Logs for Team Gecko
03-Oct-09
1:30 pm
Last day in Yosemite, our 12th in the Valley. We were camped in the uppermost loop of Upper Pines and were due to head to Calaveras this afternoon. I hopped on my bicycle and rode over to the Village for a few last minute items before continuing on past Yosemite Lodge - following much of the route of our Yosemite High Water multistage virtual.
We are very familiar with this site as it is where we pull out when kayaking the Merced during summer visits. Water was very low this month and Yosemite Falls were bone dry. The Merced was about as lazy as it gets.
Provided answers and received approval to log. Thanks for another very informative posting. I always learn something new when visiting one of your Earthcaches.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
Last day in Yosemite, our 12th in the Valley. We were camped in the uppermost loop of Upper Pines and were due to head to Calaveras this afternoon. I hopped on my bicycle and rode over to the Village for a few last minute items before continuing on past Yosemite Lodge - following much of the route of our Yosemite High Water multistage virtual.
We are very familiar with this site as it is where we pull out when kayaking the Merced during summer visits. Water was very low this month and Yosemite Falls were bone dry. The Merced was about as lazy as it gets.
Provided answers and received approval to log. Thanks for another very informative posting. I always learn something new when visiting one of your Earthcaches.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
27-Sep-08
9:25 am
What a perfect caching destination for a 58th birthday morning excursion. I had learned of this site back at Easter when we also camped at Morro Bay State Park. This time the tides were favorable for a post-breakfast paddle starting from the State Park marina. My sit-on-top kayak was a perfect platform to ease up on harbor seals, pelicans, and a host of afloat and shoreline birds along my route. Due to a thick fog close to the deck, I could not see very far in any direction until I reached the narrows at this end of the bay. I arrived at GZ within 10 minutes of high tide. Found the external housing a bit tough to open, especially while reaching up from a tilty platform. Algae growth was the culprit. I found the cache empty except for the logsheet. Added my signature, an aquamarine lizard, and a Sterling silver gecko charm. As I was closing things up, my long-time friends from Santa Barbara arrived in their much speedier tandem kayak and together we explored to the end of navigation. On our way back, we also checked out the channels and flats to the southeast of the campground. In the fog, the GPSr was very helpful in guiding us directly across the bay to our destination. Wonderful place. Can’t wait to return.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
What a perfect caching destination for a 58th birthday morning excursion. I had learned of this site back at Easter when we also camped at Morro Bay State Park. This time the tides were favorable for a post-breakfast paddle starting from the State Park marina. My sit-on-top kayak was a perfect platform to ease up on harbor seals, pelicans, and a host of afloat and shoreline birds along my route. Due to a thick fog close to the deck, I could not see very far in any direction until I reached the narrows at this end of the bay. I arrived at GZ within 10 minutes of high tide. Found the external housing a bit tough to open, especially while reaching up from a tilty platform. Algae growth was the culprit. I found the cache empty except for the logsheet. Added my signature, an aquamarine lizard, and a Sterling silver gecko charm. As I was closing things up, my long-time friends from Santa Barbara arrived in their much speedier tandem kayak and together we explored to the end of navigation. On our way back, we also checked out the channels and flats to the southeast of the campground. In the fog, the GPSr was very helpful in guiding us directly across the bay to our destination. Wonderful place. Can’t wait to return.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
07-Apr-07
The second sign is quite securely in place at the calculated coordinates. It isn't the type of "sign" one might expect though. The WP#3 sign, though, seemed to be off by at about 60 yards to the west of coordinates I calculated. It is quite conspicuous and contains the information required to reach the last WP before the cache. The container, however, could definitely stand replacement with something more watertight. This multi-waypoinnt walkabout is so beautiful that I recommend the container be restored if possible rather than have the cache archived.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
17-Mar-07
8:35 am.
This was my last morning in beautiful New Zealand at the end of a rewarding two-week first time visit. Today, I ran with work associate Paul who hoped to visit at least one geocache on behalf of his daughter “Stick Girlâ€. Our run started from near the foot of Albert Street and took in about 6 miles of neighborhoods and the Auckland Domain. GPSr had us on the other side of the boulevard at first and led us on a roundabout, up-and-down tour of these grounds. TNSL. Left a TG card and a collared lizard. Thanks.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
This was my last morning in beautiful New Zealand at the end of a rewarding two-week first time visit. Today, I ran with work associate Paul who hoped to visit at least one geocache on behalf of his daughter “Stick Girlâ€. Our run started from near the foot of Albert Street and took in about 6 miles of neighborhoods and the Auckland Domain. GPSr had us on the other side of the boulevard at first and led us on a roundabout, up-and-down tour of these grounds. TNSL. Left a TG card and a collared lizard. Thanks.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
4:55 pm.
Second find of my airport area walkabout while squeezing in a last cache outing before heading back to the States. A fortunate delay in my flight allowed this bonus excursion. I hiked cross country across a large grassy field on the way over from International Departure Lounge. Along the way, I noticed a striking threesome of pheasant-sized birds that flew off before I could get close enough for a good photograph. As I arrived at GZ, I encountered a heron keeping a keen eye out for a potential meal. After finding the cache and sitting down to make my log entry, two of the three previously mentioned birds strolled up behind me. They were Pukeko’s (Porphyrio porphyrio), a comical looking creature indeed. They reminded me a bit of another member of the rail family, the American Coot or Mud hen (Fulica Americana) that are common back home in California. After seeing them fly and strut, one of them headed toward and swam quickly across the nearby pond, I sensed they are in some ways demonstrated an avian triathlete. Left a TG card and a lanyard. Took Signal Geocoin to add a few thousand miles to its travels. Thanks for the convenient hide and introduction to this small memorial park and its native residents.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
Second find of my airport area walkabout while squeezing in a last cache outing before heading back to the States. A fortunate delay in my flight allowed this bonus excursion. I hiked cross country across a large grassy field on the way over from International Departure Lounge. Along the way, I noticed a striking threesome of pheasant-sized birds that flew off before I could get close enough for a good photograph. As I arrived at GZ, I encountered a heron keeping a keen eye out for a potential meal. After finding the cache and sitting down to make my log entry, two of the three previously mentioned birds strolled up behind me. They were Pukeko’s (Porphyrio porphyrio), a comical looking creature indeed. They reminded me a bit of another member of the rail family, the American Coot or Mud hen (Fulica Americana) that are common back home in California. After seeing them fly and strut, one of them headed toward and swam quickly across the nearby pond, I sensed they are in some ways demonstrated an avian triathlete. Left a TG card and a lanyard. Took Signal Geocoin to add a few thousand miles to its travels. Thanks for the convenient hide and introduction to this small memorial park and its native residents.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
4:05 pm.
My flight back to the States was delayed for a couple of hours and I checked in early enough that a short walkabout was possible before going through airport security. Although the skies threatened and I felt a few light sprinkles, no serious weather came through and I was able to enjoy a nice two-mile tour of the area and find the two closest caches. This departure lounges provided a fine alternative to sitting around in the International flight boarding area. Unfortunately my main swag was packed away in my luggage but I was able to leave a TG card and a California State Parks Foundation window decal. I picked up SWISSKIWI Travel Bug for a ride half way around the world. Thanks.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
My flight back to the States was delayed for a couple of hours and I checked in early enough that a short walkabout was possible before going through airport security. Although the skies threatened and I felt a few light sprinkles, no serious weather came through and I was able to enjoy a nice two-mile tour of the area and find the two closest caches. This departure lounges provided a fine alternative to sitting around in the International flight boarding area. Unfortunately my main swag was packed away in my luggage but I was able to leave a TG card and a California State Parks Foundation window decal. I picked up SWISSKIWI Travel Bug for a ride half way around the world. Thanks.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
Discovered peace out TBug here this morning and am logging it in so it show properly in this cache.
-Gecko Dad
-Gecko Dad
9:10 am.
Second stop on a 6-mile run with work associate Paul on the last day of a two-week Navy business visit to the Auckland area. Enjoyed watching the young cricketers on the western grounds of the domain as we threaded our way over to the first waypoint. In spite of the heavy vegetation cover, we found the final cache GPSr readings quite close to calculated coordinates. Left a TG card, two green horned lizards, and an LED key ring flashlight (torch). Took a Happy Meal Dalmatian light. Thanks for the hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
Second stop on a 6-mile run with work associate Paul on the last day of a two-week Navy business visit to the Auckland area. Enjoyed watching the young cricketers on the western grounds of the domain as we threaded our way over to the first waypoint. In spite of the heavy vegetation cover, we found the final cache GPSr readings quite close to calculated coordinates. Left a TG card, two green horned lizards, and an LED key ring flashlight (torch). Took a Happy Meal Dalmatian light. Thanks for the hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
16-Mar-07
5:15 pm.
Second stop of a two-hour shoreline run this evening that started from my lodging on Albert Street. Once I got out of the downtown area, I was able to find paths less traveled. I hoped to run across the bridge, as I was able to do in Sydney last March, but discovered en route that Auckland’s is closed to pedestrians. I dropped down to the hiding area while countless motorists were tied up in a horrific Friday afternoon rush hour traffic jam. As I was approaching the cache area, one guy in a carload of laughing 20-something males called out something about looking for my cannabis stash. I suppose that could be a possibility if Geckos were into such things. Coordinates were good and I found it in the second place I looked. Left a TG card and a sky blue lizard. Took a miniature sheep. Thanks.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
Second stop of a two-hour shoreline run this evening that started from my lodging on Albert Street. Once I got out of the downtown area, I was able to find paths less traveled. I hoped to run across the bridge, as I was able to do in Sydney last March, but discovered en route that Auckland’s is closed to pedestrians. I dropped down to the hiding area while countless motorists were tied up in a horrific Friday afternoon rush hour traffic jam. As I was approaching the cache area, one guy in a carload of laughing 20-something males called out something about looking for my cannabis stash. I suppose that could be a possibility if Geckos were into such things. Coordinates were good and I found it in the second place I looked. Left a TG card and a sky blue lizard. Took a miniature sheep. Thanks.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
6:20 pm.
Third stop and farthest point of a two-hour shoreline run this evening, my last in New Zealand for this two-week trip. Although I have been working every weekday, after hours periods have provided some fine exploring and caching opportunities. My first attempt to approach the cache from the east ran into a dead end at the waterline. My second led to the right access point but I went a little too far and had to backtrack to find the baggie and log. It appeared to be in the original hiding spot and was not obvious until spotted from the right angle. TNSL. Left a TG card and an aquamarine lizard. Thanks.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
Third stop and farthest point of a two-hour shoreline run this evening, my last in New Zealand for this two-week trip. Although I have been working every weekday, after hours periods have provided some fine exploring and caching opportunities. My first attempt to approach the cache from the east ran into a dead end at the waterline. My second led to the right access point but I went a little too far and had to backtrack to find the baggie and log. It appeared to be in the original hiding spot and was not obvious until spotted from the right angle. TNSL. Left a TG card and an aquamarine lizard. Thanks.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
4:45 pm.
Last night I ran for a couple of hours along Auckland city’s eastern shoreline. This evening on the last night of a two-week trip on Navy business, I headed westerly for another two-hour run. I can only log this as a note, though, because there was a fellow fishing right at GZ and his thermos and tackle were spread out in the very areas I hoped to inspect. Figured it would be cheeky (and might risk compromising the cache or worse) if I hung around too long picking through his things. There were many great photo opportunities before the clouds and some light showers moved in and I had an excuse to explore this area and points west.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
Last night I ran for a couple of hours along Auckland city’s eastern shoreline. This evening on the last night of a two-week trip on Navy business, I headed westerly for another two-hour run. I can only log this as a note, though, because there was a fellow fishing right at GZ and his thermos and tackle were spread out in the very areas I hoped to inspect. Figured it would be cheeky (and might risk compromising the cache or worse) if I hung around too long picking through his things. There were many great photo opportunities before the clouds and some light showers moved in and I had an excuse to explore this area and points west.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
15-Mar-07
8:45 pm.
I took advantage of clearing conditions after a couple of stormy days to fit in a long, 2-hour run before dinner tonight. I calculated the final coordinates early this morning before catching the 7:45 ferry to our work area over at Naval Base, Auckland (Devonport). I had lined up the sights of the big gun last week without realizing it was associated with this cache. Always nice to dust off some of the old geometry skills to tackled a baillistics problem. Fortunately, I have frequently used the projection feature of my Magellan Meridian GPSr and the final coordinates it determined put me within a meter or so of the true hiding spot. At first I was worried the container might not have survived heavy runoff from Wednesday’s storm but the camouflaged projectile turned out to be safe and secure. Left a TG card and an X-ray style silver gecko charm. Took a small lion figurine (“Scar†from The Lion King). Thanks for the hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
I took advantage of clearing conditions after a couple of stormy days to fit in a long, 2-hour run before dinner tonight. I calculated the final coordinates early this morning before catching the 7:45 ferry to our work area over at Naval Base, Auckland (Devonport). I had lined up the sights of the big gun last week without realizing it was associated with this cache. Always nice to dust off some of the old geometry skills to tackled a baillistics problem. Fortunately, I have frequently used the projection feature of my Magellan Meridian GPSr and the final coordinates it determined put me within a meter or so of the true hiding spot. At first I was worried the container might not have survived heavy runoff from Wednesday’s storm but the camouflaged projectile turned out to be safe and secure. Left a TG card and an X-ray style silver gecko charm. Took a small lion figurine (“Scar†from The Lion King). Thanks for the hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
8:05 pm.
First stop on a two-hour evening run along the shoreline. I was heading for Ballistic Cache and this was a convenient intermediate stop along the way. TNLNSL. Thanks.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
First stop on a two-hour evening run along the shoreline. I was heading for Ballistic Cache and this was a convenient intermediate stop along the way. TNLNSL. Thanks.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
6:30 pm.
I stopped by the first waypoint on a Tuesday evening walk before catching the ferry back to Auckland. That time, I was racing a rain squall that hit about 45 minutes later. Later that evening, I decode the directions for the second stage but was not able to get back to this area for two days due to a memorably wet and windy storm on Wednesday. Today presented improved conditions and the weather never quite got serious enough to get anything wet. There were even periodic openings in the clouds that let sunlight through. On my walk over from the ferry terminal to calculated coordinates for waypoint #2, I enjoyed watching the gulls socialize (and compete) along the Devoport Beach seawall. Found the container and made swaps quickly just in case it decided to rain again. Left a TG card, a light & dark green lizard, and Adnshe’s Personal Family Geocoin. Took a key ring featuring an embossed wheelbarrow. Thanks for the hide and introduction to this easy-to-use encryption tool.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
I stopped by the first waypoint on a Tuesday evening walk before catching the ferry back to Auckland. That time, I was racing a rain squall that hit about 45 minutes later. Later that evening, I decode the directions for the second stage but was not able to get back to this area for two days due to a memorably wet and windy storm on Wednesday. Today presented improved conditions and the weather never quite got serious enough to get anything wet. There were even periodic openings in the clouds that let sunlight through. On my walk over from the ferry terminal to calculated coordinates for waypoint #2, I enjoyed watching the gulls socialize (and compete) along the Devoport Beach seawall. Found the container and made swaps quickly just in case it decided to rain again. Left a TG card, a light & dark green lizard, and Adnshe’s Personal Family Geocoin. Took a key ring featuring an embossed wheelbarrow. Thanks for the hide and introduction to this easy-to-use encryption tool.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
13-Mar-07
6:40 pm.
Stopped by on a second visit while walking in the Devonport area to drop off Vivanne’s Nemo Travel Bug. Nemo still wants to visit Sydney Harbor and this site offered him an equally attractive harborside setting while awaiting his next ride on that quest. Also picked up the Unite for Diabetes Travel Bug and will carry it half way around the World this coming weekend. In addition to Nemo, I also left LadyBug Sunshine Travel Bug who only moved a short distance this evening. Perhaps GC10T1K can serve as an informal Travel Bug hotel. Thanks again for sharing this scenic location.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
Stopped by on a second visit while walking in the Devonport area to drop off Vivanne’s Nemo Travel Bug. Nemo still wants to visit Sydney Harbor and this site offered him an equally attractive harborside setting while awaiting his next ride on that quest. Also picked up the Unite for Diabetes Travel Bug and will carry it half way around the World this coming weekend. In addition to Nemo, I also left LadyBug Sunshine Travel Bug who only moved a short distance this evening. Perhaps GC10T1K can serve as an informal Travel Bug hotel. Thanks again for sharing this scenic location.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
5:45 pm.
I came around to posted numbers after descending from a short hike up Mount Victoria to locate the first stage of There is no Mountain (GCHPX4). Enjoyed the history lesson and a tour of this exceptional little cemetery. A rain squall hit just after I determined the range and heading. I was able to locate the well concealed container and find a bit of protective cover so I could make exchanges without exposing the contents to the shower. Left a TG card, a pink lizard, an X-ray style Sterling silver gecko charm, and Oteha Valley Kiwi Travel Bug. Took a fridge magnet and LadyBug Sunshine Travel Bug. Thanks for the hide and the story of Patuone.
Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
I came around to posted numbers after descending from a short hike up Mount Victoria to locate the first stage of There is no Mountain (GCHPX4). Enjoyed the history lesson and a tour of this exceptional little cemetery. A rain squall hit just after I determined the range and heading. I was able to locate the well concealed container and find a bit of protective cover so I could make exchanges without exposing the contents to the shower. Left a TG card, a pink lizard, an X-ray style Sterling silver gecko charm, and Oteha Valley Kiwi Travel Bug. Took a fridge magnet and LadyBug Sunshine Travel Bug. Thanks for the hide and the story of Patuone.
Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
12-Mar-07
8:40 pm.
Third time was the charm. During my first visit last Monday at rush hour, I guessed at the most likely spot but their were muggles all around – including a pair within inches of what turned out to be the hiding place. I ended up spending my time exploring other options. When I returned later in the week, around dinner time, another homeless-looking muggle, was camped out at the same spot. Tonight, a rainy, blustery Sunday evening, I had the site to myself and found the cache quickly in the dark. TNSL. Was amused to see a lizard I left in Albert Blimp had already migrated into this one. We Geckos certainly get around. Thanks for a surprisingly tricky-to-reach hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
Third time was the charm. During my first visit last Monday at rush hour, I guessed at the most likely spot but their were muggles all around – including a pair within inches of what turned out to be the hiding place. I ended up spending my time exploring other options. When I returned later in the week, around dinner time, another homeless-looking muggle, was camped out at the same spot. Tonight, a rainy, blustery Sunday evening, I had the site to myself and found the cache quickly in the dark. TNSL. Was amused to see a lizard I left in Albert Blimp had already migrated into this one. We Geckos certainly get around. Thanks for a surprisingly tricky-to-reach hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
11-Mar-07
12:00 noon
First stop on an afternoon of exploring and caching in Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Fellow American and work associate, Terry, provided the transportation from our hotel near Auckland City Center. After an informative chat in the visitor center with a docent who helped me identify native birds I had observed yesterday on a solo hike/run on Rangitoto Island, we headed across the way for a walk down to the site. With the mini-drought of the past five or six weeks, things are a bit dry up here. Found the container on the numbers after GPSr readings settled down. Left a TG card, a green horned lizard, and an X-ray style silver gecko charm. Discovered a couple of travel bugs and picked up Vivianne’s Nemo to take it closer to the ocean. Thanks for the hide and opportunity to tour the nature trail.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
First stop on an afternoon of exploring and caching in Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Fellow American and work associate, Terry, provided the transportation from our hotel near Auckland City Center. After an informative chat in the visitor center with a docent who helped me identify native birds I had observed yesterday on a solo hike/run on Rangitoto Island, we headed across the way for a walk down to the site. With the mini-drought of the past five or six weeks, things are a bit dry up here. Found the container on the numbers after GPSr readings settled down. Left a TG card, a green horned lizard, and an X-ray style silver gecko charm. Discovered a couple of travel bugs and picked up Vivianne’s Nemo to take it closer to the ocean. Thanks for the hide and opportunity to tour the nature trail.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
8:10 pm.
After a 4-mile loop hike/climb up and around Kitekite Falls followed by wading at Piha Beach and the short climb up Lion Rock, I still had energy and interest in exploring the black sand beaches of Karekare Beach. I was accompanied by fellow American and work associate, Terry, who chauffered us to the trailhead parking area in his rental car. An offshore wind was blowing and storm clouds passed by now and then, occasionally bringing brief showers. The sky show and late afternoon sun provided dramatic lighting conditions for viewing and photography. I found the first two waypoints without difficulty but the third proved a puzzle for quite awhile. After double and triple checking my numbers and even trying some variants, I eventually back tracked from indicated GZ for WP #3 and found the information at a location about 60 meters away. With just enough daylight left to find the next trail, we continued over to find the last information and begin a search for the container. Fortunately, I had a headlamp and after perhaps 20 minutes of climbing around in the dark searching while Terry stood by below. Eventually, I shifted to another candidate site and found the well-hidden container. I was very pleased to be able to record this as a find after such a fine tour of the area. The container was partially filled with water and the logbook was soaked and quite unusuable. I emptied out the container but it should be replaced in the future with something more weatherproof. Fortunately there was another plastic bag inside in which I placed a TG card and four green horned lizards (representing the Team Gecko clan). Thanks for one of the most memorable caching experiences of my two-week visit.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
After a 4-mile loop hike/climb up and around Kitekite Falls followed by wading at Piha Beach and the short climb up Lion Rock, I still had energy and interest in exploring the black sand beaches of Karekare Beach. I was accompanied by fellow American and work associate, Terry, who chauffered us to the trailhead parking area in his rental car. An offshore wind was blowing and storm clouds passed by now and then, occasionally bringing brief showers. The sky show and late afternoon sun provided dramatic lighting conditions for viewing and photography. I found the first two waypoints without difficulty but the third proved a puzzle for quite awhile. After double and triple checking my numbers and even trying some variants, I eventually back tracked from indicated GZ for WP #3 and found the information at a location about 60 meters away. With just enough daylight left to find the next trail, we continued over to find the last information and begin a search for the container. Fortunately, I had a headlamp and after perhaps 20 minutes of climbing around in the dark searching while Terry stood by below. Eventually, I shifted to another candidate site and found the well-hidden container. I was very pleased to be able to record this as a find after such a fine tour of the area. The container was partially filled with water and the logbook was soaked and quite unusuable. I emptied out the container but it should be replaced in the future with something more weatherproof. Fortunately there was another plastic bag inside in which I placed a TG card and four green horned lizards (representing the Team Gecko clan). Thanks for one of the most memorable caching experiences of my two-week visit.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
3:20 pm.
What an outstanding hike up to and around the falls this afternoon. I was accompanied by fellow American and work associate, Terry, whose rental car was our transportation to the Waitakere Ranges today. Although I was aware of a shorter, more direct approach, the falls provided a much more engaging route. After ascending the Kitekite Track and enjoying a late lunch at the convenient table provided at the falls overlook, we continued up the Connect Track and had a good luck down from the top of the falls before proceeding to the cache area. At first I was dubious the GPSr readings were correct as the bush is a bit thick where it led me. After doubling back and forth up and down and roundabout, I eventually came upon the hiding spot a bit south of my primary search area but still within reasonable proximity to posted numbers. Readings here today varied up to 20 meters or so. Container was a little damp inside. Left a TG card, a light & dark green lizard, a California State Parks Foundation window decal, and an X-ray style silver gecko charm. Rescued the Kiwi Travel Bug. After buttoning things up and replacing the container, we continued northerly on the Winstone Track and descended the Home Track. Only saw one other couple after leaving the falls area – they were paused for a snack at the Home Track junction. This is a more attractive route downhill than uphill and I was pleased we chose to do this loop in the direction we selected. Following a short pause for snacking at the Piha Stream trailhead, we headed over to the beach for wading and a climb up Lion Rock. Thanks for the hide and an introduction to this remarkable area.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
What an outstanding hike up to and around the falls this afternoon. I was accompanied by fellow American and work associate, Terry, whose rental car was our transportation to the Waitakere Ranges today. Although I was aware of a shorter, more direct approach, the falls provided a much more engaging route. After ascending the Kitekite Track and enjoying a late lunch at the convenient table provided at the falls overlook, we continued up the Connect Track and had a good luck down from the top of the falls before proceeding to the cache area. At first I was dubious the GPSr readings were correct as the bush is a bit thick where it led me. After doubling back and forth up and down and roundabout, I eventually came upon the hiding spot a bit south of my primary search area but still within reasonable proximity to posted numbers. Readings here today varied up to 20 meters or so. Container was a little damp inside. Left a TG card, a light & dark green lizard, a California State Parks Foundation window decal, and an X-ray style silver gecko charm. Rescued the Kiwi Travel Bug. After buttoning things up and replacing the container, we continued northerly on the Winstone Track and descended the Home Track. Only saw one other couple after leaving the falls area – they were paused for a snack at the Home Track junction. This is a more attractive route downhill than uphill and I was pleased we chose to do this loop in the direction we selected. Following a short pause for snacking at the Piha Stream trailhead, we headed over to the beach for wading and a climb up Lion Rock. Thanks for the hide and an introduction to this remarkable area.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
12:50 pm.
After a short walkabout around the Arataki Visitor Center Nature Trail at midday, this was a convenient and scenic spot to get the lay of the land on the way to a planned hike to see Kitekite Falls. There were muggles parked and standing around GZ. I had to wait a few minutes taking in the sights before they moved along and I could get close enough to confirm the cache location. Just in time, too, as another party pulled in right after them. After logging the find, I returned the cache discretely without these latest muggles suspecting anything unusual was transpiring. SL. Thanks, glynn.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
After a short walkabout around the Arataki Visitor Center Nature Trail at midday, this was a convenient and scenic spot to get the lay of the land on the way to a planned hike to see Kitekite Falls. There were muggles parked and standing around GZ. I had to wait a few minutes taking in the sights before they moved along and I could get close enough to confirm the cache location. Just in time, too, as another party pulled in right after them. After logging the find, I returned the cache discretely without these latest muggles suspecting anything unusual was transpiring. SL. Thanks, glynn.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
10-Mar-07
12:45 pm.
I hiked up to the summit this morning via Wilson’s Park Track, a short stretch of the summit road, and the boardwalk pathway to reach Rangitoto Crater. Once I reached the rim trail, I headed away from the summit lookout and was blessed with solitude and outstanding vistas. Initially my GPSr led me too far east and it took a few minutes to find an alternative way to access the correct area. Container was well concealed and only visible from a particular direction. Since it was lunch time, I carried the cache 150 meters to a nicely positioned tree with shade, gentle breeze, and a grand view to the northwest. Left a TG card, a pink lizard, and a Sterling silver gecko charm. Took a Sydney 2000 pin. Also took photo with cache camera (approximately frame #19). Thanks for the scenic hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
I hiked up to the summit this morning via Wilson’s Park Track, a short stretch of the summit road, and the boardwalk pathway to reach Rangitoto Crater. Once I reached the rim trail, I headed away from the summit lookout and was blessed with solitude and outstanding vistas. Initially my GPSr led me too far east and it took a few minutes to find an alternative way to access the correct area. Container was well concealed and only visible from a particular direction. Since it was lunch time, I carried the cache 150 meters to a nicely positioned tree with shade, gentle breeze, and a grand view to the northwest. Left a TG card, a pink lizard, and a Sterling silver gecko charm. Took a Sydney 2000 pin. Also took photo with cache camera (approximately frame #19). Thanks for the scenic hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
10:45 am.
Rangitoto Island has dominated the views of my evening walks in Devonport over the past week so it was an obvious choice to explore it on my first free day of this two-week business trip. The 9:15 am Rangitoto Ferry was a bit full and there a number of parties planning to head up the main route to the summit. I elected the Wilson’s Park option and was rewarded with an exceptional hiking experience on this lesser used track. In fact, I only saw one other party and that was near the upper end. I found the cache in excellent shape and was impressed with its size. Left a TG card, a collared lizard, and a Sterling silver gecko charm. I took a 2006 Kiwi Geocoin and at request of the owner, will return it Stateside.
The trail north of the cache coordinates was even more engaging. Along the way I heard and then paused to observe a Tui (Prostaemadera novaseelandieae) roosting up in a tree along a stretch where the trail passes through a forested section. Near this site, I also saw a lily-like plant with large red flowers, the only blossoms I recall noticing all day. A bit farther along this track, a North Island Fantail (Rhipidura fujliginosa pacabilis) paid me a visit, hopping from branch to branch to ground to branch while staying with a few yards and sometimes within inches of my body. I suspected my presence must have been disturbing insects on which it was feeding. A few hundred yards from here, I was joined by three Fantails and they exhibited the same behavior. They were flitting to and fro so close to my face that I felt like a birdman. I ended up spending perhaps 30 minutes at the two Fantail sites watching and photographing these dynamic little blurs. My small autofocus pocket camera was sorely tested to do them justice under dim lighting conditions.
Island Rock was a perfect first stop on what turned out to be an all day hike and run that included a fairly challenging lava stone slalom-like run back via the Coastal Track, eventually adding up to 10 miles of trekking. I can’t wait to return again some day.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
P.S. “Island Rock†is the No. 8 track on the Banana Slugs String Band album “Slugs at Sea†(http://www.bananaslugstringband.com/), one of our two kiddo Geckos favorite road albums when they were growing up.
Rangitoto Island has dominated the views of my evening walks in Devonport over the past week so it was an obvious choice to explore it on my first free day of this two-week business trip. The 9:15 am Rangitoto Ferry was a bit full and there a number of parties planning to head up the main route to the summit. I elected the Wilson’s Park option and was rewarded with an exceptional hiking experience on this lesser used track. In fact, I only saw one other party and that was near the upper end. I found the cache in excellent shape and was impressed with its size. Left a TG card, a collared lizard, and a Sterling silver gecko charm. I took a 2006 Kiwi Geocoin and at request of the owner, will return it Stateside.
The trail north of the cache coordinates was even more engaging. Along the way I heard and then paused to observe a Tui (Prostaemadera novaseelandieae) roosting up in a tree along a stretch where the trail passes through a forested section. Near this site, I also saw a lily-like plant with large red flowers, the only blossoms I recall noticing all day. A bit farther along this track, a North Island Fantail (Rhipidura fujliginosa pacabilis) paid me a visit, hopping from branch to branch to ground to branch while staying with a few yards and sometimes within inches of my body. I suspected my presence must have been disturbing insects on which it was feeding. A few hundred yards from here, I was joined by three Fantails and they exhibited the same behavior. They were flitting to and fro so close to my face that I felt like a birdman. I ended up spending perhaps 30 minutes at the two Fantail sites watching and photographing these dynamic little blurs. My small autofocus pocket camera was sorely tested to do them justice under dim lighting conditions.
Island Rock was a perfect first stop on what turned out to be an all day hike and run that included a fairly challenging lava stone slalom-like run back via the Coastal Track, eventually adding up to 10 miles of trekking. I can’t wait to return again some day.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
P.S. “Island Rock†is the No. 8 track on the Banana Slugs String Band album “Slugs at Sea†(http://www.bananaslugstringband.com/), one of our two kiddo Geckos favorite road albums when they were growing up.
2:45 pm.
After hiking up the Wilson’s Park Track, circuiting the Rangitoto Summit Track, and touring the Lava Caves, I ran easterly to Islington Bay with just enough time to run back via the Coastal Track to catch the last ferry of the day. Round trip was about 10 miles and my run on the eastern portion of the Coastal Track bore similarities to a steeplechase as the narrow path wound left, right, up, and down through jungle-like bush and open lava flats and turned out to makde for a nice little wrap-up workout.
Near the cache site, folks were busy with ladders and hammers and other tools making repairs to the large bach to the northeast. Left a TG card, an aquamarine lizard, and an X-ray style silver gecko charm. Took a small flat NZ theme fridge magnet. Thanks for the hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
After hiking up the Wilson’s Park Track, circuiting the Rangitoto Summit Track, and touring the Lava Caves, I ran easterly to Islington Bay with just enough time to run back via the Coastal Track to catch the last ferry of the day. Round trip was about 10 miles and my run on the eastern portion of the Coastal Track bore similarities to a steeplechase as the narrow path wound left, right, up, and down through jungle-like bush and open lava flats and turned out to makde for a nice little wrap-up workout.
Near the cache site, folks were busy with ladders and hammers and other tools making repairs to the large bach to the northeast. Left a TG card, an aquamarine lizard, and an X-ray style silver gecko charm. Took a small flat NZ theme fridge magnet. Thanks for the hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
5:25 pm.
Every day this week on my to our working group site at Naval Base, Devonport, I thought about stopping to look for this cache. Somehow, business attire did not seem to be appropriate – I would certainly be conspicuous. Today it made for an easy find as I was returning from Rangitoto Island and was already in bush gear. Left a TG card, a blue horned lizard, and an X-ray style silver gecko charm. Took a “Hiking Kiwi†fridge magnet. Thanks for the hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
Every day this week on my to our working group site at Naval Base, Devonport, I thought about stopping to look for this cache. Somehow, business attire did not seem to be appropriate – I would certainly be conspicuous. Today it made for an easy find as I was returning from Rangitoto Island and was already in bush gear. Left a TG card, a blue horned lizard, and an X-ray style silver gecko charm. Took a “Hiking Kiwi†fridge magnet. Thanks for the hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
09-Mar-07
8:00 pm.
Had a great time exploring nearly every feature of North Head to pick up the waypoints. Fortunately, I was able to connect with the webpage via my Blackberry since downloads to PDAs do not include the photos needed to determine the intermediate waypoint coordinates. I ended up spending about 3 1/2 hours to complete the course, mainly because I elected to start in a direction that did not yield any of the stages but which led to some truly fascinating features. I believe I may have entered every nook and cranny that can be entered. Got a special kick out of watching the kids jumping off the pier into the water. Found the stages in this order: 3 – 1 – 2 with the first find at 5:10 pm and the last at 6:05 pm. I expected there to be more of a spread in the intermediate positions and their relative alignment allowed a couple of plausible options although one calculates better and, after devoting some time to the wrong one, I made my way over to what turned out to be the correct location of the intermediate cache. Got sidetracked at one point watching parasailors launch and fly out over the water. By now I was very familiar with these grounds and the solution to the final stage was straightforward, even as the last daylight was fading. Left a TG card, a rainbow lizard, and a Sterling silver gecko charm. Took a small toy dog figure. Thanks for a very informative walkabout cache and some marvelous sights, including sunset over Auckland city.
-Gecko Dad
[This entry was edited by Team Gecko on Friday, March 16, 2007 at 3:02:13 AM.]
Had a great time exploring nearly every feature of North Head to pick up the waypoints. Fortunately, I was able to connect with the webpage via my Blackberry since downloads to PDAs do not include the photos needed to determine the intermediate waypoint coordinates. I ended up spending about 3 1/2 hours to complete the course, mainly because I elected to start in a direction that did not yield any of the stages but which led to some truly fascinating features. I believe I may have entered every nook and cranny that can be entered. Got a special kick out of watching the kids jumping off the pier into the water. Found the stages in this order: 3 – 1 – 2 with the first find at 5:10 pm and the last at 6:05 pm. I expected there to be more of a spread in the intermediate positions and their relative alignment allowed a couple of plausible options although one calculates better and, after devoting some time to the wrong one, I made my way over to what turned out to be the correct location of the intermediate cache. Got sidetracked at one point watching parasailors launch and fly out over the water. By now I was very familiar with these grounds and the solution to the final stage was straightforward, even as the last daylight was fading. Left a TG card, a rainbow lizard, and a Sterling silver gecko charm. Took a small toy dog figure. Thanks for a very informative walkabout cache and some marvelous sights, including sunset over Auckland city.
-Gecko Dad
[This entry was edited by Team Gecko on Friday, March 16, 2007 at 3:02:13 AM.]
08-Mar-07
7:00 pm.
I really enjoy multicaches and this one provided added bonuses of a scenic walking tour of Devonport and exposure to this site’s historic contributions to the safety and security of Auckland. It was also a plus to look in on the grounds of a sister facility to the main naval base where I have been working while visiting the area for the past week. Each waypoint was scenic and informative and a couple of them presented challenges, too. Fortunately, the cache was spot on the numbers I calculated. Got a chuckle out of the source of the cache name. Left a TG card, a sky blue lizard, and a Sterling silver gecko charm. Took a zipper pull with small compass. Thanks.
Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
I really enjoy multicaches and this one provided added bonuses of a scenic walking tour of Devonport and exposure to this site’s historic contributions to the safety and security of Auckland. It was also a plus to look in on the grounds of a sister facility to the main naval base where I have been working while visiting the area for the past week. Each waypoint was scenic and informative and a couple of them presented challenges, too. Fortunately, the cache was spot on the numbers I calculated. Got a chuckle out of the source of the cache name. Left a TG card, a sky blue lizard, and a Sterling silver gecko charm. Took a zipper pull with small compass. Thanks.
Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
5:10 pm.
One of two caching stops on a late afternoon walk that wrapped up at the Devonport Ferry Landing. I was a little surprised to see a hiding spot so close to high tide line. Left TG card, an aquamarine lizard, and a Sterling silver gecko charm. Took a star pin. Thanks.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
One of two caching stops on a late afternoon walk that wrapped up at the Devonport Ferry Landing. I was a little surprised to see a hiding spot so close to high tide line. Left TG card, an aquamarine lizard, and a Sterling silver gecko charm. Took a star pin. Thanks.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
07-Mar-07
5:25 pm.
I enjoyed a nice walk over from HMNZ Naval Base, Auckland after wrapping up a third working session of a two week Navy business trip. Curiously, our meeting site is visible from “The Seatâ€. The soccer kids were actively engaged in practice sessions as I entered the grounds. Loved the seat. Perfect theme for a Team Gecko find (we like to think geckos and dragons are distant cousins). It began sprinkling a bit shortly after I found the container. Fortunately, I was able to duck under cover for the short time it took to log and make exchanges. Left a TG card, a collared lizard and a blue horned lizard. Took a small green frog. Thanks for the fun hide and a novel seat with a view.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
I enjoyed a nice walk over from HMNZ Naval Base, Auckland after wrapping up a third working session of a two week Navy business trip. Curiously, our meeting site is visible from “The Seatâ€. The soccer kids were actively engaged in practice sessions as I entered the grounds. Loved the seat. Perfect theme for a Team Gecko find (we like to think geckos and dragons are distant cousins). It began sprinkling a bit shortly after I found the container. Fortunately, I was able to duck under cover for the short time it took to log and make exchanges. Left a TG card, a collared lizard and a blue horned lizard. Took a small green frog. Thanks for the fun hide and a novel seat with a view.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
06-Mar-07
5:25 pm.
Visiting the Auckland area for the next two weeks on Navy business. Each morning we take the Devonport Ferry across to our work site. Fortunately, there is time in the early evening for a bit of caching before returning to lodging in Auckland. The Orcas cache seemed a perfect location to leave Miro des Chatham Travel Bug on its quest to reach New Zealand. I have not yet spotted any Chatham Robins but the Red-beaked Gulls are plentiful. In addition to Miro, I left a pink lizard. Took a pair of whale stickers. Afterward, I walked up to take in the view from the summit of Mount Victoria Reserve before catching a twilight ferry ride. Thanks for an enjoyable hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
Visiting the Auckland area for the next two weeks on Navy business. Each morning we take the Devonport Ferry across to our work site. Fortunately, there is time in the early evening for a bit of caching before returning to lodging in Auckland. The Orcas cache seemed a perfect location to leave Miro des Chatham Travel Bug on its quest to reach New Zealand. I have not yet spotted any Chatham Robins but the Red-beaked Gulls are plentiful. In addition to Miro, I left a pink lizard. Took a pair of whale stickers. Afterward, I walked up to take in the view from the summit of Mount Victoria Reserve before catching a twilight ferry ride. Thanks for an enjoyable hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
05-Mar-07
7:10 pm.
First NZ find. Just arrived from State-side early this morning. Visiting for two weeks on Navy business. Walked up the hill from nearby lodging after spending most of the day at our work site on HMNB Devonport. TNSL. Left a green horned lizard. Thanks for the hide and introduction to the park.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
First NZ find. Just arrived from State-side early this morning. Visiting for two weeks on Navy business. Walked up the hill from nearby lodging after spending most of the day at our work site on HMNB Devonport. TNSL. Left a green horned lizard. Thanks for the hide and introduction to the park.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego, California
16-Dec-06
3:00 pm.
Stopped by to launch a new Unite for Diabetes Travel Bug (Krasnohorivka, Ukraine) in exchange for Miro Des Chatham Travel Bug that I will take to New Zealand in March. Nice to see the Lane again. Curiously, the last entry in the logbook was mine from December 2005. So I guess I finished up the last holiday season and kicked off this one.
-Gecko Dad
Stopped by to launch a new Unite for Diabetes Travel Bug (Krasnohorivka, Ukraine) in exchange for Miro Des Chatham Travel Bug that I will take to New Zealand in March. Nice to see the Lane again. Curiously, the last entry in the logbook was mine from December 2005. So I guess I finished up the last holiday season and kicked off this one.
-Gecko Dad
13-Aug-06
11:25 am.
Groovy and I took our sweet time on a photo and caching hike up to Little Baldy. We were first on the trail this sparkling August morning, increasing the opportunities to meet up with some of the local fauna. We were treated to Golden-mantled ground squirrels (Spermophilis lateralis), Long-eared Chipmunks (Tamius quadrimaculatus), honey bees, bumblebees, a Western Tanager, and so many Yellow-bellied Marmots (Marmota flaviventris) distributed along the trail that this might have easily been named Marmot Mountain. Since this was a prime season Sunday, a few hikers passed us as we stopped often to watch the critters. By the time we reached the summit, there was only one other small group looking out over the southern bluff and they soon left so we had Little Baldy to ourselves for our lunchtime break. Found the cache within .001 degree of posted lat and long. After finishing eating our sandwiches, we wandered over to take in the views of the Marble Fork drainage. Controlled fires at this time of year made for some haziness but we still enjoyed the fine sights.
Thanks for a memorable virtual.
-Gecko Dad and Groovy Gecko
Groovy and I took our sweet time on a photo and caching hike up to Little Baldy. We were first on the trail this sparkling August morning, increasing the opportunities to meet up with some of the local fauna. We were treated to Golden-mantled ground squirrels (Spermophilis lateralis), Long-eared Chipmunks (Tamius quadrimaculatus), honey bees, bumblebees, a Western Tanager, and so many Yellow-bellied Marmots (Marmota flaviventris) distributed along the trail that this might have easily been named Marmot Mountain. Since this was a prime season Sunday, a few hikers passed us as we stopped often to watch the critters. By the time we reached the summit, there was only one other small group looking out over the southern bluff and they soon left so we had Little Baldy to ourselves for our lunchtime break. Found the cache within .001 degree of posted lat and long. After finishing eating our sandwiches, we wandered over to take in the views of the Marble Fork drainage. Controlled fires at this time of year made for some haziness but we still enjoyed the fine sights.
Thanks for a memorable virtual.
-Gecko Dad and Groovy Gecko
27-Mar-06
8:50 pm.
What a perfect evening for a long run that included Hyde Park, the Quay area, the Coathanger, and a bit of North Sydney before returning to my hotel for a shower and late dinner. I had to time my search and grab between the few pedestrians out and about at this hour. Wasn’t too hard to find – by feel. TNLNSL. Continued on for mid-span photographs of the Opera House before continuing to Miss Carey’s for the final find of this trip down under. Thanks for the hide and excuse to run across to the other side.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
What a perfect evening for a long run that included Hyde Park, the Quay area, the Coathanger, and a bit of North Sydney before returning to my hotel for a shower and late dinner. I had to time my search and grab between the few pedestrians out and about at this hour. Wasn’t too hard to find – by feel. TNLNSL. Continued on for mid-span photographs of the Opera House before continuing to Miss Carey’s for the final find of this trip down under. Thanks for the hide and excuse to run across to the other side.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
9:35 pm.
I continued my extended 3-hour run from South Sydney via Hyde Park and Harbor Bridge. I had not previously explored this side of the harbor and this hide provided a good excuse to continue across the bridge. Even in the dark I was able to spot after poking around a couple of minutes a bit too far up the hill where my GPSr insisted I should look. Fortunately it was completely deserted in the park and no one peeked out of the nearby windows to see what I was up to. TNSL. Left a green horned lizard. I photographed the Tbug and recorded its ID number with intent to log a touch-and-go but see it has already been moved so will not post a find and risk messing up its travel accounting. Thanks for the hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
I continued my extended 3-hour run from South Sydney via Hyde Park and Harbor Bridge. I had not previously explored this side of the harbor and this hide provided a good excuse to continue across the bridge. Even in the dark I was able to spot after poking around a couple of minutes a bit too far up the hill where my GPSr insisted I should look. Fortunately it was completely deserted in the park and no one peeked out of the nearby windows to see what I was up to. TNSL. Left a green horned lizard. I photographed the Tbug and recorded its ID number with intent to log a touch-and-go but see it has already been moved so will not post a find and risk messing up its travel accounting. Thanks for the hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
8:25 pm.
I came by the Quay area on a Saturday morning run, stopping at Writers of Renown before heading to the indicated coordinates. I searched around a bit but decided there were simply too many muggles to risk looking too long. Over the weekend, I realized I might need to rethink my strategy, particularly given Philma’s creativity in placing microcaches. As I approached the quays this evening, I saw some possibilities I missed before. After taking in the harbor lights, I proceeded to GZ and quickly found the hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
I came by the Quay area on a Saturday morning run, stopping at Writers of Renown before heading to the indicated coordinates. I searched around a bit but decided there were simply too many muggles to risk looking too long. Over the weekend, I realized I might need to rethink my strategy, particularly given Philma’s creativity in placing microcaches. As I approached the quays this evening, I saw some possibilities I missed before. After taking in the harbor lights, I proceeded to GZ and quickly found the hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
8:00 pm.
This is another site I visited on Saturday morning toward the end of a long harborside run. Unfortunately there was a construction crew working nearby and some of them were camped out very close to GZ eating their lunch. Tonight, I only had occasional office workers, taxi drivers, and local bugs to contend with. Tried three options before coming to the correct place. Log sheet was a bit wet but with care I was able to write on it with a ballpoint pen. TNLNSL. Thanks.
-Gecko Dad
This is another site I visited on Saturday morning toward the end of a long harborside run. Unfortunately there was a construction crew working nearby and some of them were camped out very close to GZ eating their lunch. Tonight, I only had occasional office workers, taxi drivers, and local bugs to contend with. Tried three options before coming to the correct place. Log sheet was a bit wet but with care I was able to write on it with a ballpoint pen. TNLNSL. Thanks.
-Gecko Dad
7:15 pm.
I stopped by toward the end of a long run on Saturday morning after arriving from Adelaide the night before. I found lots of lawn and ivy but no sign of a cache near indicated GZ and I did not understand the clue. Two days later, equipped with additional knowledge, I sampled three different possibilities before finding it – about 60 feet away from posted coordinates (due to poor signal?). It was very well concealed and I only found it by feel. I carried the container to a nearby seat for logging to the backdrop of the Archibald Fountain and the night-time lighted cathedral. TNLNSL. I managed to pick up some mosquito bites, too. The bugs seemed quite hungry at this time of evening so I did no linger too long. Thanks for a challenging micro.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
I stopped by toward the end of a long run on Saturday morning after arriving from Adelaide the night before. I found lots of lawn and ivy but no sign of a cache near indicated GZ and I did not understand the clue. Two days later, equipped with additional knowledge, I sampled three different possibilities before finding it – about 60 feet away from posted coordinates (due to poor signal?). It was very well concealed and I only found it by feel. I carried the container to a nearby seat for logging to the backdrop of the Archibald Fountain and the night-time lighted cathedral. TNLNSL. I managed to pick up some mosquito bites, too. The bugs seemed quite hungry at this time of evening so I did no linger too long. Thanks for a challenging micro.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
26-Mar-06
4:50 pm.
Had a little time left to visit two of the three MKC caches after a full day of trekking and touring the Wentworth Falls and Katoomba areas. After a late lunch in Katoomba, Paul, Mary, and I parked our rental car at the Katoomba Falls overlook picnic area and went for a cliffside walkabout for the next several hours. We included the modern version of the Mountain Devil (aka Katoomba Scenic Railway) in our itinerary and subsequently explored the Furber Steps, the base of the falls, and two short sections of Jamison Canyon trail before riding back up to the rim. We walked over to get the clue from the intermediate waypoint for MKC2005 and realized it would be a backtrack. At this point, Paul and Mary decided to head back to the car and I continued to MKC2004. What a remarkable viewpoint and I had it completely to myself. After taking in the sights to the west – including smoke from a small brush fire, I headed over to GZ and a quick find. This was one of my favorite sites of the Blue Mountains trip. I was here at a perfect time of day to see the late afternoon lighting on the cliffs to the west and southwest. Left a Team Gecko card, a pink lizard, and Cosmo’s Rocket Travel Bug. Took a camo lanyard. Thanks for this exceptional hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
Had a little time left to visit two of the three MKC caches after a full day of trekking and touring the Wentworth Falls and Katoomba areas. After a late lunch in Katoomba, Paul, Mary, and I parked our rental car at the Katoomba Falls overlook picnic area and went for a cliffside walkabout for the next several hours. We included the modern version of the Mountain Devil (aka Katoomba Scenic Railway) in our itinerary and subsequently explored the Furber Steps, the base of the falls, and two short sections of Jamison Canyon trail before riding back up to the rim. We walked over to get the clue from the intermediate waypoint for MKC2005 and realized it would be a backtrack. At this point, Paul and Mary decided to head back to the car and I continued to MKC2004. What a remarkable viewpoint and I had it completely to myself. After taking in the sights to the west – including smoke from a small brush fire, I headed over to GZ and a quick find. This was one of my favorite sites of the Blue Mountains trip. I was here at a perfect time of day to see the late afternoon lighting on the cliffs to the west and southwest. Left a Team Gecko card, a pink lizard, and Cosmo’s Rocket Travel Bug. Took a camo lanyard. Thanks for this exceptional hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
5:30 pm.
First waypoint found at 4:20 pm but I walked up the road to visit MKC 2004 before turning around and heading back to a spot my GPSr breadcrumbs revealed I had passed near earlier this afternoon. Paul, Mary, and I walked the now familiar trail. Mary decided to stay at the lookout while Paul and I climbed up the short distance to GZ. I walked right by the hiding spot on my first pass when the tree cover apparently interfered with the signals and led me a bit too far up and to the east. Realizing that was not a particularly good area for a cache, I circled around and quickly noticed the right location. TNSL. Left an aquamarine lizard. Logged the Bouncing Around Australia Travel Bug but left it in place since I wasn’t certain if I would find another suitable TB location before returning to California at the end of the week. Thanks for the hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
First waypoint found at 4:20 pm but I walked up the road to visit MKC 2004 before turning around and heading back to a spot my GPSr breadcrumbs revealed I had passed near earlier this afternoon. Paul, Mary, and I walked the now familiar trail. Mary decided to stay at the lookout while Paul and I climbed up the short distance to GZ. I walked right by the hiding spot on my first pass when the tree cover apparently interfered with the signals and led me a bit too far up and to the east. Realizing that was not a particularly good area for a cache, I circled around and quickly noticed the right location. TNSL. Left an aquamarine lizard. Logged the Bouncing Around Australia Travel Bug but left it in place since I wasn’t certain if I would find another suitable TB location before returning to California at the end of the week. Thanks for the hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
12:30 pm.
Second cache of a day in the Katoomba area that featured lots of hiking and a little caching. Since this was a first ever visit to the Blue Mountains, that seemed to be the right balance of activity. I hiked the ridge trail and introduced traveling companion Mary to her first ever cache while our associate Paul stood sentry with the car (we did not have the requisite change for a parking ticket). Mary and I encountered absolutely no one on the trail to the cache. I had to circle around once before looking a second time at the first place I had checked. The light and shadows and some extra concealment made this a little trickier than I expected. TNSL. Left a Team Gecko card and a green horned lizard. Mary and I continued along the trail until we came to the main Echo trail – and many, many muggles. After checking out this viewpoint, we returned to the car and a pleasant lunch at the Paragon in Katoomba. Thanks for the hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
Second cache of a day in the Katoomba area that featured lots of hiking and a little caching. Since this was a first ever visit to the Blue Mountains, that seemed to be the right balance of activity. I hiked the ridge trail and introduced traveling companion Mary to her first ever cache while our associate Paul stood sentry with the car (we did not have the requisite change for a parking ticket). Mary and I encountered absolutely no one on the trail to the cache. I had to circle around once before looking a second time at the first place I had checked. The light and shadows and some extra concealment made this a little trickier than I expected. TNSL. Left a Team Gecko card and a green horned lizard. Mary and I continued along the trail until we came to the main Echo trail – and many, many muggles. After checking out this viewpoint, we returned to the car and a pleasant lunch at the Paragon in Katoomba. Thanks for the hide.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
11:30 am.
Thanks to Webguy and SWAG Tim for advising me on some of the memorable caches in the Blue Mountains on a free day in the middle of a two-week business trip to Adelaide and Sydney. Along with associates Mary and Paul, we headed out early in the morning and enjoyed a nearly full day of hiking. Our first stop was a walk down to Wentworth Falls. There wasn’t a cache there but the crisp, clear morning sky and remarkable views were more than ample reward. We eventually turned around down below the lower steps that lead to the lower Cliffside trail. Our next stop was guided by my GPRs which revealed it would be a relatively short stroll over to Elysian Rock and this cache. We came in via the kind of obscure, unmarked trail that geocaching outings often feature. What a view! We ended up spending well over 40 minutes on this and the next viewpoint before getting around to hunting up the container. IN the meantime, we had a pleasant chat with Wayne and Jenny, an Aussie couple from west of the Blue Mountains who arrived at the rock shortly after we did. Eventually, I got around to the cache hunt which only took a minute or so. Got a chuckle out of the namesake boot. TNSL. Left a Team Gecko card, a sky BLUE lizard, and a Bikedog Memorial Series Card #2 that commemorates a long-time San Diego geocacher who lost recently in a motorcycle accident. He would have enjoyed this spot. Thanks for the hide and introducing this site to a trio of Californians.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
Thanks to Webguy and SWAG Tim for advising me on some of the memorable caches in the Blue Mountains on a free day in the middle of a two-week business trip to Adelaide and Sydney. Along with associates Mary and Paul, we headed out early in the morning and enjoyed a nearly full day of hiking. Our first stop was a walk down to Wentworth Falls. There wasn’t a cache there but the crisp, clear morning sky and remarkable views were more than ample reward. We eventually turned around down below the lower steps that lead to the lower Cliffside trail. Our next stop was guided by my GPRs which revealed it would be a relatively short stroll over to Elysian Rock and this cache. We came in via the kind of obscure, unmarked trail that geocaching outings often feature. What a view! We ended up spending well over 40 minutes on this and the next viewpoint before getting around to hunting up the container. IN the meantime, we had a pleasant chat with Wayne and Jenny, an Aussie couple from west of the Blue Mountains who arrived at the rock shortly after we did. Eventually, I got around to the cache hunt which only took a minute or so. Got a chuckle out of the namesake boot. TNSL. Left a Team Gecko card, a sky BLUE lizard, and a Bikedog Memorial Series Card #2 that commemorates a long-time San Diego geocacher who lost recently in a motorcycle accident. He would have enjoyed this spot. Thanks for the hide and introducing this site to a trio of Californians.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
25-Mar-06
9:45 am.
After flying in from Adelaide last night in the midst of a rainstorm, I waited until this morning to sample my first Sydney area cache. I ended up making this a three-hour grand tour run around the downtown Sydney peninsula. Since is was Saturday morning, it was also muggles galore and I was easily able to find an older fellow seated near the Conan Doyle plaque to take my photo at GZ. I well recall devouring every Sherlock Holmes story I could lay my hands on back in my early teen years. My favorite at that time was Hound of the Bsskervilles. Some years later, I had an opportunity to visit Devon and walk the very same Dartmoor that provided the backdrop for that chilling tale. Thanks for providing this literary sampler to the Quay route.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
After flying in from Adelaide last night in the midst of a rainstorm, I waited until this morning to sample my first Sydney area cache. I ended up making this a three-hour grand tour run around the downtown Sydney peninsula. Since is was Saturday morning, it was also muggles galore and I was easily able to find an older fellow seated near the Conan Doyle plaque to take my photo at GZ. I well recall devouring every Sherlock Holmes story I could lay my hands on back in my early teen years. My favorite at that time was Hound of the Bsskervilles. Some years later, I had an opportunity to visit Devon and walk the very same Dartmoor that provided the backdrop for that chilling tale. Thanks for providing this literary sampler to the Quay route.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
24-Mar-06
3:50 pm.
Stopped by with only a few minutes to spare before our flight to Sydney was due to board. As Stick Kid’s dad was turning in our rental car, I mentioned there was a cache nearby. After checking our bags in at the Quantas counter, we hustled over here and soon found the well-camouflaged container. I made the retrieval but, unfortunately, we had nothing along with which to open the container (no sharp objects allowed on airplanes these days). A small eyeglasses screwdriver was not up to the task so I came up with an alternative way to leave our calling cards. Hope you will consider this the same as a find. Perhaps the next visitors could put our cards inside. Thanks for the hide and the bit of history.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
Stopped by with only a few minutes to spare before our flight to Sydney was due to board. As Stick Kid’s dad was turning in our rental car, I mentioned there was a cache nearby. After checking our bags in at the Quantas counter, we hustled over here and soon found the well-camouflaged container. I made the retrieval but, unfortunately, we had nothing along with which to open the container (no sharp objects allowed on airplanes these days). A small eyeglasses screwdriver was not up to the task so I came up with an alternative way to leave our calling cards. Hope you will consider this the same as a find. Perhaps the next visitors could put our cards inside. Thanks for the hide and the bit of history.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
23-Mar-06
What an amazing adventure to visit this area as the evening was rapidly fading. I came in from the northeast as part of my twilight after-work run. After encountering a fencline obstacle, I ran along the fenceline I found the side entrance and then headed on a direct line in and around and through the maze of local homesteads. Fortunately a had a key ring flashlight to guide my way into GZ and the cache. The scene felt like it could well have been right out of 932 AD – not exactly a bright period. Left a Team Gecko Card, a green horned lizard, and a sterling silver gecko charm. Took a souvenir spoon from Victoria. After returning to the beehive area, I realized I had not captured the virtual clue from this site so I returned to count sides, now in complete darkness. Thanks for the memorable time.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
7:05 pm.
After spending my recent evenings running and caching north of the downtown area, I shifted to the west side to see what new areas it had to offer. A lively and animated Australian Rules Football practice was underway on the nearest field. Container was quickly found in the only likely location. TNLNSL. Thanks.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
After spending my recent evenings running and caching north of the downtown area, I shifted to the west side to see what new areas it had to offer. A lively and animated Australian Rules Football practice was underway on the nearest field. Container was quickly found in the only likely location. TNLNSL. Thanks.
-Gecko Dad, San Diego
9:05 pm.
As a wrap up to another 3-hour evening caching run in the North Adelaide area, I headed back over to swap Travel Bugs before I head to Sydney tomorrow afternoon.
-Gecko Dad
As a wrap up to another 3-hour evening caching run in the North Adelaide area, I headed back over to swap Travel Bugs before I head to Sydney tomorrow afternoon.
-Gecko Dad
