Toolona Circuit Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
By
stairman1 on 21-Mar-20. Waypoint GC8N3MN
Cache Details
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By visiting the external cache listing you are leaving the Geocaching Australia website.
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Please click here to view the caches listing.
If you wish to log this cache, you will need to log it on the external site.
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ZONE CAUTION:
This cache is in an area marked as a warning area.
Zone Name: Lamington National Park (Click here for zone Details)
This may mean the cache is placed in an area where geocaching is not allowed by the land manager.
Please review the details for this zone and act accordingly.
If it is in a geocaching banned area please consider whether you wish to seek this cache.
Please note that any cache you seek is your legal responsibility.
It may also mean that this cache resides near the zone boundary, but is showing as within the zone boundary due to the resolution of our data. If this is the case, then please disregard this warning
This cache is in an area marked as a warning area.
Zone Name: Lamington National Park (Click here for zone Details)
This may mean the cache is placed in an area where geocaching is not allowed by the land manager.
Please review the details for this zone and act accordingly.
If it is in a geocaching banned area please consider whether you wish to seek this cache.
Please note that any cache you seek is your legal responsibility.
It may also mean that this cache resides near the zone boundary, but is showing as within the zone boundary due to the resolution of our data. If this is the case, then please disregard this warning
Logs
I came here about 18 months ago but we had one number wrong. So today Im finally up here to sign the log. I AM GURTHE SKITZ CACHER
I have replaced the cache, about 3 metres from gz. Gz now seems to be buried. At GZ turn around and match my spoiler photos. GZ is close by.
Completed the hike, which was fab. But the coords had me searching through a little bit of bush and that was too much for right before a flight.
We battled through rain and leeches to complete this circuit and collect the information a few days ago. Great fun and will definitely be back to Lamington in better weather to do more tracks and caches. Realised once we had finished and reading some previous logs that I likely had the wrong value for one of the waypoints. I managed to find what I messed up online while waiting for CO to reply to me and once they did it turns out I had a second value also wrong. Thanks to CO for the assistance we appreciate it. I'll blame the rain.With GZ confirmed we made our way but found that it might be missing due to some work being done in the area. Logging with CO approval before they confirm GZ. Tftc. Favourite.
A group of us searched for this one and didn’t find it. In fairness it was dark and raining but the hint is very generous. Maybe the loss of blood from large volumes of leeches affected our minds haha. I visited O’Reillys today just for a couple of hours as I was in the area. Nice and dry today and container easily found. All in good order.
I’ve completed Toolona Circuit many times but never like on the day I hit the trail with karicka, Davinells, Beardman75, GurTheWanderer and Davidwazza. Some of the deep fast flowing creeks (formally known as trickles) required ropes to get through. And the leeches! Let’s just say we all know each other on a more personal level after that day in a wet rainforest haha. On drier days I’ve managed to see the blue lamington crayfish and zero leeches. I’m keen to walk this circuit again now to see it in a much calmer environment with fresh memories of that day. Thanks for the cache
I’ve completed Toolona Circuit many times but never like on the day I hit the trail with karicka, Davinells, Beardman75, GurTheWanderer and Davidwazza. Some of the deep fast flowing creeks (formally known as trickles) required ropes to get through. And the leeches! Let’s just say we all know each other on a more personal level after that day in a wet rainforest haha. On drier days I’ve managed to see the blue lamington crayfish and zero leeches. I’m keen to walk this circuit again now to see it in a much calmer environment with fresh memories of that day. Thanks for the cache
Came back today for a second look at the final.
The miserable reason that we had on our first attempt had turned into a glorious winters day.
All good at G Z this time
Thank you for hiding this geocache stairman1, without hiders the game wouldn't exist
The miserable reason that we had on our first attempt had turned into a glorious winters day.
All good at G Z this time
Thank you for hiding this geocache stairman1, without hiders the game wouldn't exist
Today, I joined Beardman75, Davinells, and karicka on a hike in Lamington National Park. Our plan was Albert River circuit to align with a newly published multi-cache, but it was a good opportunity to take the walk following all of the recent rain on a great temperature day. The waterfalls were splendid, and the creek crossings were able to be safely crossed without getting wet. Following the hike and on my way home, I took a quick stop at Toohey Forest to convert over a couple of previous DNFs.
How did we miss this cache a month ago?! I think the CO would want to know also! Perhaps if I had been sure that the CO did visit here when they walked with Herbz, or the light wasn't fading during our search, or that it wasn't drizzling once again after changing into dry clothes, we may have found it, but for whatever reason, we missed it. So with the CO checking on this cache once again, we made a stop, and this afternoon, we made a quick find. Even more funny was where the SPOR was noted was exactly where I was searching last time... surely that cache wasn't there before?! Haha, maybe it was just a little buried or something. Anyway, the cache container and logbook were in good shape. Thanks stairman1 for the cache placement and ongoing maintenance. It was also nice to have found this cache with 641 days [21.1 months / 1.75 years] of unfound love since its last find on 22/09/2020.
A Favourite Point from me - refer to my [22/05/2022 DNF log](https://coord.info/GL17GJK2G) for the full story of how our walk went.
How did we miss this cache a month ago?! I think the CO would want to know also! Perhaps if I had been sure that the CO did visit here when they walked with Herbz, or the light wasn't fading during our search, or that it wasn't drizzling once again after changing into dry clothes, we may have found it, but for whatever reason, we missed it. So with the CO checking on this cache once again, we made a stop, and this afternoon, we made a quick find. Even more funny was where the SPOR was noted was exactly where I was searching last time... surely that cache wasn't there before?! Haha, maybe it was just a little buried or something. Anyway, the cache container and logbook were in good shape. Thanks stairman1 for the cache placement and ongoing maintenance. It was also nice to have found this cache with 641 days [21.1 months / 1.75 years] of unfound love since its last find on 22/09/2020.
A Favourite Point from me - refer to my [22/05/2022 DNF log](https://coord.info/GL17GJK2G) for the full story of how our walk went.
I completed Toolona circuit a few weeks ago with Beardman75, Davidwazza, karicka, GurTheWanderer and wayn0.
It was raining the entire walk and the creeks were so swollen the crossings were knee-thigh deep. But that meant the waterfalls were amazing to see.
The rope had to come out a few times to help us withstand the strong current from the falls.
We obtained all the required information and completed another multi before coming to find this one. By the time we got to GZ it was dark and we were wet and tired from a really big day so our caching senses weren’t really up to it and we failed to locate the container.
In stark contrast the day today was perfect hiking weather with not a cloud in the sky. We completed the Albert River circuit and then in the way out stopped in here and had no trouble making the find.
This was a great multi in a beautiful area, would definitely come and do the circuit again. Easily gets a FP, tftc stairman1
It was raining the entire walk and the creeks were so swollen the crossings were knee-thigh deep. But that meant the waterfalls were amazing to see.
The rope had to come out a few times to help us withstand the strong current from the falls.
We obtained all the required information and completed another multi before coming to find this one. By the time we got to GZ it was dark and we were wet and tired from a really big day so our caching senses weren’t really up to it and we failed to locate the container.
In stark contrast the day today was perfect hiking weather with not a cloud in the sky. We completed the Albert River circuit and then in the way out stopped in here and had no trouble making the find.
This was a great multi in a beautiful area, would definitely come and do the circuit again. Easily gets a FP, tftc stairman1
Can confirm the cache is still very much in place. Just remove the 3 little rocks and it will be there. It was still there but a little covered with dirt after not being found for so long.
See attached photo for the contrast between the same falls when I did this cache on 16/5/2020 and yesterday. The volume of water along the entire walk was quite extraordinary.
Today, a plan was arranged by karicka for a hike, but park closures required a change in plan to Lamington National Park. A hidden and lost waterfall was the target and excuse to visit today. I joined Beardman75, Davinells, GurTheWanderer, karicka, and wayn0 on today's expedition. It was a full day walking around the Green Mountains section, and we returned back to grab a drink and hot chips at the restaurant. The weather had been miserable, with a constant rain drizzle the whole day, and constant checking of leeches. We then returned back to Brisbane via a Duck Creek Road detour and a couple of multi-cache finals along the way.
In terms of our hike, we departed from O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat at 08:00 hr, then took the Toolana Creek circuit (via Box Forest circuit) along the Border Track to [Forgotten Falls](https://coord.info/GC9TR63), and then returned back along the Border Track at around 16:30 hr. I can't be sure of the exact distance as my watch stopped tracking for a few kilometres returning back along the Border Track, but my [Strava Activity](https://www.strava.com/activities/7283362040) noted 26.9 km, so it was probably around the 29-30 km range. Unfortunately, the rain wreaked havoc on others' phones and tracking devices today.
Our trip around the Toolana Creek circuit had us cross several creeks, and we started out attempting to stay dry and using ropes, but the constant river crossings meant it was always a futile exercise, and we all accepted the inevitability of our shoes and socks getting wet, so we just marched through each time. At least it meant it was probably safer than trying to jump and step along slippery rocks. One highlight of all of the rain and high rivers was the phenomenal waterfalls, making them highly photogenic. During one of our creek crossings, we spotted a blue yabbie, i.e. Lamington spiny cray, and that was pretty cool. Unfortunately, there were plenty of leeches that made their presence known whenever we stopped, including a rather scary incident on of our party's eyes. All in all, today's hike was an adventure that I won't forget anytime soon.
I previously started this multi-cache on 14/08/2021 when I walked the Border Track solo from Binna Burra to O'Reilly's. On that day, I had visited Waypoint 7-11, and so I had left the main creeks/waterfalls section for another day (of which today turned out to be that). Interestingly enough, and perhaps thankful to Beardman75, I had collected the wrong answer for Waypoint 11. I've still yet to check my photo of that plaque to verify that myself, but my initial calculated coordinates were then nudged/updated by Beardman75, who had previously walked and found this cache.
It was a real shame and disappointment to have walked this circuit and yet come away with a DNF, as the majority of today's effort was on walking through the creeks and rivers. However, I know that this cache will be waiting for me again when next in the area. With the previous DNF, poor light conditions and wet vegetation, we must have just missed this cache, as the CO mentioned later that they had checked on this container when they were in the area a few months before. Thanks anyway stairman1 for the cache placement.
In terms of our hike, we departed from O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat at 08:00 hr, then took the Toolana Creek circuit (via Box Forest circuit) along the Border Track to [Forgotten Falls](https://coord.info/GC9TR63), and then returned back along the Border Track at around 16:30 hr. I can't be sure of the exact distance as my watch stopped tracking for a few kilometres returning back along the Border Track, but my [Strava Activity](https://www.strava.com/activities/7283362040) noted 26.9 km, so it was probably around the 29-30 km range. Unfortunately, the rain wreaked havoc on others' phones and tracking devices today.
Our trip around the Toolana Creek circuit had us cross several creeks, and we started out attempting to stay dry and using ropes, but the constant river crossings meant it was always a futile exercise, and we all accepted the inevitability of our shoes and socks getting wet, so we just marched through each time. At least it meant it was probably safer than trying to jump and step along slippery rocks. One highlight of all of the rain and high rivers was the phenomenal waterfalls, making them highly photogenic. During one of our creek crossings, we spotted a blue yabbie, i.e. Lamington spiny cray, and that was pretty cool. Unfortunately, there were plenty of leeches that made their presence known whenever we stopped, including a rather scary incident on of our party's eyes. All in all, today's hike was an adventure that I won't forget anytime soon.
I previously started this multi-cache on 14/08/2021 when I walked the Border Track solo from Binna Burra to O'Reilly's. On that day, I had visited Waypoint 7-11, and so I had left the main creeks/waterfalls section for another day (of which today turned out to be that). Interestingly enough, and perhaps thankful to Beardman75, I had collected the wrong answer for Waypoint 11. I've still yet to check my photo of that plaque to verify that myself, but my initial calculated coordinates were then nudged/updated by Beardman75, who had previously walked and found this cache.
It was a real shame and disappointment to have walked this circuit and yet come away with a DNF, as the majority of today's effort was on walking through the creeks and rivers. However, I know that this cache will be waiting for me again when next in the area. With the previous DNF, poor light conditions and wet vegetation, we must have just missed this cache, as the CO mentioned later that they had checked on this container when they were in the area a few months before. Thanks anyway stairman1 for the cache placement.
I was disappointed to miss out on this one, having been tripped up right at the final step. Myself and K_T_B had walked the Albert River track the previous day, stayed the night at Echo Point, then walked up Worendo before doubling back along the border track and doing the Tooloona Circuit. As I went I had been carefully taking notes at each of the waypoints until I came to the very last one, which I kind of wish I'd done first since I walked by it yesterday afternoon first up. Of all the numbers listed for Adams exploits, the number I required was the only one that had been scratched out making it impossible to decipher. I took down two possibilities to check later, the first I found nothing at, the second would have had me on private property.
Oh well, it wasn't to be for me today, as Ned Kelly said, such is life, but I guess I should report that as the cache listing is it needs rejigging for that clue to remove any ambiguity and guesswork.
Cheers for the fun regardless stairman1, wonderful part of the world and I don't regret the walk.
Oh well, it wasn't to be for me today, as Ned Kelly said, such is life, but I guess I should report that as the cache listing is it needs rejigging for that clue to remove any ambiguity and guesswork.
Cheers for the fun regardless stairman1, wonderful part of the world and I don't regret the walk.
Found this cache this afternoon after doing a three day hike around Lamington NP. We walked along the Albert River Circuit to Echo Point to camp the night. Then we walked along to the Toolona Creek Circuit to Bathongabel where we camped for the 2nd night. Then we walked back out along the rest of the Taloona Creek Circuit today. It was such an incredible walk. To see those stunning antarctic beech trees, the magnificent brush box trees, the biggest strangler figs I have ever seen in my life, majestic waterfalls, lookouts with views to the end of the world is just wonderful. We walked about 40 kms over the 3 days which isn't bad going as we had chikinlittler, chikinlittle and Lil with us. The weather was rather perfect. Only a few leeches (found still walking around not attached!) and two ticks. Well that is all we have found so far! Thanks for making this journey even greater by giving us wonderful places to stop and and numbers to gather along the way. We had no troubles with any of the waypoints until we got to the last one number two. We couldn't see any dates for Adam with 2019 on it. We only found two dates from 2012. The number was hard to read but the guess we took ensured we ended up where we needed to be to quickly find the cache, so thankfully we guessed correctly. A wonderful cache and highly recommend it to everyone to do. The Taloona Circuit is such a spectacular walk and quite and easy on trail one. Thanks Stairman1 for this cache.
###MILESTONE CACHE \#8000###
This actually wasn't the original planned milestone cache, but was planned to be on the trail for this weekend. But plans change, weather changes plans, and the goal was reset - this cache looked interesting from the description ... but wow, the description falls short. This is hands down one of the most enjoyable creek treks I've done. And part of a great group of mates with oz_bean_counter, Slow Puncture and Ruzzelz along to make sure I don't get lost (or stop laughing long enough to breathe for a moment), plus a blue Crayfish to say hello to. And the gorgeous ancient trees. And the views. And did I mention the little and not so little waterfalls? wow.
The weekend got started with a usual early start, plus coffee, a couple of little stops driving up the hill and arrived at the carpark and our group assemble and we headed out along the clockwise track. Ticked off the waypoints as we traveled, marvelling at the gorgeous creek with every new view of it, new waterfall more amazing than the previous. And it just kept getting better. The posted coords, Toolona Falls themselves, is the most spectacular, but they are all amazing.
We emerged onto the Border Track at the top, had a lunch break and then continued along the circuit collecting more clues. A small hiccup at waypoint 10 (it's actually a bit further along - you can't miss it, but look for it at S28 15.729 E153 10.209), and a bit of confusion about what is meant by a Naturalist now versus 102 years ago. And our trek's diverged.
obc and I arrived at GZ a day later, very wet and somewhat bedraggled after surviving a thunderstorm overnight - but thankfully the actual final hide was straightforward even I could find it - and let the celebrations begin (whiskey in front of a fire that evening - under cover - celebrating in style).
A FP of course for all this cache is for itself an excellent walk (a bit under 20kms without the side trip), the greatness of the creek and the trees and the views and the friends and the ... well everything.
Thanks stairman1 for entertaining me at this location.
*{Overall find #8000}*
This actually wasn't the original planned milestone cache, but was planned to be on the trail for this weekend. But plans change, weather changes plans, and the goal was reset - this cache looked interesting from the description ... but wow, the description falls short. This is hands down one of the most enjoyable creek treks I've done. And part of a great group of mates with oz_bean_counter, Slow Puncture and Ruzzelz along to make sure I don't get lost (or stop laughing long enough to breathe for a moment), plus a blue Crayfish to say hello to. And the gorgeous ancient trees. And the views. And did I mention the little and not so little waterfalls? wow.
The weekend got started with a usual early start, plus coffee, a couple of little stops driving up the hill and arrived at the carpark and our group assemble and we headed out along the clockwise track. Ticked off the waypoints as we traveled, marvelling at the gorgeous creek with every new view of it, new waterfall more amazing than the previous. And it just kept getting better. The posted coords, Toolona Falls themselves, is the most spectacular, but they are all amazing.
We emerged onto the Border Track at the top, had a lunch break and then continued along the circuit collecting more clues. A small hiccup at waypoint 10 (it's actually a bit further along - you can't miss it, but look for it at S28 15.729 E153 10.209), and a bit of confusion about what is meant by a Naturalist now versus 102 years ago. And our trek's diverged.
obc and I arrived at GZ a day later, very wet and somewhat bedraggled after surviving a thunderstorm overnight - but thankfully the actual final hide was straightforward even I could find it - and let the celebrations begin (whiskey in front of a fire that evening - under cover - celebrating in style).
A FP of course for all this cache is for itself an excellent walk (a bit under 20kms without the side trip), the greatness of the creek and the trees and the views and the friends and the ... well everything.
Thanks stairman1 for entertaining me at this location.
*{Overall find #8000}* Ahh well, this was one of the amazing 30+ caches found over a three day epic caching adventure. This adventure featured some of my favourite caching people: Prime, ruzzelz, slow puncture, and the Herbz. We were planning to hike for 3 days / 2 nights from O'Rielly's, but a storm changed that plan. Somehow, the weekend went better than we could have planned anyway
The weekend adventure ended up including Toolona Circuit and Echo Point, Canungra, Mt Tamborine, Beechmont, views of Mt Warning, and a number of other amazing places. What an amazing corner of the world.
This was a great cache. I have seen many a waterfall, but this was truly something special. The walk was one of the most amazing I've done in my life. Seeing the massive antarctic beech trees was breathtaking and so prehistoric - I was waiting for a dinosaur to emerge at any moment :p.
This is a very very worthwhile cache and should be on the wishlist for anyone with sufficient time and fitness. TFTC and TB visit.
And a FP, because if this cache doesn't deserve one, then no cache ever will.
The weekend adventure ended up including Toolona Circuit and Echo Point, Canungra, Mt Tamborine, Beechmont, views of Mt Warning, and a number of other amazing places. What an amazing corner of the world.
This was a great cache. I have seen many a waterfall, but this was truly something special. The walk was one of the most amazing I've done in my life. Seeing the massive antarctic beech trees was breathtaking and so prehistoric - I was waiting for a dinosaur to emerge at any moment :p.
This is a very very worthwhile cache and should be on the wishlist for anyone with sufficient time and fitness. TFTC and TB visit.
And a FP, because if this cache doesn't deserve one, then no cache ever will.
Out for a little walk down a hill, along a creek, up over a mountain and back to a resort. What more could one ask for.
Well maybe this walk, absolutely brilliant bushland, gorgeous views down to the creek all the way, stunning waterfalls along the way and panoramic views across into NSW along the Border Range escarpment.
But wait there is more all this in the company of some great friends Prime, , slow puncture and OBC. What more could one ask for.
One of the best bang for buck walk around
Well maybe this walk, absolutely brilliant bushland, gorgeous views down to the creek all the way, stunning waterfalls along the way and panoramic views across into NSW along the Border Range escarpment.
But wait there is more all this in the company of some great friends Prime, , slow puncture and OBC. What more could one ask for.
One of the best bang for buck walk around
5470
Friday. Wow! What an amazing circuit to do. I came prepared with way too much water - so many places to collect water along the way here. Initially we’d started off with a plan to camp overnight at Rat a Tat and then collect some more caches, but with the possibility of storms growing by the day on the weather site, myself Ruzzelz and the Herbz decided that the storm warning was a bit much, along with soaking rain and winds. Not so for the intrepid team of OBC and PPrime! They continued on with their camping plans.
I have previously done bits of this track way back when, but some of it had been cut off from previous tree falls resulting from storms. This has to be one of the loveliest walks I’ve ever done. With little terrain gain/loss and lots of creek crossings, not to mention the view!
Because it was relatively cool, I only ended up drinking about half a litre of water, and had to have some from the running creek. Most gorgeous creek due to recent rains. The path was a bit muddy in places but not slippery at all, even when crossing the creeks. The only time it was muddy was, strangely enough, coming to the end of the walk when it didn’t matter because you can’t really fall here as the path is extremely well defined the whole way and well sign posted. So all in all, I’d give the walk an 11/10. We gathered all the needed info (had trouble with WP 10 I believe but we just followed the path and soon had the spot we needed). After the walk, we stopped to collect an old cache for me and then drove down the windy road. Got to GZ and read the hint.
We looked and looked (but as the light of day was fading quickly by now, we just didn’t find it until I got right down low as I could go. Aha! Thank goodness. I didn’t realise this was a fairly new cache and that we were only about the third group of people to find this one. We were only a small group of two by this stage, but we weren’t leaving till we got this one. Good looking cache container that will stand the test of time. Fantastic cache idea, walk and placement - for this I have to award a FP!
. I picked up the TB that was in there as well. I expect that PPrime and OBC will be along tomorrow to sign their names in this one also! 
This was the 2nd of 3 caches found on this outing.
Thanks ***stairman1*** for showing us this place
Friday. Wow! What an amazing circuit to do. I came prepared with way too much water - so many places to collect water along the way here. Initially we’d started off with a plan to camp overnight at Rat a Tat and then collect some more caches, but with the possibility of storms growing by the day on the weather site, myself Ruzzelz and the Herbz decided that the storm warning was a bit much, along with soaking rain and winds. Not so for the intrepid team of OBC and PPrime! They continued on with their camping plans.
I have previously done bits of this track way back when, but some of it had been cut off from previous tree falls resulting from storms. This has to be one of the loveliest walks I’ve ever done. With little terrain gain/loss and lots of creek crossings, not to mention the view! Because it was relatively cool, I only ended up drinking about half a litre of water, and had to have some from the running creek. Most gorgeous creek due to recent rains. The path was a bit muddy in places but not slippery at all, even when crossing the creeks. The only time it was muddy was, strangely enough, coming to the end of the walk when it didn’t matter because you can’t really fall here as the path is extremely well defined the whole way and well sign posted. So all in all, I’d give the walk an 11/10. We gathered all the needed info (had trouble with WP 10 I believe but we just followed the path and soon had the spot we needed). After the walk, we stopped to collect an old cache for me and then drove down the windy road. Got to GZ and read the hint.
We looked and looked (but as the light of day was fading quickly by now, we just didn’t find it until I got right down low as I could go. Aha! Thank goodness. I didn’t realise this was a fairly new cache and that we were only about the third group of people to find this one. We were only a small group of two by this stage, but we weren’t leaving till we got this one. Good looking cache container that will stand the test of time. Fantastic cache idea, walk and placement - for this I have to award a FP!
. I picked up the TB that was in there as well. I expect that PPrime and OBC will be along tomorrow to sign their names in this one also! This was the 2nd of 3 caches found on this outing.
Thanks ***stairman1*** for showing us this place
#4959 [12:37] {FTF} in a group of approx. 10 geo-hungry cachers. first day of allowed travels, this adventurous cache in beautiful area was the best choice first i didn't believe others really mean it to depart before 4AM, but okay, FTF is FTF... what a clever idea - we wouldn't really make it otherwise!
well, there is nothing much to describe about the trip itself - it was standard great and beautifull trip although weather was a bit misty, views were just theoretical. but it really doesn't matter. what counts is perfect day in nature with friends and FTFs thanks for a reason, ciao!
first i didn't believe others really mean it to depart before 4AM, but okay, FTF is FTF... what a clever idea - we wouldn't really make it otherwise!well, there is nothing much to describe about the trip itself - it was standard great and beautifull trip although weather was a bit misty, views were just theoretical. but it really doesn't matter. what counts is perfect day in nature with friends and FTFs
thanks for a reason, ciao!As of yesterday Queensland was allowed to travel up to 150km and have 10 people in a group in public. Woohoo that means hiking is back on! So off we went to do the Toolona Circuit at O’Reilly’s. It was such a beautiful walk with so many waterfalls. It rates as one of my favourite walks so I highly recommend it. We walked 23kms over 7 hours. Today it got a bit cold and we had some slight rain which made the lookouts not have a good view. There wasn’t many other people on our trail but there was lots of people at O’Reilly’s. Such a great multi. TFTC!
As part of my work I've been studiously monitoring various government announcements to keep myself up to date - more for the financial side of things than anything else - and it was an unexpected surprise to find that the travel restrictions had been lifted to a 150km radius.
Within seconds I was straight on the Bro-Phone asking if anyone was keen to join me for a walk with our new found freedom. At that stage we didn't have a destination in mind, but after the lockdown, anywhere would be welcome, particularly with my physique starting to resemble someone who had hidden their entire Covid toilet paper hoard down the front of their shirt.
A few days later I was perusing my map for potential caches to visit when the ideal candidate popped up - a good long walk on graded tracks but with no steep uphill climbing required (lest my severe deterioration in fitness leave me gasping for air at the side of the track), with the added bonus of a possible **FTF**.
Knowing that, even on a good day, O'Reilly's can be busier than the hand sanitiser aisle at Woolworths after a new delivery, we planned to arrive early to avoid the crowds that would surely flock here with the restrictions now eased. A 3.30am alarm and 4am departure saw us milling around the car park by 6am. Out of practice, it took us a while to get organised and finally we were off, managing to maintain our social distancing for the first 10 or so steps
.
Some overnight rain had left the track a little muddy and slippery in places but ensured that the creeks and waterfalls were flowing the best I have seen them in my many visits to the area. The only downside was the complete whiteout at the escarpment, with thick cloud shrouding any view. It was here we met up with Mr & Mrs Herbz who accompanied us on the rest of the circuit.
I could not have asked for a better cache to visit as my first decent hike after the Covid-19 lock down. TFCT
Within seconds I was straight on the Bro-Phone asking if anyone was keen to join me for a walk with our new found freedom. At that stage we didn't have a destination in mind, but after the lockdown, anywhere would be welcome, particularly with my physique starting to resemble someone who had hidden their entire Covid toilet paper hoard down the front of their shirt.
A few days later I was perusing my map for potential caches to visit when the ideal candidate popped up - a good long walk on graded tracks but with no steep uphill climbing required (lest my severe deterioration in fitness leave me gasping for air at the side of the track), with the added bonus of a possible **FTF**.
Knowing that, even on a good day, O'Reilly's can be busier than the hand sanitiser aisle at Woolworths after a new delivery, we planned to arrive early to avoid the crowds that would surely flock here with the restrictions now eased. A 3.30am alarm and 4am departure saw us milling around the car park by 6am. Out of practice, it took us a while to get organised and finally we were off, managing to maintain our social distancing for the first 10 or so steps
.Some overnight rain had left the track a little muddy and slippery in places but ensured that the creeks and waterfalls were flowing the best I have seen them in my many visits to the area. The only downside was the complete whiteout at the escarpment, with thick cloud shrouding any view. It was here we met up with Mr & Mrs Herbz who accompanied us on the rest of the circuit.
I could not have asked for a better cache to visit as my first decent hike after the Covid-19 lock down. TFCT
What an awesome walk, I wont repeat what everyone else said, it was a cold day but the company was great, and even better doing it with 2 of my tough mothers, tftc we thoroughly enjoyed this walk, we did eventually find the correct numbers to retrieve the cache.
*FTF* with many, many others.
By kind invitation from the Magic Shroom I was on a team of cachers who had avoided covid fever but had all contracted something similar to cabin fever. We all awoke to enjoy the flatulent sparrows and burst out of the gates at the trail-head at about 6:30. Turns out that we weren't the only people who had thought to head out early and even in the early dawn we exchanged cheery greeting with many other rabid walkers.
The rain-forest was in spectacular form. Much recovered after the intense dry summer. Bird song was a constant companion and Walandor managed to find many spectacular fungi to photograph. We set a good pace and were soon enjoying the many views of the creek and water falls running.
Conversation was in full flow all around as we caught up on iso stories and I got the chance to meet the famous Czech cacher (and even sample some moonshine his father had made, this was surprisingly good actually).
We paused for breakfast at the escarpment where we got a great view of the massive cloud that was enveloping us. It was there that Lady Sim stumbled across some wild Herbz plotting to overtake us! Those schemes set asunder we joined together to make a slightly larger group with more fresh conversation for the walk back.
We also got news of a beardy crew behind us so it was time to hurry on back up the border track. The Czech cacher answering the call of the ftf fair ran ahead to get some clues (mildly mixed up, but can't have things go without some drama) Lady Sim answering the call of nature set a cracking pace too.
In any case the conversation carried us swiftly to the carpark. (I have resisted googling human caterpillar which came up) where all was good except for one of tire. Turns out the wheel had fused on hard and was not coming off. After YouTube told us to get under and give it a good kick some muted attempts at this were made. Weary legs and a desire not to kick the car of the jack led us to wait for the RACQ. The RACQ guy (after putting his much sturdier jack in place), got under and gave it a good kick.
Thanks for a great walk!
By kind invitation from the Magic Shroom I was on a team of cachers who had avoided covid fever but had all contracted something similar to cabin fever. We all awoke to enjoy the flatulent sparrows and burst out of the gates at the trail-head at about 6:30. Turns out that we weren't the only people who had thought to head out early and even in the early dawn we exchanged cheery greeting with many other rabid walkers.
The rain-forest was in spectacular form. Much recovered after the intense dry summer. Bird song was a constant companion and Walandor managed to find many spectacular fungi to photograph. We set a good pace and were soon enjoying the many views of the creek and water falls running.
Conversation was in full flow all around as we caught up on iso stories and I got the chance to meet the famous Czech cacher (and even sample some moonshine his father had made, this was surprisingly good actually).
We paused for breakfast at the escarpment where we got a great view of the massive cloud that was enveloping us. It was there that Lady Sim stumbled across some wild Herbz plotting to overtake us! Those schemes set asunder we joined together to make a slightly larger group with more fresh conversation for the walk back.
We also got news of a beardy crew behind us so it was time to hurry on back up the border track. The Czech cacher answering the call of the ftf fair ran ahead to get some clues (mildly mixed up, but can't have things go without some drama) Lady Sim answering the call of nature set a cracking pace too.
In any case the conversation carried us swiftly to the carpark. (I have resisted googling human caterpillar which came up) where all was good except for one of tire. Turns out the wheel had fused on hard and was not coming off. After YouTube told us to get under and give it a good kick some muted attempts at this were made. Weary legs and a desire not to kick the car of the jack led us to wait for the RACQ. The RACQ guy (after putting his much sturdier jack in place), got under and gave it a good kick.
Thanks for a great walk!
Like most of us, it has been a long time between hikes, so a special walk was needed to get back into the swing of things. Having Done this walk 30 years ago, I recalled that I managed to finish it, even though I was unfit. Hmmm. This might just fit the bill...because I can't help but notice....COVID has shrunk my clothes.
As plans were made for some of the extended Bromance, I got a call from an old hiking buddy from the Czech Republic that was miraculously in the country (what the...?), who also had the bright idea to try this one. Combined forces saw eight of us heading out at ridiculous o'clock from home to be seating off from O'Riellys at about 6:30am. After a quick discussion about taking it easy, everyone headed of at Speedy Gonzales pace, which seemed to suit all.
Waypoint after waypoint was found by others, as I somehow managed to keep up. The waterfalls were in spectacular form, and in true Sweller style, I took no photos of them. I just enjoy them in the moment, but am truly grateful that others take the time (and energy) to capture some truly beautiful moments.
We made it to the Wanungara Lookout and stopped for a small break. We found 'two herbs' looking quite sheepish as they were contemplating nefarious activities (snatching the FTF from under our noses - which would have worked to be honest!). But either because they were seen, or because LadySims ablutions caught them, it was decided that friendship was the order of the day! Happily teaming up we rushed on, now knowing that there was other potential competition on our heels.
A long walk and some running led us eventually back to the carpark. I was surprised how quickly the last 5 kms of this normally torturous part of the walk seemed to cruise by. Lost in conversations with friends is always a great distraction. I am yet to hear the end of the likes of how I slowed the rest of the pack down by being in the front section of the peloton, but hey, we all made it out safe and sound.
So as we pack up into the car to head off, others pointed out that one of my tyres was in an odd way - flat!! Well Flat tyres are no problem, right? Well somehow my wheel had fused onto the hub, and given the flimsy car jack I had, was unable to follow the advice found on you-tube. i.e. whacking the buggery out of it with your foot! Once the AAMI roadside assistance offered to healthcare workers came with a bigger tools, and a boot that had not just walked 20 odd kilometres, we were on our way home. We glanced in the direction of the cache as we finally headed home after waiting two hours.
Thanks for the great walk once again Mr Stairman. Always a pleasure to do one of your walks - even with a flat tyre!
As plans were made for some of the extended Bromance, I got a call from an old hiking buddy from the Czech Republic that was miraculously in the country (what the...?), who also had the bright idea to try this one. Combined forces saw eight of us heading out at ridiculous o'clock from home to be seating off from O'Riellys at about 6:30am. After a quick discussion about taking it easy, everyone headed of at Speedy Gonzales pace, which seemed to suit all.
Waypoint after waypoint was found by others, as I somehow managed to keep up. The waterfalls were in spectacular form, and in true Sweller style, I took no photos of them. I just enjoy them in the moment, but am truly grateful that others take the time (and energy) to capture some truly beautiful moments.
We made it to the Wanungara Lookout and stopped for a small break. We found 'two herbs' looking quite sheepish as they were contemplating nefarious activities (snatching the FTF from under our noses - which would have worked to be honest!). But either because they were seen, or because LadySims ablutions caught them, it was decided that friendship was the order of the day! Happily teaming up we rushed on, now knowing that there was other potential competition on our heels.
A long walk and some running led us eventually back to the carpark. I was surprised how quickly the last 5 kms of this normally torturous part of the walk seemed to cruise by. Lost in conversations with friends is always a great distraction. I am yet to hear the end of the likes of how I slowed the rest of the pack down by being in the front section of the peloton, but hey, we all made it out safe and sound.
So as we pack up into the car to head off, others pointed out that one of my tyres was in an odd way - flat!! Well Flat tyres are no problem, right? Well somehow my wheel had fused onto the hub, and given the flimsy car jack I had, was unable to follow the advice found on you-tube. i.e. whacking the buggery out of it with your foot! Once the AAMI roadside assistance offered to healthcare workers came with a bigger tools, and a boot that had not just walked 20 odd kilometres, we were on our way home. We glanced in the direction of the cache as we finally headed home after waiting two hours.
Thanks for the great walk once again Mr Stairman. Always a pleasure to do one of your walks - even with a flat tyre!
Thank you to everybody followed the covid-19 isolation ground rules for the past few months. All the hard work in keeping to the guidelines paid off today when the restrictions were relaxed a little and we were free to venture 150 kms from home.
A good long walk was definitely needed and this recently published cache fitted the bill nicely.
The Bromance has always started our walks early for various reasons - to avoid the heat of the day, to maximise use of the daylight hours ("in case we get lost") , or perhaps leave time for a Crooked afternoon nanna nap. Seffnjarah, made the usual call for the early start today - in full knowledge knowing that after 7 weeks of isolation, O'Reilly's would look like sideshow alley at the ekka by mid morning.
Our group assembled by about 0615 and by 0630 were venturing down the border track.
I have done this circuit twice in the past 3 years - it is probably my favorite local SEQ hike - on graded tracks at least. The rainforest put on its usual crisp morning freshness and the creeks and waterfalls were awash with water. Today is the first time I haven't seen the rare Spiny Lamington Crayfish on these tracks.
We ambled along, catching up with the crew after weeks of isolation, whilst collecting waypoint clues along the way. As we climbed along Toolona Creek towards the border track, it was clear the caldera edge would be in the clouds and there would be no view from Wanungara Lookout today for our lunch stop. Just as we finished lunch Team Herbz arrived and joined us for the march back down the border track.
We had some trouble with the silver mushroom waypoint - all resolved with a call to the CO when we found it further along the trail. At another waypoint, it turned out there were two likely answers. Of course, we opted for the wrong one, a mistake we only realised after bashing around in the bush at the wrong coordinates looking for a non existent container.
With the mistake corrected, we were soon at another likely spot, where the container was quickly found.
I signed the logbook to claim the joint {*FTF*} at 12.37 pm with the expanded Bromance team including Term Herbz, Seffnjarah, Lady Sim, Swellerfungus, Walandor, Vikocz, KeepingUpwith and JeznDez.
A good solid walk to end the isolation. I have always thought this circuit deserved a cache and thanks to the CO for making it happen.
Pete
#5,635
A good long walk was definitely needed and this recently published cache fitted the bill nicely.
The Bromance has always started our walks early for various reasons - to avoid the heat of the day, to maximise use of the daylight hours ("in case we get lost") , or perhaps leave time for a Crooked afternoon nanna nap. Seffnjarah, made the usual call for the early start today - in full knowledge knowing that after 7 weeks of isolation, O'Reilly's would look like sideshow alley at the ekka by mid morning.
Our group assembled by about 0615 and by 0630 were venturing down the border track.
I have done this circuit twice in the past 3 years - it is probably my favorite local SEQ hike - on graded tracks at least. The rainforest put on its usual crisp morning freshness and the creeks and waterfalls were awash with water. Today is the first time I haven't seen the rare Spiny Lamington Crayfish on these tracks.
We ambled along, catching up with the crew after weeks of isolation, whilst collecting waypoint clues along the way. As we climbed along Toolona Creek towards the border track, it was clear the caldera edge would be in the clouds and there would be no view from Wanungara Lookout today for our lunch stop. Just as we finished lunch Team Herbz arrived and joined us for the march back down the border track.
We had some trouble with the silver mushroom waypoint - all resolved with a call to the CO when we found it further along the trail. At another waypoint, it turned out there were two likely answers. Of course, we opted for the wrong one, a mistake we only realised after bashing around in the bush at the wrong coordinates looking for a non existent container.
With the mistake corrected, we were soon at another likely spot, where the container was quickly found.
I signed the logbook to claim the joint {*FTF*} at 12.37 pm with the expanded Bromance team including Term Herbz, Seffnjarah, Lady Sim, Swellerfungus, Walandor, Vikocz, KeepingUpwith and JeznDez.
A good solid walk to end the isolation. I have always thought this circuit deserved a cache and thanks to the CO for making it happen.
Pete
#5,635
Joined forces with Beardman75, CDAH55, Dora the Explorer!, E_Smiley, mnance101, Lisylou and bennyboppers to tackle two multis during our 20+klm hike. Absolutely loved the experience, the scenery was spectacular including the many waterfalls and creek crossings that we tackled without incident. Wow this one had so many WP's with a couple that were confusing but the clever 'Explorer' worked out the missing piece to help with putting the final together. Liked WP10 the best and the creek crossing ones were beaut too.
Had a short drive to GZ on our way home where the cache was quickly found by E_Smiley. A favourite point from me.
TFTC stairman1
Found May 16, 2020
Had a short drive to GZ on our way home where the cache was quickly found by E_Smiley. A favourite point from me.
TFTC stairman1
Found May 16, 2020
Within minutes of the announcement of the Covid restrictions being lifted my phone started to buzz with plans for a walk, but with less than a week to go, no decision had been made as to a specific location. The publication of this cache soon fixed that problem, we gathered a Covid-friendly crowd of <10 and the plan was set. The Bromanceketeers standard start time for hikes is 'early', but we had been discussing going a little later than usual as we had the LadySim and VikoCZ on board, neither of whom are early birds. Seff then pointed out that it was likely the Lamington NP would be busier than a Westfield centre on Christmas Eve, so we reverted to type and a 6am start time was set.
For me, the enforced break from hiking has meant all my gear has been stashed away in various corners of the house, and it took me a bit to gather it all and make sure everything was in order so I could wake as close to my 4am departure time as possible. As it was my body clock decided that 3am was a good time to wake, so I had plenty of time to drink my coffee and stop for petrol on the way down! I was first into the car park and the others soon arrived. Our packs on, a quick toilet stop so as to avoid soiling the natural beauty of the NP, and we were off at about 06.30, with cars already joining ours in the carpark, giving truth to Seff's supposition.
As is the way with larger groups the walking order often changed throughout the day which gave us a nice chance to catch up with everyone. The waterfalls were running well, the scenary was stunning and no one was in any rush, so at a leisurely pace we made it to the Toolona falls by 08.30ish, and the Wanungara lookout by about 09.30, where the view was entirely non-existent but we happened upon some Herbz (or actually they happened upon us as we ate lunch!).
Despite the extra eyes on the job the mushroom-shaped waypoint refused to show itself, even to its kin Swellerfungus, so we resorted to PAF/the CO (PACO?) to confirm, and it turned out the coords were a bit out. That was soon rectified and on we went gathering the remaining WPs easily. The last 5kms back to the cars does drag a bit; it's not the most scenic section, but the sun was coming out and we passed the time with the usual random banter.
Once at the cars a few of us headed straight off to our calculated GZ, and were merrily hunting away there when we got a plaintive message from Fungus; the Zoomin Shroom... wasn't, due to a flat tyre. With appropriate sympathy and piss-taking we advised we might put their names in the log... if only we could find it. Having searched the area pretty thoroughly, all the while cursing the CO for placing it so close to so many Gympie plants, we came to the realisation that maybe, just maybe, we'd stuffed something up in the WPs and/or calculations. We retired to a quiet log and reworked the numbers, finding that one of the WPs had been somewhat lost in translation, and the new numbers, when plugged in, looked to take us to a promising spot.
We headed back to the cars and on to the new GZ, where the find was made easily...
Drum roll... well in spite of some trickery from Crookedpete (yeah it's all fun and games now you're not on a 4+ year streak!) the log book was indeed blank! A successful joint *FTF* mission with seffnjarah, Crookedpete, VikoCZ, LadySim, Swellerfungus, Walendor, Keepingupwith and the Herbz team. TFTC Stairman1 and his hiking companion Goldielover; a FP is of course yours for the splendid return to hiking. Now bugger off Covid so we can go camping again!
For me, the enforced break from hiking has meant all my gear has been stashed away in various corners of the house, and it took me a bit to gather it all and make sure everything was in order so I could wake as close to my 4am departure time as possible. As it was my body clock decided that 3am was a good time to wake, so I had plenty of time to drink my coffee and stop for petrol on the way down! I was first into the car park and the others soon arrived. Our packs on, a quick toilet stop so as to avoid soiling the natural beauty of the NP, and we were off at about 06.30, with cars already joining ours in the carpark, giving truth to Seff's supposition.
As is the way with larger groups the walking order often changed throughout the day which gave us a nice chance to catch up with everyone. The waterfalls were running well, the scenary was stunning and no one was in any rush, so at a leisurely pace we made it to the Toolona falls by 08.30ish, and the Wanungara lookout by about 09.30, where the view was entirely non-existent but we happened upon some Herbz (or actually they happened upon us as we ate lunch!).
Despite the extra eyes on the job the mushroom-shaped waypoint refused to show itself, even to its kin Swellerfungus, so we resorted to PAF/the CO (PACO?) to confirm, and it turned out the coords were a bit out. That was soon rectified and on we went gathering the remaining WPs easily. The last 5kms back to the cars does drag a bit; it's not the most scenic section, but the sun was coming out and we passed the time with the usual random banter.
Once at the cars a few of us headed straight off to our calculated GZ, and were merrily hunting away there when we got a plaintive message from Fungus; the Zoomin Shroom... wasn't, due to a flat tyre. With appropriate sympathy and piss-taking we advised we might put their names in the log... if only we could find it. Having searched the area pretty thoroughly, all the while cursing the CO for placing it so close to so many Gympie plants, we came to the realisation that maybe, just maybe, we'd stuffed something up in the WPs and/or calculations. We retired to a quiet log and reworked the numbers, finding that one of the WPs had been somewhat lost in translation, and the new numbers, when plugged in, looked to take us to a promising spot.
We headed back to the cars and on to the new GZ, where the find was made easily...
Drum roll... well in spite of some trickery from Crookedpete (yeah it's all fun and games now you're not on a 4+ year streak!) the log book was indeed blank! A successful joint *FTF* mission with seffnjarah, Crookedpete, VikoCZ, LadySim, Swellerfungus, Walendor, Keepingupwith and the Herbz team. TFTC Stairman1 and his hiking companion Goldielover; a FP is of course yours for the splendid return to hiking. Now bugger off Covid so we can go camping again!
Great hike and views of the falls, very cold out there today. Was walking exceptionally fast to keep warm, also completed the lab caches as well.
We initially planned a different cache for today's hike but one of us has already been there and suggested this new one (even though he didn't mind going numerous times at the same place). I think it's more exciting if all of us are doing the hike for the first time and so it got more exciting when the FTF was still up for grabs. We thought we were early but I knew we will be beaten by that car which I gave way to traversing the long and winding road to the car park. It zoomed like no other.
Didn't dampen our spirit, we weren't really competing. It would have been nice as a bonus but getting back to the car park in time and with the same number of people were more important.
We were meant to be 1 more than the allowed number but last minute cancellations due to work, family and/or physical ability brought the final count to 8.
I really liked today's hike. Much fun to do this with like minded people. We pushed ourselves but at the same time enjoyed the journey.
Walked for 7 hours, around 20 kms. Nearly lost 1 member, got mixed up with some numbers towards the end but managed to get a smiley at the finale.
Thanks for the cache stairman1. Enjoyed the trek (with the good hiking boots! Thanks for the tip! I worried about crossing streams but the ankles were much better off with the choice).
Didn't dampen our spirit, we weren't really competing. It would have been nice as a bonus but getting back to the car park in time and with the same number of people were more important.
We were meant to be 1 more than the allowed number but last minute cancellations due to work, family and/or physical ability brought the final count to 8.
I really liked today's hike. Much fun to do this with like minded people. We pushed ourselves but at the same time enjoyed the journey.
Walked for 7 hours, around 20 kms. Nearly lost 1 member, got mixed up with some numbers towards the end but managed to get a smiley at the finale.
Thanks for the cache stairman1. Enjoyed the trek (with the good hiking boots! Thanks for the tip! I worried about crossing streams but the ankles were much better off with the choice).
Dora the Explorer! and I had planned on doing a different hike this weekend however when this one came up we decided to do this one as a group hike.
There was at of us who met up at the agreed meet up point and after the usual meet and greet we headed off on our walk. It was early in the morning and a bit crisp so we wore what we needed to start with and remove jumpers and things as it warmed. This did not happen and as the wind blew and got colder and I was wishing that I had some wind proof gear. Non the less, the hike was good with great views of waterfalls and massively old trees.
At the first waypoint there was a bit of discussion as to what the answer may be but we decided on one and then continued on. We gathered the required information from the various waypoints without much trouble until we had to find the silver mushroom. We did not find it but found one a bit further along and used the numbers that was on it.
The final waypoint the sign conflicted with the monument so we were not certain what numbers to use here. We took the wrong alternative and ended up in a place were the cache was not hidden.
The CO corrected our assumptions and when arriving at the correct GZ, the cache was soon in hand.
We had thought that there may have been a FTF opportunity but when we found out that there was another group ahead of us we abandoned that idea. This cache was more about the hike, not the FTF.
It was great to meet up with some cachers that I had not met before and some who I have previously cached with.
I loved the hike and although my muscles are a little tight this morning, the hike was really enjoyable. I will be giving this cache a favourite point.
Find #2968
TFTC ***stairmen1***
There was at of us who met up at the agreed meet up point and after the usual meet and greet we headed off on our walk. It was early in the morning and a bit crisp so we wore what we needed to start with and remove jumpers and things as it warmed. This did not happen and as the wind blew and got colder and I was wishing that I had some wind proof gear. Non the less, the hike was good with great views of waterfalls and massively old trees.
At the first waypoint there was a bit of discussion as to what the answer may be but we decided on one and then continued on. We gathered the required information from the various waypoints without much trouble until we had to find the silver mushroom. We did not find it but found one a bit further along and used the numbers that was on it.
The final waypoint the sign conflicted with the monument so we were not certain what numbers to use here. We took the wrong alternative and ended up in a place were the cache was not hidden.
The CO corrected our assumptions and when arriving at the correct GZ, the cache was soon in hand.
We had thought that there may have been a FTF opportunity but when we found out that there was another group ahead of us we abandoned that idea. This cache was more about the hike, not the FTF.
It was great to meet up with some cachers that I had not met before and some who I have previously cached with.
I loved the hike and although my muscles are a little tight this morning, the hike was really enjoyable. I will be giving this cache a favourite point.
Find #2968
TFTC ***stairmen1***
It was nice to finally break free of COVID-19 travel restrictions and head out for a decent hike again after a couple of months at home. The distance was probably beyond my current fitness levels and I woke up the next morning feeling very stiff and sore. But the beautiful scenery and the waterfalls more than made up for it.
The first half of this walk is amazing. Unfortunately, by the time we got up to Wanungara Lookout, it had become very cold, wet and windy with nothing to see from the lookouts but a complete whiteout.
We had to just keep moving to stay warm and struggled with a couple of waypoints here. We didn't find the silver mushroom, although we did find another one later on, and there seemed to be conflicting sources of information at the final waypoint. Around this time, we also managed to lose mnance somehow. But we managed to find her again and continued the long walk back to the cars.
After checking out one possible GZ (thanks to the conflicting information), we got a quick reply from the CO and made a quick find at the correct GZ. Thanks for the excuse to get out for an amazing walk. I will definitely be awarding a favourite point when I have one available.
The first half of this walk is amazing. Unfortunately, by the time we got up to Wanungara Lookout, it had become very cold, wet and windy with nothing to see from the lookouts but a complete whiteout.
We had to just keep moving to stay warm and struggled with a couple of waypoints here. We didn't find the silver mushroom, although we did find another one later on, and there seemed to be conflicting sources of information at the final waypoint. Around this time, we also managed to lose mnance somehow. But we managed to find her again and continued the long walk back to the cars.
After checking out one possible GZ (thanks to the conflicting information), we got a quick reply from the CO and made a quick find at the correct GZ. Thanks for the excuse to get out for an amazing walk. I will definitely be awarding a favourite point when I have one available.
We had been alerted that this geocache had been published last weekend but had to wait until today to find it. Keeping an eye out for any found logs, today dawned with an empty logbook (well, it was actually still dark when we left home this morning). We knew the race would be on for the FTF and sure enough when we arrived at O'Reilly's carpark car at 6.45am, there was a familiar fighter red 4x4 sitting in the car park. Parking beside it we quickly we donned our packs before Mr. Herbz put his hand in the 4x4's air intake to feel if was still warm. Hmmm, it was a little, maybe they're not too far ahead?
Setting off at a fair pace we walked over to the track info board. As we drew closer we saw a bearded figure standing there, not the owner of the fire fighter red 4x4 but nevertheless a serious contender for the FTF. After greeting each other we discovered he was part of a group of 9 cachers on the Toolona cache assault. They hadn't all assembled so we said our goodbyes and rapidly headed off along the Border Track on hot pursuit of the first group.
Our leg muscles soon warmed up as we got into our stride and it wasn't long before we arrived at the first intersection where we turned left and began our descent to Picnic Rock. Collecting information along the way as we continued to descend, knowing full well that we would need to ascend at some point along the way. A hop, skip and a jump and we were across the creek at the aforementioned rock and we were off to the falls. As we've visited Alabana and Box Falls many times, the last of which was only a couple of months ago, we decided to keep on the Toolona Circuit, there were cachers ahead of us.
It's such a beautiful walk and we enjoyed this part along the creek, rock hopping across from time to time. As we were on the climb back out we passed a couple of ladies walking in the opposite direction. We stopped for a brief chat and ascertained that there was a group of 6 or 7 a little way ahead of us. This gave us a new lease of life on our upward journey and hurrying along we met some more bushwalkers. One of them told us the group ahead was about 800m in front. Quickening our steps once more we continued up, oh did we mention that we were going up? Soon we came across another group of walkers who told us our group was 25 minutes ahead of us. Well that wasn't good news! Oh well, we'll just keep going. Eventually the up ended and we popped out onto the Border Track once again. Turning left we headed towards the lookout. Mr. Herbz spotted some movement up ahead, the group was still at the lookout. Before we had a chance to decide whether to go and say, 'Hello,' or sneakily turn round and overtake take them without them noticing us, Lady Simm suddenly popped out of the bush beside us! No chance of being sneaky now! We went and greeted the group and informed them of the group of 9 behind us. Kindly we were welcome to join them and so we headed back in great company. It was fortunate that we did as we couldn't find one of the clues but one of the group contacted the CO and the hiccup was soon rectified.
It was an enjoyable walk as we chatted away with Swellerfungus, swapping favourite movies and binge series we'd enjoyed during lock down.
At last we reached the tarmac path and then onto the carpark. Getting into our cars ready to find the cache, someone noticed the fire fighter red 4x4 had a flat tyre! Ooops, well we'll let the owners tell that story.
We drove to GZ and found an empty car parked nearby. 50m in there? As we were debating the best route to tackle this, another car pulled up. The owner of the empty car jumped out and informed us we'd all got a wrong number in the coordinates! At one of the waypoints there were two signs, each with a different answer to the question. Anyway the new number was applied and this time we made the find. Thanks for letting us join in with you all in the FTF. What a fun morning this turned out to be. TFTC stairman1 and an FP from us.
Setting off at a fair pace we walked over to the track info board. As we drew closer we saw a bearded figure standing there, not the owner of the fire fighter red 4x4 but nevertheless a serious contender for the FTF. After greeting each other we discovered he was part of a group of 9 cachers on the Toolona cache assault. They hadn't all assembled so we said our goodbyes and rapidly headed off along the Border Track on hot pursuit of the first group.
Our leg muscles soon warmed up as we got into our stride and it wasn't long before we arrived at the first intersection where we turned left and began our descent to Picnic Rock. Collecting information along the way as we continued to descend, knowing full well that we would need to ascend at some point along the way. A hop, skip and a jump and we were across the creek at the aforementioned rock and we were off to the falls. As we've visited Alabana and Box Falls many times, the last of which was only a couple of months ago, we decided to keep on the Toolona Circuit, there were cachers ahead of us.
It's such a beautiful walk and we enjoyed this part along the creek, rock hopping across from time to time. As we were on the climb back out we passed a couple of ladies walking in the opposite direction. We stopped for a brief chat and ascertained that there was a group of 6 or 7 a little way ahead of us. This gave us a new lease of life on our upward journey and hurrying along we met some more bushwalkers. One of them told us the group ahead was about 800m in front. Quickening our steps once more we continued up, oh did we mention that we were going up? Soon we came across another group of walkers who told us our group was 25 minutes ahead of us. Well that wasn't good news! Oh well, we'll just keep going. Eventually the up ended and we popped out onto the Border Track once again. Turning left we headed towards the lookout. Mr. Herbz spotted some movement up ahead, the group was still at the lookout. Before we had a chance to decide whether to go and say, 'Hello,' or sneakily turn round and overtake take them without them noticing us, Lady Simm suddenly popped out of the bush beside us! No chance of being sneaky now! We went and greeted the group and informed them of the group of 9 behind us. Kindly we were welcome to join them and so we headed back in great company. It was fortunate that we did as we couldn't find one of the clues but one of the group contacted the CO and the hiccup was soon rectified.
It was an enjoyable walk as we chatted away with Swellerfungus, swapping favourite movies and binge series we'd enjoyed during lock down.
At last we reached the tarmac path and then onto the carpark. Getting into our cars ready to find the cache, someone noticed the fire fighter red 4x4 had a flat tyre! Ooops, well we'll let the owners tell that story.
We drove to GZ and found an empty car parked nearby. 50m in there? As we were debating the best route to tackle this, another car pulled up. The owner of the empty car jumped out and informed us we'd all got a wrong number in the coordinates! At one of the waypoints there were two signs, each with a different answer to the question. Anyway the new number was applied and this time we made the find. Thanks for letting us join in with you all in the FTF. What a fun morning this turned out to be. TFTC stairman1 and an FP from us.
It was a very early start leaving home at 5am to meet up with a group planning to start walking at 7am..it seems not early enough as we heard a bunch of other cachers ahead of us going for dog, oh well I'm not too bothered with these things.
We set about going clockwise as suggested and it was a very beautiful walk along the creek and being wowed by all the stunning waterfall along the way. I had a bit of a slip at one crossing and my foot dived into the water but no injuries.
As we headed up through to the border track, there was a lot of mist and wind, it was rather cold. At the lookout we couldn't see anything but a sea of white, luckily I had been here before.
At the last waypoint we had a little problem with mnance101 as when she went for a pit stop we lost her for a bit, but we eventually got hold of her when we heading back to the carpark, she wasn't far behind. I had a bit of an issue with blisters forming on my heals so the last stretch felt like it took forever, but I said to myself just keep walking and eventually we got there.
We also had a few issues with some numbers for the final but it was was corrected and at gz it was a nice quick find. Thanks for putting this out and a favourite point for you. Tftc
We set about going clockwise as suggested and it was a very beautiful walk along the creek and being wowed by all the stunning waterfall along the way. I had a bit of a slip at one crossing and my foot dived into the water but no injuries.
As we headed up through to the border track, there was a lot of mist and wind, it was rather cold. At the lookout we couldn't see anything but a sea of white, luckily I had been here before.
At the last waypoint we had a little problem with mnance101 as when she went for a pit stop we lost her for a bit, but we eventually got hold of her when we heading back to the carpark, she wasn't far behind. I had a bit of an issue with blisters forming on my heals so the last stretch felt like it took forever, but I said to myself just keep walking and eventually we got there.
We also had a few issues with some numbers for the final but it was was corrected and at gz it was a nice quick find. Thanks for putting this out and a favourite point for you. Tftc
PublishedThis cache is published in line the directive by QLD Health. Please read the [Regional Policies Page](https://wiki.groundspeak.com/display/GEO/Queensland) for more detail.
When seeking this cache please ensure that you practice social distancing and abide by the QLD travel directives.
When seeking this cache please ensure that you practice social distancing and abide by the QLD travel directives.
