A Merry Old Cache Ben Nevis, Victoria, Australia
By maccamob on 16-Oct-02. Waypoint GC9C7E

Mount Cole State Forest opened this week. (Buangor State Park and Mount Lonarch Forests remain closed still).We did a reconnaissance trip to see the state of things, and if by chance there had been any small pockets of unburnt land that might have held a cache. No such luck (we weren't holding our breath). The bush is all burnt but will regrow of course. Nature is amazing. But it will take time. At the moment, the ground is still very soft and fragile and the animals still need to return and establish their new homes. Any cache placement would be very exposed and covered in soggy black ash anyway.We will continue to monitor on behalf of the Cache Owners.

The Mount Cole State Forest and Mount Buangor State Park were heavily impacted by the February 22nd bushfires.Both areas remain closed and inaccessible due to the huge amount of fire damaged roads and facilities.Forestry crews have commenced assessment and clearing of fire damaged trees and roads - a mammoth task.The date of reopening the parks has not yet been published, however we will continue to monitor the situation and update as more information comes to hand.Reiterating the previous safety message:PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIND ANY CACHE THAT HAS BEEN DISABLED DUE TO THE BUSHFIRES, regardless of whether you think it is safe or not. Any 'Found It' logs while this cache is disabled for this reason will be subsequently deleted.Thank you again for your understanding.

Important Notice:Following the bushfires of February 2024, The Mount Cole State Forest and Mount Buangor State Park are currently CLOSED to the public.While the major fire front has been suppressed, there is still a fair amount of fire activity in the form of smouldering stumps and trees. Local agencies are still attending to hot spots, falling trees, road damage and burnt facilities, and may be doing so for the next few weeks, or months even. Many access roads to the forests are still closed or are for local resident access only.PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIND ANY CACHE THAT HAS BEEN DISABLED DUE TO THE BUSHFIRES, regardless of whether you think it is safe or not. Any 'Found It' logs while this cache is disabled for this reason will be subsequently deleted.We will continue to update the situation as required, and will check this cache once access is finally allowed.Thank you for your understanding.

This cache is an an area subject to fire fighting operations (22-23 Feb) and may have been impacted by the fire. It has been disabled until it is safe for the CO is able to check the current condition of the cache.

Found on a lovely drive through this stunning area. I have enjoyed bushwalking here before but i think i am enjoying it even more today. S 37 15.236, E 143 13.174 I am logging this one on Saturday 11 Nov 2023 at 5:58 pm and the weather is Overcast Clouds 18C 34% 6 m/s . Thanks for placing this cache for the rest of us to enjoy maccamob.*Found with [Geooh GO](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobiltal.geoohGO)*

On a day out with deanside and tenkae, my main target was a nearby golden oldie but we couldn't resist keeping going once we got that one, in this wonderful area. This one was a quick find, thanks, on a day full on laughter and enjoying the great outdoors.

We're put exploring today and picking up caches for our JASMAR. This cache was on the list and a great one to find. These tracks are stunning. Tftc

Spending a wonderful day caching with great friends Tenkae and ConnieandRick. A beautiful drive that the little I30 easily completed amongst stunning scenery with views to match!Thanks maccamob for bringing me here and contributing to this great game for others to enjoy. Happy trails, Deanside

*Found on the 14 Oct 2023 @ 3:35pm.**Cache find # 15151.*Today I headed for Ditchfields camp for an event later on today.I arrived early, unloaded the bike and headed off in search of a few caches, this one being one of them.This one certainly made the list today being placed in 2002, I arrived near GZ and made my way up to it, the cache was found fairly quickly and the log was signed.It's certainly good finding these very old caches.**Thanks to maccamob for keeping the game going by placing this cache.**

Beautiful spot, Shane about the logging. Has me stumped as to why they do it

Beautiful spot. Shame about the logging, it's got me stumper why they don't it

One of the easier ones to find !! Nice and quick

Good spot thanks. Found it

6 February 2022
1:37 pm
1555
Many thanks maccamob for providing and maintaining this game piece for our enjoyment.

There was a very creepy tree overhead making all sorts of creaking sounds. Hope it stays up for a little longer.

Date: January 1, 2022 Time: 6:37 PM
Find #11805

Headed out to the Mount Cole Range with POSUMS, OzHockeyChick, Robmc, Geoturtle37, Papi4506, Micaparamedic and Roaming Howie as well as chooknchunk. Had a fantastic afternoon and early evening with chooknchunk as our tour guide.

Heasing back to the big4, we stopped for caches along the way. Was nice to find another older cache.

Thanks to maccamob for the cache.

Big things are continuing to happen! *Are you joining the fun again in 2022?*
[**THE**](http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC8EW45)
[**WANGARATTA**](http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC8EW45)
[**EVENT 2021**](http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC8EW45)
*14th / 15th January 2022 – GC8EW45 – Wangaratta – Victoria*

Happy New Year!!

It’s New Years Day and Day 7 of the Bring In The New Year (BITNY) road-trip. It was a slow morning after partying our way into the new year. With a little bit of time up our sleeve before the event we set off to explore Amphitheatre and the new ad lab.

After the event we set off on an afternoon adventure with Posums, OzHockeyChick, Robmc, Geoturtle37, Papi4506, Micaparamedic and Ahomburg as well as the CO and tour guide chooknchunk.

As we made our way back down the mountain we stopped in for this old maccamob cache. It may be old but still in order and great to add another one to the collection.

Thanks maccamob for placing this gamepiece in the wild for us to find.

After making my way up the Western Fwy towards Beaufort for the long weekend and of course having a few stops along the way at Melton, Miners Rest and Stock Yard Hill to find a few caches.
I eventually made it to the New Years Eve event in Beaufort in the afternoon and then I ended up somewhere for New Years Eve and I might have celebrated just a bit to long as I was a wee bit slow off the mark in the morning.
After lounging around for most of the morning it was decided to head to Amphitheatre to do the Adventure Lab and a trad and a couple along the way.
After a lovely cooked BBQ lunch back at camp the convoy headed off to the afternoon event in Beaufort.
After the event the weather was still beautiful so a few of us decided to head up to Mt Cole to find a few more and maybe take in a sunset.
After locating a few caches around Mt Cole it was time to start to head back to camp for some tea but there was no way you could drive past a maccamob cache and a golden oldie at that for us not to stop for the couple of us who have not found it.
Maccamob’s caches spread far and wide and they are always great to be able to find and add you name to the log as they have done so much for the game.
So many hugs goes out to you Mary and a fav goes out to you both as well for keeping this one alive

Thanks maccamob TFTC.

After the first event of the new year, a group of us headed off to find a few caches in the hills.
I was traveling with the COs, a great way to cache! You see so much more of the bush and don't have to worry about shonkey roads. (as several other 4WDers were)
I also found out about the history and highlights of the area.

Not exactly sure where on the hill we were, but then I wasn't driving.
An short trip up the hill and the cache was in hand. A lovely park with lots of views.
Thanks, Robmc.

While camping near by, we where out walking the dog, and managed to get a cache or two. TFTC

An oldie added to today's mixed splendidly. New territory for me out here, and it did not dissapoint. Glad had left it to check out, and still more to come back for. Thanks Maccamob for all your efforts in this game, spread far and wide. Definitely westerners however!

Tftc

Tftc

A Merry old cache for a Merry old great view and a Merry old Cacher!
TFTC on Merry King Cole Road.

A weekend away, hosted by the lovely chooknchunk. Today’s guided tour - Mt Cole and surrounds.
A merry old cache indeed!
Driving around and exploring all over this forest and park, how could we go past an old Maccamob cache.
Cache in excellent condition too!
Thanks for placing and maintaining this cache, maccamob

Found by The Empire + H
After checking out Raglan Falls, we decided to grab this cache - an old maccamob cache is hard to pass up. We just listened to your interview on the Geocaching Downunder podcast too! This one was found easily, pity to see the new(ish) log book in there. I love looking at old logs. Thanks for the cache maccamob.
- M

First time in a while that I’ve been out caching with SimsFamily and Neville Devil for the usual laughs, insults and amazing locations regardless that the white beast has height issues.
We headed for Mt Cole to start the day, then on to Waterloo, Beaufort and Rokewood and everywhere in between which made for great locations and hides which made for a great day out.
Log signed and replaced as found

Thanks for the Cache MaccaMob
#6,036

Fun, adventure, travel, history, geology, mental stimulation, social gatherings, support and friendship are just some of the elements of geocaching.

Out and about enjoying the opportunity to grab a few caches, yours being one of those I targeted on my journey today. Thanks ??

Thanks maccamob (F=42967 H=158) for placing this cache and adding to our game.

GT37 is attempting to find all the old caches in the areas that we visit so this was must. The cache was found quickly and is in great condition. Thanks for placing this cache and maintaining it for so long.

In the area today and what better than an old cache and a maccamob one at that. It was a nice quick find and all was in order. Thank you for placing this cache and maintaining it for so long for us to find.

Nice quick find, there was a wallaby near by looking after it

Enabled following rleaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions in Regional Victoria

Disabled for the duration of the renewed Covid-19 lockdown. We believe the responsible thing is to disable all our caches until this latest crisis passes.
Thanks.

Thanks for the find

Enabled following rleaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions.

Disabled for the duration of the Covid-19 crisis. Although exercise is ok, beaches, parks etc are gradually being closed, and we are being asked to stay home. The virus can be transmitted by surface contact, so please don't take the chances. Geocaching is a game, and we are dealing with a serious Public Health issue, so we need to get our priorities in order. Please stay at home!
We believe the responsible thing is to disable all our caches, until this crisis passes.
Thanks.

Nice easy find. TFTC

Great little find on an Australian day adventure

A nice drive though a forest I haven't explored before led to this merry old cache.
I tell you what....we will be back to explore further.
Didn't realise just how steep and rugged this area could be.
Thanks maccamob for leading us to an area we normally just burn past on the way to the Grampians.
Looking forward to returning!

Thanks. Great location, good fun to find.

Brynn and jarvy couch

First one the young fella was having a ball

Starting to get better at finding now!

This is the 4th of a number of caches for the day whilst we are exploring Mt Cole State Park. A magnificent drive thru this hidden gem near Ararat where we have parked the caravan for a couple of days. Thank you maccamob for placing and maintaining this cache

Out caching today around the Beaufort area with Tagalong Wife. We were enjoying the run on the well graveled roads in this area. Cache was found easily enough just after we saw a very large lizard crossing the road. Lucky we did not hit that, we would still be there.
Thanks for placing this cache maccamob

Nice quick find while out and about in the area. Thanks

Found while heading back to Ditchfields camping ground after completing two cache finds at Ben Nevis. The rain had finally started to ease off by this time of the afternoon so i didn't get too wet walking the short distance to find this one. Thx maccamob for another cache placement, great to have these old caches still up and running. CIGC TNLNSL TFTC.

Following the foot steps of Old King Cole, Neville_devil and I successfully chasing some nearby first to finds so we too were Merry old souls. In between those first to finds we happened to pass this little guy and the required stop was arranged. We didn't however call for any pipes, bowls or fiddlers but did find a cache and log book. With our names merrily in the book we continued on merry old way.

Thank you maccamob for the hide

Nice find

After a day of 4x4 we come a cross this one stoped for easy find
Found with Almacs & jelly belly
Tftc

Found quickly in a likely spot by geokids w JellyNelle and Tazz&Co. TFTC. Happy Easter.

We're touring the forest on this lovely sunny Autumn day. Thanks for guiding us to this area.

First cache in a while camoing over Easter so thougtlht we would do a few nice easy hide tftc

Last one for the day, then back to Ditchfields to set up camp. I enjoy finding these really old caches and turning them into smileys. Cigc. Tftc

Chased a couple of Roos up the hill with Locy333 and quickly grabbed this cache. Be careful driving up here in wet weather as we just finished unbogging the Camry. TFTC.

Tftc, beware kangaroos :p

After accidentally four wheel driving to the cache before this one, in my car that isn't set up for mud, while it snowed (yes, I swear!) I was a bundle of nerves, wondering if my gps was going to send me off on another difficult track, instead of leaving me on this well maintained road. It wasn't to be. I made it to this one sticking to the major road. Phew! TFTC maccamob

After not finding a cache further back down the track, not a dnf, more like a dnlth (did not look too hard) due to the slippery ground and also because it's too dark to see where to step, we decided that we'd stop here for look. The ground was much easier to walk on with no slippery fern. My head torch was starting to dim so we figured this would be the last for the night. With great coords the cache was soon found, logged (once I found my pen, again! Lol) and replaced as found. We left enough in the area to come back another day (emphasis on the DAY part of it). Tftc

Cache back in place. Many thanks to chooknchunk for looking after the cache during the burn programme.

Off line pending a planned burn in the area.

Decided to go for a drive as the geo kids were very sleepy so wanted to give them a good sleep, so why not go for a drive up Mount Cole? Thanks for the hide, a very beautiful area!!

Found by 'i' while 'j' sat in the car with 't' and 's' who were sleeping

A chance for a summer drive and picking up some caches. Not easy to get here, have taken so many turns that we are not really sure where her is anymore. TFTC TNLN

Tftc

Out and about in the Mt Cole area, so I needed to grab at least one cache. The GPS took me straight to the likely spot. The Cache was in excellent condition. Lots of wildlife around today too.

Thanks for bringing me here.

A great area. Thanks Maccamob

2:03:00 PM. On our way out of Mt Cole and had to stop for this one. A short walk and cache was found. I ended up tearing the bag containing the log trying to open it so after signing the log we replaced the bag so all good. Thanks maccamob for placing this cache.

Team Clarmensma met up again today, this time to target the Beaufort/Mt Cole areas. A wonderful day was had with lots of laughs and great cache finds as well as some beautiful walks. TFTC!

A day adventuring with Team Clarmensma around Mt Cole and Beaufort. A great day was had finding some cool caches and taking nice (and sometimes long!) walks. TFTC

Caching in beautiful Mt Cole today with Team Clarkmensma (me, becca85, boo09, neisha07, Adam and Luke). What an amazing mountain - why have I never been before? So excited by the places we discovered today and thankful for geocaching for bringing me here. A nice easy find here - so many big caches is this bush! Thanks for the cache

Each school holidays or thereabouts we form Team Clarmensma, the bionic combo of myself, GemmaSistema, neisha07, boo09, Adam & Luke and choose an area to target and make a day of it.
Today we left the house at 8am and returned at 9.30pm. Not a huge count today, instead we managed some fantastic (& killer!) walks with amazing views. A great day!

A great sized old cache! I do love seeing your name pop up in unexpected places maccamob.
TFTC

We made the pilgrimage from Adelaide to the Mt Cole area specifically to drive some 4WD tracks that weren’t gated and to camp in some places that you don’t have to pay for.
Unfortunately, everywhere we stopped as well as the nice place we found to put up our tent, was inundated with % @^$# European Wasps. After packing up this morning, and while making our way north to the Pyrenees State Forest, we stopped for smoko right beside this cache.
I was very happy that it was a maccamob cache, and an oldie at that. Cheers Mary and David, long time, no see . Trust you’re keeping well. TNLN. Cheers

Found

Found while looking around the area for a new camping spot. A quick find. TFTC

Found in the company of Wozzle68, Chooknchunk and The Tritonz on a tour of the Mt Cole hills. A nice easy find but I was surprised to come across a Maccamob hide. But then again, maccamob hides are spread so far and wide that I shouldn't be surprised. TFTC.

Thanks for being part of my new years day maccamob we grabbed this nice size well stocked cache.

Today was a planned trip of hitting Mt. Cole, Mt. Buangor, Mt. Langi Ghiran and Beaufort for some unloved caches. We were lucky to have great weather and great company along the way making for a successful and an enjoyable day.
Found with Na'wal and McLookers after taking a short cut up the mountain which was definitely not for the average sedan....more fun though!
Thanks maccamob for another great location for a cache.

Lucky for The Tritonz in the triton! I think we chose an interesting route today. Thanks maccamob. Caching today with The Tritonz and Na'wal, the weather was magic.

[red]Find #2832 Traditional #2235 [/red]

A day out was planned and I was a late tag a long. The plan was to tackle a few unloved caches, one being one day before two years in some the beautiful area of Mt. Cole. The day was a successful one, claiming four unloved caches for the day. It was a beautiful, sunny spring day that started at 8am and a late arrival at home of 11pm with some great company and plenty of laughs.

McLookers, theTritonz and myself had this as one of our targets today. We parked on the corner after enjoying a 4WD track up close to this location. The GPSr was a little jumpy and we found this one about 12 meters away. Stamped and replaced as found. If it wasn't for the ducks logging this one without signing the book, I would have had more unloved on this one.

[blue]Thanks for this trad cache hide, maccamob [^]
Log and container in good condition.
Took Nothing, Left Nothing [/blue]

Found It

Found on a cold and miserable day with Misschief18 on a weekend away in the Raglan area. It's handy to have friends who know these tracks very well.
SL TFTC

Found with The 2 Wanderers during a weekend at Raglan with chooknchunk. Just as well our driver knew the roads around here, as the nearby signpost had been knocked over. An easy find. Took cassowary. Left friendship braid. TFTC

Carrying the travelbug "Bigfoot" who's mission is to visit forests around the world. We think our Mt Cole forest is worthy for Bigfoot to visit, so we have photographed him near this cache. Also showing off our mountain to The 2 Wanderers and Misschief18, travelliing with us today.

Found this on an icy cold day. Had just been to Tower of Power which was snowed under. Snowline had just ended before this cache. A couple of cars drove past (to sightsee the snow no doubt), so we had to try to look like we were innocently bushwalking or something. Thanks to whoever put the comb in there - I was having a real bad hair day under the beanie! (not really). TFTC maccamob.

A nice quick park and grab thanks

Nice easy find thanks

Compass went a bit crazy but all good in the end

As Mrs M enjoyed her family reunion in Ararat, Mr M decided to slip away for a little caching as he knew he wouldn't be missed.

This one was a bit of an adventure driving up Mt Cole. As Mr M approached GZ a wallaby jumped out but stayed within about 10m as he found the cache and signed the log. The wallaby watched on as if nothing was unusual. TFTC maccamob.

Found this one quickly even without the GPS to narrow down the search. I fell for the oldest trick in the book and screamed like a girl when I glimpsed the toy spider on top of the cache... and then it ran up my arm! AArrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrh!!!!!!! and stooy went running too! Hahahahaha.
I gingerly returned to pick up the scattered cache and signed the log.
Thanks Maccamob

Our 1st cache of the day. A nice easy one. No traffic around today. TFTCSL

Our last cache for the soggy day. Found whilst having a camp and cache with Highrod, flyjabiru1 and WRXRO. Thanks for the hide.

Kids found it

Parked at the intersection and found this cache quickly, no problems parking on any of the roads in Mt Cole - didn't see a single vehicle in the entire forest for the whole day.

Found With The Quiet Plodder.TFTC

It is a remarkable landscape in the district about Mount Cole, quite verdant. A contrast from the more drier and stony landscape of the Pyrenees Ranges to the north of this location from where we had travelled on our Geocaching day in the 4 WD. This cache, well hidden, enables you to appreciate that landscape. As always, enjoyed finding this one hidden bu 'maccamob'. With Dylan 7a. TNLN.

This is a fun cache at the crossroads in 'the middle of nowhere'. Enjoyed this one. Thanks.

Removed wet items, replaced log book and added some new swaps. All good.

24/04/11 13:12 #139 found while camping and exploring the 4WD tracks in the area. Log book & treasure wet, dried it out as best we could. TNLN

Found along with bogonghazy on a day trip to the Camping Event this weekend. Enjoyed the cache, but it's no fun getting wet. TNLNSL. Thanks to maccamob