Sloane's Froglet Thurgoona, New South Wales, Australia
By Thewins5 on 10-Jun-19. Waypoint GC88AJM

Will try and get in before the rain sets in this week

Today the area was dry enough to get to GZ and rectify by previous failure. But, I had to dig through the bark to find the broken frog and bison. TFTC.

This is badly in need of a little TLC.

This has been on the solved pile for soooo long...saving for a special occasion...Standing out like a beacon amongst a 'nest' of smiley faces (not sure what the collective noun is for a group of found geocaches), today was the day to turn this cache into its own smiley face, so we could collect the new souvenir on offer !!!Eventually found an entry into GZ, and obeying the hint we found the rusted amphibian with its detached container, the logsheet was in great condition, although this will need some TLC before the next wet season...No amphibians today, only reptiles lurking we suspect...I still remember this puzzle, as it was devilishly clever, TFTC Thewins5

Albury TripTime for an Aussie road trip with Joolay, albida33 and FurfacesLL plus others from the Canberra puzzling team. Signed as CAI Canberra Albury Invasion). Thanks for the hide Thewins5

33,783. Found with Team CIA23 - Canberra Invasion of Albury 2023.Our caching group has been eyeing off the Albury/Wodonga area for quite some time. After many months of hard work we had solved nearly all the area's puzzles, so we set a date and headed on down. CIA23 comprised of minniek, Joolay, Kittykatch, isopeda, barb2e, FurfacesLL, Tankengine, dty73, Sol de lune, LuckyL10n, albida33, Aykayem, smittengranny and myself. For part of one day we were joined by local Cacher Happy Feet 1. What a great weekend of caching with such a fun group of people. An event on the Saturday night also helped make the trip memorable. Quick find once at GZ. Signed the log as CIA23, replaced the cache as found, then headed off to the next one on our list.Thanks Thewins5 !!

We joined in on the Canberra Albury Invasion or CAI fun this long weekend. After lots of puzzle solving and planning the time had come for a four day weekend of geocache hunting and hiking in and around the Albury/Wodonga area. We could not have picked a better weekend, we had great weather and avenged a couple of DNF's for us. Apologies for the generic log, thank you to all the cache owners for placing and maintaining the caches in this area, and for giving us a reason to come down the highway and visit this lovely area.Thanks for the hide and puzzle Thewins5

fitzy_1965 and I headed towards Albury/Wodonga last night. We camped at the Ettamogah Pub before joining the rest of our friends in Albury today.A great day was had with us picking up lots of trads, multi's and pre-solved puzzles with the day ending in an event in the heart of Albury and a nice hotel room thanks to a Red Balloon voucher. The logs were primarily signed as CIA (Canberra Invasion Albury) unless otherwise stated.

Apologising up front for the generic logs. Cannot complain about the quality and quantity here, it was a great mixture. Some are very challenging hides and some even defeated us and some of those puzzles, just glad it was more than me working on them. Looking forward to coming back.Its a perfect weekend to get out of town. Decided Albury was the place to go. Lots of lovely puzzles that we have spent time as a group working through now its time to venture down and pick up.Signing as CIA-Canberra Invasion of Albury.Thanks for getting me out and about Thewins5

Albury Invasion trip Day 2. After panning and months of puzzle solving it is finally time to head to Albury Wodonga for a long weekend visit. I was with Kitty Katch, FufacesLL and Joolay for this trip, but I also spent time with Sol de Lune and LuckyL10n due to space in cars. Logs for the weekend were signed CIA23 to save space. Today was a day of driving all up and down and across back and forth around Albury trying to visit as many of the Puzzle locations we have solved. Some were nice walks some just roadside finds, but there was a huge variety of hides and some were very challenging, even if they were in 'traditional' locations. We did fail to find a few, but I put that down to some really good hides that just plain beat us. There were a few puzzle highlights but matching the puzzle to the hide on the day was a little difficult, so I will just thank all the hider's for their hard work and providing the opportunity to spend a fun day. There are still more caches to be found so we have another day planned for tomorrow and will probably have to come back again one day.Thanks for the cache Thewins544857.46 TNLNVisited: World Traveling Gold GC A#6 & 2018 March Born To Cache A#375**Albida**

Chooo ooo [Found] with dty73 and CIA23 cachers on a quick Albury invasion! Thanks Thewins5!

Huge thanks to Isopeda for her finding of this cache. Day 2 of our Canberra (plus 3) Invasion of Albury. It was a beautiful sunny day as we set out in search of presolved caches. Thanks to all the COs for placing and maintaining these caches that enticed us down here. Cache found and log signed as CIA or CAI.

Day 2 of our Albury Trip.For the last few weeks a group of us sat together and solved lots of puzzles for this weekend.Today, SmittenGranny, barb2e, Kittykatch, albida33, FurfacesLL, Joolay, Sol de Lune, LuckyL1On, MinnieK, Fitzy_65, Tankengine, DTY73, Aykayem and me went around Albury and found puzzles, multies, trads, ALs and a virtual etc.To save log space we are signing as CIA (aka Canberra invasion of Albury).The puzzles were all quite interesting, the hides sometimes hard. Sorry for the generic logs. Caching in the group makes logging hard.Thankfully this was dry enough to not get wet. Very cute cache. Worth a FP. Mozzies were a bit vicious though. TFTC

Day 2 of the Canberra invasion weekend of Albury. Being ex an Canberran, I headed up to join in the fun of the weekend with LuckyL10n, Albida33, fitzy_1965, minniek, tankengine, dty73, Joolay, KittyKatch, Smittengranny, Isopeda, Barbe2e and FFLL. Today we started to the north of Albury and headed towards the CBD, grabbing caches on both sides of the freeway as we went. Lots of pre solved puzzles, along with a number of traditionals, were found during the day. Unfortunately we had a few DNF's as well.Thanks to all the CO's for the caches...and the fun we had over the weekend. Logs were signed CIA (Canberra Invasion Albury)...

Day 2 of our Canberra trip to Albury and a few extras in our group today. Signing as CIA for Canberra Invasion of Albury. Tftc

#18930; Day 2 of the Canberra Invasion of Albury 2023 weekend, which had been preceded by much head scratching and puzzle solving to prepare. Our merry band comprised of Sol de lune, albida33, Smittengranny, Kittykatch, Joolay, FurfacesLL, Barb2e and isopeda, along with yours truly, were joined by dty, tankengine, aykayem, minniek and fitzy_65 for a day of action today. Started the day to the north of town and then worked our way south, east and west as we gathered caches. Some finds were difficult as were some of the puzzles and some were easier. Some we didn't find at all! All up 103 finds, one event at the end of the day and nine DNFs for me today. Logs were again signed CIA23. Most of the caches we found were in good order. Apologies for the generic logs, but by the end of the day, like the body, the mind was slowing down as well! Thanks to all of the cache owners for helping make a great weekend for our Canberra caching fraternity. TFTC Thewins5

Not today. Not without wading through 60 metres of water.

We solved this good puzzle years ago to find on our 2020 holiday down here… which never happened due to lockdowns.
Fast forward to today… we are slowly making our way to Rutherglen and came by here today, determined to find this one and turn it into a smiley.
Finding our way around the swamp was a bit of a challenge but we did it. Didn’t even get our feet wet.
Gee, it’s been a long time between visitors but the cache guardian, cache and log are all still in pretty good condition. Love the little guardian.

Thank you.

Chik chik chik - not time of day to hear chik chik. Definitely not a find for winter or people anxious about joe blakes! Initially I wondered if I had the right coordinates but then of course chik chik In Albury for a night wander so just a few caches before the fun begins! TFTC AND the fun!

A nice easy puzzle worked out ages ago.
Luckily we skillfully avoided the swamp.
We managed to easily find the cache, sadly it’s friend is now an amputee! Though it gave us a smile.
TFTC and onwards, so much to do today and so little time!

Accio 14:51:43
After squibbing out on wading/swimming here a few months ago, I am back in town and this was high on my todo list. I loved the puzzle, and I love the little amphibians - I heard them in full chorus last time ... in today's afternoon summer heat they were all quiet. Sleeping or on holidays (possibly still trying to get a border pass). Despite the dryness, there is still water in this area, and that made working out an approach through head high grass .... interesting. I picked my way around a very circuitous route, but ever closer and closer to what I early on figured would be the target GZ. It was, and once I made the last few metres I spotted my little fellow, said hello and sorted out my name in his logbook. Such a cutie. A FP for all parts of this adventure, thankyou.

Thanks Thewins5 for entertaining me at this location.
*{Overall find #10237}*

Having solved the puzzle last Sunday night over some whisky, calamari and chips I was keen to collect this smilie before I left town from this visit. Arrived at the GZ area and the place is absolutely deafening with the chicks and croaks - all the recent rain is very welcome to some.
But not this black duck. At least not with knowing no washing days between now and my flight home. I shall have to return in the dry.

Found. I had looked at this puzzle many times since it came out but wasn't getting anywhere with this easy puzzle. I asked my puzzle solving friends to have a look the other day, and someone immediately spotted the easy way to the solution, I had been overcomplicating things again. Today on a trip to Albury I had a calendar day to fill and decided this one would do the job. I'm not sure if I took the easiest way in, but it was the closest to a road. I'm glad I took my hiking pole, the grass was long and the ground uneven and even a little soft feeling underfoot, though mostly dry. I followed an animal track that was going in roughly the right direction for a while, it was the easiest way through the long grass and undergrowth. I got to GZ and couldn't spot anything straight away, circled the tree and poked about a bit then concentrated on the only spot that looked really like a place for a hide. Moved some cover and couldn't see anything, then poked with my stick and just saw something hopeful. I had to excavate the hide, it looks like it was preparing to hibernate for the winter and had buried itself in the mud, which had then dried and set hard. It took a while to clear enough of the dirt away to lift the cache out, and all the while I had ants crawling up my legs and mosquitoes attacking me. I signed as quickly as I could then replaced the cache and cover and got out of there, swatting at mosquitoes and brushing off ants for quite a while afterwards. I can see this would be an area that is more difficult to access after rain and was glad it was relatively dry today, but I expect the frogs would appreciate a bit more water in the area. TFTC

Invited to Albury for a day of caching by Roostaman,and to add to a great day out - we met up with Rebel Acts. It started out with cool weather, and didn't get much warmer but the caching went on. Thanks to all the CO's for making this an eventful trip.
Some logs signed at RATDR - which represents all three teams - to save space on the log.

Many thanks for placing this cache, Thewins5, for us and others to find.

Found on a trip to catch up with My caching mates the Roostaman and the Drovers, we had a great day caching even though it was a little chilly today, not to much trouble on finding this one, was good to tick another solved puzzle off the list.

Thanks to Thewins5 for the cache.

Found on a fine Winter day for another drive to escape COVID-19.
A fun trip to Albury for the day with The Drovers and Rebel Acts.
Some good safe hides and a few tricky hides too.
This was not in its place, but we found it 2m away and returned it where it should be safe.
Cache condition is OK/good.
Thanks for the cache Thewins5,
***Roostaman***

How disappointing to see the absolutely parched wet-lands!! Will the wildlife survive? Nice puzzle. Great hide. SL TFTC

Excellent cache in all respects.
When it was first posted we had a look at it but couldn't really make much of it to solve and so put it aside.
On having another look at it on the laptop things did appear to look as they were designed to be, however it still proved to be elusive.
Through that process something did come to light, and on further scrutiny some numbers came to fruition.
The logs of previous finders suggested that wading gear might be needed, so we waited until it was a bit drier. We ventured out but it was a bit damp the first time.
This evening we came prepared, and in thongs we strolled out and after some moisture we were able to reach the cache.
SL at 6.15pm. We could hear plenty of "chatter" out here tonight. This location is a hidden gem and really quite amazing. We hope the population out here is sustained well into the future.
Nice cache too! Well done.
A favourite from us as it had everything we like in a puzzle. TFTC Thewins5.

After seeing the name of this cache we knew we had to work this one out. We are part of the Sloane's champions group through FrogID so always out recording their call. We are also part of Woolshed Thurgoona Landcare group and recently attended a workshop with Dave and fortunate to go out with him the other night looking for Sloane's and other frogs.

The puzzle had us looking at the obvious at first but no luck. We were just staring at the puzzle when it came to us. We were going to come out last Saturday but it wasn't a nice day. Today was perfect so we decided to come late afternoon so we could grab the cache and get some recordings for FrogID.

We didn't realise this amazing spot existed. Hopefully it will remain. We made our way around to GZ and were amazed how much water there was. We arrived at GZ and found the great themed cache. The log was signed and we started exploring the area getting some great recordings of the Sloane's.

Thanks for bringing us to this great spot that we didn't know existed. We knew about the end of the runway. We will be back. We are enjoying your great informative caches.

We bravely ventured out in the rain at night and listened to all the frog songs as we weaved our way through to find this appropriately themed cache, well done.

Did some travelling last week with MrsVault101, including her first GC adventures! Was explaining my fav hide types, themes and so forth (thus far, with my own limited experience!) as well as those I completely scratch my head about.
Had seen this one but no idea where to go with the clues.
MrsVault101 was also miffed but determined to figure it out. And that gave me the push to keep going. I tried some more on this dreary day and finally I had co-ords to earn a tick from the checker.

Headed out approaching dusk in slightly less than miserable conditions. I had no idea there was a gilgai here. Had no idea it was crown land. Had no idea Sloane's Froglets were here (though might have been able to guess that, based on other locations I know them to be, if I also had the aforementioned new knowledge!).
Easy find at GZ. There were frogs (froglets??) calling, but the roar of the wind made recording impossible. Would love to add a record to the FrogID app from this new-to-me spot! Will return and explore some more when it's not blowing a gale.

Thanks Thewins5, I love that it's all about Sloane's Froglets and am relieved to have that puzzle sorted!

Had finally sat down for a serious look at this puzzle on Sunday night..the obvious was soon ruled out, and finally managed to see something that didnt quite look right. Didnt take long to get the checker to agree..
My plan was to go for ftf after work Monday but was a couple of hours to late..decided to take geochild #2 for a wander after work today to fill a hole in the calander.
Plenty of water laying around, and plenty of frogs calling..
Enjoyed the puzzle and thankyou for the informative cache page.

***FTF*** gone at 3:31pm.
Being part of the local Sloane's Champions FrogID group we thought it was very appropriate to have a crack at FTF. Very surprised it hadn't been snapped up over the weekend. Didn't get a chance to look at the puzzle til the kids were in bed last night. Didn't take too long to solve once I ruled out the obvious. Hubby was going to grab today but decided to go with our champion frogger after school. Quick find at gz. Plenty of frogs calling too. Didn't realise this gilgai was tucked away in here. Thanks for another great puzzle and hide Thewins5. Fav from us. Pic taken 12 months ago when we went froggin for Sloane's with a team of Champions! Looking forward to recording some calls here this season. We are very lucky to have these tiny threatened species living soo close by

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