raising of the ladder we found the cache, but I couldn’t extract it… so after much huffing and puffing we swapped places and another tool enabled Patrol14 to retrieve it and add our names…

The log has seen better days but now our names in it… we gave the container a little more cushioning so the next finder won’t have such an ordeal…

Thanks /dev/gc0c this 5/5 was a highlight of our day…

It was while exiting the scrub that we happened on three tradies discussing “rain events, flooding and water courses”… despite standing like a statue they eventually spotted us…

I really wanted to pass by saying “haven’t you ever used a ladder as a sex toy?”… but refrained…

Decided to tackle this cache as my first 5/5. Really fun puzzle, and I definitely learnt some new things about SMS. Only took me about half an hour with some "light reading" of documentation and using online tools.

Getting to the coordinates was easy, but I hadn't brought a ladder or companion to boost me up. I ended up improvising using a nearby tree and my long legs - probably not advisable from a safety standpoint...

The black tape seems to have been removed from the tree at some point, and the logbook has seen better days (is that mold??), but in the end I still managed to retrieve and sign it.

Thanks for the awesome cache!

I was with a group who were hoping to get a D5 and T5. I was mostly there to go for the ride. This is my first and probably last D5/T5 unless it is with a group as I know that I do not have the equipment.

It was a little hard to find as it was not where it was supposed to be but we did get hints from previous finders so that was greatly appreciated.

Many thanks to SaintsMadHouse, MinnieMoo, KbreeAhh, Crew 153 and Fangsoki.

25/4/2023 Find #6056
I’ve been holding on to collecting this cache for the longest time now. Why? I’ve never really known.
But a recent check of a particular challenge had me realising I needed this exact D/T on a Tuesday. Time to collect!!
So a couple of weeks ago I headed over here on a Tuesday during school holidays to scope this one out. I found tape wrapped around a high branch and assumed that would be the cache. However I was not getting up there to find out without both a ladder, and assistance from someone holding it steady below, especially as the branches seemed rather…. Dead.
So I grabbed another cache not far away that had the Difficulty, but still needed the terrain for a Tuesday to qualify.
Roll on to today, and it was the ANZAC Day public holiday, which has happened to fall on a Tuesday.
So our group hatched a plan to spend the day grabbing some caches around this area, with this being Priority #1.
Armed with my large telescopic ladder, SaintsMadHouse, Crew153, Ponchomon11 and I headed in, between showers of rain, to GZ. We set up the ladder and I headed up. Hmmm nothing there. So I felt in the ends of the branches. Nope still nothing.
I clambered back down and we began a mad search of the ground, having heard it has been found down low at times. And were still coming up empty, so SaintsMadHouse out in a PAF, which confirmed suspicions and quickly had cache in hand. Knowing this one is intended to be up, we found a secure hole just the perfect size for the cache, and place it nice and safely inside back up the tree.
Thanks for the cache /dev/gc0c.

Made the plan to get this one after 1MinnieMoo did the recon for it. Crew153 supplied the height gaining TOTT and we headed in. Lots of low vines caught me as the TOTT blocked my vision of where my feet were going and 1MinnieMoo was so keen to get this one today that I think If I had fallen, she would have just kept going, dragging myself and the tool along. Once we were at GZ we spied what we
Thought was the attachment stuff. Up she went but alas it wasn’t there. A few other places were checked and 2 previous finders were consulted who both
Confirmed we were looking in the right places. After a thorough bush turkey style
Scratch around in case it had fallen on hard times I thought to call the previous finders. It turns out that at some stage the cache had an altered location which we were led to and I soon called out “got it” we added our name and after further discussion we placed it up in its safe place for the next finder to grab a darn sight quicker than we did. Yep you need a tool of the trade or a trained monkey to get This cache. No you don’t need to go downstairs or swim.

My GSAK database informed me that I solved the puzzle back in 2020 but I had not been in the area to checkout the cache.

Today, a mad group of cachers were led to the cache by !MinniMoo with her beast of a ladder. She headed up into the heights but couldn't find the cache. We all spent some time combing the ground thinking it may have fallen from it's perch.

Finally a PAF call was made and we were directed to a spot where we uncovered the cache. There is no way that the cache would have landed there from being dislodged. A group decision was made to relocate the cache in a spot which more reflected the listed terrain rating.

TFTC /dev/gc0c

Our caching with my geo friends and really needing some T5s this one was a must do.
Lucky to say we had a monkey in the group who swung up to GZ.
We signed the log before it was replaced as found. TFTC

TFTC smile 14398 out and about with miss millie geo dog great caches, great day ,good weather, enjoying a good day a good walk‍

Out with geofriends today having a great time.

Had completed this tricky puzzle and completed the find some time ago for RoddyC. Now for hatzofff

Travelling and caching with RoddyC grannysmith1947 and Imbunda.

TFTCache /dev/gc0c

We were on our way to have dinner with The Green Geckos and Muggle 65 then discovered that we had solved this one a little while ago so we thought we would stop and grab it on the way through.

Before leaving the geocar (Track my adventures here D78QWZ) we read the description, hint, confirmed the difficulty and terrain. We phoned Muggle 65 to confirm we had all the digits correct, he confirmed we had everything correct. DFC was directing us to where we needed to go. Once we got to GZ, we started to walk towards GZ, we were discussing about where this geocache could possibly located.

Thankfully after a decent search we worked out we were in the incorrect place then we regrouped. Shortly, DFC the cache in hand, and MummaBear66 added our little ink mark to the logbook. While JLK headed back to the car starting to write thing log.

Thank you for the cache placement and maintenance /dev/gc0c
Massive Thanks to Muggle65 and The Green Geckos for replacing this cache for everyone
Thank you for the Hunt
Thank you for bringing us to this location and back to somewhere that we frequented in our childhood
Took Nothing, Left Nothing, Signed Log
Replaced the cache exactly as found

Team Signed as Mumma Bear and the Cubs / M B & C

Found this cache with Tiny 1508, Princess 1005, Captain Monkey 96 and Mumma Bear 66

We were on our way to have dinner with The Green Geckos and Muggle 65 then discovered that we had solved this one a little while ago so we thought we would stop and grab it on the way through.

Before leaving the geocar (Track my adventures here D78QWZ) we read the description, hint, confirmed the difficulty and terrain. We phoned Muggle 65 to confirm we had all the digits correct, he confirmed we had everything correct. DFC was directing us to where we needed to go. Once we got to GZ, we started to walk towards GZ, we were discussing about where this geocache could possibly located.

Thankfully after a decent search we worked out we were in the incorrect place then we regrouped. Shortly, DFC the cache in hand, and MummaBear66 added our little ink mark to the logbook. While JLK headed back to the car starting to write thing log.

Thank you for the cache placement and maintenance /dev/gc0c
Massive Thanks to Muggle65 and The Green Geckos for replacing this cache for everyone
Thank you for the Hunt
Thank you for bringing us to this location and back to somewhere that we frequented in our childhood
Took Nothing, Left Nothing, Signed Log
Replaced the cache exactly as found

Team Signed as Mumma Bear and the Cubs / M B & C

Found this cache with Tiny 1508, DFC_JLK2019, Captain Monkey 96 and Mumma Bear 66

We were on our way to have dinner with The Green Geckos and Muggle 65 then discovered that we had solved this one a little while ago so we thought we would stop and grab it on the way through.

Before leaving the geocar (Track my adventures here D78QWZ) we read the description, hint, confirmed the difficulty and terrain. We phoned Muggle 65 to confirm we had all the digits correct, he confirmed we had everything correct. DFC was directing us to where we needed to go. Once we got to GZ, we started to walk towards GZ, we were discussing about where this geocache could possibly located.

Thankfully after a decent search we worked out we were in the incorrect place then we regrouped. Shortly, DFC the cache in hand, and MummaBear66 added our little ink mark to the logbook. While JLK headed back to the car starting to write thing log.

Thank you for the cache placement and maintenance /dev/gc0c
Massive Thanks to Muggle65 and The Green Geckos for replacing this cache for everyone
Thank you for the Hunt
Thank you for bringing us to this location and back to somewhere that we frequented in our childhood
Took Nothing, Left Nothing, Signed Log
Replaced the cache exactly as found

Team Signed as Mumma Bear and the Cubs / M B & C

Found this cache with Tiny 1508, DFC_JLK2019, Captain Monkey 96 and Princess1005

My IT coding muggle friend solved this one.. enough to get the coords, anyway. After our park run, we headed off to the cache. Putting it into Google maps took us to an area which was fenced off.. Obviously not the right spot. Decided to go around the other side of the water and ended up at a much nicer location. We spotted a path and headed in... Finding the cache without equipment was a bonus TFTC

Found a tool that did half of the job, a bit of manipulation and I had the solution.
Hot day for a walk in here.

Thank you for hiding this geocache /dev/gc0c
Find number 23592
R

After a great morning out on the kayak not too far from here, we decided to fill in our free hour by heading to GZ. We were also on another mission here, as we had visited this general area a few times before and never found what we were seeking.
Today, with some free time and the puzzle solved, we came to visit this one first.
We did arrive with our TOTT, suspecting things could be quite challenging here given the terrain rating.
There were signs of life around GZ, although no one was present today.
With some searching, we soon spied what we were seeking, and have added our name to the log.
Thanks /dev/gc0c
Domsky

I have had this puzzle solved and on my watch list for awhile and after seeing a find yesterday which did not need a tree climb i decided to pop in on the way to work to turn it into a smiley. Once at GZ i did 2 laps of the tree i suspected and thought i might not be able to find but after a closer look i spotted the cache. Thanks for the fun

The puzzle component of this cache was solved a few years ago and today was the chance to walk to GZ to find out what kind of TOTT is required.
As it looks like to climbing is needed anymore, the cache could be found easily and logbook signed.

TFTC

georode

This morning, I had an early start meeting georode for a technical tree climb and a few other geocaches that georode had on his target list in Fitzgibbon. Once the ropes were set in the respective tree, we each rotated through the 13.3 m climb. Following that adventure, it was a 15 min drive east, where we took a walk to a few caches. It was then time to head to work, so I made a swift exit and return home.

This was a puzzle that georode had solved previously, but I hadn't yet looked at it fully to decipher and solve. So we took a walk towards GZ, wondering if we should have lugged a TOTT with us, or perhaps relying on our athletic elevation climbing skills alone. We arrived to find a few signs of someone living around there, but perhaps deserted for some time. Still, there was quite a bit of rubbish scattered around, unfortunately. We looked up from various angles, and couldn't see any sign of a geocache, so we then began to read past logs, which hinted that the cache was not as high as it once was. We messaged a past finder whilst we looked to find another geocache, and during that time, a reply was received. Despite our search, we didn't look as deep and detailed, so we then started to look at a few hidey holes, soon finding the cache. The current cache container and logbook were in good shape. It is a shame that the cache isn't at its previous elevation, so perhaps could use a CO visit to reinstate this cache to its former glory? Thanks /dev/gc0c for the cache placement and ongoing maintenance.

Muggle65 and l found a very sad tin with an even uglier log. We replaced the container with one that has a lid and a log. As others have said, it is a bit low down now.

This tree has been lived in, last time here there was a camp in place & so thought it not wise to access this site. Upon return today after Battleships we found a vacant space with lots of rubbish left behind. Finding what may have been a container & log wrecked beyond repair we replaced said items & replaced as previous logs suggested, not as high as originally placed.

Wow! Was that a challenge or what!

I have looked at this puzzle several times in the past since it's a 5/5 and I really wanted to do it, but I didn't know where to start or let alone what to do, so this time I got in contact with a previous finder for a hint, I had the hint I was after but I struggled to figure out what to do next, it took most of the morning to figure it out, but in the end I found what I was after with no more hints, so I'm pretty happy about that.

Fast forward a few hours and it was time to hunt down this 5/5 as it may be in danger in the future, so I wanted to grab it before that happens. I arrived and parked within a few hundred metres of GZ and started my journey towards the general direction GZ was, unfortunately, as I got closer I ran into a road block and couldn't get any further, "but I'm so close!" I had to find another way, but where? After a quick look around here and there I managed to find another way around that wasn't trespassing and things started to look better and I was getting closer and closer to GZ, I had to back track a couple of times as I couldn't get through in some spots, but eventually I arrived at GZ and spotted the container not where it should be, so I have left it where I have found it and a previous finder stated the same thing to.

What an awesome, yet challenging puzzle. Giving a FP for the fun times.

#1488 - TFTC

Solved the puzzle about 8 months back but never got the courage to go get it, today was the day. Scaled the tree signed the cache ticked the 5/5 box TFTC

Out with team T and obc to complete a few caches they have been working on

Awesome morning to trample thru the country side and a lot of laughs along the way

Previous logs say it all happy cachers make happy caching. Great day out.

Soooo happy to solve this one without hints, PAFs or begging! Was already committed to picking up a rather dubious shade of grey cache and decided to solve this one to double the fun.

Met up with TeamTyrell, Chamad and a muggle friend (who I suspect is now a convert ) and tackled this cache early in the morning before the heat struck in earnest.

Enjoyed the walk to GZ and the fabulous company. Geokid found the log on the ground. We put it in a plastic baggie, in a pink eclipse mint tin. The former muggle went up the tree to return the cache to its proper home and reattached using some vine.

Thanks to the CO for placing this great cache and entertaining me with a very clever puzzle! Another FP worthy cache.

Picking up some unloved here for a challenge was a bonus

Will upload more photos from home.

I was pointed in the direction of this cache by Oz bean counter. When i opened up the details and saw the puzzle, my brain decided to freeze first before exploding with overwhelm. Arrrrrggggghhhhhhhhh. Where do i even start?????????

I have to admit 110 % of finding and logging this was down to OBC. I was merely a passenger, possibly brought in for the heavy work.

We enjoyed a rough scramble through the bush to GZ, where we found the log on the ground. This was quickly signed and replaced in a new tin and placed back into it's little home.

Then onto our next challenge of 50 shade's.......

With a suitable TOTT the 4 of us marched in to hopefully sign this one. Only three of needed to with TeamARF a previous finder. I went up the scary heights but could not locate the cache. Next thing Ardom calls out I see log paper over here on the ground. Indeed it had all the recent finders names. There was no sign of a suitable container though and we all cane up zero useful replacements. I returned to the dizzy heights to place the log into what with a PAF had confirmed as the correct spot. Will need a new container!! Excellent puzzle and TFTC

Late last year I spent a day in hospital reading the relevant spec and interpreting the message. A group assault on the cache today got us to a likely place but no cache... While everyone was looking up, I looked down and found the log. Must have recently been abandoned as it was signed by the recent finder but not wet. We made a PAF to confirm where the cache should be hiding, and returned the log there - we had not container to put it in, so not the best of plans... The CO will want to have a look at this. TFTC!

The four of us were out to play today. We lugged a huge TOTT through the area. Came to the place and it was all eyes on deck! An interesting object was seen on the ground, but a later PAF said that it was just a random object! Saw a marker up high and thought about it. Moved the TOTT elsewhere and suddenly Ardom announces he’s found the log. All the names where there. Read some logs and figured that where is was meant to be! Thought the random object was the thing to keep it in!! Gcoven braved the tall, tall heights and return the log to its home, tried to place the random object as we thought, but it was a definite no go (just as well seeing it didn’t belong). So no idea how the log paper became separated from its protector and its home, but at least the log paper is back. Will need some intervention.

After finishing at the CITO I was talking with Beardman75, nikid1 and Ms Maddy and heard they were going to get a D5/T5 so ask if I could come along. So of we went in convoy vehicle with kayak on board. That was funny. BM75 knew where we were going. BM75 had the right tool for the job. We carried that tool to the tree. Ms Maddy went to find the cache. Was signed by her. TFTC

Was out with Beardman75 Miss Maddie and Brislions. BM75 had a ladder and this was on my way home so we decided to stop. I was working on this puzzle many years ago so it’s nice to have it finally ticked off my list.
MM made the climb while I had the important job of holding onto the ladder. TFTC.

Where to start with this cache It must be at least a couple of years since I first worked on the puzzle, back then with another cacher, and with some help from the sidelines. Bits of the solution emerged but it was like an onion that grew another protective layer every time the external skin was peeled back I do recall that many moons came and went before another group of puzzlers worked on this again. At some point the coords appeared like magic before our weary eyes

So fast forward to a CITO on the darkside of town...

I was keen to log this cache as wasn’t able to go with the most recent finder ‘tho an offer made, and seems that Beardman75 had the requisite tool onboard today The walk in with such tool was longish in terms of both distance and undergrowth and nikid1, Brislions, Beardman75 and I took turns at lugging/resting our arms which were tired from paddling. Stumbled a couple of times which is not unusual for me

So... when we got to GZ there was a discussion about who would go up and how to position the tool so nobody ended up in the ER Beardman75 mentioned that a fearless climber had declined this one and I thought she was up for all things of this (scary) nature. The initial positioning was re-thought and the huge tool was relocated and I made a line for the (helpful) marker tape up there!!! Lots of reassurance from the gallery “We got you!” so felt as safe as one can under the circumstances. I recall someone (BM75?) calling up “Don’t fall” noting that was not on my wishlist of things to do when scaling very big things. (Seem to have climbed heaps of tall things this year thx mostly to a CO named georode, recently met at a cache at the Clear Waters Mega).

At GZ I felt around and was worried it wasn’t there (above, as expected) but soon felt a crevice and spotted a glint of metal. The trick was not to drop it as we were logged in All hands on deck for my precarious descent and chuffed to have converted this extremely difficult puzzle cache into a smiley... Whew!!! nikid1 wondered how the CO found this hidey hole

We still had a fair walk out and, naturally, I fell in a hole. Relieved my ankle emerged unscathed. Brislions and Beardman75 thoughtfully carried the mega-tool back to the carpark so nikid1 and I could pick our way out safely. Fond farewells all round as it was a beaut outing from rolling up at the CITO to finally kicking this cache off my to-do list Plz Don’t attempt it on your own!

TFTC /dev/gc0c! A FAVE point for this little ripper

We are going into the city today to visit Boggo road, we didn’t get down to the mega, so muggle dad/ hubby offered to help out with this one. I must say I was terrified, lucky he was calm as the cache dropped to the ground twice and had to be pulled back up using a tie down strap. We brought a number of tots so the job got done, but my heart was pounding. So happy to claim this one with our youngest, clues blues, today. A fav for us, for the puzzle and the collection tftc

Fun filled day full of laughter, teamwork and sheer determination travelling far and wide to help fill in some gaps in our grid.
Puzzles were great, few PAF's were required and overall a fun time had with E_Smiley, EatSleepCacheRepeat_, teamdfl and Izzy.
Well there is not much more to say are geo buddy teamdfl's log, massive effort with this one and we came so prepared!!

TFTC /dev/gc0c
Found April 10, 2019

Out for a day of mainly finding some caches with a lot of favourite points for the Caching Carnival.

I had been distracted by a dodgy bunch of cachers who were out doing a D/T run. This was my fourth joint venture with them for the day.

We spent waaaaayyyy to long trying to get this one. Snickersallan made the first assault. We were in the right spot, but had no joy.

A shift there was no help. I think E_Smiley had the next attempt and still nothing. A PAF confirmed the location, but still no joy.

We tried another attack, but I was too chicken to make the leap to GZ.

Move again, almost back to the first spot, but facing the other direction. E_Smiley was up for this turn. Another PAF and we finally make contact. It did not want to co-operate though. [xx(]

A change of hunters saw me back near GZ. Just a bit out of my comfort zone. Then I needed to stand up to reach the hide.

After a very long and trying effort we finally had our names in the log. We assuredly earned our stars on this one.

Another FP for it all. [^]

Another lovely caching day with Snickersallan, eatsleepcacherepeat, escrjr and teamdfl.

TFTC /dev/gc0c. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Great team effort!

Found 10 April 2019 2:51 pm Find #3537 Cheers, E

Pls consider attending the Queensland Outback Geo Muster, visit
https://coord.info/GC85HBT

I had a fantastic day today collecting a bunch of caches that have been on my to-do list for a while, and this was one of them! I brought geogirl, Izzy along with me and we both had an amazing time canoeing, hiking, climbing, crawling, and laughing
Thanks E_smiley, Snickersallan, and TeamDFL for helping make the day so fun!
We spent so long at this cache, it’s a really tricky spot to access! I’m glad my geo companions had all the necessary TOTT! Lots of fiddling and designing retrieval tools which was fun & funny at times TFTC!

This morning we had already taken the jetski out to grab a cache. Arriving back home we washed it down, threw a load of washing on the line and made sure the cache blockers were studing for their final exams before getting back in the car to pick up the SPs. Not only are these guys great friends but they are great friends with a large ladder.

We strapped on the ladder and went to a cache that we have once been to but couldn’t get to it. The most annoying thing about solving a puzzle is when you get there and you think oh no we aren’t getting that. Most people would realise from the attributes that it would be high, not us though we are more fly by the moment , swing from the seat of your pants people and deal with what is thrown at us when we get there, well this was a curve ball that was spinning around us. Thank heavens for friends with big ladders!

Mr SP got the ladder into position and Mr 4ando went up to where the cache was spotted from the ground, but his fingers clearly weren’t feeling in this hole properly and he was coming out empty handed. He came down and Mrs SP went up and couldn’t deliver the goods either. Mrs 4ando ran to the car to grab some TOTTs but this did not work for Mr 4ando on his second turn up. Mrs SP was back up and muttering under her breath about how it was jammed up AFAFP but through continual poking and jiggling it came free from its wedged spot.

The log was signed and Mr 4ando went back up to return the cache.

Tftc dev gc0c

Sunday. Slow Puncture was out this afternoon with 4ando, and a specific TOTT for some targeted caches. Wow! About half an hour was spent with the TOTT coaxing out the container that the last finder had JAMMED AFAFP into the hidey-hole (gee, thanks) [8)] Nonetheless, success belonged to those who persisted.

Thanks ***/dev/gc0c***, for showing us this interesting place. Again!

We had found this one before, so we were visiting with TBs.

Been working on this code for a while, and just cracked it in time for a 100 cache milestone. Had to take a tree-climbing friend for this one after a quick scope of the area. A tricky mystery and an amazing 100th cache, TFTC /dev/gc0c

This one came to my attention way back in 2013 as I was in a group up the Glasshouse Mountains finding some random caches. I had bolted up this mountain with a young fella and we had left everyone for dead. Turns out this young fella was the CO of this puzzle, but I had no idea. This one had been on my to do list for a long time and a prompt from mate from the south, B@W, heading out and finding a few target caches here and there.

I want to see someone free climb this. If this happens in the future please film.

Cheers /dev/gc0c

There had been some plans and previous working out of coords for various targets with dahumbug so when it was confirmed we would be in town a geo tour of a difference was pressed into action.
The puzzle sure had us going for a while and we learnt something.
Despite the huge amount of rain overnight there was no stopping us trying for this one but we did double check our route in to avoid other additional T5 obstacles. All good as we seemed to find a pretty good route to GZ with only wet feet so far. At GZ we did find a zip lock back so thought the cache had come a drift again but realised the last log so only yesterday so this was just CITO. Some more craning of necks before setting up of the ladder and a couple of sweeps to come up with the goods. TFTC.

The end of a long saga:
1. Had a look upon publication: too hard.
2. Had the FTF guy explain how he solved it but couldn’t understand his language.
3. Eventually found an online tool to solve the first bit.
4. Went for at least one or two jetski expeditions as I was pretty sure of the area, but sadly missed it.
5. Got a very handy tip from someone else about how to make the translator think it’s only a short message (basically) which worked a treat.
6. Got my mate to carry in a ladder with me: we came in from the South(!) and of course, then found the ladder was too short to be useful. Happily, we also discovered how much better the access from the North is.
7. With a long ladder and a suitable vehicle at my disposal, I was determined to make the find early today. After being stopped from achieving a Maximum by water/mud, I came back and parked as close as possible and lugged in the ladder (6.6m extended). As I was setting it up, my eye caught a familiar object at my feet. Yes, the cache had fallen and required no effort to pick up and sign! On one hand, I was gobsmacked at the incredible irony and unlikelihood of the cache coming down to me, but on the upside, the ladder allowed me to replace the cache under the black tape, and so I hope it stays there a long time now.
TFTC, the puzzle and the 5/5 rating. All is good here and I’m very happy my Paragon hacking is over!

Jay, our first smiley for a 5/5.
This cache was mentioned at a recent event so we had a look.

Puzzle: Soon we found some helpful tools to decipher the code. Unfortunately, the most important part was still not very readable... The documentation doesn't seem to be what you would wish for but after some goggling some important info was obtained. One of the decoders had a feature that made the next step a lot easier and we had the coords in our hands.

GZ: We must admit that we sightly underestimated what was required here. We managed to get one team member up including some safety measures but the resident huntsman on the way was too much. I hope nobody has watched our desperate attempts that day. On the second attempt we brought along a different tool and in no time we had added our scribble to the logbook.

Thanks for the fun cache /dev/gc0c

Mrs RoddyC was geocaching with Selva Girls Stortie Girls while Mr RoddyC was at a concert engagement nearby. Although not quite properly dressed for geocaching, the ladder really came in handy!

Special occasion as it was milestone cache: Selva Girls - 4000 & Stortie Girls 2500 Well done, Ladies!!

Log signed and replaced. Logged at 2 September 2017 5:00p.m. TFTC, /dev/gc0c

A mini-milestone here for me today, and a major one for Selva Girls. We began looking at this puzzle some time ago, and got so far but no further, so away it went for a while. With Selva Girls' milestone approaching out it came again as we decided this would be the one to celebrate with. Selva Girls had received a nudge and so during a puzzling session we went with that. I found something which looked like what we needed, which then sent us off to find more detail. Once we thought we had what we needed thanks to another source Selva Girls found, we began inputting info. Both of worked away for a bit when a big yell from me alerted Selva Girls that we had coords!! With the "D" done, today we tackled the "T". Mrs Roddy C joined us and I went up to do what was needed. Significantly easier to extract the container than replace it; which required, bushcraft, persistence, teamwork and eventually a trip to the car for another tool. Tftc /dev/gc0c!

I had looked at this one, on and off, for quite some time. I had the first part solved, but struggled with the second part. I knew what I had to do, but not quite how to find what I needed. With a milestone approaching and wanting to do something different this time, I dragged this puzzle out again. I asked a previous finder for a hint, but they only confirmed what I already knew. Grrrrr!!!!! More googling without luck. One evening, I arrived at stortigirls home so that we could work on some puzzles together. She excitedly showed me something that she had found. Not quite what we needed, but a step in the right direction I set up my laptop, only to have the internet continually drop out on me. :s I did manage to locate something a bit more useful before it failed to connect at all. I showed stortigirls what I had found and suggested that she try something. Not long after, we had coords in hand.
Today, we worked hard to get the required number of caches so that we could make this one our milestones: 2500 finds for stortigirls and a dual milestone for me (4000 finds including 500 puzzles solved and found). We made our way to GZ carrying what we hoped would be the required piece of equipment. Luckily, I had arranged for Mrs RoddyC to meet us there. She brought a slightly bigger piece of the same equipment and that was what was needed. We had spotted the cache and once the equipment was set up, stortigirls went to grab the cache. It almost hit me on the head as she dislodged it from its hiding spot! Once our names had been added to the logbook, we began to work out how to return the cache to its hiding spot. A few things were tried, without success. Eventually, I had an idea. I returned tot he car to grab a different tool to assist us. Once back at GZ, using both ToTs, the cache was easily returned to its hiding spot. TFTC

T-Tech visited this cache with a group of friends way back in November 2013, and since I was unable to join them, we decided to come back out to GZ "one day" so I could get my name in the logbook. I remember the struggle he had in solving it, and recall his delight when showing me what he had learned. Thing is, we just never got around to remembering to return! Today however, as we were heading out the door he suggested we grab our special equipment, and we'd give it a go.

Little did I know, he hadn't actually kept the details of the final, and as we parked the car, he admitted that he was going to find the right spot by memory!!! Got to say it took about 45 minutes of wandering the paths until he found the right tree, and when I saw the hiding spot, I knew we hadn't brought all the gear I thought we might need, and I just might not have the strength to haul myself up there! Some setting up of the gear happened and I made an attempt, but T-Tech quickly realised it wasn't going to work, and he would have to haul himself up there. I am pleased to say it was NOT quite as easy as he thought but with a bit of a shove he scaled the heights and had the container in hand and passed it down for me to sign. Very pleased to finally sign off on this one. TFTC, /dev/gc0c.

My daughter B2 and I have come to Queensland because B2 is starting University up here. We have had a five day road trip with lots of adventures (although very few caches) and we finally arrived yesterday. Janet had stayed back in Adelaide this trip.

Today was dad geocaching day.

I like puzzles and had solved quite a number in the few weeks prior to arriving. As is usual for me I solved many more than I am likely to be able to solve this trip.

We had arranged a morning event which went very well and we met a number of very friendly local cachers. Then B2 headed back to her university accommodation to finish her unpacking without fatherly advice.

Prior to arriving I had been speaking with the female half of Just a Trifle who had kindly offered to take me/us out for the day including kayaking as required. Sadly for us she was not in town today but the male half of JAT stepped up brilliantly.

We met up at the event and when B2 headed off, I got into the JAT-mobile and was very kindly ferried around for the rest of the day. First stop was some kayak adventures. We found 4 kayak caches and then set out to grab a few challenges. Finally we finished with two of the more challenging local puzzles before calling it a day. An excellent day

This one was one of the last two "more challenging" ones.

I had spent some time on this puzzle and learnt quite a bit about SMS protocols. A lot more than I used to know. And along this journey I finally managed to make sense of the message left by the CO.

Arriving at GZ and looking around I identified the stigmatum and the location of the cache. The elevation device was a fairly standard length and needed every centimetre. And a strap to tie it in place. The advice on the cache page about this one being a dangerous retrieval and bringing a friend was clearly very pertinent.

And so I added our name to the logbook and was very happy to do so and with no injuries sustained by either of us. The cache was returned to its spot to await the next victim.

Another Queensland FP from us

TFTC and for the lesson in message protocols /dev/gc0c

And a big thanks to JAT (D) for the brilliant day

Some teamwork here with burgo78 who did the mental solving and me the physical retrieving. Thanks for my first 5/5.

Started on this one a couple of months ago when I knew I would be visiting Brisbane. Got halfway but then needed some help from a previous finder to make sense of the second part.
Like the puzzle also got stuck on halfway at GZ but team mate BlackPearl26 managed what I could not.
Thanks for the challenge. My first 5/5.

It would seem that the message of our find log for this devious cache didn't get through the computerised system ... a bit like how the message of how to solve the puzzle kept getting misdirected! This puzzle had us going round and round in circles for what seems like forever and even with help from a few previous finders, the deviousness was just too much. Eventually, we were in a position to come up with some likely co-ordinates and with an appropriate tool, we made our way to ground zero. Even then, the deviousness didn't seem to end and eventually we found the little hidey hole for the cache.

Thank you /dev/gc0c for having placed the cache and for maintaining it for everyone to enjoy. A favourite point from us for the mental frustration and pain.

When this was published, after a cursory look, I put it in the too hard pile and ignored it. However, it recently became my closest unfound puzzle to home. So I had another look.

A friend directed me to a useful tool that helped unravel the 7 bit code.That gave me a great description of what to look for, but stopped agonisingly short of telling me where to look. However, I had done the research about how longer messages are formatted and soon enough, with a bit of playing around, I had the coordinates as well.

Today, after a win in his soccer game at Chermside, my son T.C.C.5.0.5. and I came to investigate this cache. Today's visit was really only supposed to be a recon trip. However, once we realised what was required, we figured we could construct the necessary apparatus to get use to the cache using local resources.

Our efforts worked surprisingly well and I had no trouble getting up to the cache. Of course, the up is only half the journey! I didn't want to trust our construction on the way down and ended up jumping from considerably higher than I wanted.

Many thanks, /dev/gc0c.

Pete

#3,116

At last my first 5/5, hooray! The puzzle was a tricky one, it took me a while to get the full coords but some manipulation and spreadsheet work got there in the end. With the T5 rating I enlisted some help from DoratheExplorer whom I met at an event in Melbourne, she brought along another family of cachers , The Venn Family, to join in the hunt . Everyone loves a 5/5 !! Lucky we had those kids along, as their sharp eyes spotted the thing we needed to find, then Dora headed back to get a handy piece of equipment. Soon Blair was up and had the cache in hand, I climbed to meet him halfway and finally got to sign a 5/5 log. I thought my caching day was done, but they were all heading to some caches with a heap of fav points so how could I resist ! Applying the cachers credo - just one more - . Thanks for the puzzle and the cache

I got a message from Dora the Explorer! this morning asking if we wanted to come along to find this cache. You don't get a 5/5 come along every day so I jumped straight on the computer to try to solve it. The first stage was accomplished easily enough and I had a description of the cache. I messaged Dora back and said we were in.

We met up at 2pm and wandered in. The kids had a great time exploring the area while we scoped out GZ and located what we needed. Then Dora headed back to her car for her ladder. Apparently, some people have been able to get up there with just a boost but I would like to see that as it would have to be one heck of a boost.

With the ladder, it was a quick scramble and the toughest part was stepping off the ladder onto the limb. The cache was quickly retrieved and handed down to be signed. atsmug found room for a TB and the cache was returned.

TFTC /dev/gc0c

Ladder helped.

This puzzle has taunted me for a long time, and I never really got the motivation to see it done. So when friends with the know-how asked if I'd like a hand solving it, the answer was a resounding yes!!

Boxing day really was a great time to grab this one, with only a few people about exercising. We chose an unorthodox approach, which turned out to be the best one. After an easy stroll there was only some light bush bashing required, before assembling the tool and preparing for the extraction operations .

I was all set to commence when Mrs SP insisted she be the one to take the honours.... Ok, ladies first . She clambered up like a pole cat, and had the container in hand in no time!

"Oh well" I said, "we allowed plenty if time for this one, how about we go grab an FTF now?" "Sounds great" was the reply, so we did!!

Thanks for a great puzzle, definitely challenging and worthy of the rating given and the kudos bestowed upon it.

This cache adds to our total of 2095 smilies, thanks /dev/gc0c for showing us this spot.
Feel free to discover our trackable code TGQNRV

Big things are happening! Are you joining the fun? [url=http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC65688][black]THE SURF COAST[/black][/url] [url=http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC65688][red]EVENT[/red][/url] [url=http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC65688][black]2016[/black][/url] 12th / 13th November 2016 - GC65688 - Anglesea - Great Ocean Road - Victoria

1647

Sunday. Boxing Day. Slow Puncture thought we would mark off some missing boxes by capturing some previously solved puzzles, a FTF, and a couple of randoms!

Our son had helped us with this one, clever boy. He has, however, threatened us should we ever send any more puzzles to him Kieran from Orange Crew joined us for this one. This was a good thing, as he had wisely brough a necessary item of equipment, without which, we would have been stuffed.

Once at GZ, some looks in the right direction had us strongly suspecting where we had to go, and with this, Kerry was into it like a rat up a drainpipe Our suspicions were confirmed, and the log was signed and returned. Returning proved a bit more hazardous, but it was done with care and all body parts still in working order, a relief to Luke and the watching Kieran, glad he was not called upon for his professional abilities. After all, he was off work!

This was the 2nd of 6 caches found on this trip.

Thanks [Blue]/dev/gc0c[/Blue], for showing us this place.

Headed out to this one once Team ARF had done all the hard working solving the puzzle. N was nominated to do the work of grabbing the little bugger. After spotting the market it didn't seem as bad as we were expecting. A quick lift from Team ARF and he from Sheandhe he was quickly on the first branch. N quickly made his way out and soon had cache in hand. It was passed down for all to sign and placed back in its hole. Tftc our first d5/t5.

Tftc. Wow. Needed a nimble young one to reach this.

This cache was one of those that I didn't give myself much chance of solving when there are still plenty of lower difficulty ones in the surrounding area that I can't solve, yet. Early November had a quick look to see if I could extract anything useful from the jumble of letters and numbers. First pass there was something legible that came out of a manipulation. It took a few hours on and off to come up with a set of coordinates. Check with the CO who gave the thumbs up.

Not being too supple to climb trees, especially a Category 5, I enlisted the help of J&NKeeble and sheandhe who were all keen to gain our collective first D5/T5 cache. The N from J&NKeeble was volunteered to extract the cache.

Great puzzle and hide, definitely a fav. TFTC and your confirmation /dev/gc0c

I solved this puzzle a few months ago, I did lots or reading and research on the paragon file system, which while interesting didn't give me what I needed. So after getting a bit side tracked I found something else that might work, I hacked at the message a bit and got 1/2 a message, cool, a little more hacking and the second 1/2 popped out. I really like puzzles like this

So today my computer was sick and I had to bring it down to get looked at, I remembered this cache was nearby and I thought I would check it out, hmm, GZ seems pretty obvious, but no sign of the extra clue, I don't really have the agility for this one unassisted anyway, so I will leave it for another time.
Thanks for the cache though /dev/gc0c (love the name too more geeky caches like this I say!

Konie joined us for a short trip to Brisbane, to pick up some targeted caches.

This cache was a bonus one for us, as Konie had it solved and ready to find.
Arrived at GZ to check it out, then it was back to the geo-cruiser to get the required TOTT.
Konie did the honors of retrieving, but had to resort to a PAF.
The cache was eventually located, signed by all and replaced.
Many thanks for placing this cache, /dev/gc0c, for us and others to find.

Out and about with The Drovers to grab a few caches on the North side of Brisbane today.

This one was solved a while back and as were passing by we thought we'd stop and see what we could find. Arriving at GZ we soon realised what we needed and returned to the geomobile and then returned with the required equipment.

I got the job of retrieving the cache and I was sure that I was in the right spot but after checking all the spots by feel and visually I couldn't locate the devil of a thing. While I was in a very precarious position I used a PAF who tried to describe the location but none of it made sense at that stage. So I refused to give up as I couldn't see something like that being muggled and as I bent down I spotted something worth checking out.

Sure enough it was the cache in a spot that I had already searched. The cache was well and truly wedged in and this required a further 10 minutes of manipulation before I finally had it in hand. The whole time I was wondering who had found it and returned it before us! I unrolled the log and saw the last entry was by The_young_1s but the online log shows someone else. (so now I'm confused but that doesn't take much) [:o)]

Once the log was signed all was returned as found.

It turned out that we had accessed the cache a lot futher out than what others do which made all the phone directions about face. [B)]

TFTC /dev/gc0c

Finally found this one after helping a few others to solve it.
TFTC

10/09/2014 2:29:00 PM
Stopped in for a quick look on our way to the Airport, And decided to have another attempt when we were better prepared and had more time up our sleeve.
Enjoyed the puzzle
Thanks

I came, I searched, I spotted, I swore, I pondered, I wondered, I photographed and then I left.

My inner scout was out debated by my inner spouse - "what on earth made you think you could do that?".

The puzzle was at first put aside but given I was going to be in the area, I had another look. All the pieces started to fall into place but not neatly but a bit more research and a bit of a closer look at the puzzle and it was clear.

Still no idea what I am going to do next. Till next time /dev/gc0c

Found it! Now sitting at GZ contemplating life, the universe and everything.

Longer log to follow.

After eying this one off for a while I decided to have a quick look at the puzzle while having a lunch break the other day.

Having had some experience with SMS a few years ago I soon had an idea of what I needed to do. With some trial and error I soon had it figured out.

After confirming the coords with dev/gc0c via email I then planned the trip to GZ. When arriving at GZ I soon had an idea of what the special equipment might be.

Without the necessary tools to make it the the final "ground" zero I channeled my inner Boy Scout and was soon on my way. After quite a while looking I decided to take a step back and have a look from another angle.

Soon I spotted what I was looking for. Now to retrieve it! After a bit more scrambling and a lot more WTF am I doing moments I soon had the log in hand.

Thanks for a very fun cache all round!!

This entry was edited by The_young_1s on Saturday, 28 June 2014 at 07:00:28 UTC.

I had looked at this one before but after trying something that did not work straight off (well it is D5) it was put in the do later pile. With the intention to grab some other caches in the area I sat down to sort it all out. A bit of research led me to pick up a way to attack it and with the aid of another tool I was able to locate I had some information that made sense a lot quicker than even I expected. With that to hand I was able to make my way to GZ. After implementing some non workplace health and safety approved equipment I had myself to the important level. I exhausted my initial search areas and was quite unsure of where to go next. Not wanting to risk life and limb further for no reason I made a PAF (thanks Captain Terror) who quickly pointed me in the right direction. Gritted the teeth and made the further advance required to reach the cache. Unfortunately I was well wedged in its hide and took me some time to extract, all the while thanking my lucky stars that it was not a windy day, but also trying hard not to think about how I would descend. Eventually extracted and signed my name. The trip back was rather easier although there was one hairy moment where I thought I may remain stuck. Glad to reach terra firma and get the heart rate and blood pressure under control. Thanks for a very memorable adventure.

Having solved this puzzle a year ago, and unable to fulfil the requirements to access the cache, today was totally different.
Came back from Caloundra and soon we were looking at GZ again.
Our specialised tool came in handy for this one and I spied the area needed to get to and soon the cache was in hand.
TNLNSL TFTC Thanks /dev/gc0c All good with this cache

13/01/2014 12:09:00 PM
3845
Flying back from South Africa to NZ, we happened to be going through Brisbane, and we happened to have almost 7.5 hours between our flights!
And Brisbane is where my brother lives!! Yaaaay!

Well... did this one in the wrong order...
Didn't have time to solve it before leaving, but still needed to find it!!

So came here with the CO in hand... who was probably laughing at how old lady like I've become...
But wow this is a struggle for short people who no longer have childlike fearlessness!!

I got a few legs and hands in getting this one... but wow it was tricky!!
Eventually I was there... and the cache was in hand... but the way back was even harder!!

And once I came home, of course I did actually solve the puzzle... well, I got halfway before I needed the help of my other brother, but hey, got there in the end!!

Consec caching day # 435

TFTC!!

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

Of course I had to have a go at this one!!! Having been asked about a million times 'have you solved it yet?' I was pleased to have the coords in hand eventually, mostly thanks to tunfisk and his revisits of a puzzle half solved . Now just pick up the actual cache once in the area, right? ... Since I can't do a pull up (yet), the plan was to borrow a ladder from my hosts as they were building a new reception area anyway, with plenty of ladders lying around or so it seemed. However, it all took a different course on the day when it was finally not too wet and not too dark when I was anywhere near gz... Definitely loved the choice of location [^] Something soft-headed/bodied living at cache site chewing through the outer bag? As much as I like spiders and other unrelated creatures, I am not very keen on creepy crawlies when I am unsure of their intentions, especially after the stories I heard the night before at the event about caching misadventures due to the local fauna... no cachers were harmed during this adventure fortunately, and we live to tell the tale Thanks for a great challenge!!!

Well, it's been a long time between gigs. Many months since I logged my last cache so what better way to get back into the swing of things than a nice little 5/5 cache?!

In hindsight, I think the puzzle was the easy part. Working in data communications in a past life stood me in good stead - although I have to say, decoding a normal SMS=easy, a long SMS=not quite as easy.

Anyhoo, I solved that side of things a week or so ago and was passing nearby today so I thought "why not?" and took a slight detour. Only had my phone and not my normal handheld GPS but that's okay these days.

Found my way to GZ, took one look... WTF! I was flying solo and didn't have any gear with me so I pondered things for a while and was close to writing it off for now and coming back another day but I thought "no, I'm not letting it beat me".

Off for a quick recce of the immediate area to find some stuff to assist. After a couple of failed attempts.... Hey! I made it! Pretty soon had the log in hand, made my mark and then worried about the next step (once you make it to GZ you'll know what I mean).

Before long, I got to where I wanted to be and made the return trip back to the car with a certain sense of satisfaction I made myself a quick mental note to bring a friend next time

A nice cache, worthy of a favourite point!

Thanks
Frewster

found in a group attack on two local puzzles

Found with that crazy crew of cachers... longer log to follow

woohoo 2000

started working on this one a few weeks ago
i had read the info and thought i had a gist of it
well so much for that

got steered in the right direction from CO
nope still not quite working
just can't get that one part to work even with a 'practice sample' to work with

how do u do &^%
in your head [xx(]
i can't do that in my head
well ... turns out i can do that in my head

woops ... stopped working
oh yeah, that's right there goes there and stops there and starts there with that to that
quick re-do of a couple of lines

so off a 'shady' group of us went this morning and did some hacking

i got half way but didn't have the confidence to go 'there'
sent the geo-daughter in to grab the prize for me which she handed to me to sign
it was then passed around before returning to the safety of it's little spot

we then all headed off to Membsec's for a celebration breaky
thank you fasted 59, bubba 89, membsec, T-Tech, Nyssaflutterby and Net88 for joining me on my journey to 2000

Oh my goodness! We did it!!!

We had no idea where to start for this one and after doing quite a bit (or byte) of work had a small idea what to do but it wasn't working for me. Spoke to someone who had completed the puzzle and got help getting started. Once I got started, things we had read started to make sense. I now know something about:
How SMS messages are encoded
How long (multi page) SMS messages are handled and
Why some phones have a set maximum SMS storage limit even for short messages

It is hard to believe that someone had the required patience and ability to set up SMS messages in the first place.

Once we got started it took us all night to manually do the required maths to eventually get some coords. [xx(][xx(]

Today was a group assault on two local and very difficult caches. With the required tool under (or over) fasted 59's arms, we, together with barbbowman, T-Tech, Nyssaflutterby, Net88 and bubba 89 headed towards GZ. Once we neared GZ all eyes went up. I think I was the last person to spot what we needed to spot but that didn't change our mind. Because this was barbbowman's 2000th cache we gave her the honour of retrieving the cache and at 3/4 of the way she decided that bubba 89 should do the honour. Meanwhile we are holding back a certain team member who has already taken her shoes off and is just waiting for the ok to go for it.

The container took some effort to get out! We gave Nyssa the go ahead and before we could say go.....Nyssa was up!!!! So with two little monkeys hanging on, we all signed the log and replaced it. We were all very happy to have completed such a wonderfully, educational cache. Will certainly have more respect for "inventors" every time we send an SMS. [^]

Now back to our house for a celebration breakfast!!!

Thank you very much /dev/qcOc for such a journey. A favourite point from us.

Very very clever /dev/gc0c. After being allowed to gabe this cache in the presence, Barbbowman , membsec, Nyssaflutterby, Fasted 59, Bubba 89, and Nett88 , I went back to the membsecs for an amazing celebratory breakfast [^]
Over breakfast I had a lesson from Barbbowman and membsec on the finer art of working through this cache

TFTC /dev/gc0c a favourite point from me

Congratulations Barbbowman on your 2000th find

I remember meeting the Cache Owner a few months ago and saying to him .. No I am not going to solve your puzzle, I have absolutely NO idea how to solve your puzzle. I don't care if you think it is easy and you are now laughing at me because I can't understand your big intellectual words and processes. He talked me through how to do the first bit, but that was no help at all.

Months later... I caught wind that a few acquaintances and friends had solved this cache and were going to grab it after another group assault on a nearby just as evil puzzle. I couldn't say no, to be honest I called the organiser of said outing and asked very, very nicely if I coould tag along. I was given the all clear and all I had to do was turn up and the meeting time, which thanks to Nyssaflutterby picking me up, wasn't very hard at all.

We headed to the right location to park our cars after completing the previous puzzle and we were soon heading through the bush towards the final coordinates. Once we got there we all looked for the tell tale marker and eventually, one by one we all spotted it. Bubba89 was sent to retrieve the cache but needed a tool to help so Nyssaflutterby was nominated to follow and help out.

The logbook was passed down and around so we could all sign the log, before it was sent back to be replaced. Congratulations to Barb for her milestone. It seems like only a week ago I was at 2000. Thank you /dev/gc0c for trying to teach me how sms works. One day I may actually understand it and more importantly Thanks for the cache

Congrats to Barb for solving this one and her 2000th cache.

While Barb did all the hard work on this one, I was able to supply the necessary tools.

After completing a group assault on another close by cache it was onto this one.

Parked the cars and headed in. Having done a check a couple of days earlier, we knew exactly where we had to set up.

Cache was retrieved and log signed. Great cache and another spot in the D/T box filled.

TFTH

Decided to have a look if everything is still OK. The area seems to have rearranged a little and a footpath… how did that get there?
Someone seems to have set up a shelter closeby so now it's probably more important that it be attempted during the day.

Team effort with Pilchers. Made it out with only minor battle scars. TFTC, I think.........

Found as a team effort with esixtyone on a Sunday afternoon caching run. Was trying to do this one for my 200th but was foiled by time and another despicable cache.
This was a great puzzle and a great hide. I loved ever bit of it. TFTC /dev/gc0c

All is in place and waiting to be found.

D5 passed. T5 unable.
Will have to find suitable means.

FTDNF!! I'm not too vain to admit a DNF on this one today. I thought it may take more than one visit. I did try to get to the cache but, just like the puzzle, it will take a bit more effort to do the last few metres! I have certainly earned part of the T5 already and with a route planned and measurements taken I'll be more confident of success next time. Thanks so far geocaching device.

Previously logged under a team account. Re-logging with my individual account.

Relogging this under individual account, previously a member of Gaz'n'Kab account.

(..continued from above)
We looked all about for a sign from above but none came. Hmm.. I decided to make a start and see what I could see. Prime kindly donated his headlamp to the not-so-bright Captain (pun intended) and I made do with my 'tool' (pun not intended). Fangsoki was instrumental in helping out and the poor chap wore a lot of GZ in the process. If you've ever seen a cat trying to climb a screen door, you can picture me trying to navigate my way around the place here. Behind my facade of crazy, this pilot has a strange fear of being in places such as this, so a few times while maneuvering around, looking about and trying to make a decision, a breather was needed to cool the nerves.

It had been some time and I had all but given up. I was about to call it quits when someone suggested a cheeky phone call. I'll point out that it was my 'sub-par' Nokia that saved the day here. As it transpired, Prime spotted the right area as the hint came across the airwaves. Right.. that looks.. fun. I'm sure your ears were burning at that moment Mr. /dev/gc0c. With all the grace and delicacy of a pack of wild rabid apes fighting an African Tapir in mating season, I lugged my carcass to the cache. Oh the mighty satisfaction of laying my hands on that container! I passed it over and the brains trust of Prime took first stab at the logbook. It was passed around then back to me to add my name. I rehid all as found and the other noted if we'd been observant enough, they could see it from where they were.

Now to get back. With the help of my 'tool' and some muscle from the pit crew I landed back with them, no broken bones, no major blood loss and only a few minor spider bites. Well, done and dusted and a smirk of satisfaction on all our faces we plodded back to the car. A big thanks to Fangsoki for being a helping hand and pulling this mission together. A bigger thanks to Pprime for somehow pulling co-ords out of the chaotic mess that appears on the cache page. Thanks also to Gaz'n'Kab who had many kind words and a few helpful suggestions on the fly. But most of all a big thanks to the CO for this exhilarating cache find. It was a team effort but we all certainly copped our share of the 5 D' or 5T's. TFTC /dev/gc0c Of course this gets a favourite point

I remember the night this cache was published. I think someone sent me a facebook message along the lines of 'Ooh, a new 5/5 near home (link)'. I took a look at the cache page and had a read. It said if I solved the puzzle, I'd understand how text messages work. In my mind it is pure witchcraft. Somehow my tiny little Nokia (yes, laugh away smartphone-owning chums!) manages to take a little chunk of text and fly it to a friend and display on their phone. I mean.. how does the message even know where to go! I get lost even when I know where I am going! Heck, sometimes I even manage to miss my own mouth when eating. So this simple fellow filed this puzzle in the 'Enjoy looking at the icon on my map because I'll never-ever have a hope of solving it'. And that, was that. Although, the T5 did grab my attention a little.

Flash forward some months and about a week away from the fact, I realised my fifth geocaching anniversary was looming. Not everyday your inner geocacher turns 5 now is it!? I pondered how to celebrate and figured a 5/5 find would be ideal, but two problems presented themselves. I was rostered for a long day at work. And I've found every other 5/5 within a day's drive.. except one, this one. I still had the issue of solving it though.

I was chatting to Fangsoki on the Sunday night who announced that the MENSA-grade Prime had managed to solve the puzzle. SAY WHAT!? A group chat came about where he explained the process to solve the puzzle. Even with my education and the help of google translate I had some massive issues following. I dip my hat to his patience, determination and skill in getting the numbers out. So the plan came about and after work Pprime, Fangsoki and Gaz'n'Kab were all prepared to donate a bit of time after our various works to make the assault on this one to help me mark a geo-birthday.

I had a hunch for where this would be and what I'd need to get it. I had nowhere near the required equipment to get it, but had some things close. I'd give it the old college try if nothing else! We met up nearby, made sure we were all navigating to the right waypoint and picked a path in. Some bush bashing ensued and soon all five (how appropriate to the theme of the evening) of us were peering through torchbeams at GZ. I think we all swore at least a little.. but as it turned out, I, at least, feared the worst.
(continued below..)

Tonight Pprime, Fangsoki, Captain Terror and us were out for a special cache, and it was of course the Captain's 5th geo birthday We headed in to this one, not really knowing where we were going, or what exactly to expect, and after doing the last little bush bash, we soon arrived at GZ Wow! That is BIG Ok... First of all, the puzzle behind this cache is simply incredible. A lot of effort and brains required for this one, and thankfully Mr Prime certainly knows his stuff. Captain Terror decided to do the retrieval, and after some, is it there, or there, or there chatter, we soon spotted something, and in no time at all, the cache was quickly retrieved We certainly had a great night grabbing this one, and really enjoyed going back through the puzzle. Certainly worthy of a fav point or two

TFTC /dev/gc0c

Gaz'n'Kab

Easy Peasy, opened the page up noted down the co-ords and nipped out tonight for a quick grab.

Yep? Riiiiiiiiight!! Not even remotely close.

Closest unfound to home I needed to take a good look at this thing. SMS message hey? Well, Captain Terror's phone can work it out, my smartphone should be able to. Or a smart person? If only I knew one of them[:o)] OK, set to work, bit of googling, bit more googling, a lot of reading and I had a plan of attack. I now know I was on the right track, but I'd missed a little gotcha (which I assume was one of the points CO was trying to make). But I missed that one, so off I went on a tangent. Somewhere near Calcutta I gave it away as a bad joke and put it aside.

More recently I returned to it, and re-did all of the above, and again missed a key point and while I did make it to Darwin, I was still too far away. I tried a few different tangents, but couldn't stay on this planet. What am I missing? I sought a guide, and received a couple of pointers, that basically told me to look at a couple of websites that I'd already bookmarked and/or memorised. Not a lot of help really, but one of them thar sites had some confusing text on it that I now decided to investigate closer. Hmmmm

Hmmmm

Hmm What? What the hell? Who in what universe thought that was a bright idea really? Being on a different planet or separate dimensional universe will help afterall. What genius dreamed that up?

For those playing at home, sorry, you'll just have to work it out for yourself. I learned something really cool in doing this, can't imagine where I'd ever need to know it, but it's great to know that I know it.

OK, Solved. I mean really solved, there is no geochecker on this one, one is not required ...

TONIGHT, yes, at night, it's doable if you prepare for it, tonight we celebrate the Captain's 5th anniversary at this caper. And a 5/5 met the criterium. Criteria? Whatever the word is. This one was the plan of attack. Did I mention it was night? Right, we met up nearby, The Captain, Fangsoki, Gaz'n'Kab and I - all to make sure it was achieved, to assist as we can, navigation, fence-watching, bodybag carrying, all the essential duties.

Right, GZ located. Kinda the obvious spot once you are nearby, but we could not find the noted marker. Well, it can't be anywhere else so up the Captain went, with some Fangsoki assistance. And up again. And ... nothing. Nada. Hmmm. Lots of that Hmmming. We hadn't spotted the telltale yet. That was a little disconcerting. Hmmmm. A bit of advice and at the same time the telltale was spotted. Phew, Now we know what, where and how far. All important things to know. With some more advice and encouragement the Captain made the grab.

HOORAY!

Log signed all round, and with some clever chucking (good work Gaz) all names were inscribed and cache safely tucked away.

And with some more careful maneuvering we managed to get the Captain back on firm ground, enough bones intact so he could walk on his own legs back to the cars. All good.

Thanks for placing this cache, /dev/gc0c. Found in good condition. My second ever 5/5, and I cannot deny both the 5 Ds and the 5 Ts.
{Overall find #2025}

[img]http://www.qldmega.com/templates/phoneapps-tg/images/logo.png[/img] Will I see you at [url=http://www.qldmega.com]QLD MEGA 2015[/url]?
Easter weekend 3rd-6th April 2015 in Stanthorpe, QLD.

When I saw this published, an eyebrow certainly did defy gravity. Why, I do believe that will be a cache I never get [B)]

Spin on a month or so... Pprime announced to me, as proud as a peacock, that he had solved the puzzle. He has since taken me over the workings of the puzzle. Hmm... let's just say Prime has a [u]lot[/u] more patience than I do for a puzzle.

Pprime requested assistance in his endeavour to get the cache. A group of us turned up just on darkness.. consisting of Mr Pprime, Gaz'n'Kab, Captain Terror, and your's truly. We motored over to GZ. There was a bit of confusion on how to get to GZ - but we soon found a good way. Captain Terror and I pulled up at GZ first. Oh my. Oh my, indeed. Everyone arrived and the "hunt" was on.

What is it with this cache and people seemingly doing it at night? We must have had the area lit up like a Christmas tree scanning for said cache. OK - time for a closer look. Captain Terror was up for the task. Everyone did their part - including me. Let's just say I needed a very good shower and several goes at washing my hair when I got home -.-

We possibly could have ended up making this a Terrain "6" or "7" cache if it wasn't for the for-mentioned advice. Captain Terror used his talents and we soon had a cache in hand

Of course Prime, the brains trust, was given the honour of signing the log first. With the log signed by all, the cache was returned.. and thankfully Captain Terror made it to safer ground after much advice and assistance.

Congratulations to Captain Terror on his 5/5 for his 5th "geo-birthday". Should I be doing a 4/4 in February next year?

What a puzzle.. what a cache. I would not have been able to get this one without Prime's large brain.... and probably the physical talents of Captain Terror. But we all pulled together and helped. A favourite point for a fun evening! TFTC /dev/gc0c

This was a true team effort. Initially it got put into the too-hard basket but on closer inspection, Loki began her research and started to figure out the first principles of the situation. Did I acheive the learning objectives[?] Yup, I think so. Could I get anything to make sense[?] Not so much. At that stage I handed it over to Pagan to see if he could make any sense of it and in no time, "well you got that information out right?". Urr nooo... [B)] So we had a start. Combining Loki's first principles with Pagan's method and we had a set of coordinates. [^] We were keen to go and find it then and there but the miserable weather sooned changed our minds. [xx(]

This afternoon came around and we had an hour or so free before sunset. Arrived at our chosen parking and things looked good. [^] We headed off, following the arrow and things still looked good. 60m to go and the terrain bumped up a little but nothing that we haven't encountered before. We soon had our secondary target in sight and then spotted the primary target. Suffice to say that we wouldn't have gotten the cache this visit if only one team member was present and although it was done without special equipment, even Loki was a bit daunted. [B)] Certainly took it very slowly and carefully. I think it would make a huge difference being a few inches taller! Major kudos to the ftf'rs doing this at 11.30 at night! Insanity, thy name is...

Thanks /dev/gc0c for the puzzle - we got the coords out although I haven't solved it the way I wanted to, even working backwards. And thanks /dev/gc0c for the cache and associated adrenalin rush.

Well I'm glad I didn't stay up all night trying to solve this. I have the first have of the message and just need to decipher the coords.

Well done for the FTF.

[u]FTF with [red]keepingupwith[/red] at 11:36pm[/u]

After getting home from work and being very very frustrated by having yet another mystery published 1km from my home by a cacher that I wont be mentioning in this post at all [:(!] I got another "bling".
Thoughts: No, oh please please dont tell me that this particular cacher published yet ANOTHER mystery in my area
Bam! NO, not my area! Phew, but oh wait, its a T5D5 [8)]!

After reading through the cache page and seeing the Facebook wall light up with comments about this cache, I knew that I had to get solving. My solving abilities are not great at the best of times, but tonight I was being sent in all different directions. I knew what I should be looking for, and thanks to wiki, dr google and one [purple]Nyssaflutterby[/purple] I found some things that looked quite interesting and thought I was heading in the right direction. I was wrong!

All of a sudden the chorus of a song popped into my head... [url=http://youtu.be/-1jPUB7gRyg]Dr Jones[/url], Jones! Of course, I must get in contact with the Cache Doctor!
Knowing that [red]keepingupwith[/red] works in this field and had all the knowledge needed to solve this, I sent him a few messages.
Now, generally if I try to contact him at this time of the night, unless we have planned a cache outing, Mr [red]keepingupwith[/red] is asleep with the little munchkin. Of course, this was the case this night too!

I got sick of trying to solve the darn D5 puzzle and was getting very sleepy. This was about the same time that I finally received a message from [red]keepingupwith[/red] to say that he had cracked half of it, but not the half that he needed. Off to bed it was for me, with a good luck to him for FTFing the D/T5.

The next morning I awoke to a few emails to say that the D part was solved. I instantly thought that he would have trekked off and completed the T part during the night to claim FTF, But this was not the case. It was a call for assistance with the T part of this cache.

Now, I am not an FTF hunter and I dont like attempting T5's at the best of times... oh who am I kidding! Having the chance to be joint FTF on a T5/D5 sent me a crazy! Climbing gear, was already in the Geo-mobile and I was ready for the challenge.

I decided that in the 1.5hours between jobs, I would attempt to drive through the school traffic to the other side of the city and back again in order to scout out GZ (This was mistake no. 1). I found what I thought to be, a great place to park my car (Mistake no.2) and ran all the way down to where my GPS was sending me. Mistake no. 3 Approaching from the wrong direction. Being in my work uniform, I soon realised that I would be needing to get changed again after this scouting mission, and that another attribute might be needed to be added for the T part of this cache. Finally arriving at GZ, I did a very quick search and found what I was looking for. Took notes and ran back to my car to find a Big Yellow Tow Truck(!) sitting in front of it ready to take Echo, Iris (geo-computer), and my wallet away!! I did what any other panicking cacher would do; jumped in and sped off before someone else took off with my car. Phew! Close call! (I totally wasnt parked illegally)

After reporting back my finds to [red]keepingupwith[/red], finding more appropriate parking and entry options and double checking all the gear,[red]keepingupwith[/red] picked me up around 10pm to head back to GZ.

Arriving at GZ in the dark with a light drizzle coming down, I started to get a bit nervous. We soon realised that [red]keepingupwith[/red]'s lovely cheap ladder was not going to assist us too much and that lugging my gear had been a good idea. I wont give too much away about what happened next, but I will say that no amount of safety gear that I had with me really made me feel safe whilst retrieving the cache (cont..)

Ftf with eggs 11:36 pm log to follow

FTF with keepingupwith at 11:36pm more to follow ...