Logs for shhmule
30-Jan-23
21-Oct-21
Combination lock replaced. The previous one had been forced open by someone without a premium membership, and therefore, didn't have the combination code.
The new lock shouldn't be able to be forced open so easily.
The new lock shouldn't be able to be forced open so easily.
12-Oct-21
Thanks for notifying me that the padlock is damaged.
It looks like a Member found this cache without having the necessary Premium Membership required to view the Hint, which may be related to the forced entry.
The padlock is mainly to deter muggles from taking our TB's, so I will replace when possible. Cheers.
It looks like a Member found this cache without having the necessary Premium Membership required to view the Hint, which may be related to the forced entry.
The padlock is mainly to deter muggles from taking our TB's, so I will replace when possible. Cheers.
13-Jul-21
27-Jun-21
Host repaired, cache restored. All is well.
Cache had become lost in the grass nearby.
Thanks to Maplerosenz for reporting this to me.
Cache had become lost in the grass nearby.
Thanks to Maplerosenz for reporting this to me.
FTF !
There were a few murmours in this vicinity recently, with news of some tree pruning of great vigor having upset the hide for one of the legacy caches here.
Surely somebody had plans to offer up a replacement.
This cache looks like it has been recycled from one or two other old hides, as it closely resembles a barrier cache hide, but also contains reference to a multi in the Tasman region.
I was at work nearby when this target became live on my radar screen, but given I had several hours to go and no chance of escaping the boss's watchful eye, I thought I would miss out on a FTF.
However, it's true what they say about the competetive condition of local FTFer's these days - it just isn't like it used to be. So a QEF on the way home.
Cheers Kiwimykl. Favourite for the FTF
There were a few murmours in this vicinity recently, with news of some tree pruning of great vigor having upset the hide for one of the legacy caches here.
Surely somebody had plans to offer up a replacement.
This cache looks like it has been recycled from one or two other old hides, as it closely resembles a barrier cache hide, but also contains reference to a multi in the Tasman region.
I was at work nearby when this target became live on my radar screen, but given I had several hours to go and no chance of escaping the boss's watchful eye, I thought I would miss out on a FTF.
However, it's true what they say about the competetive condition of local FTFer's these days - it just isn't like it used to be. So a QEF on the way home.
Cheers Kiwimykl. Favourite for the FTF
22-Jun-21
Sadly have been required to work this night. Maybe next time!
14-Jun-21
My first ever GC event and meeting.
Was great to meet everyone who attended. I'm sure we'll meet again sometime! Cheers
Was great to meet everyone who attended. I'm sure we'll meet again sometime! Cheers
13-Jun-21
09-Jun-21
As was the plan when I placed this cache, it was just temporary until I could come up with a plan for a permanent fixture. The new cache is in place, awaiting a new FTF. Have fun!
06-Jun-21
05-Jun-21
04-Jun-21
19-May-21
Passing through late at night, the ideal time to pick up a public cache like this one.
Thanks for the multi.
Thanks for the multi.
18-May-21
After a period of cold rainy winter days, the sun is finally out, and so I'm out on the motorbike for a spot of caching. I had big plans for a ride to Rai Valley, or Pelours Bridge to get some low-hanging fruit, but some errands in the morning consumed half the day, and left me with only 3 hours of daylight. So I had to keep my adventure local, and headed out to ride along the Tuamarina Track and check out the Waikakaho, before heading back to town.
Unfortunately, the Miner's Track at the top of Waikakaho was closed due to logging action, yet I was hoping to scope it out to see if it's suitable for motorbikes. If anyone knows, please let me know. Additionally, the lack of mobile network meant I was unable to check for any caches up the valley, so will certainly need to return.
On my way back home, I remembered a recent DNF at the Taylor Dam which the CO had sent thru some communication, so I made a detour to rectify the blue sad face.
Arriving at the dam revealed two-dozen cars parked up, with nobody to be seen, until I neared the 'Little Dutch Boy' cache, where there was a swarm of small humans and their parents, who were chasing them around holding stuffed animals, seemingly a Teddy-Bear's picnic.
The little muggles were fascinated by a brightly coloured motorbike passing through their gathering, one little boy so transfixed that he forgot to stand up and lost his balance on the spot. Luckily mum was withing cactching range.
At the GZ, I had been given a set of crude instructions to follow, which included pacing out 20 steps from a landmark. I have discovered a fundamental flaw with that process, as Paolob must have longer legs than I, as those 20 paces left me standing in the open, right over a muddy pool with no hiding spots nearby. Remembering that my stride had been shortended by my restrictive motorcycling pants, I extended the trajectory to about 35 paces to a prominent site. Seconds later I spotted what I needed to, and was left pondering the container: Is it plastic? Is it real? Won't it rot? Or turn to seed? I may never know.
A FP for the help from Paolob72, TFTC
Unfortunately, the Miner's Track at the top of Waikakaho was closed due to logging action, yet I was hoping to scope it out to see if it's suitable for motorbikes. If anyone knows, please let me know. Additionally, the lack of mobile network meant I was unable to check for any caches up the valley, so will certainly need to return.
On my way back home, I remembered a recent DNF at the Taylor Dam which the CO had sent thru some communication, so I made a detour to rectify the blue sad face.
Arriving at the dam revealed two-dozen cars parked up, with nobody to be seen, until I neared the 'Little Dutch Boy' cache, where there was a swarm of small humans and their parents, who were chasing them around holding stuffed animals, seemingly a Teddy-Bear's picnic.
The little muggles were fascinated by a brightly coloured motorbike passing through their gathering, one little boy so transfixed that he forgot to stand up and lost his balance on the spot. Luckily mum was withing cactching range.
At the GZ, I had been given a set of crude instructions to follow, which included pacing out 20 steps from a landmark. I have discovered a fundamental flaw with that process, as Paolob must have longer legs than I, as those 20 paces left me standing in the open, right over a muddy pool with no hiding spots nearby. Remembering that my stride had been shortended by my restrictive motorcycling pants, I extended the trajectory to about 35 paces to a prominent site. Seconds later I spotted what I needed to, and was left pondering the container: Is it plastic? Is it real? Won't it rot? Or turn to seed? I may never know.
A FP for the help from Paolob72, TFTC
17-May-21
After a period of cold rainy winter days, the sun is finally out, and so I'm out on the motorbike for a spot of caching. I had big plans for a ride to Rai Valley, or Pelours Bridge to get some low-hanging fruit, but some errands in the morning consumed half the day, and left me with only 3 hours of daylight. So I had to keep my adventure local, and headed out to ride along the Tuamarina Track and check out the Waikakaho, before heading back to town.
Unfortunately, the Miner's Track at the top of Waikakaho was closed due to logging action, yet I was hoping to scope it out to see if it's suitable for motorbikes. If anyone knows, please let me know. Additionally, the lack of mobile network meant I was unable to check for any caches up the valley, so will certainly need to return.
Given we're situated within the flood reserve, I'd say the cache is appropriately located.
In fact, I would caution an even safer location given the recent global warming weather events.
It would seem this particular cache is not immune to the effects of water, given that the container was partly filled with water upon arrival. Managed a quick dry-out. TFTC
Unfortunately, the Miner's Track at the top of Waikakaho was closed due to logging action, yet I was hoping to scope it out to see if it's suitable for motorbikes. If anyone knows, please let me know. Additionally, the lack of mobile network meant I was unable to check for any caches up the valley, so will certainly need to return.
Given we're situated within the flood reserve, I'd say the cache is appropriately located.
In fact, I would caution an even safer location given the recent global warming weather events.
It would seem this particular cache is not immune to the effects of water, given that the container was partly filled with water upon arrival. Managed a quick dry-out. TFTC
16-May-21
Question: Why is it referred to as "Hardings Road" RC Aircraft site?
Hardings road is in Riverlands...
Hardings road is in Riverlands...
After a period of cold rainy winter days, the sun is finally out, and so I'm out on the motorbike for a spot of caching. I had big plans for a ride to Rai Valley, or Pelours Bridge to get some low-hanging fruit, but some errands in the morning consumed half the day, and left me with only 3 hours of daylight. So I had to keep my adventure local, and headed out to ride along the Tuamarina Track and check out the Waikakaho, before heading back to town.
Unfortunately, the Miner's Track at the top of Waikakaho was closed due to logging action, yet I was hoping to scope it out to see if it's suitable for motorbikes. If anyone knows, please let me know. Additionally, the lack of mobile network meant I was unable to check for any caches up the valley, so will certainly need to return.
I had my doubts when I saw the title of this one, but upon arrival I was pleasantly surprised to see a well-mown paddock with makeshift taxiways and parking apron.
I'm a big fan of aviation, and often find myself watching model aircraft videos, but I had never known about this particular club field. Sadly no action today.
I may need to come back some time when there's some flying happening.
Thanks for bringing me here GH.
Unfortunately, the Miner's Track at the top of Waikakaho was closed due to logging action, yet I was hoping to scope it out to see if it's suitable for motorbikes. If anyone knows, please let me know. Additionally, the lack of mobile network meant I was unable to check for any caches up the valley, so will certainly need to return.
I had my doubts when I saw the title of this one, but upon arrival I was pleasantly surprised to see a well-mown paddock with makeshift taxiways and parking apron.
I'm a big fan of aviation, and often find myself watching model aircraft videos, but I had never known about this particular club field. Sadly no action today.
I may need to come back some time when there's some flying happening.
Thanks for bringing me here GH.
15-May-21
After a period of cold rainy winter days, the sun is finally out, and so I'm out on the motorbike for a spot of caching. I had big plans for a ride to Rai Valley, or Pelours Bridge to get some low-hanging fruit, but some errands in the morning consumed half the day, and left me with only 3 hours of daylight. So I had to keep my adventure local, and headed out to ride along the Tuamarina Track and check out the Waikakaho, before heading back to town.
Unfortunately, the Miner's Track at the top of Waikakaho was closed due to logging action, yet I was hoping to scope it out to see if it's suitable for motorbikes. If anyone knows, please let me know. Additionally, the lack of mobile network meant I was unable to check for any caches up the valley, so will certainly need to return.
I never knew this big gravel road existed parallel to the river, and it was surprisingly easy to navigate. I guess the council use these tracks on both sides of the river to help with flood reserve maintenance.
Found the cache very quickly, and it was in good condition.
TFTC
Unfortunately, the Miner's Track at the top of Waikakaho was closed due to logging action, yet I was hoping to scope it out to see if it's suitable for motorbikes. If anyone knows, please let me know. Additionally, the lack of mobile network meant I was unable to check for any caches up the valley, so will certainly need to return.
I never knew this big gravel road existed parallel to the river, and it was surprisingly easy to navigate. I guess the council use these tracks on both sides of the river to help with flood reserve maintenance.
Found the cache very quickly, and it was in good condition.
TFTC
14-May-21
A recent trip to Halswell to view a TradeMe listing of a vintage caravan, we had lunch in this lovely park. We were suprised at the lack of greenspace with parking for cars and picnic tables in Halswell, a shame considering the amount of development in the area.
These old stumps look like they are from trees which predated the park.
I had a good rummage through the young foliage, expecting the crook to be well hidden.
Annoyingly, the willow aphids were coating every surface, and I only realised when my skin was covered with sticky red stains from their weepy ooze.
I think I spent longer cleaning up after than actually finding the cache.
TFTC
These old stumps look like they are from trees which predated the park.
I had a good rummage through the young foliage, expecting the crook to be well hidden.
Annoyingly, the willow aphids were coating every surface, and I only realised when my skin was covered with sticky red stains from their weepy ooze.
I think I spent longer cleaning up after than actually finding the cache.
TFTC
13-May-21
A cold rainy autumn day after some unseasonally warm and mild weather, I was stuck indoors looking at some of my GC statistics and spotted some caches on my map which would help plug some gaps. So I set out to get some nearby low-hanging fruit before I head to work.
Seeing as I no longer cycle, I have never managed to get any use out of this cycleway, yet it looks fantastic. A testing we spot to park the car, clearly not the intention behind this cache.
Thankfully a quick find.
Thanks.
Seeing as I no longer cycle, I have never managed to get any use out of this cycleway, yet it looks fantastic. A testing we spot to park the car, clearly not the intention behind this cache.
Thankfully a quick find.
Thanks.
12-May-21
A cold rainy autumn day after some unseasonally warm and mild weather, I was stuck indoors looking at some of my GC statistics and spotted some caches on my map which would help plug some gaps. So I set out to get some nearby low-hanging fruit before I head to work.
This area has evolved a lot since I visted last on foot, which was the Summer of 2017 when we used to go swimming here. My friend was attempting to use the rope swing further up the river, and jumping from the highest point he slid down the rope a bit and contacted the ground. Bumped off his trajectory, he ended up hurtling into the steel warratah sticking out of the ground, which collected the side of his kneecap and left a 2 inch gaping wound in which you could clearly identify the cartilage and tendons inside his kneecap.
Wet, cold, and in agony, it was a long wait for an ambulance, which had only been categorised as a Status 4 response (very low). Luckily I had my first aid kit at the car which contained a thermal blanket and painkillers.
TFTC
This area has evolved a lot since I visted last on foot, which was the Summer of 2017 when we used to go swimming here. My friend was attempting to use the rope swing further up the river, and jumping from the highest point he slid down the rope a bit and contacted the ground. Bumped off his trajectory, he ended up hurtling into the steel warratah sticking out of the ground, which collected the side of his kneecap and left a 2 inch gaping wound in which you could clearly identify the cartilage and tendons inside his kneecap.
Wet, cold, and in agony, it was a long wait for an ambulance, which had only been categorised as a Status 4 response (very low). Luckily I had my first aid kit at the car which contained a thermal blanket and painkillers.
TFTC
A busy afternoon at work with a full loading ramp, 9 trucks in total:
3x Isuzu
2x Nissan/UD
2x Volvo
1x Fuso
1x Kenworth
All the bread for Marlborough and Kaikoura passes through here, as well as 1/3 of Canterbury and Westcoast's bread. We also handle milk and dairy for the region.
TB's visiting the site today too.
3x Isuzu
2x Nissan/UD
2x Volvo
1x Fuso
1x Kenworth
All the bread for Marlborough and Kaikoura passes through here, as well as 1/3 of Canterbury and Westcoast's bread. We also handle milk and dairy for the region.
TB's visiting the site today too.
A cold rainy autumn day after some unseasonally warm and mild weather, I was stuck indoors looking at some of my GC statistics and spotted some caches on my map which would help plug some gaps. So I set out to get some nearby low-hanging fruit before I head to work.
No luck today, very wet and drizzly, so I'm limited to how far I can scramble down the bank before I end up in the creek.
Not sure where I should be looking, but the hint suggests only the most obvious structure.
Even checked a handful of nearby structures just in case.
Might return one day.
No luck today, very wet and drizzly, so I'm limited to how far I can scramble down the bank before I end up in the creek.
Not sure where I should be looking, but the hint suggests only the most obvious structure.
Even checked a handful of nearby structures just in case.
Might return one day.
11-May-21
A cold rainy autumn day after some unseasonally warm and mild weather, I was stuck indoors looking at some of my GC statistics and spotted some caches on my map which would help plug some gaps. So I set out to get some nearby low-hanging fruit before I head to work.
After a DNF in March 2016, I decided to give this one a go after seeing plenty of Found logs.
With everything very wet, my motivation to push through bushes and kneel in wet mulch was very limited, but thankfully I spotted this one from the outside without having to look too deep.
Log was very dry, so it was a hasty signature before too many raindrops made their way inside.
TFTC
After a DNF in March 2016, I decided to give this one a go after seeing plenty of Found logs.
With everything very wet, my motivation to push through bushes and kneel in wet mulch was very limited, but thankfully I spotted this one from the outside without having to look too deep.
Log was very dry, so it was a hasty signature before too many raindrops made their way inside.
TFTC
10-May-21
Didn't get off to a good start when I was immediately questioned by the landowners, as I overshot the cache and ended up inside the property which was just 200 metres further along the road. Explained that I had driven too far and would turn around, but they waited to see me leave. Parked next to the cache, but I was already uneasy about this one.
Couldn't spot anything which matched the hint, no railway 'rails', no hand-'rails'. I thought perhaps the hint was referring to the strainer post stay, strut, or thrust plate, but there was only one strainer post near the coordinates, and there was nothing at the thrust plate.
Perhaps I was just too uneasy about the farm owners, or perhaps the cache is not here. Might return one day.
Couldn't spot anything which matched the hint, no railway 'rails', no hand-'rails'. I thought perhaps the hint was referring to the strainer post stay, strut, or thrust plate, but there was only one strainer post near the coordinates, and there was nothing at the thrust plate.
Perhaps I was just too uneasy about the farm owners, or perhaps the cache is not here. Might return one day.
Didn't manage to find this one.
Annoyingly, every surface was covered with a sticky smelly residue today, seems to be a seasonal problem with the aphids excreting a sort of honeydew, but not the nice kind.
Even managed to get the damn things in my face and they leave a red mess on your skin.
GPS said it was accurate to below 5 metres, but I couldn't spot anything obvious without digging deeper, and that would require getting a lot of the sticky nonsense on me.
Maybe I'll return to retry this find another time.
Annoyingly, every surface was covered with a sticky smelly residue today, seems to be a seasonal problem with the aphids excreting a sort of honeydew, but not the nice kind.
Even managed to get the damn things in my face and they leave a red mess on your skin.
GPS said it was accurate to below 5 metres, but I couldn't spot anything obvious without digging deeper, and that would require getting a lot of the sticky nonsense on me.
Maybe I'll return to retry this find another time.
Plenty of thorns, rotten logs, and rocks, but no cache.
Got to within 1m of GPS, but yet more thorns.
Thrashed around along the riverbed for a bit, then crawled in right under the hawthorn, but no luck here.
Got to within 1m of GPS, but yet more thorns.
Thrashed around along the riverbed for a bit, then crawled in right under the hawthorn, but no luck here.
After a 2am start to my Monday with a fire alarm to a logging slash flare-up in Mahakipawa Sound, then work at 4am, I was decently tired by the time 2pm rolled around when I mounted the bike and set of to pick up some outstanding caches in the area.
After a spirited traverse of the Weld Pass on tarmac, it was time to reunite myself with the gravel roads and familiarise myself with the roads less travelled in the Awatere, to be finalised with a trip over the Taylor Pass. The council had the grader maintaining the surface on the Southern end today, which made for perfectly smooth, yet strangely unpredictable riding surfaces. However the Northern section was heavily corrugated, and made for an unpleasant conclusion to the pass.
A very unusual group of vehicles and people dressed in formal wear were parked at the Taylor Dam, giving me funny looks as I proceeded to the caches in that area.
I had seen this one in my ProjectGC 360 from home caches, as this was the only cache on this tragectory from my house, so I didn't have much choice other than to solve and find it to fill this degree of the 360.
Turns out, this cache was definitely a fun puzzle for me, however I did take a bit of reassurance from the CO regarding my puzzle cracking approach. Turns out I was pretty much on the right approach.
At the GZ, it was a fairly quick find, in a very obvious location. TFTC
After a spirited traverse of the Weld Pass on tarmac, it was time to reunite myself with the gravel roads and familiarise myself with the roads less travelled in the Awatere, to be finalised with a trip over the Taylor Pass. The council had the grader maintaining the surface on the Southern end today, which made for perfectly smooth, yet strangely unpredictable riding surfaces. However the Northern section was heavily corrugated, and made for an unpleasant conclusion to the pass.
A very unusual group of vehicles and people dressed in formal wear were parked at the Taylor Dam, giving me funny looks as I proceeded to the caches in that area.
I had seen this one in my ProjectGC 360 from home caches, as this was the only cache on this tragectory from my house, so I didn't have much choice other than to solve and find it to fill this degree of the 360.
Turns out, this cache was definitely a fun puzzle for me, however I did take a bit of reassurance from the CO regarding my puzzle cracking approach. Turns out I was pretty much on the right approach.
At the GZ, it was a fairly quick find, in a very obvious location. TFTC
09-May-21
Some minor reinforcements made to this one, as it was getting some wear and tear. Should be a bit more resiliant now.
After a 2am start to my Monday with a fire alarm to a logging slash flare-up in Mahakipawa Sound, then work at 4am, I was decently tired by the time 2pm rolled around when I mounted the bike and set of to pick up some outstanding caches in the area.
After a spirited traverse of the Weld Pass on tarmac, it was time to reunite myself with the gravel roads and familiarise myself with the roads less travelled in the Awatere, to be finalised with a trip over the Taylor Pass. The council had the grader maintaining the surface on the Southern end today, which made for perfectly smooth, yet strangely unpredictable riding surfaces. However the Northern section was heavily corrugated, and made for an unpleasant conclusion to the pass.
A very unusual group of vehicles and people dressed in formal wear were parked at the Taylor Dam, giving me funny looks as I proceeded to the caches in that area.
Finally I return to this one! Turns out, I had passed within 2 inches of this cache last time I came here, yet I wasn't looking for it. This time, I was only here for the find, and it took me a lot longer than expected, as I didn't trust the GPS and began looking too far afield.
I didn't realise this cache was going to be something so unique, but it was so obvious that it should have been the very first place I looked.
Favourite point as promised in my note for the awesome location, and the unique hide.
Could do with a new container thought. TFTC
After a spirited traverse of the Weld Pass on tarmac, it was time to reunite myself with the gravel roads and familiarise myself with the roads less travelled in the Awatere, to be finalised with a trip over the Taylor Pass. The council had the grader maintaining the surface on the Southern end today, which made for perfectly smooth, yet strangely unpredictable riding surfaces. However the Northern section was heavily corrugated, and made for an unpleasant conclusion to the pass.
A very unusual group of vehicles and people dressed in formal wear were parked at the Taylor Dam, giving me funny looks as I proceeded to the caches in that area.
Finally I return to this one! Turns out, I had passed within 2 inches of this cache last time I came here, yet I wasn't looking for it. This time, I was only here for the find, and it took me a lot longer than expected, as I didn't trust the GPS and began looking too far afield.
I didn't realise this cache was going to be something so unique, but it was so obvious that it should have been the very first place I looked.
Favourite point as promised in my note for the awesome location, and the unique hide.
Could do with a new container thought. TFTC
08-May-21
After a 2am start to my Monday with a fire alarm to a logging slash flare-up in Mahakipawa Sound, then work at 4am, I was decently tired by the time 2pm rolled around when I mounted the bike and set of to pick up some outstanding caches in the area.
After a spirited traverse of the Weld Pass on tarmac, it was time to reunite myself with the gravel roads and familiarise myself with the roads less travelled in the Awatere, to be finalised with a trip over the Taylor Pass. The council had the grader maintaining the surface on the Southern end today, which made for perfectly smooth, yet strangely unpredictable riding surfaces. However the Northern section was heavily corrugated, and made for an unpleasant conclusion to the pass.
A very unusual group of vehicles and people dressed in formal wear were parked at the Taylor Dam, giving me funny looks as I proceeded to the caches in that area.
Quick easy find at the summit after riding up the Southern approach, before turning around and heading back down.
Please can someone bring a plastic snaplock bag to this one. TFTC
After a spirited traverse of the Weld Pass on tarmac, it was time to reunite myself with the gravel roads and familiarise myself with the roads less travelled in the Awatere, to be finalised with a trip over the Taylor Pass. The council had the grader maintaining the surface on the Southern end today, which made for perfectly smooth, yet strangely unpredictable riding surfaces. However the Northern section was heavily corrugated, and made for an unpleasant conclusion to the pass.
A very unusual group of vehicles and people dressed in formal wear were parked at the Taylor Dam, giving me funny looks as I proceeded to the caches in that area.
Quick easy find at the summit after riding up the Southern approach, before turning around and heading back down.
Please can someone bring a plastic snaplock bag to this one. TFTC
07-May-21
I solved this one a couple of months back on a quiet evening in Picton, but seeing as I was working, I couldn't justify driving to the final. But I knew I'd be going past it one day, and finally that evening came.
I parked over the other side and crossed the bridge to get it, a very quiet evening which allowed plenty of searching without fear of being spotted.
Soon saw the cache, a good size too, but a little disappointed that the Trackable which was shown to be in this cache wasn't here. A quick search revealed it had been idle in this cache for 190 days, so clearly missing from the last person who picked it up.
I was unsure what the meaning was behind the codeword inside the cache, but I took a photo just in case I should need it later, which was lucky as I looked up more about this TMGT when I got home. The codeword came in handy for my very blank Passport.
Cache was in great condition.
TFTC
I parked over the other side and crossed the bridge to get it, a very quiet evening which allowed plenty of searching without fear of being spotted.
Soon saw the cache, a good size too, but a little disappointed that the Trackable which was shown to be in this cache wasn't here. A quick search revealed it had been idle in this cache for 190 days, so clearly missing from the last person who picked it up.
I was unsure what the meaning was behind the codeword inside the cache, but I took a photo just in case I should need it later, which was lucky as I looked up more about this TMGT when I got home. The codeword came in handy for my very blank Passport.
Cache was in great condition.
TFTC
06-May-21
Coordinates changed from:
S 41° 31.743 E 173° 51.914
Coordinates changed to:
S 41° 31.749 E 173° 51.916
Distance from original: 37.7 feet or 11.5 meters.
Sorry folks! I see everyone was having issues with the co-ordinates, so I went back and took another reading. Turns out they were way off. Hopefully this updated set gives a more accurate target.
Remember: You don't need to walk outside the cemetery perimeter to find this cache.
S 41° 31.743 E 173° 51.914
Coordinates changed to:
S 41° 31.749 E 173° 51.916
Distance from original: 37.7 feet or 11.5 meters.
Sorry folks! I see everyone was having issues with the co-ordinates, so I went back and took another reading. Turns out they were way off. Hopefully this updated set gives a more accurate target.
Remember: You don't need to walk outside the cemetery perimeter to find this cache.
I had grand plans today of heading out to Pelorus Bridge for a spot of serious caching, the hours were few left in the day after impromptu business at the fire station, and enjoying a needle in my arm for my second dose of the anit-Covid jab.
So I settled on a short local trip, the first ride on the motorbike this week, up the valley to finish clearing up the Southern Valley Irrigation Scheme area of caches.
The gravel roads around here were ideal for a bit of last minute practice before a friend and I venture up the Mt Patriarch road, well as far as we get before it gets too rough. Hopefully he's patient enough to allow me to get at least some of the more remote caches along the way.
Unfortunately, as we get closer to the Winter Solstice on the 21st of June, the days are getting very short. So by 17:30, after having visited just 5 of the 9 caches I had eyed up, it was too dark to proceed. We shall return to clean up the 'crumbs' in this area!
A nice amount of treasure in this one, sadly it was so wet I had to tip water out of the cache and the bags inside. I managed to dry some of it out, but some serious drying needs to occur.
I placed a dry log inside a new snaplock bag to enable easier signature of the log.
TFTC
So I settled on a short local trip, the first ride on the motorbike this week, up the valley to finish clearing up the Southern Valley Irrigation Scheme area of caches.
The gravel roads around here were ideal for a bit of last minute practice before a friend and I venture up the Mt Patriarch road, well as far as we get before it gets too rough. Hopefully he's patient enough to allow me to get at least some of the more remote caches along the way.
Unfortunately, as we get closer to the Winter Solstice on the 21st of June, the days are getting very short. So by 17:30, after having visited just 5 of the 9 caches I had eyed up, it was too dark to proceed. We shall return to clean up the 'crumbs' in this area!
A nice amount of treasure in this one, sadly it was so wet I had to tip water out of the cache and the bags inside. I managed to dry some of it out, but some serious drying needs to occur.
I placed a dry log inside a new snaplock bag to enable easier signature of the log.
TFTC
I had grand plans today of heading out to Pelorus Bridge for a spot of serious caching, the hours were few left in the day after impromptu business at the fire station, and enjoying a needle in my arm for my second dose of the anit-Covid jab.
So I settled on a short local trip, the first ride on the motorbike this week, up the valley to finish clearing up the Southern Valley Irrigation Scheme area of caches.
The gravel roads around here were ideal for a bit of last minute practice before a friend and I venture up the Mt Patriarch road, well as far as we get before it gets too rough. Hopefully he's patient enough to allow me to get at least some of the more remote caches along the way.
Unfortunately, as we get closer to the Winter Solstice on the 21st of June, the days are getting very short. So by 17:30, after having visited just 5 of the 9 caches I had eyed up, it was too dark to proceed. We shall return to clean up the 'crumbs' in this area!
A very quick barrier cache find, with plenty of off-road parking. Good visibility along the higway to enable me to choose my timing wisely. TFTC
So I settled on a short local trip, the first ride on the motorbike this week, up the valley to finish clearing up the Southern Valley Irrigation Scheme area of caches.
The gravel roads around here were ideal for a bit of last minute practice before a friend and I venture up the Mt Patriarch road, well as far as we get before it gets too rough. Hopefully he's patient enough to allow me to get at least some of the more remote caches along the way.
Unfortunately, as we get closer to the Winter Solstice on the 21st of June, the days are getting very short. So by 17:30, after having visited just 5 of the 9 caches I had eyed up, it was too dark to proceed. We shall return to clean up the 'crumbs' in this area!
A very quick barrier cache find, with plenty of off-road parking. Good visibility along the higway to enable me to choose my timing wisely. TFTC
I had grand plans today of heading out to Pelorus Bridge for a spot of serious caching, the hours were few left in the day after impromptu business at the fire station, and enjoying a needle in my arm for my second dose of the anit-Covid jab.
So I settled on a short local trip, the first ride on the motorbike this week, up the valley to finish clearing up the Southern Valley Irrigation Scheme area of caches.
The gravel roads around here were ideal for a bit of last minute practice before a friend and I venture up the Mt Patriarch road, well as far as we get before it gets too rough. Hopefully he's patient enough to allow me to get at least some of the more remote caches along the way.
Unfortunately, as we get closer to the Winter Solstice on the 21st of June, the days are getting very short. So by 17:30, after having visited just 5 of the 9 caches I had eyed up, it was too dark to proceed. We shall return to clean up the 'crumbs' in this area!
A quick find here at the end. A sorry state of a log, sodden wet and brown with rust from the tin, I attempted to dry it out and sign it, but that was going to take too long.
So a photo memory of the log was created, and a fresh log and snaplock bag was inserted to inject a bit more life into this cache (it won't be long before the tin rusts away entirely!)
TFTC
So I settled on a short local trip, the first ride on the motorbike this week, up the valley to finish clearing up the Southern Valley Irrigation Scheme area of caches.
The gravel roads around here were ideal for a bit of last minute practice before a friend and I venture up the Mt Patriarch road, well as far as we get before it gets too rough. Hopefully he's patient enough to allow me to get at least some of the more remote caches along the way.
Unfortunately, as we get closer to the Winter Solstice on the 21st of June, the days are getting very short. So by 17:30, after having visited just 5 of the 9 caches I had eyed up, it was too dark to proceed. We shall return to clean up the 'crumbs' in this area!
A quick find here at the end. A sorry state of a log, sodden wet and brown with rust from the tin, I attempted to dry it out and sign it, but that was going to take too long.
So a photo memory of the log was created, and a fresh log and snaplock bag was inserted to inject a bit more life into this cache (it won't be long before the tin rusts away entirely!)
TFTC
I had grand plans today of heading out to Pelorus Bridge for a spot of serious caching, the hours were few left in the day after impromptu business at the fire station, and enjoying a needle in my arm for my second dose of the anit-Covid jab.
So I settled on a short local trip, the first ride on the motorbike this week, up the valley to finish clearing up the Southern Valley Irrigation Scheme area of caches.
The gravel roads around here were ideal for a bit of last minute practice before a friend and I venture up the Mt Patriarch road, well as far as we get before it gets too rough. Hopefully he's patient enough to allow me to get at least some of the more remote caches along the way.
Unfortunately, as we get closer to the Winter Solstice on the 21st of June, the days are getting very short. So by 17:30, after having visited just 5 of the 9 caches I had eyed up, it was too dark to proceed. We shall return to clean up the 'crumbs' in this area!
A few years ago we had a fire here, caused after wind snapped the power pole and the wires shorted and caused the fire. You can see the signs of the fire in the surrounding pines, as well as this melted Telecom marker sign. The fire was 6th Jan 2020, after this cache was placed, and I notice some drama occured in the log section below with references being made to a certain Billy Joel hit. I can finally confirm, that We Did Not Start The Fire.
A nice big toy here for the next young person to happen upon this cache. TFTC
So I settled on a short local trip, the first ride on the motorbike this week, up the valley to finish clearing up the Southern Valley Irrigation Scheme area of caches.
The gravel roads around here were ideal for a bit of last minute practice before a friend and I venture up the Mt Patriarch road, well as far as we get before it gets too rough. Hopefully he's patient enough to allow me to get at least some of the more remote caches along the way.
Unfortunately, as we get closer to the Winter Solstice on the 21st of June, the days are getting very short. So by 17:30, after having visited just 5 of the 9 caches I had eyed up, it was too dark to proceed. We shall return to clean up the 'crumbs' in this area!
A few years ago we had a fire here, caused after wind snapped the power pole and the wires shorted and caused the fire. You can see the signs of the fire in the surrounding pines, as well as this melted Telecom marker sign. The fire was 6th Jan 2020, after this cache was placed, and I notice some drama occured in the log section below with references being made to a certain Billy Joel hit. I can finally confirm, that We Did Not Start The Fire.
A nice big toy here for the next young person to happen upon this cache. TFTC
05-May-21
I hadn't done my homework on this area prior to my visit, but after a 1km walk to the nearby new puzzle cache, I was soon checking the map for any other quick-wins in the vicinity. With this one nearby, it was a no-brainer to stop by this one.
At the GZ, the cache had accurate co-ordinates, so it was a QEF and in very good condition. Perhaps we haven't had a 1 in 50 year flood recently, let along a 1 in 100 year event. It will be interesting to see if this cache survives any flooding events, but with the amount of layers of waterproofing, I'd say it stands a strong chance!
As I opened the cache and began peeling back the layers, I wasn't surprised that there were 2 layers of protection, but I must admit my curiosity immediately grew when I found the 3rd layer. I began wondering how far the CO had taken it, and I wasn't disappointed.
Never have I found a cache with so many layers, and therefore I was certain to give this one a FP. I considered awarding my FP to the recent puzzle cache, or this cache, but as I couldn't pick a favourite, I decided to give each an FP!
TFTC!!!
At the GZ, the cache had accurate co-ordinates, so it was a QEF and in very good condition. Perhaps we haven't had a 1 in 50 year flood recently, let along a 1 in 100 year event. It will be interesting to see if this cache survives any flooding events, but with the amount of layers of waterproofing, I'd say it stands a strong chance!
As I opened the cache and began peeling back the layers, I wasn't surprised that there were 2 layers of protection, but I must admit my curiosity immediately grew when I found the 3rd layer. I began wondering how far the CO had taken it, and I wasn't disappointed.
Never have I found a cache with so many layers, and therefore I was certain to give this one a FP. I considered awarding my FP to the recent puzzle cache, or this cache, but as I couldn't pick a favourite, I decided to give each an FP!
TFTC!!!
TMGT series: find# 2
I only recently read about the TMGT geotrail series, as I've never heard of a GeoTrail before.
This is my first ever virtual cache, and a very pleasant one.
It took me longer than planned, as on day one of my hunt GC was having server issues and the Waypoints were not displaying, so I was able to guess WPT 2, but finding WPT 3 was impossible. Upon returning home and the server working again, I had to wait a while before I was heading out that direction again. As it was, all which was required to complete this Virtual was to take a selfie, something which my bike found to be a better opportunity that me.
I don't like my chances of getting any of the badges or Geocoins for this GeoTour, but it's fun nevertheless.
Thanks very much for looking after this series, TWNZ.
I only recently read about the TMGT geotrail series, as I've never heard of a GeoTrail before.
This is my first ever virtual cache, and a very pleasant one.
It took me longer than planned, as on day one of my hunt GC was having server issues and the Waypoints were not displaying, so I was able to guess WPT 2, but finding WPT 3 was impossible. Upon returning home and the server working again, I had to wait a while before I was heading out that direction again. As it was, all which was required to complete this Virtual was to take a selfie, something which my bike found to be a better opportunity that me.
I don't like my chances of getting any of the badges or Geocoins for this GeoTour, but it's fun nevertheless.
Thanks very much for looking after this series, TWNZ.
I got wind of this cache on Monday night when another local Geocacher was bragging about their FTF rites to this one; I was however surprised that I didn't get notified about this one by e-mail, but I realise now I've set my Puzzle cache radius a lot closer than that for new Traditional caches.
With my history of badly solved puzzles, I didn't want to be rushing off to attempt a FTF on a puzzle that's 30 minutes away with the slim chance I solved the puzzle correctly!
However, upon my being nosy and checking out their log, I realised this cache wouldn't be too difficult, and sure enough 5 minutes later I had solved the final with a green geo-check result.
I set about scouting my approach to the GZ online, and realised I may end up having to walk a good distance, which upon arrival at the Southern end was confirmed as nearly a 1km walk on sunset with dusk descending fast.
With a pocketful of TB's, and a handful of Maltesers, I set off on foot.
Along the way I got distracted by an intriguing Multi, which revealed a waypoint on the other side of the river, so I gave up on that one fairly quick and carried on.
At the GZ it was a very quick find to located the hide, and a smile came over me as the pun in the title became realised.
Having knowledge of dismantling this type domestic fixture, it was obvious the only place suitable to hide a scroll of log paper, so I soon had the log signed and the cache securely replaced.
A favourite for me for the overall effort!
TFTC
With my history of badly solved puzzles, I didn't want to be rushing off to attempt a FTF on a puzzle that's 30 minutes away with the slim chance I solved the puzzle correctly!
However, upon my being nosy and checking out their log, I realised this cache wouldn't be too difficult, and sure enough 5 minutes later I had solved the final with a green geo-check result.
I set about scouting my approach to the GZ online, and realised I may end up having to walk a good distance, which upon arrival at the Southern end was confirmed as nearly a 1km walk on sunset with dusk descending fast.
With a pocketful of TB's, and a handful of Maltesers, I set off on foot.
Along the way I got distracted by an intriguing Multi, which revealed a waypoint on the other side of the river, so I gave up on that one fairly quick and carried on.
At the GZ it was a very quick find to located the hide, and a smile came over me as the pun in the title became realised.
Having knowledge of dismantling this type domestic fixture, it was obvious the only place suitable to hide a scroll of log paper, so I soon had the log signed and the cache securely replaced.
A favourite for me for the overall effort!
TFTC
04-May-21
MR series: find# 8/29
Driving past on my way back to Blenheim at the end of my shift, I saw that this cache had a TB which I hadn't logged and had been sitting idle for a few months. I also needed a find today to keep my streak going.
A very gorse covered location, I kept finding prickles in my clothes for the rest of the drive home, and a lot of red herring geotrails around here.
Luckily I managed to spot the cache from outside of the gorse, and once confirmed, I had to push carefully through a lot of gorse which was taller than my head!
Luckily a signature TS Rail cache, so I knew what to expect, and thankfully the TB was still in here, unlike so many others in the area where the TB has become lost.
Someone please bring pruning equipment and cut back some of the gorse leading into this cache. Even better, and strong batch of Roundup would be ideal.
Only 21 more to go in this series!!!
Driving past on my way back to Blenheim at the end of my shift, I saw that this cache had a TB which I hadn't logged and had been sitting idle for a few months. I also needed a find today to keep my streak going.
A very gorse covered location, I kept finding prickles in my clothes for the rest of the drive home, and a lot of red herring geotrails around here.
Luckily I managed to spot the cache from outside of the gorse, and once confirmed, I had to push carefully through a lot of gorse which was taller than my head!
Luckily a signature TS Rail cache, so I knew what to expect, and thankfully the TB was still in here, unlike so many others in the area where the TB has become lost.
Someone please bring pruning equipment and cut back some of the gorse leading into this cache. Even better, and strong batch of Roundup would be ideal.
Only 21 more to go in this series!!!
03-May-21
MR series: find# 7/29
This cache had eluded my hand for long enough, I had to concede defeat to the cache owner, Kiwimykl at our weekly meeting to chew the fat of our recent Geocaching adventures.
While I had a very good idea what I was looking for, given the hint and the attribute, I initially had too much confidence in my own ability to spot the wolf in sheep's clothing that I was convinced something was wrong at the GZ.
I was happy to take guidance and return for another more direct search, but I must have caused the CO to question the integrity of the cache enough to warrant a quick cache inspection after he finished work.
As it was, everything was fine at the GZ, and it was in fact just my inability to spot a rogue which had let us down.
Kiwimykl even went so far as to highlight the cache with a visual aid, which I find almost insulting to my ability to find these little containers, a skill which I don't admit to being very good at.
I find that the more I cache, finding the hide is more about putting yourself in the mind of the CO, and trying to see things from their perspective.
I think I should become a psychic in my next profession.
Thanks very much for the help with this one KM!
+1 FP for your patience.
This cache had eluded my hand for long enough, I had to concede defeat to the cache owner, Kiwimykl at our weekly meeting to chew the fat of our recent Geocaching adventures.
While I had a very good idea what I was looking for, given the hint and the attribute, I initially had too much confidence in my own ability to spot the wolf in sheep's clothing that I was convinced something was wrong at the GZ.
I was happy to take guidance and return for another more direct search, but I must have caused the CO to question the integrity of the cache enough to warrant a quick cache inspection after he finished work.
As it was, everything was fine at the GZ, and it was in fact just my inability to spot a rogue which had let us down.
Kiwimykl even went so far as to highlight the cache with a visual aid, which I find almost insulting to my ability to find these little containers, a skill which I don't admit to being very good at.
I find that the more I cache, finding the hide is more about putting yourself in the mind of the CO, and trying to see things from their perspective.
I think I should become a psychic in my next profession.
Thanks very much for the help with this one KM!
+1 FP for your patience.
Container was damaged and of poor design. Have removed container and have prepared a replacement cache for this area. Watch this space!
VIRTUALLY enabling this cache.
There is still no container, but there are some outstanding logs that people need to upload.
This will enable that, as this cache will be permanently archived in 24 hrs.
Watch this space!
There is still no container, but there are some outstanding logs that people need to upload.
This will enable that, as this cache will be permanently archived in 24 hrs.
Watch this space!
Temporarily disabled and removed.
Somebody clumsy, muggle or otherwise, managed to step on or break the cache container. Will have to repair and re-commission.
All contents has been removed, so no point looking for it at present. Thanks.
Somebody clumsy, muggle or otherwise, managed to step on or break the cache container. Will have to repair and re-commission.
All contents has been removed, so no point looking for it at present. Thanks.
02-May-21
I'm not sure how this cache had evaded my radar (or GPS) for so long, as I live within a few hundred metres of it and drive my truck through this entrance multiple times a week.
I guess when I'm usually here, the place is swarming with muggle-kind, and doesn't encourage a stealthy adventure of sorts.
Just driving past later at night after work, and I thought this was an easy cache to keep my streak going, but it took me a lot longer than it should to find.
I was victim to confirmation bias, where the cache description listed the cache size as 'Other', I assumed it would be one of those 'non-containing' caches which seem to be making their apperances around town thanks to this CO.
So as I spent a good length of time searching for such a hide, I must have overlooked the actual cache a dozen times before I rerouted my thinking and immediately spotted the cache - quite conspicuous now that I've noticed it.
Funny how focus can change how easily you notice things. TFTC
I guess when I'm usually here, the place is swarming with muggle-kind, and doesn't encourage a stealthy adventure of sorts.
Just driving past later at night after work, and I thought this was an easy cache to keep my streak going, but it took me a lot longer than it should to find.
I was victim to confirmation bias, where the cache description listed the cache size as 'Other', I assumed it would be one of those 'non-containing' caches which seem to be making their apperances around town thanks to this CO.
So as I spent a good length of time searching for such a hide, I must have overlooked the actual cache a dozen times before I rerouted my thinking and immediately spotted the cache - quite conspicuous now that I've noticed it.
Funny how focus can change how easily you notice things. TFTC
