Tower Hill Fc ST607FC Mangana, Tasmania, Australia
By
Geocaching Australia on 23-Nov-09. Waypoint TP5243
Cache Details
| Difficulty: | |
| Terrain: | |
| Type: | TrigPoint |
| Container: | Other |
| Coordinates: | S41° 32.856' E147° 51.202' (WGS 84) |
| 55G 571172E 5400099N (UTM) | |
| Elevation: | 1079 m |
| Local Government Area: | Break O'Day |
/147.853367,-41.5476,14/400x200?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiY2F1Z2h0YXR3b3JrIiwiYSI6ImNqa2l4ZzNzMDE5bjgzdm1sZGpuODF1Mm0ifQ.q8YMzVyzDJJlJHHV8EMjwQ)
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.
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.
Additonal Information
Source: sirius Tas
25 Nov 09 Swampy
Cabin Rd up to Tower Hill has a boom gate across it, a short distance from the end. Once you reach the cleared area at the base of the rock tower, there is a stairway leading to the fire lookout platform. Just up from the start of the steepest pitch there is a very serious door, which is usually locked.
If you go up on a day when the FT observer is in day residence, there is a good chance that you will be able to get to the top. If you do, please bear in mind that they there to work, taking wind speed, temperature and visual observations ie. looking for smoke.
Logs
We pushed on to the end of the road and made the final assault on the steps up to the gate. We'd gone as far and high as we were allowed to go. Someone prior had decided they were not stopping at the gate having forced a way in
but this was the end of the line for me.I'm glad SSR was able to get there this time, after sensibly leaving it last year. This way we both got to enjoy it!
well worth the effort of walking from the gate
more to follow
Spent an hour up in the tower chatting to the guy up there and taking in the amazing views from the top of the world.
This was the third find for the trip.
A very quick find.
Was able to drive through the boom gate and met up with the guy with the key.
He asked me to not pass by the locked gate, so I complied with his request.
Sainted the cache at 1259hrs.
Good views.
TFTC and cheers
OldSaint.
Mr y'stassie had pre-planned a route with WP's at significant spots to assist our journey. After one false start we left Mathinna Road at Malahide Road and then turned into Speers Road. Our 2wd Ford Focus, Ruby, was coping well with the good gravel roads so we continued to Tower Hill Road. Before turning into Cabin Road, we had one of those very rare experiences - on the road in front of us was a mammoth wedged-tail eagle who, on our approach, lumbered up the road like a Jumbo jet, before taking off and flying majestically up the road and then above the trees. We will never forget this experience. On the narrow Cabin Road we encountered a few rocky sections but Ruby managed to get over these without damage. Continuing up Cabin Road we found the fire gate open. So we carefully made our way up towards the fire tower. 185m from the tower the road became too rocky for our low clearance vehicle and so, we turned and parked on the roadside and prepared to continue on foot.
As we got out of the car we heard a cheery "Come on up" from above. We could just see the fire spotter on the landing far above our heads. We walked the short distance to the parking area at the bottom of the stairs. At this point Mr y'stassie decided that, given his current progress with rehabilitation, he would not attempt the climb to the tower and Mrs y'stassie set off alone.
The climb was quite steep but the gate was open and she was able to reach the lookout where the resident fire spotter gave her a tour and explanation of what could be seen. Mt Wellington and Cradle Mountain were visible in the far distance as was St Helens. The varied colours in the new foliage and flowers of the gums were beautiful. Then our eagle reappeared below, flying so easily above the tree tops - we were privileged today. After posing with the GPS for the obligatory photo, the fire spotter suggested Mrs y'stassie go across to the other landing and look down. After negotiating another flight of steep steps she was confronted by a spectacular view down the steep drop from the fire tower to the valley below.
After a great chat about his work, the view and geocaching of course, it was time to return to the waiting Mr y'stassie. As she is not good at heights, Mrs Y'stassie carefully negotiated the steep ladders backwards and returned safely to the parking area below.
The fire spotter said that visitors are welcome and that if the gate is open we should "come on up". We enjoyed the walk back to the car as there were many flowering bushes and trees and a fresh fruity aroma. It was one of those magic,unexpected experiences that we occasionally have when geocaching that maintains our addiction.
We hope other caches take the opportunity to visit this fire tower during summer its well worth the drive.
Two photos have been added to the Gallery. The first is a composite photo of two images: Mr y'stassie at the parking area with the fire cabin on the rock outcrop above; and, the resident fire spotter holding our GPS on top of the tower and in front of the Tower Hill sign. The second photo is of the parking area, well below the fire cabin.
Difficult drive up to the fire tower in the go anywhere Tarago.
Station was manned and therefore we were able to get to the top and what a view we got from up there.
Photo Attached
After talking to the FT observer in the cabin, I decided to leave it for another day. Views are breathtaking in every direction.
