Logs for D_Mawson 

On a short stop off in Brisbane we had some time to kill and thought we could grab this one geoson spotted it from a fair distance and had the find in moments. TFTC 

Replaced and ready to go. 

Need to get out to check this.... 

As per the logs time to check out the cache. Thanks 

Went by today and checked the cache and it has gone. Will have to replace it next time I go that way.
D_Mawson 

. 

Due to a move in house I am archiving this. Thanks D_Mawson 

Another beautiful day in Sydney and it was just the time for a quick cache. So we met up with unkledave and geokids and set off on the search. We looked for the best way to get to the cache and thought that we were set.This of course was not the best way but some of us had just seen Bear Grylls and we were up for a challenge. So we scaled the heights and passed through the bush and then the sign that said "No entry firearms". So of course we just brushed past the sign without a second look. Then as we walked along we filled our lungs with the less than fresh sea air. We came upon GZ and like a swarm of worker bees the geokids set to work. Then we had the cache in hand. This is a great spot TFTC 

It was a beautiful day so it was time to get out and find a cache. We met up with unkledave.So the gang set off. We thought that we could watch the planes and also find a treasure. Just as we were having a look two hovercrafts came up and parked on the beach. Not really the usual cache mobile but the geokids thought that they were great. So we searched and searched to no avail, not even with four geokids all looking. So we went back to the basics and re checked the co ordinates. There was an error (no mentioning any names....)so with this corrected we again set the geokids on the task and within minutes they had sniffed out the prize. We did the caching duties and stocked up the SWAG as it was very dismal. Then we took some time to watch the planes. A great day out. TFTC 

Looks like a check is in order. 

It was not the sunniest day to start yet there is nothing better than getting out for a cache. Well I had planned to make a trip out to this spot for a while and had not made it. Today was the day. The team met up and made the trek to the north. It was a case of following tom tom to the area and then making a guess for the best spot. So after some driving in circles we found our way down to Collins beach. This is a lovely hidden gem. We were lucky enough to get the last park in the very small set of six spots. SO it was off to have a look at the little beach as the kids wanted to have an explore. Once we had discovered treasures such as a bird skull and waterfalls and shells it was time to get the real treasure. So we pulled out the GPS and started the short jaunt to the spot. We go to within 10m and then let the kids loose. It was not long until they had the goods in hand. They were all excited about a decent size cache and swaps were made. This capped off a great day out and we will be back in this area to cross off some others that are on the list.
IN: Dinosaur, Glow Sticks and farm animals
OUT: Bear, and 2 x torches
TFTC 

This cache was one that was close by so I went to see if I sill had the knack of spotting a cache and so I drove to the spot using the trusty tom tom and it brought me to within 20m of the cache. I walked over and saw it right away. I had parked found the cache and was in the car again all within 3 minutes. TFTC 

This was one that I had to check out as in the other logs had mentioned that it was the same as Parsley Glenn now I was intrigued as I own Parsley Glenn and had to see it for myself. So I walked in and had the cache in seconds it certainly helps when you know where it is. TFTC 

I had some time today and thought that it was time I went out for some caching. So I set off and went in the direction of my childhood home. I knew this area well yet had never been to this exact spot. I found the cache page and thought it was something that I should see. So I jumped out of the car and ventured into this tiny park. I did not have the GPS with me yet I had my iPhone and decided to use it. Well after about one minute I realized that I really do like my sirf III PDA/phone/GPS. So I managed to find the spot and then realised that I had no pen. I thought about the old dirt and the stick option then decided to come back the next day. So I came back and ran in found the cache signed the log took some pics and then off to the next cache. TFTC 

I need to check this out and fix it up. 

Changed container and replaced log 

This is in need of repair. I will have to get out to fix this soon.

Thanks 

Changed log and it is now ready for more finders. 

I have to join Philma and Geomatica, there were too many hiding places and too many eyes even at 10:30 at night. I may need some more assistance to help me narrow down the spot as the GPS was taking me away from the the clue. 

Another weekend and a great chance to get some caching in. So we grabbed the gear and the whole family jumped into the car and we set off to see what we could find. This area was one that we were not familiar with so it was always going to be an adventure. So it was going to be a fun day. When we arrived near the location I thought that I would trust good old TomTom and we went to the spot that it had told us was the closest to GZ. Of course we got out of the car and it was close yet we could not enter the area. So we had to use the good old fashioned way and look for the entrance and not put so much faith in the technology. As we were coming to the path in we found the most amazing sunflowers that towered over all of us. Then it was the journey into the depths of the jungle. We had to negotiate the rocks and bush, cross the river and then find the cache. The kids were excited by exploring in what seemed like another world. It constantly amazes me that there are still pockets of bush that begin right off a main road. So we looked and looked and found the cache. We then took some pics and it was time to be off to the next cache. TFTC 

I can only say thank goodness that I have finally put this one to bed. It has been on more than one occasion that I have had to visit this cache. I was terribly disappointed last time as I tried for this cache and I did not remember the camera and this cache is one that you want to remember something to capture the moment. So creativesearching and I teamed up once more and began our assault on this cache. It was a nice warm day which is a great way to start with a beautiful blue sky. We did not know what was in store for us on this occasion yet we were determined to bring back a smilie. The last time we were here we spent quite some time searching in the wrong place and that was mainly due to the fact that we were relying on the pictures in logs and not really taking much notice of the best place to hide a cache and where would we put it if it were us. So putting that behind us was something that we were ready to do and start afresh. The weather was also not on our side the last time as the wind was a bit breezey when we started and slowly strengthened as the afternoon wore on. It was only when we noticed that the fishermen that were out there had suddenly made a beeline for the rocks to get out of here that we decided that if the locals were taking cover then we had better follow their lead. Now on to this attempt……. We remembered the camera which was a good start and the sun was out and there was very little wind. So things seemed to be going well in the beginning. We were off, after having taken great notice of the “information sign†at the start of the track we pressed forward. Only to make it about 3m before we had to keep our heads down and out of the way of a local landcare group that was in the area cleaning up some exotics that were around. Down, down, down we went towards the crashing sound of the waves which is a constant reminder that we had better keep an eye out as the old lady of the sea may want to show us mere mortals who is boss. Now as we were earlier in the day we had time for a quick kick of the ball thanks to the soccer ball left in the great crevasse. We couldn’t put it off any longer and we had to face it and as all those who have attempted this cache know what we had to do next. We had to conquer the ladder of death (LOD). Now let me take a minute to try and put this into words so that those who follow in our footsteps will be aware and informed (this is not meant to scare you it is more of a community service announcement). Now this is a vital part of the navigation of this cache and without it there is virtually no other access so it is a necessary evil. Story continued on next note..... 

As a geocacher you look at this ladder and say sure that is fine and will definitely hold my weight I will just zip up there and get the cache. Now as a “normal†person you look at this and say why would anyone want to go on there and it is possibly the most rickety thing you have ever seen. Logic would say that a wooden ladder that has been this close to the sea water for only knows how many years would not be as structurally sound as it could and why does it seem that these fraying ropes are the only thing between you and oblivion. Well I have always been told that I have an active imagination so we climbed and survived to tell the tale. That part done we pushed forward along the narrow shelf which some kind fisherman have fitted out with a rope rail that hugs the rock face helping you to slip past the angry waves that crash meters below. Then there is a shimmy past some very impressive sandstone formations and then out into the open and you can breathe easy now as the treachery is behind you. It was from here that the search began in earnest taking a fresh view of the whole situation we started at the water and took our readings and the GPS was pointing in what seemed like the right direction so we followed it and kept our eyes peeled. I looked in what seemed like every nook and cranny of the rocks and there was still no cache, now I was determined that I would not leave empty handed as I was not going to come here again as the geo wife was not happy that I was coming here at all let alone twice. So I went into every small crawl space and crack that I could. I was scratched and covered with sand and still no cache. Crestivesearching and I then sat on a rock and took stock of the situation to see if there was anything that we had missed the first time. Nothing in sight so we split up and searched high and low. We then remembered seeing something in a clip about this cache and thought could that help was it something about driving a car??????. So I stood in the spot and looked around the 360 degrees and something caught my eye and I said “that must be it†so we navigated the slim chasm and there it was. What a great container. We were so pleased that we had found the cache and so were our wives that we did not have to come back again. So the caching business done we replaced the cache and then took some time to admire the beautiful sea before we made our way off the cliffs. Once you have traversed this section it does not seem too bad so being a bit cocky I pulled out the camera and filmed creative searching making his way across the thin ledges. I do have to advise that walking along a very thin ledge and trying to film and trying to watch your own feet is not that easy and as I slipped and managed to gain my footing right at the edge staring down to the sea below I thought that it was time to go. So gingerly we made it back to the LOD (Ladder of Death) and holding on with white knuckles we swung our feet in the air blindly trying to place them on the very (cough,cough) strong top rung. With the aid of the bolts in the rock we were back to safety. One caching adventure that we certainly loved and at the same time very glad for it to be behind us. TFTC.



[This entry was edited by D_Mawson on Saturday, April 04, 2009 at 5:25:40 AM.] 

A quick check and added a new log. All OK 

I first went after this cache two weeks before and I had not been to this spot before. I had known the area yet I had never been to this lovely park. So I grabbed the geoson and the GPS and headed out. We arrived and decided to leave the treasure hunting as the Geoson was keen to do some exploring. So we had a look around near the water and introduced ourselves to the locals (those made of sandstone, see pics). Well after some time we decided to get down to the search and quickly located GZ and the problem was that it was occupied by two picnicers. The strange thing with this is that there is a whole park that has these great views and beautiful manicured gardens and the couple having a picnic were camped on this rough patch of dirt with no view. So the geoson and I wandered around and checked out the gardens and then returned and they were still there. So we attempted the annoying child asking questions card. This also failed so we had to leave. Then we came back today and headed straight to GZ and it was retrieved even with a wedding taking place. So we did the caching business and geo son enjoyed an ice block and took a parachute toy we left glow fishing floats. We then had to test out the new acquisition and then left with a smile. TFTC 

Replaced and ready to be found. 

After reading the DNF's it was time for a cache check. It seems that the cache has gone which makes Pip & Robbies quest unfortunate in more ways than one. I will get this back up soon providing I am not stopped by the authorities.

Thanks D_Mawson 

Continued from below log...
So that was quite an encounter and then to add some more action to the adventure my GPS started to play up on me so I had to get to some open sky to make sure that I was heading in the right direction. I made it to a clearing to hear the deer crashing its way in the opposite direction just to let me know that he was still around. GPS sorted out I went the short bush bash to the cache. Having found it I left some glowing floats, I thought that it would be nice to walk back along the water, this was not a good idea. As I had traversed in such a strange fashion this section of bush was unfamiliar and also there was a reason why I hadn’t gone this way on my trek in. The reason being was that you had two choices, bush bash or get wet. So I struggled on and then decided to try and reclaim an easier path this also was easier said than done and it resulted in even more bush bashing. I finally made it out of the scrub and having to cross a 150m section of reeds near the mangroves. As I had been up and down already I decided that a straight line was the way to go. This seemed fine until in the middle the water got higher and the spider webs got denser not to mention that it seemed like a perfect spot for snakes to live. Making that in less than stylish means I got back to the path and made my way back to the house. When I entered the geokids said “Dad what is all that blood on your legsâ€. In my bush basing in shorts and shoes with no socks I had cut my legs a bit. So a bit tired and elated at my find of the cache and the deer I headed for a well earned rest. TFTC. 

We were in Bundeena for a short break and what else do you do to try and get out of the sun for a minute and actually leave the beach??? Geocache of course. So I had convinced the family to join me in the treasure hunt and so we set off. I had the geowife and geokids in tow, yet when we got to the beach the call of more sandcastles was far too strong and so I had to leave them behind and to carry on solo. This turned out to be a really good idea as the story unfolds. So now I was ready for anything and also knew that if required I could do some more enthusiastic searching if this was required. So I left the geofamily at the beach and forged ahead. It was a nice stroll along the beach and then through the campgrounds until I hit the track. One thing that must be mentioned is that most campsites are located in the most stunning surroundings often near or on the beach and the accommodation is a fraction the cost of other varieties. I realise that there are some comforts that have to be forgone yet this may be what you are looking for and a tent by the water may be exactly what you want. Well back to the story….so I was walking along the track which is very nice and remarkably quiet, there was the occasional nod to the passer-by going in the opposite direction. Then the GPS chimed in and thought that it was time to leave the track and head inland a bit. So I left the track and entered the mangroves, it was low tide so it was not too bad to walk through with hundreds of crabs scuttling across the sand and water. The sound that they made was this small rustling and popping from the water nothing to worry about in the sounds of nature, this was not always the case in the cache hunt yet more of that later. So I had to traverse the mangroves trying to avoid stepping on the crabs and also making sure that I did not fall into a large hole filled with sea water. So I managed to make it across unscathed and the area that opened up was quite a site. There was the water on one side and bush on the other that gradually rose higher and higher. One thing that I did notice was that on the beach there was the normal sounds of the water and people having fun, then in the campground this was amplified by the number of children running around and playing, I then moved into the mangroves and the sounds of the crabs were the only thing and finally when I reached the bush section it became very quiet and quite still. So I made my way up into the scrub which in itself was quite impressive with palms sharing the space with eucalypts (see the pic). So I was crashing around and I came to a stop yet the crashing sound kept going. Now I am used to hearing the odd snake slither away and the lizard scamper through the leaves as these are on a small scale. This sound on the other hand was much louder and was making more noise than me. So I looked through the brush and saw where the noise was coming from. It was in fact a dear, so I thought that deer were these petite Bambi like things that would run at the mere sight of a person. I couldn’t have been more wrong this thing was huge and stood the same height as me which is about 6ft, as for being scared this deer simply looked at me in disgust for disturbing it and tossed its head before strolling away. TBC...see above log 

Well this has been on the list for a while and I started it so long ago I had forgotten most of what I had done. As I first began this only a month after it was placed. So after being defeated by the light I decided to go back again and see if I could find the spot. Well I had searched for a while and no luck again so I thought that I would ask the owner to see if I was indeed searching in the right spot. Thanks to the Bonaccordians my misplaced digit had indeed put me in the wrong place so it was no wonder that I could not find the cache. This had the makings of a nemesis cache and as it was one that I had to pass on a number of occasions it seemed to taunt me every time I drove by. So with the cache leering at me I dragged the kids with me once again to see if they would simply walk down and pick it up after not more than one second in the area. So I pointed where the kids had to search and set them to the task. After some time they too had come up empty. Now at this stage I was no longer smiling and had become determined that this cache would not beat me. So to the clue I went hoping that this would solve all of the problems. This as I later found out was one of my major undoing’s and it just goes to show that when you go back to the basics you are more than likely to succeed. Soooo defeated once again I had decided that I was going to put this down for a while at least, which I did and it left my mind and I found a number of caches in the mean time. Then one day it hit me again and it was like an epiphany what I should do and how I will find the cache. So with my renewed enthusiasm and contempt for the cache I once again set off believing that I would be victorious. I was on my own yet I was now armed with a new GPS and I had had a 100% success rate with so far so I was not going to spoil that. Down into the depths of the jungle I walked taking in the view and scoffing at the hidden plastic that today would be mine. Then I put the new thought process into action. What I did was to remove all preconceptions of the cache that I had and looked at it as though this was the first time I had been here. I also ignored the information in the clue and went right back to basics (KISS). The GPS read 2m so I searched and then I noticed something that was just not right. I gingerly moved to the spot and reached (cue the angelic voices…..) yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. After I had performed the happy dance I signed the log and replaced the cache. Thanks for this odyssey. TFTC. 

I was in the city for a work function and we had managed to finish up early so what else do you do on the way home… Well I decided to walk across the city to get home and thought that just one cache would be enough to satisfy the need. So I decided on this one and set off winding through the streets and through the parks to this location. Even though it is in the middle of the city it does have this unique area where you have to walk through to get to the cache. It is like a forgotten city with ruins scattered along the floor. You can imagine that an earthquake has shattered its way through this spot. Where in actual fact it seems that it is a sandstone graveyard. Anyway I walked up to the spot and searched for a bit and then there it was. I wonder that if I was a muggle I would have noticed this or have I cached long enough to have the caching eyes on all the time and it was relatively easy to pick up. Well I gathered up the information required and will have to get in contact with the other nations to complete this. TFTC. 

I had been at a work function that was not far from here so I decided to try an find a cache or two on the way home. So I went for a stroll in the park which is actually quite nice. I also had a new cacher in tow and was trying to explain the finer points as we walked. I was also trying out my new gps which I had and I wanted to see if I had the accuracy that I was used to with a sirf 3. So we came to GZ and then began to search and as this is such an open space it is hard to be stealthy. It was just as well it was during the week as it was quite quiet. So I eventually found the cache and then moved off to see if we could get another. TFTC 

We had been successful in the first cache we had attempted so it was time for another. I fired up the new GPS and it took us to GZ and I got to within 1m so I love the new machine. We had walked to the spot and the cache was located within a few minutes. I then left it to my new cacher friend to retrieve and he was unable to grab it so I did and saw the blank log which matched my expression as I knew that this was not a new cache. What I found out was that it had not been found and I can only assume the owner had replaced it with a new container. So I think that I am just lucky. TFTC 

I had been here the week prior and thought that I could grab a few caches. I was with the family and on the way back we decided that this one was a quick grab. Well we were wrong and it seemed that something was telling us that we were not going to be successful. So we were driving past the park and saw that it was empty and thought that we would be in and out. Then as we came to the crossing these young kids were fooling around as they crossed the road and held us up as they jumped and kicked at each other. So we had to turn around to come back to the park. So we stopped the car and were about to have a quick cache when we looked up and saw that the kids that were crossing the road were now in the park. I was not sure where the cache was exactly and if it was on the opposite side then there would be no trouble in grabbing it in stealth mode. So I took my geo son as kids are always good as a distraction or “human shield†as I have referred to them. So with the GPS in hand I found that GZ was only meters from where these kids were sitting. So we had to abandon this attempt. We then found ourselves at the same spot a week later and I checked the park and there was one woman lunching in the park so I was determined to get it this time and so without GPS I knew where I had to look and managed to grab the cache without much trouble and then found that my pen didn’t work so I had to go back the car and write the log. I then lost the top of the cache and had to search the car when I eventually found it. I then had to go back and replace it with the woman still in the park. So I managed to get close enough when she all of a sudden started to stare at me. So I had to think fast and pulled out my phone and began to take fake photos of the monument. With that she went back to her substantial lunch and I was able to replace the cache. TFTC. 

On my way past I dropped by to check that it was still there after a couple of DNF's and all is well. 

It was a nice day to be out and about so I rounded up the geokids and we set off to find a cache. As I had had some issues with my PDA I was prepared to print out the information on the cache page and then have everything that was required. So as I was with the kids we went straight to the playground and then I turned on the GPS to see how far away I was. To my surprise I was really close so I did the GPS walk for a short time in the playground and found that I was within the 10m. So I looked and looked and it did not seem right so I left it alone for a while and then I gathered the kids after having read the cache page and realised that it must be up the road a bit. So I took the kids up and we began to search in the likely spots as the GPS was not helping at all. So we all looked and had no luck. I then resorted to the clue and I found the cache soon after that. As it was really hot the kids decided that playing with the water was a great idea and as a result I got wet. With all the caching duties done I re-hid the container and went back to the playground next door. TFTC

[This entry was edited by D_Mawson on Sunday, October 26, 2008 at 5:50:04 PM.] 

I had done the one cache that I was expecting to do and so I did not have any info for the next one that I decided to do as I had some spare time. I had been to this place before yet ran out of time to do this cache. So I knew that one was there yet I didn’t know anything about it. Now as I had mentioned in a previous log I have had issues with my PDA resetting itself and losing all the information that I had on this. This did include the ability to read the GPX files that I do have of this area. Anyway I did it the old fashioned way and called a friend to get the information and the co ords. So I wrote down the co ords and we had a vague conversation about the fact that it had changed from a traditional to a multi. So after having a picnic in the grounds with the geokids we set off to find the cache. When we arrived at GZ the kids were excited by being near the water and immediately abandoned the search to play on the sand. SO set about the search and looked and looked in all of the obvious spots. Then I moved on to the less obvious spots, and then I moved to the ridiculous spots and still had no luck, this of course was despite the fact that I had a great signal lock and the arrow was telling me that I was in the right place. Well when the frustration began to mount I then made another call to a friend to give me a brief description of the cache page and the information that was required for the multi. I of course thought that I would simply go to GZ and then have more co ords to get me to the cache (hence why I looked for such a long time in the same spot). Well when I given the information from the cache page it all of a sudden made much more sense as I had to gather facts from the spot and then use them to find the cache. Well this brings me back to issue with the PDA and why I did not have this on hand in the first place and the issues that it causes when in the field. So finally armed with the correct information from the site I then made my calculations and was off. At first it looked like the needle in the haystack hide was being used then when you look at it I realised where I would hide the cache and low and behold there it was. So although it took much longer than anticipated it was a successful mission, the kids had a great time in the sand and the water and I even managed to take some pics as well. All in all a great afternoon. TFTC. 

This one needed a new log so all ready to go. 

After a few logs I had to go and check the WP's. They had weathered so much that I could hardly recognise them. So they are all replaced and ready to go. 

I saw this come out and thought that I would have a go at this one as it is close to my family home. So I resisted the urge to go out at night and grab a first to find. So I went out at a much more respectable time to grab this one. SO I went to the published co ords and worked out the required information. I never knew that this place held so many famous people. SO I then had to make my way to GZ and I am glad that I know this area well as navigating by the arrow can be tricky unless you know the roads. Well I got to a good point to walk in and so I set off. This is a great area and lovely and quiet. I found GZ and then the cache. It was spot on with the co ords so I opened the cache and there it was. A fresh log book and a FTF envelope. So I signed in the fresh log book and left the well stocked cache for the next finder. TFTC and the FTF. 

Well things did not start well with this as we had forgotten the camera to take all of those pics that are already in the gallery. So creativesearching and I set about the descent. We were slipping and sliding a bit and then reached the very stable ascender and we were well on our way. Things must have been against us as there were scratches galore and also a few head injuries from the cramped traverse. The waves were crashing below us and it is in fact a beautiful place and the wind off the ocean is very fresh. Well we then set about the search for the cache. We looked high and low and could not see anything. The GPS was bouncing all over the place and it was not helping with the search. Then the wind began to pick up and the fisherman who were leaving suggested we did the same as when the wind picks up it is difficult to traverse the cliffs. I am not sure if I can get to this place again and I was dissapointed with the result. It was fun to get there not so much fun not finding the cache. 

I need to fix up WP1 so will fix and make sure the rest are all OK. 

I have lived within 200m of this cache and did not know that there was a park here. I had to twist and turn down the alleys to find my way to this cache. It is quite a sad little park that has seen better days and once again there seemed to be no one that would use this place. So I tried this one on a week day to try and avoid the muggles yet it looks as though there was no need. I wandered about GZ for a short time before I found this one. So I was trying to see if the neighbours were looking in on me signing the log as I finished and replaced the container. I had only just jumped in the car when two worker muggles pulled up and blocked my car so I had to do some fancy driving in a very tight spot (if you come by car you will know what I mean). One my impression on the holden precision team was over (I know that it is now Toyota's but I am showing my age) I drove off satisfied that this was done not long after Philma. TFTC 

As the elder geokid was at a party the geoson and I had some time to kill in the area and so we decided to grab this cache. I had driven by once and was not sure that I was in the right spot so kept going. As I did the second lap I was in the right place and was confused by the directions as the gate was open. So we jumped out to find the treasure. We got about two steps out of the car before the usual cry of “I’m thirsty Dad†came out so we had to stop off at a small café when the geoson used his charms on the shopgirl and received a free cookie. So all fed and watered we continued on the journey. When we arrived at GZ geoson wanted to fin the cache and set about bashing the plant life. I soon grabbed him and directed to where I thought it was. He was too small to make the necessary movement to retrieve the cache so I had to do that and then he wondered how you could fit any toys in something so small. I had to explain the whole size situation to him which he continued to ignore as at 3 yrs old it’s all about the toys. Well the signing done we were off to pick up the party girl. TFTC. 

This is a place that I have not been to before despite having been to orange countless times since my childhood. I had no idea that this little park was here and so the family and I decided to brave the cold and pick up this cache. Well cold it was as a few days before it had snowed in town. It was not that cold yet the wind chill dropped the temp below zero. So as the kids ran around to keep warm I had a look for the cache. As usual the geokids said “dad have you looked in here†and of course I hadn’t so I checked and there it was. So the cache found and it was a quick swap and then a retreat to the car before frostbite set in. Now out of all of the things in the cache to choose from geoson 3 decided that he wanted a wheel (not a car just the wheel that had obviously come off one of the swaps). Not to discourage him a wheel was chosen and swapped for a small ring. There was just enough time for a quick pic of the view and then back to heating of the car. TFTC. 

The time had come to get out of the house and no other thing to do than grab a cache. I am usually not a fan of the multi cache as I would need a pc to help with the calculations. As this was about cricket I was pretty sure that I had this in hand. Having met up with creativesearching and his geokids armed with my own geokids the posse was assembled and set to go. We made light work of WP1 and it was left to work out GZ. Having not played competitive cricket for over 20 yrs I had to rack my brain to work out the clue. Once I was satisfied I knew where to go and how far to go we started the search. Well as many times as I do this I still do not change my habits (I think that this is Einstein’s theory on insanity). I came to what I was sure was GZ and put away the GPSr and “knew†where it had to be. After some solid searching I had to change my thought and as four geokids were wanting to find a treasure I had to shift gears. So with some logs read and a shift in position I came upon the hide. It is a great container and I have only ever seen these in forums. So I was pleased to recognise this one. We were ready to make the swaps yet the geokids liked the swag that we had instead of what was in the cache so we just gave them what we had. Thanks for a great cache and especially the container. TFTC 

After having found the woman in the red dress I was keen to get another matrix cache. I did not have the GPSr so I had a quick look on Google maps and had a good idea where it should be so I set off and walked through the city a different way. On my trip I noticed a line of people outside the Optus World store and then realised that they were the die hards who were queuing to get the first iPhone when the store opened at midnight. As it was about 10 degrees I was glad that I was moving to keep warm. I got to the spot and saw the cache very quickly and after using the look for something in the case trick I had signed and replaced the cache. TFTC 

After a few DNFs I decided to have a quick look and check all was OK. No problems, in place and dry. Please come and find me soon. 

I am not often in the city on a weekend or at night. So it was a perfect opportunity to grab a city cache or two. As I was in the city for dinner and there was one not 300m away I had to pick this one up. After a great dinner I had a nice stroll by the water. I had looked at Google earth before and had a good idea where this was so I did not need the GPS. This was just as well as there were muggles everywhere. I was on my approach and was asked the strangest question ever. Three young kids came up to me and asked if they could buy my ID. This of course drew a blank from me at first and then they followed it up with “do you have an old one†Not that I would give away my ID yet this made me think who would carry an extra ID with them let alone an old one that they were willing to sell for $100. Well maybe I am showing my age so I declined and continued to the cache. It was the quickest find ever as I got to GZ placed my hand on the cache and there it was. A quick signing and I was off again. TFTC. 

Strolling through the city I thought of a cache that I pass everyday and as I pass it with about 1000 muggles both day and evening there is never a chance to grab it. As it was night time I had a completely different outlook as there was no one around. So I was determined to cross this off the list (mainly as it taunts me everyday). So I was on the case only to realise that I had the old co ordinates in the GPS so I had to put that away and use my geosense (I also had had a look at Google earth before leaving the office) So I had to search and search. It was very well hidden and I finally was getting a bit frustrated as I could not find it. Then as per a person with geosense I saw the smallest thing that was not quite right and there it was. I retrieved and replaced the cache and can now walk past this sight and smile as I now do everyday. TFTC 

It had been a while since we had been to the gardens and it was a great day to get a cache in. The kids had a great time running around and we had a picnic nearby. I wanted to make a quick detour to pick up this cache so with the kids as cover it was easy to blend in and retrieve the cache and put it back without being seen. After this we continued with a lovely walk to explore the gardens and also talk to the flying foxes having a nap. TFTC