We're not in California anymore The Pines, Victoria, Australia
By Species5618 on 12-Jul-05. Waypoint GCPP1Q

Once we arrived at GZ, didn't take long to spot it

After my bushwalk i checked this one out as I had all the numbers needed. Great little walk and lovely to see some kangaroos. Cache in good condition. Thanks for the cache

The grass is long, and the holes in the ground are hidden; I enjoyed my tumble after stepping in said hole... After investigating the wrong tree, I trusted my phone (GPS) more and set off to the correct one. This is my second visit as on the first I messed up the final coords.

Thank you for the hide! I started geocaching when I lived in California almost 20 years ago, so finding this one felt particularly appropriate.

With it being the last day of the year, the sun was finally shining, so I decided to have a wonder around the Police paddocks. I had solved this Golden oldie from home. All that was left was to find the cache which i did. I'm not sure if it was a Geo trail or a Kangaroo trail that i followed after stepping off the Rd to nowhere.

This one was missing last time I visited but after keeping an eye on the logs and since I was in the area today it was time to come back.It was much more overgrown than last time and I wore shorts! Definitely one for the long pants! Thankfully after a short search at my previously calculated coordinates it was a quick (but not so easy!) find. TFTC!

Great little multi and wander in from the soccer/cricket grounds to the south. The cairn on way was an added treat! TFTC

Just love this area, fantastic views across from the plateau and beautiful woodland. We saw young roos in the distance and Willy Wagtails waggled above us. The traffic of Stud Rd so close and yet seemed an eternity away. Cache hide has disintegrated over time. Thanks for bringing us here Species 5618

An enjoyable stroll through an area I had not previously visited
Gleaned the required info from the sign and cache description to enable a GZ to be calculated
Cache found in good condition
Log signed and returned as found before continuing on my walk
Many thanx to Species5618

On the bikes with Cooper from FisherFamFive today. It was good to see that one of the signs holding the information we required was still present after some past vandalism, and after taking in the beautiful view for a little while we found the well camouflaged cache. Tftc Species5618

Out with Jackson from CammFamThree today for some caches in the Rowville and Endeavour Hills area. After reading through the recent logs and the description we were quite pleased to see this cache had been replaced and ready for the next finders. With GZ plugged into our waypoints, the cache was promptly located. Tftc Species5618

Container replaced with COs permission, everything in order with this one now, cache is good to go.

Happy caching!

This is an interesting cache.
The reason for its being is interesting.
The information it divests is interesting.
Even the CO's bio is enlightening!

We struggled a bit with signs missing / not missing. The cache missing / not missing but in the end we got there. Unfortunately we did not have any supplies with us so we re-hid in the manner in which we found it.

Thanks Species5618 for the cache and the hunt.

**We’re not in California anymore by Species5618 (maintained by TeamThommo & friends)**
*Cache find #1383*

**The Adventure:** Out on an adventure with Snips and Co, we realised we had a few solved puzzles in the general vicinity so made good use of the morning to knock a few off. We also noticed this multi close-by, so wandered over to take a look. Oh, one of the signs is missing. Better Google the answers. Then we did what we should’ve done in the first place and that’s READ THE WHOLE CACHE PAGE. The answers were right there, we didn’t have to google anything

Once we had the solved coords, we wandered over and went “oh??”. Scrolling through the few logs just recently posted, we figured the ol’ ride-on lawnmower had made mincemeat of the container, and but we were able to make a quick find. Good to see it’s now been replaced.

Thanks for the multi Species5618 and bringing us here to make the find. Live long and prosper. Oh, and cache on

**The Cache:** TNLN, signed log as LTEC, SALTECO or Let Them Eat Cache as space would allow. Replaced as found and good to go for the next geocacher.

*Throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Explore. Dream. Discover.* **Mark Twain**

As reported previously the sign is back so that's great news as its a special spot, especially on a beautiful evening. Unfortunately, again as reported previously, the box has completely disintegrated. I added another layer of bag to the log book, and huddled it up in a pile with the swaps. I have removed all bits of the box that were spread around to tidy up and will try to get in in the coming days to add a new box to make it whole again. TFTC.

On a bus driving job to a nearby sports centre today, so I headed out to search for some caches.
The trusty MTB was my ticket to covering ground more quickly in this great park.
I had obtained the final coordinates for this cache on a previous bus job, with time to kill, and used the provided information.
Today I unfortunately discovered that the cache container is completely broken. It appears to have come off second best in an altercation with a slasher or earthmoving equipment.
The logbook is intact, if a little damp, so after signing, I placed it in a new Ziploc bag, as the original is decidedly tatty.
TFTC Species5618

I’m logging this as a find since by some miracle the logbook is still safe and dry in it’s bag so I was able to sign the log.

Unfortunately the container is smashed into many many pieces, with remains of the cache scattered around GZ.

Tftc though and I hope it gets some much needed attention and care soon.

On a good note though, the sign with the necessary information is back.

This poor cache is very worse for wear, but surprisingly the log is safe and dry in its plastic bag. I added my name, but did not have a spare container on hand to fix this debacle.

Three things can ruin any geocache. This is true no matter what the age of the cache, if it is a creative hide, or one that delivers hikers deep into the untamed wilderness, or a fantastical Puzzle Cache with a big surprise twist.

If the geocache log or contents are in a mess; if the log is wet or soaked, if the container is broken/smashed, or is not weather proof and contains water (even thought the log might be dry), or if geocachers don't know it's a geocache because it's not marked/identified, it's what geocachers call a #FAIL.

D2W isn’t a droid from some sci-fi movie. It’s a quick test for geocache owners. To avoid the #FAIL, CO's need to make sure their geocache is D2W compliant. It should be:

- Durable
- Water-tight
- Well-marked

**Time for some attention to this one?**

Took and logged TB and will move it on.

Found while out on a bike ride. The history here is interesting and I have leaned something about the area I live in.
Unfortunately the cache is in a bad way the container is completely smashed and the contents strewn all about. Managed to sign the log though. CO please see note.
TFT interesting multi cache anyway.

This cache is in need of urgent maintenance as the container is non existent the log is ok for now as it is in the sealed bag. I placed in in a pile where I thought it should be. Cheers noelwas

My own today checking out this commemorative tree. A local cyclist up and gave me all the info and worried that it might be chopped up. Looks if it's hanging in there but definitely on a lean. Did the full amount checked out mini options but no find

No luck here today, so many thorns at GZ!

A tad late logging but thats what happens when you don't look at yar drafts! In Melbs and out on trusty treadles exploring - just a tad damp underfoot! Collected the info some time ago which was just as well. Glad there's some accessible areas left close to natural or at least not turned into suburban blocks. TFTC and the historical info opportunity. A fave for longevity!

Found it

Never being able to sit on a Bend Sinister puzzle for very long, straight after work for my regular Friday evening caching run, I rushed to that GZ. After that it was just follow the bird noises and kangaroos and see what else I could find.

This seemed an interesting multicache and I was able to solve it from the car. Once at the gz, I discovered that 1 of the signs still stands. Took a little while to find, as I kept looking in the wrong spots.

Thanks for the cache Species 5618 and Team Thommo
Hunter

PS. Swapped TBs

It is the first time I come here. I can't wait to explore the area further!

I needed to come over to this corner of Melbourne to carry out a little cache maintenance... so I decided that I should go and find this cache while I was in the general area... after all, it's not every day that you get to solve a Multi from the comfort of your home... but I guess it was either provide the information from the missing signs or let the morons win... and we can't have that!!!

Because I didn't have to find clues along the way, I took an alternative path... albeit a bit narrow and, in places, overgrown... in from the South. A nice easy find of a very long lived cache!

Thanks **Species5618** for this cache... and **TeamThommo** for assisting with the maintenance.

Hopefully will soon be in California, so that the kids can see grandma. Cache was easily spotted while the kids had a go on the nearby swing.

Great idea, fun puzzle, but not so great hiding spot. I would say the terrain is quite a bit worse than 1.5. Thanks for the cache!

Never knew this area existed and I've lived here for a number of years.
The waypoints were easy to calculate. The second sign doesn't exist anymore so the information given in the description helped immensely.
As for the cache location, I would be fearful on a hot day for snakes, it's terribly overgrown and blackberry bushes galore. I understand the sentiment, it's excellent bit I deem it difficult terrain for a 1.5

With the new year upon us (and a public holiday to be appropriately made use of), buhfuhguh and I made an impromptu trip to kick off a year of caching in an area ranging all the way from Scoresby to Officer.
There were plenty of finds with lots of walking to accompany them, though plenty of fun was had as always, notwithstanding the fact that I foolishly didn't apply sunscreen and ended up with a less-than-pleasant sunburn afterwards!

buhfuhguh had figured out the numbers for this one a while ago but hadn't managed to find the final.
So, after a wander down the trail, he led us over to where he remembered it to be.
Luck was on his side this time, as he remembered correctly and found the container very quickly as well!
It's very interesting, and a touch melancholic, to read the history of this cache; even when so much changes over the years, it's good to know that the geocaching community is always there to help.

So thank you to Species5618 for the listing, dak's emu mob for the placement, TeamThommo for continuing to maintain it, Team Crackers for helping out with the current iteration and so on...

3 January 2022 11:05 am

Another day out and about with Brainiac03 today as we go out for a very impromptu and sporadic day out caching with no real plan or guide to tell us where we are going. Just picking caches that we're nearby or interesting to keep up going. With roughly 24 found including a couple fun multis we were happy with today's work with no DNF's. A nice cool day after some swelters all in all had fun, Thanks for the cache and the little adventure

Out trying to find some multis today in order to reach the peak quickly, An absolute beautiful area, but watch out for thorns at GZ! TFTC

Found it TFTC

An SOS went out and we were more than happy to help maintain this golden oldie, we wouldn't want to see it disappear. We have contacted Team Thommo but they may be out of range on their holiday so we are just letting everyone know that this is good to go again.

Thanks so much TeamCrackers, I owe you another one, I’ll be in touch with Species5618 and get them to remove the NM flag.

No, we are definitely not in California anymore and goodness knows when we will be able to go visit again….damm COVID!!
Sadly this cache is in dire need of repairs. A smashed lid has exposed the contents to the elements and the container is full of water. The log is saturated and beyond salvage I fear.
Hopefully it won’t be archived as it was a very interesting cache to do and showed me a piece of history I knew nothing about…..hey I’m a kiwi, now an Australian citizen, and have only been here 10 years

This geocacher reported that the container is damaged.

Gah! It’s my job to look after this cache but I’m 3500km away ATM - I’ll get a SOS out to a local friend and get this sorted ASAP

A much easier walk to GZ than I was expecting.
Cache lid has a hole in it but otherwise everything dry.
Covered as best I could.

I've had the final location for this multi for a long time but I have never actually made the time to stop here. I had the afternoon to myself so I decided to head towards this cache. The walk up to GZ was peaceful and I was pleasantly surprised to see the view from here. Certainly a different perspective on an area I know pretty well! This cache took me a bit of time to find as my GPS decided I was at GZ but it turned out I was 20m short. Once the GPS settled I saw the cache on the approach I made. Nice to finally find this cache and I enjoyed learning about the history here. TFTC

I worked out these coords a while ago, and was driving past so grabbed it on after a long walk.

Thanks Species5618 for We're not in California anymore

#4539

Found this at the second attempt. I really need to be more careful with my observation, reading and maths skills.
Having not been in the reserve for a couple of years (used to ride through here regularly) I was disappointed that it seems to have fallen into the no longer maintained group of parks in our state.

Thanks Species5618 for placing the cache and teaching me about this area.

A quick multi on the way home from Homburgs. Really nice area here, great that Aboriginal history is being highlighted. Thanks for the cool location.

Out with Crusty K9 today, and we enjoyed a walk around the Police Paddocks. I had solved this a while back, but today was our chance to sign the log. Tftc.

Found it with no help from geodog whos already been here before with dogminders. Useless fella.
Heaps of kangaroos. Thanks

Worked out the coords for GZ at home. A quick find on a cool morning. Nice and peaceful here. Spotted a few kangaroos about. In good condition.

Find 2072
Absolutely loved this location. I did the number crunching for the GZ location last night. A pleasant walk in and once we got to the posted coords we could see a heap of kangaroos grazing on the flat. 25 drees and a slight breeze made this spot special. We then walked over to GZ and a bit prickly due to some blackberry bushes. Taking care we soon spotted the cache. Log signed and all back safe again.
A great cache and thanks for keeping this going in spite of the missing signs.

I came out for a trip home via lyserfield and stopped off to collect this cache which has been in the solved list for some time. Love the area and enjoyed the cache. I know this is one of those areas I would not have travelled to if not for a cache and thank you for sharing the history as well. Just a shame people feel the need to vandalise the signs.

A lovely walk down the path this morning before it got too hot. Arriving at WP1 it was a great view - one that I normally see from the other side of the paddocks (from stud road!) It was a pity to see what has happened to the historical elements here but thanks to the CO for keeping the cache going with the updates. I made some mistakes here with my numbers but when the distance didnt match the description I found my error. A walk to GZ was a bit hairy in the long grass in the summer, and the search was a bit prickly, but got the find eventually. TFTC!

This was on my lunch time walk, a nice break from working at home on my computer all day.

My main focus was on a WP for a multi I've been working on, but this turned my walk quite nicely into a loop of just under 3km.

The actual hide was easily calculated and relatively easily found - though blackberries are growing all over the area, the cache itself was able to be accessed without pain.

Nice find with Sims_family and Ausfox;

After spending the bulk of the day caching in Chruchill National Park we moved the car to access a few more over here. For once I read the cache note enough to realize that a visit to GZ was no longer required and I was able to work out GZ from the comfort of the car.
We took as a direct route as possible making the prickly find without too much discomfort.

Thank you Species5618 for the hide

Needing a reasonable easy day because of a knee injury, a walk around Churchhill park with Simsfamily and Neville devil seemed like a good idea, but with many more ups and downs than expected I spent the day in pain, but It was well worth it with a variety of great caches
We moved the car closer to this area to give my knee a little rest which didn't last long here either.
Worked through this one while sitting in the car. Intresting information that I wasn't aware of for this area. We took an A-B approach following what looked to be animal trails.
Log signed and replaced as found.

Thanks for the Cache Species5618
#4,551

As I’m a bit under the weather today, I sent MontsII off to find this one as I worked out GZ from the cache page in the car, and messaged them to him. He soon found the cache and I’m writing his log for him whilst I wait for him to return. TFTC Species5618

We have walked to this area many times when we had our beautiful Golden Retriever, Monty, which we lost early last year. As we are minding a dog for a week, it was the perfect opportunity to revisit this area. Worked out the puzzle and then straight to GZ to sign the log. Thank you species5618 for bringing us back and the dog thanks you too.

BoatieTim picked me up and we joined jascat and TeamGBunny for a few finds this afternoon.
Targeting mostly multis and mysteries.
We found this cache as our last for today. Daylight has fled.
Beware the blackberries.
Thanks for placing he his cache Species5618
Thanks also to TeamThommo for maintaining it.
Cache in excellent condition, as you would expect

11 Jun 2018, Found @5:45 pm, Find # 1607

After meeting up with n0w0rries, BoatieTim and TeamGBunny to do a puzzle in the area we made a stop here. After gathering the required information we made our way to GZ. Cache was nicely tucked away and well out of view.

Thanks to Species5618 for placing this cache

11 Jun 2018, Found @5:45 pm,

After meeting up with n0w0rries, BoatieTim and Jascat to do a puzzle in the area we made a stop here. After gathering the required information we made our way to GZ. Cache was nicely tucked away and well out of view.

Thanks to Species5618 for placing this cache

I've had the final for this one for a while. Today was collection day. Found easy enough although I thought I.may have to go through the blackberries. Tftv

Solved easily on the spot - and the find only took a minute. Great views up there.

Apologies for the late log. My family were away on a trip to New Zealand so I planned a few evening excursions to cache after work. Having done Churchill National Park the previous evening I was now trying a few a bit further to the west. I parked up on Churchill Park Drive and walked in to this one. With the information provided on the cache page I was able to do some calculations in advance and after a quick search at GZ I had the cache in hand. My first find of twelve on a sunny evening in this area. Took nothing, left nothing, signed log and visited some trackables. Thanks for the multi cache Species 5618 and to Team Thommo for looking after it locally. Great to have an old cache of Dak’s still going.

Hard to think of a cache on my to do list longer than this one. I had the GZ for it a long time back but never made the trip to GZ. Tonight with the nice sun and butterflies a plenty I made my way to the cache and found it in perfect condition. Fantastic location. Favourite given. Thanks to Species5618 for placing this cache.

A find in between a kids party drop off and pick up on a gloomy morning - this one I had my eye on as it filled a missing piece in the hidden month grid. It is a shame this historic location has fallen into disrepair. tftc

Off for our daily cache! This was a lovely walk with the Geodog! Mind you... Boots or not... I really should not have worn a dress to this GZ!

What a wonderful view from the GZ. Nice little walk in the evening got us to the GZ with no troubles. Interesting history in the area, is a pity the signs have all gone telling people what the area was about.

This was an interesting multi. nice to learn about the local history. And a nice walk
With Zedaycee and Angelique Anja.

Here in the company of G of GJMMelb. A quick find by me, while trying to avoid the many blackberries. TFTC

Walking from a nearby puzzle cache we followed the main tracks and got to Gz where there were only a few objects of interest. Having inspected a possible location Lochb and I moved on to another where L found the cache. Thanks Species5618
GJMMelb

On my way to this cache, there was a sign saying "Historical Location" but that was it, so thanks for the description about the significance of the area.
Made my way to GZ were there were a few places it could be, then it soon revealed itself, thank you

Out wish another cacher who had worked out the final coordinates to this one earlier so I had a bit of an advantage but still enjoyed the walk and the view from here. Great size cache with plenty in it. Picked up a TB. Keen to come back and explore the area more. Thanks for a great cache Species5618

12:16 pm #3126
Decided to do a day of multis to hopefully get enough for the multi month challenge.
This was our first.
TFTC

17/3/17 12:06 pm #2322 out on a lovely day off on my own grabbing a few locals and some important d/ts this was in the area and a great little multi... great views.
Thankyou for this great view and cache.

Found this afternoon after knocking out the final co-ord's a little while ago and while we were in the area grabbing a puzzle we walked to the gz and managed a nice straight forward find. Found with omegaman1971, thanks Species5618 for the simple little multi and for bringing us here.

2576# omegaman1971
After completing a nearby cache we did the required work and walk for this one.
Great view from Gz and definitely didn't know about this location and History.
Cheers for the fun arvo.
Dropped of TB

A venerable cache with involvement of Dak's Emu Mob. I was sure to learn something and have a bit of an adventure on the way, I thought to myself.
Well, my first attempt resulted in completely the wrong co-ords and after about 15 mins of looking I thought I'd have to come back another day. However, every cloud has a silver lining and the time I took looking around allowed me to bump into two other cachers, Fieldmouse2 and TamikaM1997. After finding a couple of other nearby trads we ventured our hands on this one. Credit to Fieldmouse2 for spotting the error both I and TamikaM1997 independently fell into as re-calculation of GZ using the corrected numbers resulted in a completely different GZ.
After walking through the oval we found we had to jump a creek and then walk through some very, tall grass. Hmm, summer and tall grass, not the best combination. Luckily we didn't meet any slithering 'friends' on our way through their habitat and once at GZ, Fieldmouse2 made a fairly quick find. Thanks for the history lesson and the walk Species5618. We hope to see you in Oz at some point in the near future.

Got the coordinates wrong the first time. Saw a bushtail possum. Ran into multiple spiders. Re did our calculations and realised we were wayyyyy off. Searched it up and walked. Jumped over some ditches and walked thru the waist high grass looking for a path. My phone then died and I had to rely on my fellow caches. Got multiple pokey things in my socks and many metres later of tromping thru REALLY high grass and fearing snakes we got to GZ. Searched and searched. Ran into a few more spider webs and finally got it. Then was the struggle to get out of the grass, back to the cars. TFTC. We had a nice adventure and luckyily didn't see a snake.

This one turned into some adventure today. We were parked at a nearby cache. Worked out the puzzle but eventually realized we had made a mistake. Fixed it. Then took off on foot across the oval together with a fellow cacher we met a little earlier. A large ditch was crossed by walking across a fallen tree. The grass was high.... too high for someone wearing a skirt. We followed kangaroo tracks until we made it to GZ. A bit of searching and soon we had the cache in hand. I picked up the TB. We googled maps to find a different way back...one that didn't have us worried about snakes. Found a good path and made it back to the car. Thanks for the entertaining evening walk through an area I visited often as a child. It was my favourite place to ride my horse. Great memories! TFTC

The bear went in yesterday - Monday 10th October

I decided to walk it rather than get my bike out of the car. Very pleasant either way. I spent a bit of time fighting the blackberries with my pocket knife. The blackberries bit back. They will do a sleeping princess on the cache given half a chance! Thanks Thommos.

On a warm but blustery day I decided to get the bike out and grab a few caches. There were not many others out either on bike or foot which made my afternoon of caching a little easier.
At the GZ I wandered around in circles for a while before making the find. TNLN. TFTC.

Visited a TB

I can't exactly remember where I was when the email came through from Species5618( probably the middle of no where some where between Bamaga and Weipa) but as soon as I read it I knew I wanted to help.
With dak's Emu Mob no longer Species5618 was calling out from California for some help.
Today was my first free back since being back form our adventure up north, I was hoping for a beautiful Spring day but the clouds and light rain certainly made it more like winter again

A short enjoyable stroll with Geo daughter had us at GZ fairly quickly. The cache was easily found, log sodden and cache lid looks as though it has perished in the harsh Australian conditions. It's been replaced with a nice big Sistema, new swaps, new log book, stash note and a TT path tag.

TFTC Species5618 SL Took the old cache left a new one TBV

Since dak's Emu Mob lost his fight with cancer back in July of 2008 this cache has been in decline without a local maintainer. I finally reached out and sent out some emails hoping to find someone who would be willing to be my local maintainer. Almost immediately TeamThommo wrote me back and enthusiastically volunteered for the job! She has now replaced the cache and it is now in good condition and ready to find.
I would like to take a moment to remember dak's Emu Mob. He was a good friend and has been missed.

In contact with the CO, maintenance will be done in a few weeks when we are back from Cape York

Cache container needs replacement - the lid is broken and the log was sodden even though it was in a sealed bag.

Solved the location based on the description and located the cache after a quick search. The container lid was cracked and the log was sodden. Left a new page in a new bag. TFTC

Thanks for the Cache Species5618.
Not a bad view from here.
Chiefton!!!

Great views across the Dandenong Creek Valley towards the city!
Interesting info regarding the traditional owners of this area!

Hi Species5618. Thanks for the cache. If you have not already done so you should come and visit. Its probably not quite as good as CA but there are a few spots here that could even rival! You are in the right corner of the USA, that is for sure and probably not too many Donald J's around you either.

Thanks for the cache Species5618

The tub was full of water and the blackberries ate starting to take over. If I'd had gloves I'd have cleared it s bit. The view and the walk was lovely, thanks for the cache.

What an amazing spot, which such historical significance. Thank you so much for bringing us here! Miss 5 jumped on this one like one of the 'roos that we saw and soon had the cache in hand. Unfortunately, the lid of the cache has separated, but everything was still dry inside. (A little wander nearby led us to an incredible historical marker, too.)

Found during a visit to Melbourne for the week. Enjoyed a picnic lunch nearby before a short walk through the woodland to locate the cache. (The only shortcoming was the dodgy characters frequenting the carpark that made us decidedly uncomfortable as we were leaving). Thanks for the cache Species5618!

Found while in the area for a CITO

TFTC

Find #23 of 40 at 10:28:00 AM on my Mega Melbourne week - not a big total, but it turned out to be a fun & sociable time.

I ended up spending much of my time on the actual weekend at the organised sessions, so the opportunity to find caches was fairly limited, but I did find a few conveniently placed caches, including this one while cleaning up in the vicinity.

TFTC Species5618 - for contributing to a mega of a weekend in Melbourne!

Wandered along the track from the nearby CITO and logged this find with JaminAppleford and Screma. Thanks for the cache.

Found it!!!

The cache needs some maintenance, the outside zip lock has deteriorated and the lid to the container is falling apart too

Out and about on my own today I picked up a few smilies to fill in the map - of DNFs or non-attempts in the past.

I calculated GZ prior to departure and headed out to sign. There was a guy searching for his quadcopter in the grass... he lost track of it and it was in the field, somewhere! So after signing the cache I headed back and climbed up a tree to see if I could help him. Unfortunately no sign. I'm sure he would have eventually recovered it.

A nice spot up on the hill here. Thanks Species5818 for the cache!