In the Loop Faulconbridge, New South Wales, Australia
By The Rats on 30-Jul-06. Waypoint GCXBD5

A couple years ago, PPE approached me about doing this cache that I hadn't known about and it was after reading some of the logs, I likened the challenge of a tough cache. The difficulty was finding the right time to do it but with this pandemic and scouting commitments far and few, we came up with a date. With work commitments preventing any daytime walk out along Dawes trail, it was decided that a night time dash had to be and we were soon setting up tents a couple hours after leaving the car. From the camp the next morning, the bush bash along the ridge seemed easy going and we made good time getting to the creek junction for a easy crossing. It was here that I saw the first signs of the recent fires on the hill with the cache which made easy navigation up until the last cliff line. It was while getting through this cliff line, my Glasses fell down about 8m and so it was back down to retrieve the glasses, only to find that one of the lens had disappeared, Bugger! Just as well I had a new pair waiting for me at the local Spec savers shop. So it was than that PPE was able to give me a hand reaching the top contour and we soon had cache in hand.
The return trip proved to be a bit tougher and we took our time getting back up the ridge and to camp. After a bit of a rest and something to drink, we made for the car and the thought of some take away food pushed us on, getting back just after 6pm.
Wow! What a great day, Thanks Rats for a great challenging cache and Thanks to PPE for the great company and avoiding talking workshop (Geocaching) while walking the whole time. This cache fills my criteria of favorite points and is well deserved.
Cheers dkmacca

A truly epic geocaching adventure!
Work commitments meant that my good mate and hiking buddy DK Makka and I were only able to start our adventure from the Observatory at 6pm Friday night. It was a very mild and quiet evening and we arrived at the end of the Dawes Ridge trail around 8pm. A quick set up of our tents on the trail followed by a cup of tea and we were snuggly in our tents for an early night. Makka was rustling around at 5:15am so we were up for an early start; and after packing up camp and a coffee and porridge breakfast, we were off by 6:30. The ridge line was pretty straight forward and easy to navigate and we took the NE spur down to the river. There were plenty of cliff line obstacles to negotiate but nothing too serious. We found an easy crossing, dropped the pack and blasted up the spur to arrive at GZ at 9:30. The little mountain had obviously experience quite a burn as there was very limited undergrowth which made the going quite easy. After couple of happy snaps at GZ and we were down and back to the creek.
Then the real work started; the climb back up to Dawes Ridge was brutal, steep slow and lots of route finding up through the cliffs. With fatigue setting in the going was very slow and even once back to the top there was only limited respite for my tired legs. The return trip from the cache took 4.5hrs and we arrived back at "camp" at 2:30. Our plan was to have a nap and walk out, however the March flies and mozzies did not allow us any peace so after a bite to eat and a cup a soup, we were off again for the 11km walk to the car. We arrived at the car at 6pm, exhausted and with tired feet bu very satisfied that a couple of old farts were able to finally tick this fantastic caching experience of. Left a 5000 find Travel Bug and brand new 2000 Find GC for the next group.
Overall it took 8hrs out and back and apart from some challenges with the cliff lines, our navigation which was well prepared; was spot on.
Thanks The Rats for a great experience, and thanks Makka for your wonderful company.
SL TFTC

I am sure every cacher has a few caches never to forget. This surely was one of them for me. With celebration event only Meyers further up there was a double incentive to get to this beautiful,but remote, spot. Not knowing exactly how many people were interested in the event, Rats, Steeba and I made our own plan of attack. Its good when you know each other s fitness before planning this one. We decided on a short bike ride till the start of Dawes ridge and then a walk till the end of the ridge to make camp for the night. (I would not recommend the trail for bike riding, unless your are very proficient). As we walked to the camp site we got pretty much drenched, more from the wet bush then the actual rain. Unfortunately there were not many views on the way due to fog and clouds. At camp very early, 5 pm and we enjoyed food and a nice fire. Thanks Steeba for the persistence in getting it going despite the wet circumstances. Another big advantage of fire was the possibility of drying some gear needed for tomorrow.
Had a good night sleep and breakfast and ready to go by 7.30. We didn't go to the end of the ridge to drop off, but instead tuned early and followed the ridge down to the saddle to drop down to the creek from the saddle, a steep but doable route searching your way around rocks, cliffs and contouring your way down. Creek crossing was easy once at the right spot. Now back up for 150+ m to the final destination on top op Callendina loop. Due to some back burning last summer the undergrowth was easier to manage and we were able to head up in an almost straight line. By 9.30 we reached the top and soon found the cache. While enjoying the sun today, we soon had to move on to make it in time to the event! Again enjoyed the views and weather at the event before starting to think about returning to the car before midday. Again down to the creek we made good progress, by up to the saddle from the creek is more than 200 altitude meters, steep rocky and overgrown, so very slow going. Once up it is still a lot of bushbashing till the camp site and then till the track. Once back on the track it is still a 6 km walk and 5 km bike ride. Back at the car before sunset, very tired, but very proud of a successful attempt.
Thanks many times to Rats and Steeba for the company and two epic days!
TFTC Wilbert67

Well, what a walk! Joining The Rats and Wilbert67 for the Community Celebration event near GZ we set out after lunch on Friday afternoon. Bit of misty rain was a bit of an annoyance.
After riding what we could on our bikes we left them and headed off on foot. The rough track lasted for quite a significant time and then it was onto bush navigation to ensure we had the right route. After about 4hours from the cars we made a campsite about 1.3km from the cache. Thankfully we got a fire going which enabled a lot of damp stuff to be dried out. This morning we were away early and after 500-1000m we sidled down to the creek- steep, vegetative but we got there. After negotiating the creek it was then tackling the other side. Surprisingly recent fires all over the loop made things easier with all the undergrowth gone. It was super steep but we hit the ridge to the north and then made our way to GZ. At the cache the log was a bit of a whos who of older cachers from 'back in the day' and the cache was well stocked, as was the thing to do back when this was hidden. After the event we then reversed things which made about a 4 hour round trip from the campsite. Packs shouldered we had another bush bash back to where we picked up the track and then all the way back to where we picked up our bikes and back to Linden. Congratulations to those that can tackle this walk in a day! A great challenge, glad to have completed it, I'm sore but job well done! TFTC!

polite note to the next to find this cache , [?]

**Tattedgeohunters**

who hasn't logged the cache as a find yet , says ( they ) placed our TB in here on the 27th March 2019

I have my dough's

> Honesty is always the best policy

9000!!!

For almost all of my time geocaching, some 9+ years, this has been in my five closest to home, the vast majority of the time as my closest!

Every time I drove down the highway I looked longingly north, thinking one day I will get there. But there is no way to drive to within 10kms of it!?!

So contemplate maps and plan routes and dream is what I did. A while ago I planned this to be my 10,000th for 10 years. But, I came to realisation that would be summer and way too hot, so I made it my 9,000th instead and a cool may day was planned.

Four weeks ago, bikerbuddy and I did a walk out on the ridge following a pleasantly easy and flatter than expected track for ten kilometres to a likely camping spot. This became a plan for the first afternoon and then an attack on GZ the next day. Hopefully we would get the cache and become the next night!?!

This was not a trip to undertake solo so I arranged a group of friends who were physically able to come with me. Sadly my boys, bikerbuddy, Toriaz and Purplepeopleater were unable to join me as planned due to time constraints, other commitments and injury. I do wish they were all there!

Come midweek a crew of six had been arranged and by Friday lunchtime five of us, delloro had had equipment issues, had assembled at The Baker's Wife in Springwood for a last relaxed and catered meal. It was lovely too!

At 2pm we, Team Canary, Bella at Waggy, The Hancock Clan, Noodles22 and crash2079, arrived at the Linden Observatory and began the leisurely walk out to the camp spot. It was very pleasant walking and talking, despite the weight of our water laden packs. About two and a half hours later we arrived at my spot I had planned, but we explored a little and found a better spot about a hundred metres away, not too near a small cliff.

So, with the last of the daylight we set up our tents and prepared for dinner, while planning our method of attack. It was a wonderful night sitting around the campfire with friends talking about adventures had and planned.

The next morning feeling well rested we set off just after 7:45 further along Dawes Ridge. After about half an hour we realised we were on the steeper left hand ridge top not the smoother right hand one and backtracked to almost the campsite. An hour wasted, that would come back to haunt us!!!

Continued...

About 10:30 we reached the last saddle on Dawes ridge and looked at our options. The north ridge we had planned looked very thick with vegetation and the western side of Callendina Loop was very steep. So we went with Plan B and went off the end of Dawes Ridge down to the junction of Dawes Creek and Wentworth Creek, planning on going up to gentler eastern side of the Loop.

But the descent off the ridge did not go as planned, it was steeper than it appeared and covered in lawyer vines. Every blockages kept sending us right when we wanted to go left and Bella and I ended up 600 metres up Dawes Creek, covered in scratches, rock hopping our way to the junction where the others joined us ten minutes later, at about 12:30.

Then it was up the slope, slowly and steadily with just a few tricky rocky sections to negotiate, arriving at GZ at 1:30. At GZ I was filled we elation, a sense of achievement and a large dose of exhaustion, tempered by the thought that we were only halfway done!?!

Formalities done we headed out the other way, north from GZ and then down the western side of the Loop. Very steep and slippery but quick and we were soon walking past an inviting sandstone cave on the riverbank and crossing the Creek for a snack. All crossing had gone smoothly with no wet feet!

The ascent from here back to Dawes Ridge was very slow going with the cramps and exhaustion kicking in. The terrain also was a hindrance with thick vegetation and more lawyer vines!?! So we sidled around and climbed and then sidled some more until we were back at the top, but by now it was getting late, 4:30 had snuck up on us.

So we tried to quicken the pace but the terrain was too tough and I was too tired, to cover the two and half kilometres quick enough to beat the dark. Luckily two of us had planned for the eventuality and had head lamps so we could stagger back to the campsite at 6:30!

After that journey, Noodles22 still had the energy and will to go home, while the rest of us thought about dinner. Eventually we all found the energy to replace our lost nutrients with dinner and we spent the night talking about our new hardest physical cache!

The next morning we all awoke early and after a quiet breakfast we hoisted our much lighter packs on our backs and fairly raced back to the cars in just over two hours.

A truly memorable milestone!!!

Thanks to all my friends who have helped me enjoy every caching trip with your company, those who could share the weekend and those who couldn't.

Thanks to all the owners who placed the caches, especially The Rats for this one!!!

The 9,000 Canary Adventure

This milestone had been discussed by Team Canary for a while. Possibly before last years 8,000 expedition Down the River. So when a day was set we made sure we had a Hall pass and then watched as Canary had to catch up numbers at some points and ration for others. A few changes of cachers due to availability and injuries. So in the end the 5 of us, Team Canary, The Hancock Clan, Crash2079, Noodles 22 and our selves meet up Friday afternoon for a non camp meal and then headed out Linden/Dawes Ridge to find a camp at the end of Dawes Ridge Track as part of this Classic old cache hunt. After the rocks a camp spot big enough for all of us was found, just mind the drop to the east.
A good camp fire was had and a discussion on which route to take being left or right when got to the North Facing Cliff on the south side of Wentworth Creek with looking at GZ. Sat maps and topo maps were looked at plus past logs consulted again but the decision was deferred to the next morning at the cliff. Perhaps there is no easy route.
After a small morning detour we were back on track (not all topo maps show the true extent of what is ahead of you). Basically there is no trail (not even animal ones, and no ground animals spotted despite lots of areas having been dug over) so the long bush bash began with some rock scrambling thrown in for good measure. The cliff above the south side of Wentworth Creek was reached and looking at the thick vegetation all the way down to the creek to the NW and the gentler looking slope of the spur up to GZ on the NE side a decision to go right and head for the intersection of Dawes and Wentworth Creeks down the spur. Well there was plenty of drop downs and zigging zagging. Canary kept telling me to go left but generally the only option was right and while we dropped elevation quickly we ended up some 500m up stream and was fortunate to missing a lot of the cliffs and vines the other half of the party encountered. Dawes Creek was generally dry apart from some smaller pools of water and it was hoped a bit of boulder hopping could get us through quick but it was not the case. At the junction with Wentworth Creek we were greeted by the sounds of running water that was cool and clear. A quick bit of lunch and up the SE spur which was the right choice and then over the top and onto GZ which again was the right choice and good pace but time had already slipped away. Canary was left to make the find being Mr 9,000 as we all took in the great views on a somewhat warm and sunny day for this time of year. It was a pretty easy decision to go out a different way so someone had the route from the west side which saw us heading north from GZ to the saddle and then dropping to the west to the creek in quick vertical succession and again fortunate to pick some good lines to hit the creek below. Next a diagonal line to the next saddle was plotted but had to avoid a large blackberry path. Some of the group had weary legs so the sports concentrates were put to use and the slog to the top of this morning’s decision point for decent. By this stage light was fading fast and we pushed on along the scrubby ridge and down the chute in the rocks before the torches took over. Who’d have thought we would have need these. After about an hour on wandering in the dark the welcome sights of camp appear to end a day (and evening) of bush bashing. Noodles had to go so packed his kit and headed out while the rest of us continued stories around the camp fire and an early hike at pace out in the morning despite being bruised, batter, scratched and fatigued to various degrees. So who is up again for finding a better route? An epic adventure. They don’t make them like that anymore. TFTC
A favourite point

Canary was reaching his 9000th find and wanted to find this cache as his milestone, so asked Bellaatwaggy, the Hancock clan, Crash and I to join him (as this is not a cache to find solo).
We walked 10km to the end of the trail to set up camp and hopefully get an easy start in the morning.
Only the first hour was wasted when i pointed out we were walking down the wrong ridge and had to backtrack 500m.
Then we hadn't decided on our approach to the creek until we got close. In the end we decided to go to the right from the ridge and climb up to gz from the south east. The trip down there was terrible! Slippery ground leaf litter,a discontinuous ridge line that looked easy from satellite photos, but in reality was far from it, and then layers and layers of lawyer vines scratching and trapping us in multiple locations. Then a cliff that caused us have to go 500m upstream from the creek junction that we had intended to reach.
Meanwhile a couple of us started getting leg cramps which made the rest of the trip a bit more difficult and slower.
The ascent to gz went with little issue and the cache was found with little effort.
The return journey ended up getting far more difficult and took longer than intended. We took the route suggested by Jamescreer. The climb up to the saddle to the west of gz was again covered with lawyer vines, exhaustion and leg cramps meant it was stop, start, and slow progression. So slow that were had to walk the last 2km to camp by torchlight. It just so happens that only Canary and I thought to bring torches. Navigating through thick bush by torchlight was so slow. We didn't reach camp until 6:30!
Another snag... i promised I'd be home by tonight, so by 7pm my bag was repacked and i got to enjoy another 10km walk in the dark back to my car, with blistered feet and legs on the brink of more cramps, while the other's got to lay about the camp fire and recover.
Certainly not an adventure I'd ever forget.
Thanks for the cache

Wow, what an epic cache this turned out to be! An awesome experience and a huge sense of achievement (as I write this covered in bruises and scratches with incredibly sore legs!), but it was worth it! And of course, a huge congratulations to Team Canary on his 9000th milestone.
We met up for lunch on Friday in a cafe in Springwood prior to heading to our chosen parking spot near to Linden Observatory. Our group consisted of Team Canary, crash2079, Noodles22, bella at waggy, and myself. By mid afternoon we were on our way, primarily following Linden Firetrail then north along a small track that passes around Mt Twiss and eventually dwindles away 10km from where we set off. It was a long undulating slog with heavy packs and after 10km we were ready to find a spot to camp. We found a great spot with some interesting rock formations nearby, and before long we were all set up and making dinner.
The next morning we left camp set up just in case we decided to stay another night, although the plan was to be done and dusted before too late. Well, that never happened! Thankfully though, we were all prepared for another night and had ample supplies.
Anyway, after a bit of breakfast and bag sorting we were on our way. Little did we know the terrain would be anywhere near as extreme as it was. Dawes Ridge was okay, just a bit scrubby with a few rocky sections to negotiate but it was the descent that proved very tough. We chose the NE option down to the junction of Wentworth Creek and Dawes Creek. The ridgeline along the spur seemed a great option for quite a while. There were several cliffs but all had a break that enabled up to keep descending, until we reached one that had no way down. We had to backtrack for ages before we could find another way down, which involved a lot of thick lawyer vine, brambles, blade grass, and allsorts of nasty skin-cutting flora. But after a while we got down to creek level albeit about 500m away from the junction where we intended to ascend towards GZ.
The ascent wasn’t too bad considering what we’d just done and once near the top we took the correct option and soon found the cache. However, the earlier descent had swallowed up a lot of time and the tough, nasty terrain had taken it’s toll on us with some of the group beginning to struggle.
We chose a different descent on the way back, heading north from GZ, dropping down to Woodford Creek through a steep break in the cliff line before heading south along the creek and up to a saddle on Dawes Ridge. It wasn’t easy by any means, and we were having to go pretty slow, but we were getting there!
Eventually, we reached the saddle and were back on top of Dawes Ridge. With about 3.5km to go, the afternoon was creeping away into evening and we knew we were to be faced with darkness if we didn’t pick up the pace. But sheer exhaustion and muscle cramps got the better of the group and the final one or two kilometres ended up in torchlight. A couple of the group donned headtorches and I was tempted to use my emergency ‘Aldi’ wind-up light but thought it far safer to keep my hands free to guard my face and deflect the thousands of face-slapping branches! I was still slapped several times though and have the scars to prove it hehe!
It wasn’t late by the time we got back to camp but almost all of us were too exhausted to hike the 10km back out. Besides, it was a nice clear night to camp under the stars anyway!
This was a super weekend and despite the bruises, scratches and sore muscles, I loved it! Having said that, the way that I’m feeling right now, if someone asked me if I wanted to do it again…hmm???!
Thanks Rats for an excellent adventure and for some super memories with a great bunch of other cachers!
Cheers,
The Hancock Clan

#2334
I was thrilled to get a call from the yellow one to join him on an adventure to celebrate his 9000th find.

We had arranged to meet for lunch in Springwood. Then a short drive to the end of Glossop Rd where our adventure would begin. With high spirits (and heavy packs), **Team Canary**, **bella at waggy**, **Noodles22**, **The Hancock Clan** and myself set off just after 2pm for a 10km stroll to our camping spot.

With bella at waggy setting a cracking pace (which would become the standard for the rest of the trip) we made it to the end of the track and took a while to find a suitable spot that could accommodate all of us. Tents were pitched and the fire lit just on dusk. A bite to eat and some geochat saw us hit the sack a bit later than expected.

The new sleeping bag did its job perfectly to see me through a 4 deg night. Woke to see a beautiful sunrise and we were all eager to set off for our target after a nourishing breakfast and with lighter packs on our back. We'd broadly discussed our plan of attack the previous night which was to descend down the NE ridge towards the junction of Wentworth and Dawes Creeks and then ascend along the NW ridge towards GZ. Long before we got to those points, we had a brief moment of inattention. This resulted in us backtracking to within 200m of our camp site after an hours effort. We paid a bit more attention after that and the next few km ticked by. There were no tracks to follow but thankfully the scrub wasn't too thick but still enough to make you zig zag and constantly to avoid tripping or getting slapped in the face.

Before the descent, we again confirmed we were taking the NE route. Stupidly, we split into two groups with b@w and canary heading further east while the rest tried to follow the ridge line. If only things were as smooth as the topo map suggested. We made good progress scrambling down some rocky areas before it flattened out and repeated. Until the drop was suddenly too sheer. This forced us to head SE where we were eventually able to lose some altitude, but ended up in nasty thorny vines. While we were happy to hit the creek 500m before the junction, it wasn't much easier clambering over boulders and slippery rocks. Very happy to meet up again at the junction for a bite to eat and short rest, but much later than we had ever envisaged around noon.

The way up from there was steep with a few fun rock scrambles towards the top, hitting GZ a little after 1pm. We took a moment to enjoy the views but the highlight was Mr Canary making the find. For a brief moment he had a huge grin on his face before the reality set in that we still had to get back. We all signed the log before unanimously agreeing to take an alternate route via the saddle to the north.

A bit more rock scrambling before it levelled out and then we headed west down a very steep and slippery section to the creek. We then headed SW up the adjacent ridge, gaining as much altitude as we could early on where we hit some more nasty vines. As fatigue set in, the pace slowed considerably and we didn't make it to the saddle until 4pm. Luckily two team members had brought a torch. Without going into further detail, bush bashing via torch light wasn't any easier and eventually we staggered back into camp around 6:30pm. 25K steps and 378 floors according to my fitbit. The fire was lit, food was consumed and the mood lifted again to realise what we had achieved.

My intention was to head home that night, but there was no way I was going to make it a further 10km with a heavy pack. Somehow Noodles had the energy to head off solo.

A good nights sleep and hearty breakfast, had us attacking the last leg of our journey at a cracking pace, making it back to the cars in just over 2 hours. Hats off to all those with the guts and confidence to make this trip solo in a single day. Definitely a trip to remember and great to be able to help Mr Canary to celebrate his milestone.

TFTC The Rats - earns a FP

9000!!!

Did 10kms out along the track on Dawes Ridge.

Camping options are limited there but they should make the next day easier!?! But certainly not easy!!!

Plans for my 9000th are progressing!

With Uni work completed in readiness for a weekend to myself, I scrolled about the map to find something to do. This cache popped up but not having a functional bike atm for the fire trail ride, I promptly put this one to rest for a bit. Then I saw an interesting way to get into here from the west, Mt Hay carpark, firetrail to Wentworth creek, Lawson ridge and then to the cache. Setting myself a one day challenge (Sundays weather was forecast to be too hot for walking), this looked a bit tricky so I put it to rest again.

Fast forward a couple of days and I jokingly considered an approach from the north where an old fire trail off Patersons ridge meets the Grosse River. As crazy as it seemed, it might actually just work. So the question of the day was: Can you approach the Calledina from the North in one day? Well kind of…
Arriving at the beginning of the trail a little later than anticipated, I knew that 10km+ each way was going to blow this out to be a much longer walk than I had bargained for. Thankfully I solved this problem and parted with my comfortable seat and radio about 8am, an hour later than I had planned which ultimately effected the rest of the day in a big way. The ‘track’ that was marked on the map was at best a disused animal track, but it did lead to the first of many passes in the cliff line for the day. Down the incredibly steep slope, I skirted the edge of the gully which provided many small passes too. With the Grosse in sight, I knew that I was well on the way to my target. My the Grosse is a pretty big river here! Getting into my (lack of) swimming gear, I found a way across in the ‘shallow bit’ above my waist, and chanced upon the old engineers track on the right bank. Finding more passes in the cliff line, this hill was thankfully not a steep but, boy it was getting to be hot work! An hour and a half in and I had gone barely 1km!
Following the ridgeline, I was rewarded with some impressive views up the Grosse Valley of Mt Hay, Mt Banks and Mt Tomah, even catching sight of Venus Tor and Mt Dixon where I have sat on occasions before looking wistfully this way! The sun beat down upon the ridge as I pressed on taking a few navigational waypoints for the way back through the thick ridgetop scrub. After many twists of bush into the ridge, I came across some more views this time of Wentworth Creek. At this point, it was becoming apparent that I would need to ramp the pace up a lot to make my deadline of back to the Grosse an hour before dark. Having the most difficult pass ahead of me this was going to be a challenge.

Putting all of my bushwalking and pass navigation skills to the test, I was lucky to find a straight forward(ish) way down and through the thick bush into the babbling creek which was the little slice of paradise I needed to recuperate. Not having the time to soak in the pools, I found a pass through the cliff and headed up the (thankfully) clear ridge. Getting some more views of the Wentworth head cache, the Callidina just never seemed to get closer! Finally, the decent was the only thing separating me. I very nearly pulled the plug with now my deadline would be impossible to achieve. Foolishly I bit the bullet and pressed on through the thickest bush of the whole trip.

A surreal feeling came upon me when I finally reached the cache, at 13:53pm giving me seven minutes to sign the log, take a few snaps and start walking back. The trip back was all much of the same but by the time I was back on the ‘homeward bound’ Engineers Ridge, some very black clouds from all directions converged to form a torrential downpour with lightning that on one occasion made be cover my ears and hit the deck in fear of my life. I had considered finding a cave to spend the night, but with all the wood now soaked and the Grosse River on the rise, I knew I had to get out today.

With mini waterfalls off the rocky ridgetop gaining momentum, the rain ceased leaving each small shrub holding about 3L of water. Steam rose from Mt Banks, Tomah and Hay as I passed over rocky platforms. Finally with a surprising amount of light left considering the cloud cover, I made my way back to the Grosse, momentarily losing my bearings but thankfully the phone directed me back to the pass that I had used earlier this morning.

By now there was the most alluring orange glow over the Grosse, which I paused for reflection before the rain started and darkness set in. Without pause or much light I made my way back through the labyrinth of passes back to the top. Thankfully, my steed awaited me.

So can you get to this cache from the North? Yes, but you can’t really do it in one day. TFTC!!!!!

There's not many geocaches near Sydney that require a serious bushwalk. I'm grateful to the CO for hiding this one.

I set off from Glassop Road at around 8am. I had done some of this walk previously but had never been to the end of Dawes Ridge. I took a short cut around the northern side of Mt Twiss. Got to Wentworth Creek around 11.30am. I had decided to tackle the climb from the western side. Unfortunately I couldn't find a way through the cliff line at top and spent over an hour trying various routes but they ran out before the top. I ended up climbing from the south but even this was a bit hairy.

Finally I was up and was soon having lunch at GZ. Great spot!

The walk back was much faster (just over 4 hours) taking a more sensible route down the eastern spur, across Wentworth Creek, and up a steep spur to Dawes Ridge - but no cliffs!

Got back to the car with the last of the day's light to be confronted by an unusual man with war paint on his face asking questions about the nearby observatory - I had no answers.

Thanks The Rats. The cache is in good shape. Found at 12:58 pm.

Set out today with bisygisy and jamescreer (who has found this cache already) on a journey to find this one.
Thinking we'd be saving ourselves some time, we planned to meet at the end of Grose rd and ride to the Grose Lookout some 8km down the firetrail, then to bash it from there. We didn't realise how challenging this would be until we got there however, and at the first descent we figured we wouldn't have enough time for a one-dayer and turned back early.

If you're looking to knock it over in a day, via Faulconbridge is NOT the way to go. Will take the route that requires more walking next time. There's no cheating this cache!

Third time's the charm

We started on Faulconbridge Ridge, hopped over Linden Creek and eventually followed a ridge down into Dawes Creek, which we followed down before camping near the Wentworth Creek junction. In the morning, we followed the base of the loop downstream a bit before ascending the saddle and making the find. Views from the cache were fantastic.

Just for some variety, we exited via Lawson Ridge. I can confirm this ridge is very scrubby! Although there were also some great views from the narrow rocky saddles.

Cache is in great condition, and very well stocked. TNLNSL. Thanks Rats for a real classic.

The fire threat has now passed from here.
Happy caching

Disabled till the fire threat passes

This area was was calling to us again so we started at Faulconbridge this time and after crossing a small creek turned North and headed out along Linden Ridge (Camp 1). We took a spur down to Wentworth Creek. On this trip we decided to camp on the Loop so we carried water up with us for the night (Camp 2). We came up the loop from the SE. The next day we decided to walk along the loop on the saddle. What a great place. Lovely rock formations. We headed down to Wentworth Creek again from the NW end of the saddle then headed up Wentworth Creek to the junction of Woodford Creek (Camp 3). Finally we walked up the ridge from that creek junction back to Dawes Ridge. The weather was hot so we ducked down into a side creek for water and found a lovely cool spot for the afternoon and overnight (camp 4). It was not far back to the track now so another easy day of walking back to Linden.

This really is a great area to walk in. Lots of scenery and great things to dicover. The cache is in good order. Glad to see a few more people have been able to visit it.

Thanks Rats for putting a cache here. We have enjoyed exploring this area.

Interestingly we found a water bottle on Dawes Ridge on our way out. Wondered if it had been accidently dropped by the last cacher that had gone out there???

What a mission. Don't go down Linden Ridge unless you like bush bashing for hours on end.
Longer than expected day, most of which was taken up with the way back. Make sure you take lights that will go on your bike or will be comfortable to hold if you're walking, the daylight disappears very quickly!

What a mission but well worth the trek out to this one! Definitely not for the faint hearted.

For anyone keen on doing it highly recommended long pants and long sleeve shirt, quite allot of bush bashing to be done to get to this one. Also if possible give yourself more than one day, take your time and enjoy it.

Started bright and early (0600) and returned (2000) from linden.

The route we took can be found here http://blog.jamescreer.com/geocaching/calendina-loop/

Thanks for the awesome cache.

This entry was edited by jamescreer on Monday, 06 January 2014 at 23:54:38 UTC.

Quite the trek with jgdesigns and jamescreer.
Cache #98 for me....
Rode down linden ridge, walked the rest of the way in, and came up the eastern spur returned via same way.
6 hours exactly to get there
7:40 go get home.
Left at 0600 and got back at 2000

My tip for others looking at doing it would be not to get excited about the possibility of using a fire trail, or any other type of trail really (like the topography maps show) to get too far out Linden Ridge. The trail stops a long way short of what is shown on the map.

TftC

This entry was edited by joegleeson_25 on Sunday, 22 September 2013 at 02:58:09 UTC.

I am in a world of pain right now.

Before I begin I ought to thank Jonnosan & Packo for their very informative logs. I too took Dawes Ridge and your experiences were very helpful charting my course. Got some good maps from work and I was set.

I suppose I took a bit of a high risk approach - take few supplies to maximise speed - more Amundsen than Scott I guess you could say. At least that was the plan.

The trip out went well. Parked outside the observatory as dawn broke, biked to just before Twiss and then set off on foot. The track ended and I was into the scrub, it was a mixed bag but slowed me down somewhat. Eventually came to the end of the ridge and took the western arm down, descending at the saddle. This was pretty hard going. Headed north along the creek and, even before my intended point of ascent onto Callendina, spied a possible way up.

The trip up was easier than expected here. I was soon at the top and headed back south toward the cache. The foliage here was sparse compared to some parts of Dawes. But there was still the crown to ascend. It was tricky but OK and I was soon at GZ. Of course I couldn't find the cache, so resorted to a GPSr & pulled out the android (oxymoron that may be). It pointed 20 metres off a cliff, but it at least put me in a spot close enough to find the goods. Nice ammo cache still laden with goodies. Come and get 'em!

Headed back down. Found the same way back down to the creek and the same way up to the top of Dawes. But it was this section of climbing that killed me. At the top of Dawes my legs were shattered and the walk back to the track was slow and agonising. This was about the time Scott took over from Amundsen. Even once on the track it was little better. I was cheering when I eventually got to my bike. Odd, but I didn't see any animals on the whole journey, save for a few small lizards and the odd bird and butterfly.

Anyway, I'm just happy to join the rather exclusive finders club on this one. Thanks Rats for a cache I'll never forget.

Car to cache 4 hrs 45 mins.
Cache to car 5 hrs 30 mins.

I guess my other advice for those wanting to try the Dawes Ridge approach is as follows:
- Unless you are very fit or a bit crazy, camp overnight somewhere.
- You can follow the rocks on the west/north side of the ridge after the trail ends but you will eventually meet thick scrub. Head to the east/south side for easier progress (something I realised on the way back!)
- You can mountain bike all the way past Twiss quite easily (as I should have), and probably to the end of the trail if you are decent on a bike. However I'm hearing whispers that the track may be closed to bikes soon.

Here's a [url=http://goo.gl/maps/yJaNl]Google Map[/url] of the route I took if anyone's interested.


This entry was edited by lasramblas on Monday, 29 October 2012 at 10:55:36 UTC.

I am logging this as a note, not a DNF, as I never got closer than 250M to the cache, and wasn't too committed to getting to GZ in any case...

My original plan this weekend (it being a rare occasion when I had both days kid-free) was to take the Donna track (off Paterson fire trail) and camp down at Wentworth Cave, and explore the Engineers track.

But then the NPWS went and closed the Burralow precinct (including Paterson FT) due to hazard reduction burning , so I figured I would have another go at taking Dawes Ridge down to Callendina instead. I was a bit late getting away on Sat morning, so didn't get to the Observatory till 9, which meant I was getting a lot of sun walking on the top of the ridge. I tried the western fork of the ridge this time, and was able to get down to the saddle easy enough, then dropped down to Wentworth Creek. I reached the creek below Callendina about 1:30, and decided to take a bit of a break there before following the creek up to the spot I had selected to climb.

But then what with the gentle babbling of the creek, and a little bit of weariness in the legs, I suddenly realised I was much more interested in finding a nice campsite, and having a relaxing cup of tea, while watching the afternoon sun play on the impressive sandstone walls below Linden Ridge, rather than climbing up another steep slope. So I piked...

Even in the morning, getting back to my car seemed more tempting, so at 6:15am I headed up the Northern arm of Dawes Ridge. I had pretty good luck finding a way through the cliff lines, and once back at the track, I took a few diversions, to climb Mt Twiss to see the view that caused Lt Dawes to abandon his attempt to bush-bash in a straight line to Mt Hay, and I also saw the 4KOR graffiti that is off to the side of the fire trail. I had a rough idea where it was, and had just left the FT to start searching when I saw 2 ladies walking down towards the slope. One of them kindly showed me exactly where it was, which is good, because I never would have found it otherwise.

As I was walking on the paved road between the pumping station and the locked gate, I saw a group of teenagers on skateboards with aerodynamic helmets - they were really moving quickly, and I was jealous!

Made the car by 12:00. Not sure if I will be back - I quite liked the area down in the creek but the sections on the top of the ridge weren't as much fun, at least on the 4th time round. I would like to see if you can access it from Wentworth Cave though, so I won't say never...

Thanks again Rats for a really remote challenge.

Wow I have been slack. I should of logged this did not find months ago. Oh well better late than never they say.
I didn't actually get to search for this cache as I didn't quite reach it. I got down to Wentworth Creek, about 250m from ground zero and made the decision to turn back. I found the scrub up on Dawes Ridge very thick and hard going. It was hot and carrying a 16kg pack really took it out of me. I had left the pack with all my camping stuff up on the top of Dawes Ridge. I got half way down to the creek and realised I wouldn't make the cache on the day but I still needed to get water. I feel that if I pushed on I would of run out of light so back up I went and on the way drank half the water I collected.
On the walk back out the next day I was telling myself that I wont be back out this way again... but it has been playing on my mind ever since :-/

Here is a video, map and stats of the trip

http://david.patrickson.net/?p=934

So I was looking for a real challenge, and I definitely found it with this one!

I didn't think I would be able to carry a tent plus enough water for 2 days, so I decided on a 1 day assault. I parked at the Linden Observatory shortly after 6:00AM and made really good time along the firetrail, and then the Dawes Ridge track which was a bit over grown but always easy to see. I got to the end of the marked track about 8:15am and was feeling pretty confident, probably too confident in fact.

My original plan had been to follow the ridge all the way to the end, where Dawes Creek meets Wentworth Creek. The bush bash didn't seem too bad, in many places there was very little regrowth since a fire several years ago, in other places the soil was just very rocky and sandy so not much vegetation. However I changed plans about 500M from the end and decided to head down the northern slope. This turned out not to be a great idea, as picking a descent chewed up a lot of time, and by the time I made the creek it was almost 10:30 and I had set myself a deadline of noon to start my return. However my GPS was showing I was just over 400M from the cache so I was still pretty optimistic.

But the slope and the vegetation on Callendina was awful. I was constantly through vines although at least the plants gave something to hold on to when climbing. I was definitely not having fun at this point and was beginning to worry about whether I would be able to make it back to the track before dark. In fact the only reason I kept heading towards the cache was in the hope that the terrain around GZ may be easier going then the terrain I was in.

I eventually made it up, out of the thickest scrub, but I was under an escarpment about 15M high, and my GPSr said I was still 150M away from GZ. So I followed the escarpment around hoping for a way up, but it was still quite slow going and at about 11:45 when the GPSr said I was 50M from GZ I decided it was time to head for home.

The descent back to the creek was a bit easier, and I found a spot where I could hop across without needing to wade. I was using the topo maps on my ipad to navigate, and followed the creek around to Dawes Creek, and then about 1:30 started heading up the slope. The terrain here was again easier than on Callendina although it did seem a lot thicker than in the morning. I don't know if I was just picking the wrong lines or heat and fatigue were kicking in. I was still thinking I was a real risk of spending the night in the bush, and starting to worry about running out of water so was very relieved to finally reach the marked track at about 4:30pm. From there, it was just a long slog back, and I reached the car at 7:00.

Normally when I DNF I am determined to go back and finish the job some other time. With this one though, I think I could just about handle the Dawes Ridge traverse, or the Callendina "off-piste" bush-bash in isolation, but the combination was just too much for me.

Thanks for creating a real physical challenge, The Rats, and kudos to all the other finders for going the whole way!

Having just hiked the 6 Ft track end to end, I am looking for another big walk to do and this looks like a great challenge. I see there are a lot of 'watchers' on this page - if anyone is thinking of going (or has some advice on best way to attack it) please get in touch.

I am not much of a biker (although I could manage a mostly flat ride) so am tossing up between a single (long) day assault carrying just food/water vs an overnighter lugging a tent and sleeping gear.

There's a slight chance I will do this around NYE, otherwise will target end of Jan.

ParKed at the observatory, that's as far as you get.
Was early in the morning so no need to fret
The view was outstanding with mist in the valley
With all my friends but none could I rally
So alone I set off for my thousand cache tally.

Out along Linden seemed a good way to go
But once off the trail the going gets slow
West along a ridge, down into a creek
Along a little further, the Wentworth I meet.

Upwards from here through clifflines and more
An ammo box finally, behind a rock I saw
Swapped a bag for an emergency tool
Its one for one, we all know the rule

With the cache duties done it was time to return
Thank goodness I had much energy to burn
Back down the hill and across the creek
A different way back I decided to seek

Stayed in the creek to reach the top
It was easier going believe it or not
Back on the ridge and a very feint track
I couldn't believe I was on my way back

Forty point two my trip meter showed
When I finally arrived at my car on the road
The going was tough, the challenge is there
But for those who visit, the numbers are rare

Many thanks to the Rats for placing the cache
For without such attraction, I'd never visit this place
It's one of those caches you'll never forget
But don't make the effort, only you will regret

After some research about this area we decided to do this cache as an overnight walk. We ended up going out along Dawes ridge. It was a good ridge to walk down to Wentworth Ck. The whole trip had spectacular views including at the cache site. There were also lots of unusual rock formations from erosion. We even thought we saw a mountain troll that is on the loop. We haven't walked in this area before and it was spectacular. We plan to explore this area further.
I am surprised this cache has not been visited since Aug 2006.
Thanks Rats for leading us to a wonderful new area.
Took DVD and sticker and left DVD and radio.

This is an excellent challenging bushwalkers cache set in a pocket of true Blue Mts wilderness. It turned out to be a little harder than we’d anticipated however success was achieved in the end. It was an edgy sort of walk as we had an eagle eye on the clock for much of the trip – continually assessing time & distance to ensure we actually got out today, which we managed on the absolute last dregs of twilight.

Caches of this ilk require a little bit of thought and planning which we duly carried out – determining a likely approach route. We set off from the car in the early morning of a dull but fine day (much later we were wishing we’d started even earlier). Rattling along on our bikes it wasn’t long before we reached a point where the bikes had to be left for a long rest and it was time to have a stroll. This was a tad earlier than we’d hoped which prompted the first of many reassessments as this meant a reasonable piece of our safety time margin was used up. Already I had a picture in mind of a couple of exhausted walkers racing the sun back to the car – rather prophetic as it happens.

Anyway on we pushed, by now in off track bush navigation mode. Though not overly demanding, due care and concentration was still required to identify the correct ridges & spurs. The scrub was light to medium but it was quite obvious that it could become rather ordinary depending on route selection. We erred slightly at one point and found ourselves struggling through some rather nasty stuff. Also, part of our route involved a creek with its usual complement of bloody slippery boulders – oh well.

About 1.4 kms from GZ (as the crow flies – and by now we were wishing we could fly) we had to have a serious assessment of whether we should turn around & retreat. In the end we carried on but I swear the damned watch was speeding up. Doubts were rife.

Finally the last ascent was reached and up we pushed. The cache was easily located and is quite scenically located. And what a nicely stocked cache it is. Alas we could not tarry and after the cache duties it was time for the dreaded race with the sun to extricate ourselves. Won’t dwell on this – it was a battling slogging return trip and it was a couple of exhausted cachers who finally and with much relief got back to the car – virtually in the dark.

We like these sort of caches a lot. Very challenging, demanding, however the sense of accomplishment is …….. rather good. The cache is well stocked but we did no swaps today. Picked up the geocoin and will try to leave it somewhere that requires at least a reasonably similar effort to this one. Very well done Rats!

In the Loop GCXBD5

Just a few years ago you could find a cache in the middle of Sydney and not have to worry about bumping into other cachers. Now you can be sitting on the side of a cliff and have other cachers drop in on you. So it was time to head deep into the bush to escape the crowds. After leaving the car not a soul was seen for the entire trip and surprisingly did not even see any animals but did spot some fox scats and a big dog track however that was it.
This is an excellent walk to test your navigation skills but the trees always seemed to block the views (you would think someone would do something about that). After walking up and down a few hills the cache was found easily, which was a relief and once the cache formalities where over it was back down to the creek. After filling up the water supplies it was back to the car, which was a lot quicker, as I had marked all of the secret passes.
Note about the water, I went through 6 litres of water for the trip and the only water available is from the creek.
Left DVD and Geocoin.

Passing TB through the cache

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