We weren’t planning on caching today but when Kev was at his meeting a new cache was published not too far from where he was.  By the time he got to GC2MPKM Berocca tube one (Auckland) it was too late as he was greeted by the group of cachers – he had to settle for third. 

With the weather like it is, I don’t think we will be doing any more caching this weekend!

Until next time,

*** Caching Cath ***

I’m still not quite back in the geocaching mood but when the phone buzzed with the notification GC2MH9K Pasta 6 – Basil, Tomato and Feta (Auckland) which mentioned Kevs Team in the description, Kev wouldn’t take no for an answer and off we went.  The cache was in my childhood neighbourhood and when we arrived at GZ parking we noticed a car with a travel bug on it – not a good sign.  We quickly went down the path and found the newbies Merlins_Beard.  Kev quickly asked if they had put the cache back, and since they hadn’t he proudly said it was a joint FTF.  Lucky for us they didn’t have a pen so that went in our favour too!  As we walked back we were quickly joined by two other newbie geocachers, FriwiNZ and Geomatt123.  After a friendly chat and discovering Merlins Beard car travel bug, Catch me if you can, we went back home. 

I was in the shower when the local cache GC2MJT2 Moa Mountain.  This cache is just a quick drive from our home so the two Kev’s went off and claimed the FTF.

Not a bad nights effort!

*** Caching Cath ***

I have been cached out and happily took a week off.  Kev was having withdrawal symptoms and decided to tempt me by taking me out to for coffee and cake at the cafe of one of our geocaching customers.  The cake did the trick and off we went.

The first cache we did was GC12NFG Petrol, Burgers & Souviners *Northbound(Auckland).  We often drive by this area and always say “we must get that one day”.   Today was the day and we were happy the cache was well away from the busy area – a nice easy find.

The next cache was our favourite, GC2KQ9A gastroms corner stone (Auckland).  It actually took us to the cafe, and I have to say the food was delicious!  We ate first, yum, yum and yum!  We had a nice long chat with the owner and he pointed to the direction of the cache.  As I was putting things back in the car Kev went over and proudly told me he found it when I joined him.  We left two travel bugs Taku the Tuatara and Saving Little Hearts Geocoin and took The Three Wise Monkeys Great Race – Speak No Evil and GeoPix Geocoin.

Further up the road was GC2KZXY Not Bad Huh?–the view I mean (AUCKLAND).  Yet again, Kev found this cache!  It was also a beautiful lookout over over the coast.

On the way home we stopped for GC1VX2H Hats Off!!! (Auckland).  I loved this hide, nicely tucked away from view. 

I had finished for the day and when Kev went to the gym I decided to stay home.  When I was resting in bed my phone buzzed me telling a new cache was published, GC2JXZZ Buttmuda Triangle (Auckland).  As this was on the way home for Kev I called him up and he drove to it.  When he arrived the area was full of muggles, he waited and waited and it wouldn’t clear.  So Kev posted a DNF.  It was a shame as he was the first one there so we could have had a FTF – oh well, can’t win them all!

*** Caching Cath ***

A quick run down on the numbers…

7 days (Sunday January 2nd to Saturday January 8th)

1457 kms

78 found caches – including 5 Earth (1 rejected), 2 Multi’s, 1 Whereigo

4 DNF’s

4 meet ups with fellow geocachers (2 while caching, and 2 we met up for coffee)

and one long beautiful trip away from Auckland and work!

*** Caching Cath ***

Yesterday we should have arrived back home but due to Kev’s sore back, we spent a night in Taupo.  As I was cooking breakfast and packing up, Kev was taking photos from our deck, what a great view!

We decided to have an easy day and just do a few caches on the long drive home.  The next three caches were all close to each other and the only ones we would do in Taupo today.  The first one GC248YB Pachyderm Poser (Central Plateau) would have been trickier to find if the usual amount of muggles were about, but being 8am in the morning, it was no problem finding it. 

As Kev was getting our coffee was the marina, I walked down the road to get GC2GVRE Floatplane (Bay of Plenty).  A nice easy find and I was lucky enough to see some people getting into the floatplane.

Just a little drive up the road took us to the next cache GC2GVT8 Taupo Titanic (Bay of Plenty). This was a lookout at the marina.  Kev and I both searched for awhile on this one, up and down, round and round, and I eventually found it.  We took the travel bug Lost My Memory Travel Bug.

We ignored all the caches we were passing but stopped in for GC1XYWN The Hub (South Waikato).  It was lunchtime and I expected a few people about, but the centre was completely dead.  After a search on my hands and knees, I came up with the cache.

We also couldn’t resist the next cache which was at a rest stop, GC2GDCY The Giant Steps (Waikato).  I think they really are giants steps! This was another quick find and I left the travel bug MOZZIE TB and took Taku the Tuatara which unfortunately I was taking in the wrong direction it wanted to go too!

Our very last cache of the day was GC22AD3 Welcome to Cambridge via SH1B (Waikato).  The coordinates were way out for this one but there was only a few places it could be so I found it easily.  I was so tired of caching by now I completely forgot to take a picture!

A couple of hours left to drive and we were back home, so nice to be back in our own bed!

*** Caching Cath ***

We both woke this morning with sore backs, cabin bed mattresses are not really that supportive (I ended up putting my mattress on the floor and sleeping there).  We decided the best thing to do was drive to Taupo and get a nice breakfast.  As we approached we decided to quickly pull in to the look out spot and get GCJM77 Plane View (Bay of Plenty).  It was hidden in a huge flax, and lucky for us, as we arrived we noticed a suspicious family looking around the flax.  We drove up and asked if they found it, which they replied yes and they were putting it back.  We asked them to pass it so we could add our name – what a great way to start the day -  caches being passed to us!  We got out of the car and had a quick chat with the taybee family – nice meeting you!

We pulled in to the cafe’s along the waterfront and both had a delicious breakfast and coffee.

That coffee sure did put a smile on Kev’s face but he was suffering from terrible back pain and we were debating whether to go home or spend a night in Taupo.  I got on the iPad and started searching for accommodation.  We chose Karaka Tree Motel but as we mentioned we wanted a spa pool they informed us there’s had just broken down – what a shame.  They recommended another place, Gables Motor Lodge where I left a glowing review as we loved the place.  The bed was perfect for Kev’s back, we had a great view of the lake, we had a huge private spa and just across the road was a gelato cart! They even got the room ready for us so we could rest up at the much earlier check-in time of 10am!  Kev relaxed as I unpacked the car then we had a nice soak in the hot spa pool.  After a good rest we went off to get just a few more caches for the day.

We drove to the Huka Falls and got the Earth cache GC1QC2W HUKA FALLS.  I love this place and it’s always so busy!

I left Kev to take some photos and go rest in the car as I tackled the cache GC2HX25 Huka Cabbage Tree (Bay of Plenty).  This cache did involve walking up a hill but not only does it take you away from the crowds, you get such a fantastic view!  I left the travel bug Mosse the Cat and retrieved Homing Bear and Saving Little Hearts Geocoin.

As I started to walk all the way back, I noticed there was yet another cache further along the walk track and full of travel bug goodies! 

I rang Kev to update him on my progress and turned back around and walked the 500+ metres to the cache GC246C0 Huka Travel Bug Hotel (Bay of Plenty).  It was a long walk but in the shade of the trees.  I got to the spot and was able to have a sit down and rummage though all the different travel bugs.  I took the travel bugs Travel Bug Dog Tag, Edelweiss and All Blacks Silver Fern.  I left the travel bugs McCutchan Cache Clan’s Travel GPS Geocoin and Grandma’s Green Racing Car.  As I started my walk back I noticed a couple going to the exact spot I was – I yelled out and yes they were geocaching, this is becoming a habit bumping into geocachers!

I went back to the car and noticed there was another cache on the other side GCJTEM The Falls (Central Plateau).  Once again I took off on a walk.  This cache took me forever!  I was in and out, up and down all over the fallen trees and branches.  Just as I was giving up I stumbled right onto it!

We left the Huka Falls to go to the Earth cache GC2HFMZ Volcanoes and Earthquakes (Bay of Plenty). 

The next cache was another Earth cache GC1VA03 "The Power of Steam" Earthcache.  I must admit it was a bit scary driving there – it didn’t feel like a public road and there was huge steam vents and pipes everywhere.

There was also a traditional cache up here too, GCGFVN Bored Steam (Bay of Plenty).  Lucky I read the recent logs as a lot of people have stated it was a good 5 metres out of range.  It still took me awhile and I had plenty of blackberry bushes scratching me, but I eventually found it!  Here’s a typical photo, Kev waiting for me in the car as I return from the hunt.

We decided for one more nearby cache GC2K7Y5 Once a Wonderland(Central plateau).  The cache was down a long and dusty road, didn’t think it would end!  Once there you were greeted by a camp site, different birds and animals, and cafe.  I decided to let Kev look for this one, but I had to join in the search to find it.

We have had enough of caching and decided it was time to go back.  But just as we were returning we decided to quickly stop at the lookout to find the cache GC246BY View of Taupo (Bay of Plenty).  Lucky not too many people were around as I was on my hands and knees looking for it.  It was such an easy hide but typical me but the search a lot harder than it needed to be.  Great view by the way.

I then went to pick up some Hell’s pizza which we ate with cold beer while looking out at the Lake.  A great end to the day!

*** Caching Cath ***

Today we were leaving Palmerston North and heading back to Oasis Motor and Caravan Camp at Tokaanu.  We were going to drive up the opposite way we came down. Our first stop was in Fielding, where I quickly found GC1ZA3H Denbigh’s Stockyards (Manawatu).  Two cachers before me couldn’t find this cache, but they are fairly new and haven’t been introduced yet to those wonderful teeny tiny nanos!

After breakfast we drove to a park with accompanying bird aviaries to find GC204ZV Blue Duck (Manawatu).  Once again a nice easy find and another lovely little park.  I thought it was appropriate to leave the travel bug Kiwi Travel Bug #3.

Next we went to GC1Z2DT High Field (Manawatu).  The view was nice and the cache was nicely hidden away from muggle view but when we went we had the whole view point to ourselves.

Next was a beautiful spot of the main road that led you to the river GC11YN8 Alma’s rest (Manawatu.  The only complaint is that campers are staying here and leaving all their rubbish – a) you’re staying for free but you rub it in but leaving all your trash, just not fair!

Off to another view point for GC2BZEE Stormy Point Lookout (Manawatu).  Just as we arrived another couple had left so I had time to quickly retrieve and rehide the cache.  I was lucky enough to take two travel bugs NuJerico’s Copper Caching Dragon Geocoin and Sam the Hobbit. 

We almost missed the turn off for the next cache GC10K40 Vinegar Hill. (Rangitikei.).  It looks like a great camping spot with a beautiful swimming river and some cachers were spending the New Year here as I kept finding caches after them saying this is where they are staying.

Further up the road we went for our first Earth cache of the day GC1785E "Small But Precious" Earthcache.  The information on the sign was severely damaged so I took a photo of me standing there and posted it hoping it would be accepted (not my fault I couldn’t get the information!).  Well they rejected it and have disable the cache – I have noticed that some other people got their logs approved though…

Right at the same spot was the cache GC16XAQ Weka (Manawatu-Wanganui).  After a little of searching I found it.  I also took a group photo of the travel bugs.

I might have mentioned this before but Kev and I only do cemetery caches which are respectful i.e. not caches stuck in the middle of cracked headstones, or any headstones / plots that are not connected to the cache owner.  This cache GC1NA4X Mangaweka Memories (Manawatu-Wanganui) met those requirements so we added another successful find for the day.

Our first DNF was GCQVA4 It’s Time for a Cookie (Manawatu-Wanganui).  The area was full of muggles and I couldn’t make any sense of the hint or recent logs.  While Kev had a drink I had a quick search but had no luck at all.  It has been found after us but it seems some people find it on their third or fourth time – so I might find it one day!

Yet another rest stop cache was GC2HQT8 A Stop at the Top (Manawatu-Wanganui).  This took a little bit of searching in the horrid flax bushes but I got there in the end.

The next cache took me even longer to find! GC1NA4Y Try Throwin’ This (Manawatu-Wanganui) was a huge metal gumboot and it had me rolling over the dirt looking in all the nooks and crannies.  I was determined to find it but was losing hope, and being a girl of bigger proportions I couldn’t squeeze quite under the boot!  I managed to find it in the end, and thanks Kev for not even getting out of the car to take my pic!

The next cache was a bit of a drive to get to, GCNDTE Welcome to Waiberia (Central Plateau).  Kev even helped find this one but it didn’t matter, I got it.  We didn’t go into the museum, we will next time as it looks quite interesting.

The next was the Earth cache GC1KRFT Lahar Power Ruapehu which includes the Christmas Eve 1953 Tangiwai disaster.  It’s off the main road but worth it just to read up and pay your respects to one of NZ’s biggest disasters.

Back on the Desert Road we went to GCRTC5 Three Volcanoes (Volcanic Plateau).  Unfortunately the view wasn’t great as it was so misty, and the weather was very chilly – can only imagine what it is like in winter!  I left two travel bugs, Anne Bonney’s Morristown Benchmark Micro Geocoin which wanted to go to the highest and lowest points, and Sam the Hobbit who wanted to be taken in a photo with Mt Ruapehu.  I did my best but with the weather, you can’t even see the mountain!

Another spot where you can pull off the road to get the cache was GCAC44 Desert Drive-by (Volcanic Plateau).  It didn’t take long at all and I’m glad I’m not doing this in colder weather!  Here is Kev doing something useful – getting the GPS ready for the next cache.

Just pull off the road and you will find this cache GCXNWV Freedom Air (Central Plateau).  One of those quick finds to add to your numbers.

The same can be said about the next cache GCWWK5 Poachers Paradise (Central Plateau).  The best thing about this cache was it was our last for the day, we were also at our accommodation and it was time to relax and go to the nearby take-outs for dinner and dessert (cheap and tasty).

Tomorrow is another early start, a big caching day in Taupo then all the way back home!

*** Caching Cath ***

Today was going to be a big caching day, grabbing the rest of the local traditional caches and venturing in a few of the multi’s – but it ended up being a quieter caching day but we were lucky enough to meet two local geocachers.

We started the day with the multi GC2BBVX Stately Homes #2 (Manawatu).  This cache was really cool and it takes you around one of the earliest Housing NZ estates.  I loved all the old houses.  The leg work for this cache was easy, and you could even drive it if you were lazy like us.

We were meeting Kiwijockey for coffee at the Esplanade so we arrived a little earlier so I could go get the cache GC2DBZQ Banks of the Mighty Manawatu #5.  My GPS was about 10m out but with the aid of the hint, I made a quick find.  Here’s a picture of the Mighty River.

Having a little bit more spare time I started the multi GC1367W Victoria’s Secret (Manawatu).  Running out of time I went to get Kev who was busy with his 11th and 12th fingers (he always has them) – the iPhone and his smoke.

We then went to the nearby cafe and met up with Kiwijockey.  Kev said I had to mention when I was drinking my coffee half of it was spilling down my top – I didn’t realise until they both pointed it out.  Kev thought this was hilarious and did his best to hold in his laughter… for about half a minute!

I mentioned about the DNF I got yesterday for Full credit … (Manawatu).  He told me where to look so after our lunch we went straight there.  When we arrived I went to the location and a lady was there with her bike.  I mentioned I was a tourist and was a fan of rugby and wanted to come to the plaque dedicated to the person who introduced rugby to NZ (lucky I read it yesterday!).  She didn’t stay long and as soon as she left, I quickly retrieved the cache – how did I miss it yesterday?  A little later on we received an email – the lady was in fact the owner, edvern, and she was checking if the cache was still there after my DNF yesterday.  She was suspicious about me geocaching, but since I didn’t have a GPS on me, she didn’t mention it.  We decided to meet up in the evening for another coffee.

Half the day had already disappeared and we didn’t have the energy or motivation to go for the other multi’s we had planned.  Instead to went for the nearby caches, which happened to be Kiwijockey’s.  The first one GC2C2MC Racing this time….. (Manawatu) was easy as the hint gave it away.  The best thing is since there was no racing we were able to park right up to it.

Not too far away was the next cache GC2BHJM Otira Walkway (Manawatu).  The GPS had me zigzagging through the trees and Kev had the local ducks and geese following him, but after a good 5 or so minutes, I found what the hint was eluding too.

We went home for a break and later in the evening went to finish GC1367W Victoria’s Secret (Manawatu).  Afterwards when we met up with edvern we found out she was the owner of both the multi’s we did today.  This multi have you going all over the Esplanade and when you go through the rose garden, the smell was amazing.  I highly recommend visiting this place if you ever come down here.

While not a busy caching day, Kev and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting both Kiwijockey and edvern.  There are still plenty of caches down here to do and we would love to come back down another time to complete them – hopefully the same time as the students are on holiday!

Tomorrow we drive back up to Tokaanu and we have planned out 20 caches to do on the way.

Better get off to bed, planning on being out the door by 7.30am!

*** Caching Cath ***

Today we found our 500th cache!!!  It took us all day to get there, we were grumpy and tired at times, but we did it!

The day started early, 3.45am to be precise.  I was sound asleep when Kev came in (he had woked up earlier) and he was quickly putting on his shorts.  I asked what’s up and he mumbled something about the car as he took off out of the room.  I always assume he’s having a heart attack lol, so I said to myself he must be driving himself off to the hospital.  I get out of bed and wrap a sheet around me to see what’s he doing and he’s outside at the car.  I asked him again what’s going on and he jumps, growls at me to go inside – and he standing there holding a knife!  Now I’m just thinking he’s still asleep but sleepwalking.  He comes in and say’s he has heard a noise and someone was trying to get in.  I asked are you asleep and he sharply says no lol.  I told him we have safety locks on the windows but if he wants I’ll lock them.  He then goes to the bathroom and recognises what made the noise – the shampoo had fallen in the shower lol.

Kev vs Shampoo – Shampoo won!

With that mystery solved I went back to bed and woke up at a more appropriate 8am.

Our first cache of the day was GC2G3XE St MatthewsPN (Manawatu).  This was pretty simple and with no traffic around was an easy search and find.  We left the travel bug Ahoy, Me Hearties!!!. #488

Next cache took us to a park and tennis courts, GC2KPGP Serving Up Takaro (Manawatu).  The cache was hidden behind the courts and park so I was able to sit and retrieve the cache.  We left another travel bug Granny´s Briefmarke. #489

At GC2K6EF Wild Horses (Manawatu) we were greeted by an empty park, which was lucky as this cache took us awhile to find.  It was one of those cases where you look the first (and second and third) time and don’t see it, but when you go back, it’s staring right at you.  Putting the log back in took just as long as finding the cache!  Third find of the day, 10 to go! #490

At GC1Y79X There’s a Hole in my Cabbage (Manawatu) we were once again at a deserted park – where is everyone?  Kev decided to sit this one out so off I went by myself to get the cache.  It was an easy find an a nice 150m+ stroll, then all the way back.  This is me in front of a massive gum tree.  #491

This is Kev waiting in the car.

The next closest cache was GCN80N Lakeside Totara (Manawatu).  We got there and walked along the bridge – there are so many wonderful reserves here.  We realised the cache was along the banks and we couldn’t access it from where we were.  We didn’t want to waste anytime so decided to go somewhere else.  I took a photo of Kev though.

We went over the bridge to Massey University way and went for the cache GC1918D Happy Birthday! (Manawatu).  This was a sweet concept – the log was the birthday card for her sister.  The find was nice and easy and I left the travel bug The Ring of Power which is in the photo. #492

Not too far away was GC1G3JB Full credit … (Manawatu).  This cache was dedicated to Charles John Monro who is credited with starting the game of rugby in New Zealand.  I was already getting tired and grumpy and not finding this cache didn’t help!  Our first DNF for the day.

We went back over the bridge and GC22HHE Awatea Reserve (Manawatu) was a short walk around a reserve with a little stream.  The cache was easy to find and we had a few minutes rest to watch the Mummy and baby ducks.  #493

My grumpiness wasn’t going away so Kev suggested we go to the shops to get a coffee. The plan this morning was to get 12 caches, go home for lunch, then go get the Whereigo in the afternoon.  Today the caches had been taking us ages, especially driving back and forth and around and around.  Last night we went to go for GC2H6E1 Top Park n Grab (Manawatu) but the cache was in a locked car park so it was the perfect time now to go for it.  As the cache says, if you know what to look for you will spot it a mile away – and that’s exactly what Kev did.  We signed the log and headed to the shops.  I started to smile when I found the chocolate shop, and definitely cheered up drinking the Belgian dark chocolate milkshake!  I believe I will be going back tomorrow!  #494

The new plan was to get one more cache GC2BPPJ "The Nectar Eaters" (Manawatu), then return home to rest, before grabbing the four caches along the river bank and finishing with the Whereigo.  We went to this cache and once again no one was around so it was a quick find.  Most caches down here needs lots of discretion but with the University on holiday it seems Palmerston is a bit of a ghost town – perfect for us!  This cache was next to the sculpture “The Nectar Eaters”, it has to be one of my favourite from the city so far.  #495

We went back home and started to relax when the notification GC2KZMP Hoffman’s despair (Manawatu) came though.  We didn’t receive it until about 10minutes after it was published but it was only 3kms from us, so we quickly went on the FTF hunt.  We found the cache quickly but was disappointed to be the third person to sign it – boy they are just as fast down here than back home in Auckland!  Oh well, another cache towards our 500th!  #496

We went back home again and rested for a few hours.  We wanted to have the Whereigo cache as our 500th, so decided to do the three caches at one end of the bank since we just found the unexpected cache.  We went off to the reserve and started the walking – three caches spread all over the place.  Kev’s back was hurting a little so he sat on the seat as I went off.  The first cache I went for was GC1T9RZ The Gnarly Treasure Tree (Manawatu).  It was a easy find between the trees.  I left the travel bug 07 Shelby GT500 – Red. #497

The next cache I walked to was GC1349J Earth, Wind and Fire (Manawatu).  This was a cool hiding spot.  I left our own travel bug Trackable Adventure Guide. #498

An a view of this massive reserve along the river bank.

I walked back to Kev, who was resting on the chair, before I went to the next cache.

We had a quick chit chat and I realised the next cache was from the direction I just came.  I walked back and went down a path and walked, walked, walked but the GPS wasn’t going down – it was pointing to the other side of the track – once again I choose the wrong path!  Walking all the 150+m back I yelled to Kev I made the wrong choice and had to walk all over again on the other path.  He joined me and was there when I found the cache GC2J0DD Manawatu tree roots (Manawatu).  That was our 12th cache of the day and number 499!!!  This is me holding the iPad, Oregon 450 and Kev had my iPhone 4 for the photo.  I had just twittered if I was mugged it will be an expensive insurance claim!

Now it was time to go to our 500th cache and our very first Whereigo GC1A4ZP Esplanade Exploration (Manawatu).  This was NZ’s first Whereigo cache.  Here is Kev getting ready to start – we were both so eager!

The Whereigo concept is so much fun.  You have to walk to certain locations and your GPS will give you a message – very similar to a chirp.

Here are some of the places we went too for the cache.

The Victoria Esplanade is the best ever free park I’ve ever been too.  It’s amazing and my boys would absolutely love it.  Kev and I enjoyed it so much we are going back there again tomorrow when we met up with a local geocacher.  It has a cool park, including little tramps, a massive train ride, a splashing pool, beautiful gardens, a duck pond and bird aviary’s!  Here are some other photos we took on our journey.

The final clue lead us all the way back to our car.  By now Kev was in pain from his back so he got himself an icy bag and rested in the car as I did the final clue.

It was another 200 m walk so it didn’t take me too long to get there.  The hide was nice and easy – finally our 500th find! 

We just couldn’t stop there though, we decided to go back for the cache we left behind, GC2DBZR of the Mighty Manawatu #6.  It was another 200m walk but Kev’s back had recovered a little so he decided to come with me.  Here he is having a well deserved rest.

The end of our day!  We have now reached the 500+ Club!  We have Kev Snr polishing our 500 Cache Find coin for when we get home on Friday.

Thanks to everyone who cheered us on, including kiwifamily who we had challenged to the 500th cache race.  It was lots of fun and hopefully the next 500 won’t take as long!  Tomorrow we are going to rest and relax and tackle a couple of the multi’s.

I will now sign out to the song “We are the Champions” lol.

*** Caching Cath ***

Today was the big drive from Tokaanu all the way to Palmerston North.  Here I am leaving our room.

We left by 8am and had breakfast at the local Burger King – the only thing that looked opened that time of morning.  Unfortunately a little later we drove past a busy bakery – that would have been a nicer breakfast!  Not too far away was our first cache of the day GC184B7 Turangi Angler (Central Plateau).  With hardly any traffic around I was able to zip across the road and get this cache without causing any suspicion.

The second cache GCZ81Q Settlers Corner (Central Plateau) was a short drive away.  Kev managed to find this cache, a nice big container in a cammo bag. We left the travel bug Lady Bug and retrieved Reinier.

Up to the top of hill, on the climb to the geothermal plateau, we quickly retrieved the cache GCT7DD Commander’s Rest (Bay of Plenty).  A camper van and van had stayed overnight, and looking at the views, I can understand why (I guess their main reason would be because it was free!).  Here’s Kev doing another of his hobbies – photography. 

The next cache GC1041P Hinemihi’s Track (Bay of Plenty) was beautiful bush walk on Pihanga mountain SH47.  We arrived and it was deserted but due to our car being fill and not wanting it to be pinched, we decided that Kev should stay and watch the car while I go off on the 15 minute trek.  Typically the walk was almost doubled!  I’m not that fantastic with the GPS and haven’t mastered the compass yet.  I was happily walking along the path when I hit a dilemma, which way?

I need a Tom Tom (navigation application) for geocaching so if I take the wrong turn, it will politely tell me to make a u-turn and turn around.  So off I went in the wrong direction, getting a little scared as I’m all by myself and starting to get lost.  Thinking I’m starting to go a little too far, I turn around and take another path going up the hill.  I see the potential GZ and searched it – no luck.  I then turned around the corner and started to walk up the path – the dark, enclosed path!  As you can tell by my face, I’m not impressed!  Either side was a bank taller than me with not much room in between!

I chickened out and turned back and searched the same fallen tree.  Again no luck, so I powered up my iPhone and used that compass.  Comparing both it seems I was a few metres out – it led me to another fallen tree with the cache!  Now it was a quick walk back to the car -  now which way did I come?  As I walked I was huffing and puffing – if it was any louder it would echo!  I started to hear cars and found a familiar path – phew I was going to make it.  Here is a triumphant and tired me at the entrance.  This cache should have been a lot easier and quicker if I did it properly!  I left the travel bug "Pilot Peak (CO)" Green Jeep Travel Bug.  PS – Kev kept the car safe!

The next two caches we had to post a DNF.  The first one GC22TF2 XC’s Lake Rotoaira Quickstop (Volcanic Plateau) was a rest area with a beautiful view.  The last log was only a couple of days ago which said easy find.  Now that I’ve reread the hint, I’ve realised I went to the wrong place, I must have muddled up the hints – damn because we won’t be going that way any time soon!  We got a lovely view though!

The second DNF GCNDTA Views of Rotoaira (Volcanic Plateau) was just below the above cache at water level.  This cache hasn’t been found since the beginning of December 2010 – I’m pretty sure it is missing.  Once again it was a lovely photo stop.

We had success at the next cache GCWWJG The Rainbow Connection (Central Plateau) which was a quick drive-by. 

Why Kev and I love geocaching so much is it takes us to places we never would have known.  The next cache GC1KA91 Wairehu Canal (Central Plateau) went down a dusty road and towards the end was a canal.  The cache was a quick find and it was another with a great view.

The next two caches were at the nearby Lake Otamangakau.  We drove along to the first cache GC2J1J5 O What a Beach (Central Plateau) and as we were halfway down a dirt road Kev was a bit concern of the pot holes so I hopped out of the car and walked the seventy or so metres to get to the cache.  As I approached GZ I past many cars and camper vans – they didn’t seem to have any problems getting down the road?  The GZ is a very popular fishing spot, and just my luck, three fly-fishers were there as I approached.  I tried to discretely as possible get the cache but was a bit hard as they were right next to it.  Thankfully one in the group recognised what I was doing and explained geocaching to his friends.  I found the cache, showed it to them, had a quick chat, and walked all the way back to Kev and the car with the travel bug McCutchan Cache Clan’s Travel GPS Geocoin I retrieved.

The next cache GC2HQBC The O (Central Plateau) we could basically drive right up to it.  As Kev chatted with a nice muggle who was sitting nearby, I quickly retrieved the cache and travel bug Kiwi Travel Bug #3.  Kev was talking to the lady about geocaching so I went to show her the cache as Kev explained it – I think we might have tempted her to start geocaching!  Kev decided to test out the water, apparently chilly!

There were not many other caches nearby so we decided to take a drive up to the Whakapapa ski fields.  Neither Kev or I have been there and we were visually stunned by all the beauty – we would love to see this area in winter time.  There are a few caches around here but all on walking tracks, so we have put it on our “Would love to do one day” caching wish list – when we both are a bit fitter! 

We headed down to the National Park and had lunch at a cafe.  With not many people about I was able to retrieve the cache GC2GHKE A Real Kiwi Cache (Central Plateau) with ease.  It’s such a cool sculpture made out of wooden branches. 

Our next cache was GCMNF1 The Last Hurdle (Volcanic Plateau) but we missed the turn off so went to the cache further up the road GC1MTBF Last Spike (Central Plateau).  This cache took me much longer than it should – I was looking in the wrong spot!  The correct spot had some blackberry bushes growing so I ended up with a thorn or two scratching me!  This was a nice historical spot and a great place for a quick rest stop.

We decided to turn back and get the cache GCMNF1 The Last Hurdle (Volcanic Plateau).  It took you to a rest area so you can admire the 100 year old viaduct – very impressive.  What I was not impressed with was the cache location – to me it was far to dangerous.  You had to walk behind the barrier and just slightly go down a hill, but if you slipped, you would go down a very long way.  I stretched down as much as I could and looked but couldn’t see it and I wasn’t brave enough to go down the slight slope to look properly – I was only wearing jandles but regardless, I didn’t feel safe so I flagged it.  This cache has been found nearly 200 times and no one else seems to have a problem so maybe in my head I made it a bit more dramatic than it was – but knowing me, I would have slipped down!  We got back in the car and had a long drive until our next cache.  Oh and a little later down the road I noticed I had brought melted tar into the car, getting over my foot, mat and the side of the car – grrrr!!!!  I’ve managed to get it off my foot but its hardened up in the car, have to go to Repco or something similar tomorrow to get something to clean it off – thanks a lot Last Hurdle!

It took us a while to get to GC16FK8 Lookout! (Wanganui) but when we did, it gave us time to stretch our legs and take a look at another amazing view.  The cache was found quickly, even with muggles nearby.  The worst part of this area was it dropped the 3G network, and it took us ages to get reception again.  Being at the bottom of a gully with hills and mountains both side, I think I might have been expected too much lol.

We were both getting quite tired so decided just to go straight to Palmerston North.  We did have one stop in Bull to get a coffee but then we were back on the road.  We arrived at Palmerston North around 5.30pm, so have been travelling just under ten hours!  I unpacked the car and we rested a little before we went to Countdown to get our supplies.  We couldn’t resist and went for one more cache, our 12th for the day.  The cache was GCW52K Be here or be square (Manawatu).  With no people around this was an easy find.  It’s a really cool area and Kev and I will return tomorrow to take more photos as we have a good walk around everywhere.

My photo looks like me after eating Christmas lunch lol.

And here I am with my Countdown shopping.

Tomorrow we will take it easy, we only need to find 13 caches to get to 500 finds.  Kev has suggested we do the caches along the Manawatu River.  The best thing about tomorrow is it won’t be any long journey’s and Kev and I will have more time to spend walking and enjoying.

Time to get some sleep,

Until tomorrow!

*** Caching Cath ***