Logs for tanetops 

Introduced travel bug W98W1X to new home on Waiheke after long journey from Sicily, Italy 

Power box (ref WP-F) has been replaced. Refer to details in cache information! 

Had the famous Victorian sleuth been travelling in New Zealand with his long-time friend he would have commented that it was "Sedimentary my dear Watson" 

From comments received it would appear that the original geocache container had not vanished as was previously reported. A colleague who keeps an eye on the cache had confirmed that it was missing from the original placement and had gone AWOL.
Consequently a new cache was installed in a slightly different location, but no change to the co-ordinates was deemed necessary as within 2 metres of the original location, but with an altitude differential. The only explanation is that for some unknown reason someone had removed the cache from it's position and replaced incorrectly. The cryptic clue has been changed to ensure that only the new location fits in with the description. 

It has become apparent that there was a typo error with regard to waypoint 6.
The text relating to 'jum' now reads ....... the product of 7d and 3h
ycf changed from sum of all the 'g' values to sum of all the 'a' values


tanetops 

The missing cache container has been replaced and is now more accessible. The cache has special significance for the owner as it represents a tribute to the memory of two individuals who enriched the lives of many. 

The fact that the last three visitors have not been able to find the cache suggests that it has disappeared.
A new cache container will be provided and placed in-situ at the earliest opportunity.

 

In 1964 we embarked on the Ruawai ferry on-route to the other side.
One family member, who shall remain nameless, had the misguided impression that there were Toheroa a plenty. Just needing a little digging in the sand. All good in theory, but a check of the tide timetable would have disclosed that on arrival it was high tide.
Such is life.

For the present we report that eagle-eyed 'Er outdoors' was up to the task and despite a little muddy foot-ware the task was accomplished. 

Whilst yours truly was completely absorbed in cerebral matters relating to co-ordinates, compass direction, the ascendancy timetable for Venus and the puzzle of what constitutes a proper tree; 'Err Outdoors' gave a little cry of 'Found it'.
No further comment required. 

This cache was on our 'must do' list, particularly as we were staying there.
The first waypoint was found in short order, but finding the important message for onward travel was a teaser.
However with the important data to hand we headed off and finally arrived at the obvious location. This should not take too long we assured each other. After 20 minutes we judged the expression '.... not take too long' was no longer appropriate. Next time we will bring a large crowbar to make sure that we have not left any rock unturned.

 

This one was speedily retrieved by 'Er Outdoors' in a rather unconventional manner so to speak, of which we will say no more.
A pleasant lunch stop as we headed South to Nikau Cave and Café.
 

Although we did not locate that which we had come so far to find, the views more than compensated for any minor disappointment. 

Due to some vegetational changes and other considerations minor adjustments to some waypoint locations have been corrected.

Finally the 'Exploding Snuffbox' is now available to those stalwart adherents of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s inimitable character; Mr. Sherlock Holmes of 221B Baker Street, London.

With a keen eye and magnifying glass at the ready the hunt can commence 

Recent reports and a physical check of waypoints confirmed that some are missing.
In two cases vegetation clearance has resulted in the loss of a physical waypoint.
Relocation will be necessary with adjustment to the relevant co-ordinates.
The necessary work will take some 2 - 3 weeks as time permits.
However rest assured that the 'Snuffbox' will spring back to life to provide enjoyment and frustration in equal measure to challenge stalwart aficionados of that great Victorian crime investigator. 

The location of the geocache will not be accessible during lockdown period whilst the threat of Covid19 infection continues.
 

Cache confirmed missing.
A new container has been place in a more appropriate location than the original, the co-ordinates once deciphered are still applicable 

The cache has been re-stocked with items of a traditional and seasonal nature. They contain classical texts considered by some scholars to be educational with a hint of joviality. Be inspired by these ancient writings, go forth and spread the word so that all who have acquired the knowledge may have their lives suitably enriched. The helpful hint has been extended to enable those that seek to have success in their quest. 

Due to track closures resulting from the curse of Kauri dieback, both way point container and final cache are no longer accessible. So 'Off the Rails' shall henceforth be known as 'Off limits'. 

Due to unstable terrain in adverse weather conditions the cache is deemed untenable.
HOE rest in peace. 

As my old dad used to say 'Stick at it my lad and you'll bound to succeed.'
Eventually at any rate.
An excellent location. 

A small band of enthusiastic people with a common interest met in the domain to enjoy and exchange their experiences in the world of geocaching. It is always a pleasure to meet such a diverse group who spend their leisure hours in participating in the joys that geocaching brings. From coal miners, undertakers, astro-physicists, pig breeders and light-house keepers all are inspired by the challenges that geocaching offers.
Hegenor really made the day for us when she handed us TB 'Wandering Kiwi' that we had placed on the island of Comino in Malta back in May 2006.
Having travelled 81,862km it is now time to have a long earned rest. If only she could speak, what stories would unfold about the places and people that she met on her travels.

Many thanks to 'thegreatauk' for the efforts made in organising the meet.
To Hegenor we wish you a safe journey back to Norway.

Tanetops
 

Thank you for the invitation. We will certainly be there and look forward to meeting you and other 'cachers.
 

At first it seemed to be a 'vegetational' challenge, but further scrutiny and a latitudinal approach produced results. It just required concentration to unearth certain valuable concrete facts in order to determine the whereabouts of that which we sought.
TFTC
 

At the designated location we found a simple container with the usual accessories.
Had there been any undesirable plant matter it would have been very obvious.
Maybe I am interpreting the name of the cache in an unintended manner.
Location perfect. Beach virtually uninhabited. Just a few people enjoying themselves as it shouold be.
TFTC

.
 

Due to extremely wet weather the ground is saturated and access to some waypoints on steep slope is considered hazardous. Will review situation in two weeks 

Negotiated the rickety bridge on foot to somewhere. As the car was approaching geriatric status it remained high and dry as we could not afford a breakdown on the ford.
Cache in hand without difficulty
TFTHC
 

Over the hill and down onto the sandy stuff. Trudged purposely, in a westerly direction, taking care not to draw eye contact with the various groups of muggles along the way. Hunkered down to avoid being seen to what the casual viewer might consider to be suspicious activity by an aged ne'er-do-well.

 

A delightful stroll along the formed bush tracks looking for Peter and his rock.
In a quiet glade we found that which we sought. A cache we will remember with pleasure for its tranquility.

 

The challenge was not so much extracting the cache, but timing the snatch when muggle ocular activity was somewhat abated.
TFTC 

Searched the obvious and the not so obvious. Looks like cache has legged it. 

We started with a monumental discovery, but found that our tactile approach was fraught with difficulty, so some basic assumptions and mathematical manipulation was indispensable to make progress. The result was some eight options for the next waypoint. Consulting with our AirBNB host put us on the right track.
On arrival we found that the target location was occupied by a lone piper in Celtic regalia and a host of bystanders. A memorial service for a descendant of one of the early settlers was underway.
A cautious approach was needed to extract the information required to progress.
The remainder of the waypoints were located without too much difficulty.
The end game required a plucky Granny to rock-hop along the boulders with encouragement and guidance from a geriatric supporter offering directions in muted tones so as not to draw unwelcome attention by passers by.




 

In this case we were not barking up the wrong tree.
TFTC 

Cache location espied shortly after arrival. However a gathering of nubile maidens were conducting an intense philosophical discussion on the merits of sartorial accoutrements as applicable to twenty first century fashion, not ten metres from the location of the cache.
Consequently we had to delay our cache recovery effort until either agreement or frustration regarding the topic in hand had been exhausted.


 

Being mindful of things that go slither in the night, a careful inspection was made before embarking on any foolhardy activity. All quiet below so the location and extraction process could commence with positive results 

A replacement cache container has now been placed.
If I was looking in the right direction then success is assured. 

A touch of dexterity, female intuition and a light touch is all it takes. Oh and a magnifying glass might come in handy. 

Two DNF reports suggest that it has disappeared.
A replacement will be installed at the earliest opportunity. 

Perused the immediate surroundings of the cache location and spotted something of interest.
Did we find it - of gorse we did. This cache scores high for a panoramic location and deserves commendation in the usual manner. 

As we parked the car saw something that matched the helpful hint, but it was straddling the water filled ditch. On the premise that G2 would not be that mean, we directed our attention elsewhere and soon had that which we sought in double quick time. 

Finding the cache was a doddle. However making our mark in the log book was another matter. The resident colony of ants took great exception to our intrusion and we conceded defeat. 

Two waypoint capsules had disappeared
Waypoints 4 and 6 have been re-located to safer area. New co-ordinates
Visual information at waypoint 6 had changed. Details amended on cache page
Co-ordinates for location of waypoint 7 have been changed
Good to go now 

Following report of missing waypoints the cache has been temporarily disabled. Status of waypoints to be determined in next few days. 

Report received regarding rivet deviations.
Visited 'Paintbox' location to assess situation. Conclude that an earthward vertical migration of the metal box at the front of the subject has resulted in more rivets being visible.
The formulae for calculation of one alphabetical value has been revised. 

Two waypoint canisters found to be missing and location no longer viable. New waypoints have been established. 

Reports received that waypoint info missing.
Expect to investigate next few days 

We managed to engineer a solution to this one, whilst waiting for the TG express. 

Another of those rather stuck-up caches, which we detached with glee 

This puzzle intended for the stimulation of the 'little grey cells' was most welcome on a rather inclement day. Later visited the aquarium with some very interesting residents. Highly recommended. 

Monuments to people passed abound.
There being no living muggles within view we carefully extracted the cache from it's abode and duly inscribed our 'mark' on the parchment therein. 

'Er outdoors' soon had this one in hand