Mount Finke Tarcoola, South Australia, Australia
By
Geocaching Australia on 02-Sep-09. Waypoint TP0051
Cache Details
Difficulty: | |
Terrain: | |
Type: | TrigPoint |
Container: | Other |
Coordinates: | S30° 55.511' E134° 0.742' (WGS 84) |
53J 405638E 6578271N (UTM) | |
Elevation: | 354 m |
Local Government Area: | Pastoral Unincorporated Area |
Description
A Trig Point is a virtual cache which requires a cacher to locate the Trigonometric Station at GZ.
A trig point (also known as a Trigonometric Station) typically consists of a black disc on top of four metal legs or concrete pillar, resembling a navigation beacon. It is also accompanied by a metal disc, which is located directly below the center point of the tripod or on top of the pillar itself.
Trig points are generally located at the top of hills or points of prominence in the landscape. Many provide unique views and challenges, with some being difficult to get to.
These points were regarded as valuable to surveyors, providing reference points for measuring distance and direction, and assisting in the creation of maps.
To log a find on the Geocaching Australia website, you will need to include a picture of the trig point, along with your GPS receiver and (preferably) yourself. Long distance / telephoto type pictures are against the spirit of this cache. You are encouraged to leave a description of your journey in your log to help others in finding the trig point.
The original collection of trig points has been sourced from Geoscience Australia and may contain inaccuracies.
Please respect local laws and regulations when searching for trig points. If you believe that a trig point is located on private property or in a dangerous location, you may archive the cache, by clicking on Log this Cache and place an "Archived" log on the Geocaching Australia website.
If you feel that you can add to the description of this trig point or adjust the difficulty / terrain ratings, please feel free to edit this cache and amend the information suitably. Vandalism of the cache description or other information will result in your account being terminated.
Addtional Information
Source: Geoscience Australia
Type: Horizontal Control Point
Elevation: 369
PID: 2948166
Other Information: Geoscience Australia
Logs
I did not expect that there would be a mountain to climb !!
It was only while I was camped at Nalara Waterhole a few nights back that I found this trigpoint on the GCA website.
I couldn't wait to get here !!
Today was the day !!
I abandoned the geomobile close to the campground at the base of Finke, and wandered off into the scenery
A stroll of about 1.2 kms got me to the start of the climb up the monadnock proper.
Then it was a case of one foot in front of the other, being careful to avoid the loose rocks.
Loose rocks outnumber the not so loose rocks about 20 to 1 !!
Nearing the top of the climb the inevitable wedge-tailed eagle appeared
There had to be one here somewhere !!
It came in fast on an attack run from up on high, but about 10 feet away from me, decided that I was a bit big to eat
So it sat there on the updraft, close enough to touch for almost a minute while giving me the beady eye !!
A few minutes more scrambling and I could see the trig point and cairn and was very quickly at the top.
Woo Hoo !! I'm king of the world !!
Uninterupted, 360 degree views of absolutely nothing but sand ridges and saltpans in every direction
Few mountains that I have climbed can match this one for gob smacking scenery !!
And make you realise that you are an insignificant little mote in the landscape ^
After a while I came back to reality and wandered around to read the collection of plaques that have gathered up here over the years.
Time for a Trig Point selfie, then I wandered off back the way I came.
I checked the GPS …. Crikey !! I spent over an hour at the summit !!
It sure didn't feel like it.
TFTTP
A great walk up and phone coverage as well. TFTC.
Literally too (see photo).