Mansfield Dark (Night Cache) Bowral, New South Wales, Australia
By NationalSteel on 24-May-14. Waypoint GC55GCX

It was Tuesday night, and I had attended the Highlands Puzzle Night. We were sitting around discussing unloved caches, and Muppet95 said that someone had recently found this night cache, and prior to that, it hadn't been found in a couple of years. I made a comment that I hadn't done a night cache but wanted to. HappyUke declared that we needed to do one, and we made the plan to head out tonight.

We arrived at the parking zone and headed off to the start of our adventure. HappyUke gave me an idea of what we were looking for as we made our way to the starting point. It was at this point that things started to go a bit off track.

HappyUke was scratching the memory bank to try and remember which way we needed to walk, and she had done it about 7 years ago. Finalf29 was trying this way while we went that way. But no reflectors were in sight. HappyUke was sure it was in a particular direction, so we headed that way.

About 443m, as the crow flies from our starting point, we spotted a reflector. Our spirits were immediately lifted as we were definitely heading in the right direction. However, the path then kinda disappeared. There were trees down all over the place, the grass was overgrown, and we were unable to proceed in that direction any further. We back tracked a bit to where HappyUke had originally suggested we go and headed that way.

The path here was a bit touch and miss as the gardener had clearly decided it shouldn't be a path anymore. And then we saw it... 2 reflectors! Excitedly, we spread out and started searching.

After a while, happyuke decided to reach out to see if we could obtain GZ coordinates. Just as she received some promising information, finalf29 called out to let us know he had located GZ. We headed off to meet up with him and spread out to find the tree that it was hiding near, from the most recent post.

I was surprised when I stumbled on it about 10 or 15 m from GZ. I retrieved the cache. It was rather damp, and the pen a struggled to write, but I git there in the end. We then returned the cache to GZ as per the description in the tree with the 3 gold reflectors.

Despite the feeling of wandering aimlessly at times, I had an awesome evening. Although I feel that this one might need some TLC as if we didn't have some past experience in the mix, I don't think we would have even been able to find it!

TFTC and the adventure NationalSteel! Thanks for the company and valuable insights HappyUke and Finalf29!

Out finding caches today as part of the Wheel of Challenge souvenir, but with a specific target of finding high favourite caches.

After a nearby DNF I headed over to where I’d last searched for this one. A PAF helped me correct my previous indiscretion but once at GZ I still came up empty handed, expanding my search I was lucky to find the container on the ground out in the open. Grateful for the find I placed the container next the nearest tree.

This cache was one of a handful we had our eye on today. Thanks for adding to our challenge score.
TFTC

Fitzy_1965, Albida33 and I headed to the Highlands for a bit of caching today.

With lots of puzzles solved during lockdown, it was time to go collect them. The day was overcast with the occasional short drizzle. We all got wet feet but all for the greater good LOL.

All caches found quickly and easily unless otherwise stated.

I went to Goulburn to join up with Fitzy_1965 & MinnieK for a day trip to Moss Vale, Bowral and Mittagong to attempt some of the new caches and the puzzles that have been painfully solved since the last visit. It was an overcast and rainy day, but we managed most of the day without getting too wet, except for the walk around a very grassy reserve.

This reserve was quite ereiy in the gloom today. We combined getting the were-i-gos with finishing the night cache and a new puzzle. All but one of the tracks were ok, but a section was more of a swamp and we all got very wet feet. The puzzle was happily approached from the side I felt was better. I am glad I have a nice bright torch, usually for diving and the overcast gloom allowed us to get this before full day. quite an entertaining walk and very wet feet.

Thanks for the cache NationalSteel

33433.20 TNLN
Visited: World Traveling Gold GC A#6 & 2009 5th Ann Compass Rose Silver A#137

**Albida**

25,303. Found with minniek and albida33 during a quick trip to the Moss Vale / Bowral / Mittagong region today.

We had a caching BBQ in Captains Flat planned for today, but it was postponed after all the rain, which left a whole day without any plans. That was quickly changed and the 3 of us headed up this way with an impressive list of caches to try for, including many solved puzzles that have been sitting on the solved pile for quite some time. We left this one until last - obviously. Always enjoy a good night cache. We had no real problems making our way around and then at GZ. A nice quick find at GZ. Signed the log, replaced the cache as found, then headed off towards home.

Thanks NationalSteel !! Favourite Point !

By hook and by crook, we finally got there. Full recount later.

We were able to do this night cache on a dimly lit afternoon in the rain. OCW Brewmaker and MaxAdventurer. TFTNC National Steel

I always love a good night cache. Worth an FP for the fun adventure. TFTC NationalSteel!

The journey to the mega resulted in a lot of driving, with a few select cache finds, due to the distance I had to travel. If only there was time to find them all! Once at “The Gong” as there are so many caches, yet again, sadly, only some could be attempted. Night caches are a favourite of mine. We were lucky enough to have a previous finder with us for this one, as we lost the fire tacks at one point, but was soon able to continue on thanks to a directional push! Thanks for placing the cache NationalSteel, it’s great to have an excuse to walk in the bush at night.

Found your cache today. NationalSteel, thank you so much for placing it.

Found it. Great cache and enjoyed the night walk.

Found this one whilst out on a night time driving lesson with my son. Plenty of wildlife around tonight Foxes wombats and rabbits but no Kolas spotted. I enjoyed the puzzle once i was on the right track. Cache still in good nick with their guardians Thanks NationalSteel for the placement Cheers

Visited for mileage
HQ82RQ 2016 Lackey Geocoin
ACD7B3 Geo-Achievement Finds 1,000 Geocoin
ACCHGH Geo-Achievement Finds 2,000 Geocoin
ACYNEE Geo-Achievement Finds 3,000 Geocoin
HCXJPG Hidden Creatures Geocoin
CCP4DX Nametag Geocoin
C4FEXR Travel Bug Dog Tag

We started out just after dusk, carrying an array of torches in our pockets, and soon found the first reflector. We continued on finding the next couple within short distances. Then we walked for a few hundred metres, occasionally seeing reflectors at ground level. However, they hopped away. We came to a fork and investigated both options before seeing another reflector. Then another long stretch and all of a sudden the double reflectors. We were soon at GZ., etc. Our first night cache. We quite enjoyed it. TFTC

Found the cache but forgot a pen! Saw a wombat in it's burrow on the way back, fun way to spend an evening

Just randomly decided to do this cache at 10pm at night. Took off with excitement that I forgot a pen. Photo of cache attached as proof. TFTC an awesome night adventure

Found with gm10 and btm

Found with u_c and gm10. On way out a security officer was waiting near our car for us to leave to lock the gate

Wandering around on way to cache i was looking for slenderman and his proxys along with the weird human eater from supernatural... but looking for tacks distracted me a bit... still a bit jumpy but managed...even found a rabbit hole. Whilst walking back dancing the whole way cause i done it a ranger was sitting next to our car about to lock us in

Was great to see a night cache in the Southern Highlands region! I have done a few of these in the past but not as many as I wish. In fact one of the only unfound caches near my house is a night cache! Funny how lazy you are when caching at home, and leave things unfound for years, but then when you venture away you find EVERYTHING as quick as you can!

A great walk and an awesome reserve to put it in. Couldn't have picked a better location for this, with lots of trails to follow in the dark, and not too thick of bush so the trail can be followed.

Thanks NationalSteel for setting out this cache!

63ROOs and me walked to mansfield Dark for night.... we saw heaps aninals make us scare few times and we found cache YAY but 63ROOs lost PEN ... 63ROOS send photo on log... Thanks Put Fav... wink....

my first night cache I was not too sure how the indicators would be placed and how easy it was to spot them. ALL7 had a good torch and the moon so once I found the first, I then knew what to look for easy to spot and I soon had the cache in hand. Then looked for pen , oh [:o] bugger did not bring pen with me so checked the cache nup pen, ummm take the photo for show log note without us sign in... Hope CO accept with this...
TFTC, with All7

I've wanted to do this one for ages, but have never had the energy left after a hard day's caching in the area (which is usually in summer, with a much later sunset).

Having just done the Belanglo night cache, it was not hard to persuade Brewmaker to grab this one as well.

Aside from a huge flock of parrots who took very noisy umbrage at our nighttime intrusion, the cache went quickly and smoothly, reaching GZ in about 10 minutes from the car. Duties done, we headed back home to Sydney after a fantastic day out. 24/24 for me, 27/27 for Brew. A great day (and night's) caching.

TFTC

Having completed the night cache in Belanglo, this was a case of "just one more". Decided to park outside gate just in case we would get locked in, and took the 400m stroll to start the journey.

Found all the fire tacks easily, and the trail made it a simple task. Got to GZ and had CIH in less than 15 minutes from the start. Made our way out quickly and then headed home after a successful day/night of caching in the Southern Highlands with MrD. TFTC

Found Saturday night 9/12 with Keno7 and geokids Kyody, Maxamillion and Bat. Thanks for a great little adventure! Dropped a TB..
TFTC

Had a great time with pinkih and the Geo kids finding this catch. Once we found the right way it didn’t take us long to find GZ. TFTC

Found this couple years ago with the geograndmother forgot to log it..

This was a fantastic cache to celebrarte reaching 50! (Although I did many caches with friends before - when my technology couldn't handle) this is the 50th for this year!

What good fun! Such a cool place! Love the animal sound and the way they play on the mind haha found with longbean! Thanks for planting this cache!

This cache has been on my radar for a very long time but its usually light whenever I come through here or its sub zero in the middle of winter !!
I was out caching around the highlands and took my time so I could finally take on this cache on my way home,
I parked at the lock gate,armed myself with gps and dodgy little torch I was off to find the start.An overcast night,boggy with no moon out made for a pitch black solo walk around the reserve.
I started out ok found about 5 or so then I had a really big gap until I found the next,I keep walking but seemed to be walking really far and it didnt seem right,I traced myself back to my last reflecter and tried again but no luck,
From this reflecter I called a previous finder who then asked for my gps location,with a responce "what on earth are you doing all the way up there !!!"
That reflecter had me way off course, but luckily my help had my location and could guide me back on the path.
I now found the last 2 waypoints that lead to the cache but from backtracking and crossing over, I now had no idea where I was just because it was so damn dark,I was given more directions to get me out and then finally stumbled upon the car.woo-hoo,what a mission !
Glad to finally have turned that one into a smiley
Thanks NationalSteel for the cache !!

I've been wanting to do this one for a while, but usually I've got the kids with me, and it was raining last time I was able to get there. Tonight on a still clear night, arrived at the parking spot just as it was getting dark (gate was locked) and started walking towards the starting point. A bit boggy on the way!

Once started, I made good progress and managed to spot all the reflectors along the way and then made an easy trip to GZ to find the cache. Grabbed the TB.

Its good to do a night cache without tripping over logs or getting a face full of spiderwebs! Just had to watch out for the occasional boggy spot.

Thanks,

Found in broad daylight using our eagle eyes and caching nous. A wet morning so no snake problem. Mansfield Reserve is a really nice place, well worth a visit.
Dropped off a much travelled TB.
TFTC + FP for the fun.

Trouve avec Grandpa slowfox.
MPLC

Trouve avec Grandpa slowfox.
MPLC

A very cool night cache.

Fav. Point from me.

TFTNC

Really interesting. TFTC

We may not have been able to feel our fingers once locating the cache but it was a fun adventure! Found & logged at 10:40pm. TFTC!

Happy Uke and I did our first night cache tonight. Well our first since we started geo caching our selves.

We had done one with a friend just before we started caching. Tonights was allot easier than that first effort. nice clear paths and the refectors easy to see.

We did see a small frog on the path that wasn't too worried about our presence.

Cheers!

A night cache I did with a friend in Canberra is what got Finalf29 and I into geocaching, so I have been watching this one for a while and was glad to see it is up and running again. Finalf29 and I were just waiting for the right night to have a crack at it and tonight everything was good to go...perfect weather, good darkness and great company. The gate was unlocked so we could drive right up to the picnic area. We set off and found each reflector quite easily. Then the two and finally the three. I was hoping to see a wombat, but only found her hole. Was lamenting on walk back that I hadn't seen any wildlife when I spotted a small frog...good indicator of how healthy the reserve must be. We really enjoyed ourselves. A favourite point from me. Thanks for a lovely excuse for a night walk.

Going through all my notes I have no idea why I never logged this one. The night was a memorable one out with the Crows on a rainy soggy night. I thought they were crazy going out but there was no way I was missing out on this fun, especially when I saw one part of the team getting 'overprepared' for this cache, so funny to watch. Thanks for the absolutely fun cache and my first night cache. FP

Trail markers replaced and refreshed where needed. Some critical ones had vanished. Cache is in good condition. Note that GZ is now marked by three gold reflectors in a row on one tree, not a triangle as previously. Happy hunting!

Received the maintenance notice around seven o'clock this evening but due to inclement weather we wondered whether we should attempt this tonight. During a late BBQ (under shelter) we noted the light, very fine mist in the air, and during dinner decided we'd give it another go. We gathered everything we'd need - high powered torch, lanterns, and rain gear - and we were on the road shortly after ten o'clock. As we got nearer to Bowral, the rain began to fall more heavily. We briefly entertained second thoughts but, since we were already out, we forged onward.

When we arrived at the reserve, the gate, like last time, was open... so we drove up into the parking area by the inner gate. The rain falling steadily now. One last check of everything - the lights worked, broad-brimmed hats pulled on tight, coats zipped, pen (just in case), gps, and away we went. By the time we got to WP1, the rain was a steady downpour. But the first marker reflected back at us brightly. On a bit more, and the next marker revealed itself to us. And so on along the path we'd taken on our previous visit but this time it was speckled with well-illuminated reflectors. Directly, we arrived at the entrance into the bush indicated by the double marker, we were greeted by our old wombat friend - just as bored as last time - and after scanning the landscape we spied the next pointer. By this time, the rain was a heavy drizzle and we had concerns about keeping the cache dry. We thought maybe just find it, and return when it's dryer. We moved forward, spotted our goal, and as we contemplated our next move, the rain seemed to let up a bit. So, quickly and cautiously we signed the log and replaced the container none the worse for wear.

As we headed back to the trail, the rain picked up again with renewed vigor. It was pelting down. Overcast, no moon, pitch dark. We took our time - fairly water-proof so hurrying held no prospect - and were back to the car in short order. Stowed our gear and were on our way... exiting the main gate just on midnight - which we noted to ourselves was when we'd left home on the last attempt. The drive home was uneventful and as we got farther from Bowral the rain decreased in intensity so that by the time we pulled into our drive-way it had stopped entirely.

In the end then it was another good night out. A bit damp this time, perhaps, but nothing catastrophic. Thank you National Steel for fixing this one up. While it's nice to tick this one off, equally important - and this is the main thing - this cache gave us two pretty good late-night adventures.

OCWATCF&MCMD SL TNLN TFTC

I saw the done maintenance log come through, looked out at the weather over a late bbq dinner and resigned myself to the fact that I knew we would be heading out tonight rain or no rain. It was only a slight mist here but I knew from past experience that the closer we got to Bowral the harder the rain would fall. Never fails.

After our half hour drive to Bowral and as luck would have it, the gate was again open at the reserve and we could drive in to the next gate and the start of the trails.

I remember last time spending hours wandering this reserve and I was sure I remembered the trails... wow it looked different, the grass is so very long now but the mown trails were a blessing to see. I was just hoping that the soggy ground didn't harbour any leeches as we got further in and had to go bush, I think I hate these more than spiders. If any snakes are in the reserve I would think they would be in their homes nice and dry. I saw hubby give a small laugh at home as I had made sure I used my 'bushman' spray despite the rain.

What a fun adventure this turned out to be, the Highlands turning on its 'usual' predictable weather for us did not deter the enthusiasm and excitement of a night walk. This time we had no moon and no stars just cloud cover. We opted to not use the head torches this time but to use the more waterproof torch and a high powered lantern each.

On with the wet weather jackets, boots and oilskin wide brim wet weather hats with the large flap down the back (has to be one of the best things we ever bought), pockets full of what geocaching stuff we needed, I grabbed one of my hiking poles for good measure which proved a godsend especially when we went bush, saved me from falling a few times over hidden logs in that long wet grass.

Walking through the reserve chatting and talking about this cache was really pleasant despite the rain which was hitting the hats and running down the back of it and off, the noise gave me a feeling of the rain but I was nice and dry inside... well my head was. On the return journey, I was then wishing I had put on my big heavy really waterproof jacket but it would have been too heavy, too hot and uncomfortable on this walk.

The water in the creek is still down but the mown paths tonight were soggy with puddles, even our wombat friend from last time didn't hang around outside long, retreating to a nice dry burrow I bet, after stopping long enough to see who was out and about at the witching hour. Down, around, up and around we went spying the newer markers along the way and remembering some of the older ones we could still see. Last trip I thought it was all a bit hit and miss... at last I get to see a true night cache. A good job done NS, I so enjoyed this trip.

At last we spy the two white markers, time to go bush, so we high stepped it to the big tree where we could see those two markers, around it we go, a few more steps and we stop and carefully and thoroughly scour the bush ahead and around us for more clues. With the rain tonight the leaves of the trees are glistening with raindrops and I am thinking I see markers everywhere. Oh wait what’s that over there, hubby has picked up the three gold ones in a row - that way - off we go again, reached the tree and a quick search around, hubby revealed the cache for us. The weather gods were in our favour and gave us a break in the rain, long enough to sign the log and get the cache away safely. By the time we had reached the trail again down it came and that’s the way the weather stayed until we reached home.

A lovely warm shower once home and into some dry clothes and time to reflect on our adventure before bed. Logging had to wait for the morning as our internet has been so bad lately.

Thanks NS for a fun night, favourite point from us.
I also left two swaps appropriate to the hour for the next boy and girl cacher who accompany their parents on this adventure.

OCWF SL TNL2 TFTNC

With renewed confidence we continue up the trail until we come to a cross roads. Look in all directions and sure enough we spot another reflector in the distance. This one is over 200 meters from the last one we found, significantly more by the trails. A bit far between it seems but oh well. Off we go.

When we reached the second marker, a quick scan revealed nothing. So, we continued our stroll. This time the next marker was only 43 meters. That's more like it. It's a double, so into the bush. After a brief survey of the landscape we opted for what we hoped would be the path of least resistance. Not sure of anything as we tromped through the bush, we questioned whether we should go back and try a different tangent. Then suddenly we encountered another trail. A quick look around and we spot another marker. Turns out it's over 100 meters from the double. But it's ambiguous as to its meaning. We're on a trail now. Do we go left or right, or do we continue on straight through the bush. We venture off in each direction but come up empty.

We entertain the idea of a DNF once again. But the multi is not too far away, so why not go claim that prize and then return here to reconsider things with a fresh perspective. So that's what we did. A bit of trudging and the multi was in hand. So we made our way back to the last marker and considered our options.

The description says strays occasionally. Does that mean there should be more than one double marker? Most people claim they find the cache shortly after 'the' double. We have no idea. Nothing seems to fit.

We went up to the left a long ways and all we found was mud.

We went right a little ways and found another path but nothing else.

We went to the top of a rise through the bush, and still nothing.

So we call it a night and prepare for the trek back to the car. Along the way we come to another intersection (that path that seemed to go nowhere) and I reason that had we continued a bit more in the bush we would have come to this new trail. We figured it's been this long, why give up now, so we walk along until the gps tells us we're about to leave the reserve. Grudgingly we have to admit defeat. About face, and head back.

Along the way, I review the logs on the cache page where I read conflicting reports. Some say bright reflectors, others say covered. But we console ourselves some have confessed multiple attempts before finally finding it. Still retracing our steps, I close the tablet, look up to find that Crows has spotted another reflector - but this one is on the "back" side of the tree. WTH? We're in the vicinity of the marker closest to wp1. Look around and discover the reason it snuck up on us the first time. A tree or bush or something has grown up directly in front of our line of vision. This new marker, being on the back of a tree, would not be visible at all coming from wp1. And oddly, it's about half-way between wp1 and the first marker we found. My brain fizzled a moment at the futility of it all, then I shook it off and we headed back to the parking lot.

Home by four o'clock this morning. At least we got the multi.

As the Crows Fly and I thought we'd give this one a go. Drove past around lunch time yesterday to scope out the terrain and found no major difficulties so we left with the plan of returning after dark.

With the day's activities behind us, we gathered together the few things we'd need, and at around midnight we headed out. A bit late perhaps but come on this is hardly the Blair Witch Project.

A short time later we arrived at the Reserve. The gate was open so we saved ourselves a few foot-steps and parked up inside at the lot. A neighbor's Rooster rehearsing his morning alarm marked the beginning of our adventure. It's a cool night but not overly cold. Not a cloud in the sky, but neither was there a moon. We thought it was a perfect night for a stroll. It's misty but not at all wet. We could see our breath in our head torches but our high powered flash light cut through the darkness like a hot knife through Swiss cheese.

We arrived at WP1 (start coords) expecting to see a bright tiny marker but were greeted with the dull sheen of a weather-worn reflection. No matter, onward ho! We strolled up the path a ways expecting to see the next installment in our guided tour, but nothing. A bit further, still nothing. A fork in the road, no tell-tale sign. Quick jaunt up one way, nothing there, so try the other way. A bit further, nothing. A bit further still, still nothing. By this time the ground began to get boggy. A bit further, it's down right muddy. A bit further and the water threatened to overflow our boots. Cache or no cache, that was far enough on this trail. Back we go. Reach the fork again, let's try this way. Still no marker. We're beginning to think this is a DNF so begin heading back to the path over the creek where we'll regroup and head for the multi.

The tablet maps are working perfectly so we decide the best path to the multi is the road not taken. So we return to the fork in the road once again, and head up where we see a wombat, who has long since become bored watching us, disappear into the darkness. A little further on and hey! another marker. We almost missed it. Didn't notice until we were nearly on top of it. Curious. We thought it was a really long distance between check points. Turns out about 100 meters from wp1 as the crow flies, probably double that along the trail.

(Log continued in next note since Max Length Reached)

So much fun. Took geokid out for a play. We woke up a lot of birds high scared the begeezus out of us.

The initial marker was covered by bark so starting out was problematic. After that it was fairly easy. I fixed up the first marker on the way out.

This was fun. Loved it!

After dodging wombats, spiders, massive slugs and holes it was a nice wet walk we finally found it

Just got back from finding this fabulous hide with Geo Grandson (Who had attempted it before but didn't have a pen). I was expecting to see bigger reflective markers. Boy oh boy are they tiny.
Was a cool misty night, a very enjoyable walk thru the bush. Had been this way before to do another cache. Fav. point from us. Some TB'S made a visit.
The Bushies

3rd Time lucky after finding bring ya dog along thought I would attempt this but was still to bright as it got darker I started to look around but still couldn't see any reflectors so I kept browsing till finally I spotted one! So me and danbest1130 thought we may have some luck after we where stumped on one, got some help from muppet95 but still no luck, gave willbert67 a call but still not much help so I decided to set out again tonight after a bit more help, was alot easier started to spot the reflectors and finally got to the two after a bit of a search lachbazz had it in his hands!! Thanks for this great idea was soo much fun

Very enjoyable night walk following the trail. Lots of sleeping birds seen and also saw a possum on the roadside just before entering the reserve. The cache itself was easily found. This is only the second night cache I have done. Favourite point awarded.
SL. TFTC. # 1820

What a brilliant idea. This was great fun and with a decent torch it was easy to find the markers and the GZ. Really good fun and well worth a fav point. To all those of you who have looked at this and thought hhmm I'm not sure, I have to say go and give it a go as it made me smile! TFTC

A really great reserve to do a nightcache! Close to civilisation and still very dark! At the start point I was a bit pondering before I spotted the way to go. They can be quiit tricky to spot this little buggers, but I found GZ in the end. The cache is in good condition and ready to be found. Love nightcaching like this!
TFTC Wilbert67

The weekend had arrived! So this meant another geomission with Rapidlywild gallivanting around the Southern Highlands again Certainly was a weekend of quality caching!

We hd just completed the most enjoyable nearby Mario series so decided to swing by this one as it was on the "to do" list as well So after parking the geomobile near the gate, on went the torches and off we went for the most enjoyable, easy stroll around the reserve. With our high powered torches we found all of the markers easily-so that meant for a nice easy find at GZ when we saw the markers indicating the location of the cache.

Really enjoyed this one, NationalSteel. Thanks and fave added

This entry was edited by specimenX on Sunday, 17 August 2014 at 02:54:23 UTC.

Well, it was time for another specimenX and Rapidlywild adventure, definately overdue and looking forward to a good weekend We had cleaned up some "straggler" caches we had along the highway and made our way to the hotel and checked in. We lasted about 15 minutes at the hotel and we were back on the road. Its caching time

We had decided to hit the Mario series as we had spoken to the CO at an event in Canberra a few months back and he advised us of this new series. We just had to come out and grab it, and we are VERY glad we did . We had finished the Mario Series and were now collecting some newer caches in the area.

It was off to the night cache for us we just love night caches, we always run a muck on these hehe. We had put aside 1 hour to complete this night cache. We parked at the listed parking coords and made the stroll towards the starting point. As we passed the carpark, I saw a sign that looked familiar, oh bugger, forgot to bring the Puzzle/Multi folder from the car, never mind, we will come back for the multi

The night cache was a very pleasent stroll through the Mansfield Reserve. We were expecting the terrain to be alot tougher but to our suprise it was very pleasent

We managed to make it to the GZ in about 15 minutes, and that was NOT rushing. Must be because we both have very high powered torches which make the night caches a lot easier for sure Logging duties completed, fave added

Thanks for the night cache NationalSteel

19 of 19 today on my Bowral, Moss Vale, Sutton Forrest, Berrima, Mittagong loop!
From 8:30 - 6:00. Day well spent [^]

LAST CACHE OF THE DAY!
LAST (BASIC MEMBER) CACHE in the local vicinity of home!

I was keen to do this one last week.
(7:40pm) Alone, windy and sprinkly I put my best foot forward. Less than 30m up the driveway I swung my best feet forward back to the car. Heck No! and the scary weird bird noises


(4:30) Today, as the sun was going down. I ventured in. A quick walk following yellow markers along outside skirts of Mansfield bought me to 3 dead ends.
Carrying a LED torch wasn't the greatest idea, but it did the job!

I somehow managed to wing my way back to a glowing reflector, followed by another, followed by the 2 white ones (WOOH, It was quick to there).

Spent 10 minutes trying to figure out if I was supposed to go bush with no other light until triangle.
Kept returning to 2 White dots in case.


Yep, sick! On the right path. Super slick!

Thanks NationalSteel!
This one was quite different to others, interesting journey. Glad it's over [:o)]

I decided to let this one go until the wind dropped off. So off I went just on dark to see how I would go. As this was my first night cache I was not too sure how the indicators would be placed and how easy it was to spot them.
It turned out okay as I had a good torch and the moon had not yet risen so once I found the first, I then knew what to look for. The others were reasonably easy to spot and I soon had the cache in hand.
Thank you National Steel for a new experience. SL LN

Also thanks to Noodles 22 for the path-tag

I lead a group of bushwalkers on a 17Km walk, in the freezing wind along an exposed ridge today. After the recovery coffee I noticed that it would be dark by the time I neared any geocaches. Why not do a night cache?
Luckily I was prepared with my many layers under a snow jacket and gloves, completed with my caving torch.
Full darkness hadn't fallen yet when I reached the starting point, so I worked on the neighbouring multicache.
Not long after darkness had covered the area. At last I could turn my beam on. WOW! I didn't expect the markers to be so bright! In fact I could sometimes spot the marker two ahead! The only problem I had was with the reflecting markers that hopped along the ground!
After I dismissed the bunnies I was caught by the gaze of an even brighter glare. Thinking it was a deer or some other larger animal we had a stand off. But it wouldn't move... Oh it was a real marker!
I continued on and found the distinct markers to gz.
A great adventure, except for the log I kicked with the top of my foot!
I left a pathtag for the next brave adventurers
TFTC!

Yup, the parking waypoint is on the street, as sometimes the gate to the carpark area is locked at night.

Published

Yee Har! joint *FTF* with 'Bug-juice'. We planed our attempt just on dusk and wandered through this familiar territory. Found some of what we were looking for with the light fading. As the light got darker the tacks started to sparkle and we were gradually working our way along the tracks. Once we went bush we ended up searching for what seemed way too long until finally the rewarding triplet was spotted and the cache was in hand.

I did read the bit about 'Bring your own pen' but we looked at each other and yep, no pen. I volunteered to return to the car and get the pen. So you could say that I found this cache twice. This is a great caching playground and we often give our geohounds a run here.

SL..TFTC NationalSteel

It was just on dusk when J + J.au and we set out do do this cache
we soon found the first pin and we were making our way along the track
Led torches don't seem to work as well as halogen torches as i found out lucky we had both
This area is great for walking, with lots of tracks to explore and wildlife
by the time we had located the Gz it was dark now and then we realized no pen so J+J.au went back to the car
While sitting there in the dark waiting J+J.au decide to played prank on me by sneaking back in the dark without the torch on, scared the hell out of me

while doing this cache i wouldn't park in the parking area provided i would park on the street and walk the extra distance

Thanks for a great cache

Revisited today at night and did a walk-through with a muggle to test it out. Made some adjustments and it's good to go.

Noting trackables I had on me when placing this cache.