Just a short post as I only got DNF’s today!  One day a week I come up to Brisbane with Kev.  While he is working I explore the city and try for some caches.  Every week I return thinking I’m going to cross them off my DNF list but I am not having much luck!  They are starting to drive me crazy!  All morning I searched for GC221KA Board gardens and GC220MX City Plaza, but still came up empty handed!  Both have been found, as well as GCKR9K Combination Delta which I was certain was missing.

Better luck next week hopefully!

*** Cath ***

Today was my day in Brisbane and decided to check out the location of City Cacher Catchup to scope where Kev and I could park or if we had to bus / taxi from his work.  My map reading skills were up to its usual tricks and I found myself walking around one or two blocks and coming right back to where I started!  I eventually found it and decided to get some nearby caches, which were not as plentiful as I hoped.  The first one I went for was GC22W0K Raid on the Government Printer.  Once again I walked around the block about three times before I discovered the alleyway!  Once down there and a quick search about, the cache was in my hand.

Now it was time to find one I couldn’t find last week, GC1GRGA Walkover Adelaide.  Since I last searched it has been found a couple of times, so I know it must be there.  The name is the biggest clue as there are two walkover’s above Adelaide Street.  I walked up and down the walkover but just couldn’t see it then out of the corner of my eye, I spotted it.  The hint mentions you might need long arms and mine weren’t quite long enough!  This cache is right in Brisbane CBD so a very muggle busy area, I waited a few minutes for the walkway to clear as much as it could, I tried again.  On my tiptoes and reaching far over I got it – phew!  I took off and signed the log before replacing.  Just over a week ago the grass area was fill of tents for the Occupy Protesters but the police rounded them up and kicked them out.

After having lunch with Kev, I spent the rest of the afternoon at the Queen Street Farmers Market and searching for some of those on my DNF list, with no luck!  They keep getting found (and DNF) so maybe next week!

Until next time

*** Cath ***

Today Kev and I picked up our new car, a Mitsubishi Outlander.  With the paperwork complete we decided to go for a drive and geocaching to Springbrook, hoping not to get the car too dirty!  Our first cache was a nice easy find, GC35CG8 S, N, M, HD, NB.  What I liked about this cache is the fact you can park safely on these often windy roads up here.  Here is Kev standing next to our new car.

The next cache was GC35EKC Acacia.  Again there was plenty of parking to find this cache.  This was another quick find in a quiet location surrounded by trees, trees and trees.

Next along the way was  GC35EKK Pine Creek Road.  Again another deserted spot but this one freaked me out a little.  Like most of these caches around here, you are surrounded by bush, but this cache was amongst big dead and burnout out logs and bundles of dry leaves, bark and twigs, the perfect hiding spots for snakes and spiders!  Kev protected the car and sent me in!

I had an idea where the cache would be and I was in and out in no time.  I was even lucky enough to find a beautiful travel bug coin, the Geocacher’s Star 2009.

About a month ago we tried for GC20E9V Skool O’ fArts and had no luck.  To be honest, it is under a building (plenty of standing / bending room), but it was dark and I was freaking out about spiders and snakes I didn’t search that long.  Not so long after I chatted with the owner and told me I was on the right track, and all the other “Found”s on the cache page determined it wasn’t missing.  This time I plucked up the nerve to stay under long enough to have a good look and I had it in no time.  Was so glad to have found it as we often don’t come to this area.

GC2E19Z Greenie’s Choice had been placed after last months disastrous cache trip in this area. Our GPS had us a little out and we had to cross the road but once we were in the right spot, a nice easy find.

Just down the road was another cache we couldn’t find last time,  GC211KY WATERGATE.  Last time we were here our GPS was crazy zipping all over the place, this time it led me straight to the cache.  No problems this time!

Again the next cache was one we couldn’t find last time, GC2EC6M Dirt Track V Bitumin.  We made the mistake like previous, and searched the wrong side of the road.  Kev checked some possible spots on the other side and came up with the goods, another great feeling crossing off a previous DNF.

For the next cache we went to a park, and today it seemed rather busy with lots of picnicking families.  The location was not in the main park area so I was able to discretely find GC20JDC Tarzan or Cross Lions? 

Our penultimate cache was GC2EF1T Cave Creek.  Our GPS had us in the wrong direction but with the few places it could be, we were able to narrow it down and find it.

The final cache of the day, GC2E1AH For The Natural Man, which was opposite a country cafe.  Just as we stopped so did a group of bikies who were also enjoying the great view of Numinbah Valley.  I discretely searched and found the cache.  Kev was admiring the bikes so I had to take my own photo. 

Afterwards we enjoyed a coffee at the cafe. Inside there have all sorts of snakes and creepy crawlies in jars to look at, well worth a visit. 

Well we had a great day, a new car to enjoy, finding previous DNF and finding double digits of caches!

Until next time,

*** Cath ***

It was another day when I go up to Brisbane with Kev so we can have lunch together.  I am not having much luck finding any caches, but today I found one I didn’t find a week ago.  Last time I looked I searched everywhere and couldn’t come up with a find for GC1DKAF Memorial in the Park.  Today was one of those situations when you just lock onto it and find it straight away. 

Thinking I was in the zone, I tried for another DNF GCKR9K Combination Delta which due to the growing numbers of DNF I’m convinced it’s not there. After my search I still stand by that claim!

On my way to another DNF GC221KA Board gardens, I placed the travel bug Travel Kitten Geocoin into the cache I found last week, GC10ZNX Windmill.

Well I searched and searched and the day ended with just the one find!  Maybe next week I will be more successful!

Until next time,

*** Cath ***

After last weeks disastrous attempts of finding any caches at Roma Parklands in Brisbane, I decided to go explore in a different direction today.  First stop was a few streets away from Kev’s job (and mainly up!).  The cache GC10ZNX Windmill was at a historic and beautiful windmill, which is also Queensland’s oldest surviving building.  I searched around the area and came up empty handed.  I read and read the hint, still didn’t help.  I sat on a bench and looked and thought, then just out of the corner of my eye spied something that had potential.  I went over and tugged at it, and sure enough, it moved and was the cache.  I sat down and filled out the log and took the travel bug Marine Dagen 2011 Geocoin.

Feeling successful I walked to the next cache, GC221KA Board gardens.  The last few attempts have been DNF so I wasn’t too hopeful.  I must have spent about an hour looking and researching the previous logs.  It is a multi-level area and the GPS in the city is not cooperating, so I admitted defeat and moved on.  Close by was GC220MX City Plaza.  Part of the area was boarded up so I just searched around the sides.  Again the GPS didn’t help and I couldn’t find the cache, but I have a feeling it’s behind the bordered off area so not really counting it as a DNF!

At least there was one find today, better than last week’s attempt!

Until next time,

*** Cath ***

This week Kev started his job in Springhill, Brisbane.  I have decided to come up once a week from Gold Coast to spend some time exploring Brisbane and have lunch with Kev.  Feeling optimistic I walked up the street to find a very impressive Roma Parkland.  There only seems to be two traditional caches here (and one Earth).  The first one I went for was GC1DKAF Memorial in the Park.  I spent basically the whole morning searching for this with no luck!  After lunch with Kev I walked back up to the park to try the next one, GCKR9K Combination Delta.  This one was even more trickier as it was multi-levels to choose from.  I spent just as much time and also came up empty handed!

No luck at Roma Park nor a great way to start my Brisbane caching adventures!

Better luck next week hopefully!

*** Cath ***

With a long drive in front of us and confident in the knowledge we had sneaked passed Kiwifamily we decided to only grab a few caches on the way back home, in particular the two in Kawakawa we didn’t have time to find the last time we were up here.  The first one was GC2RXEJ The Enterance To Kawakawa (Kawakawa).  Reading the tip we were looking for a certain disguise but after having no luck and me reading through the logs the owner had changed the container while repairing the original.  With this knowledge Kev zeroed in and found it in no time.

Inside the township was the famous Hundertwasser’s Kawakawa Toilets where GC12XAJ Cyber Hundt for the IP Address in Kawakawa (Nland) was hidden behind.  As we approached a tourist bus was there and people were snapping away on their camera.  We walked pass to the back and was able to search with no muggles around – which was lucky as this was a tricky little hide!  In the end I found it and here I am at the back of the toilets.

This is Kev at the front.

We wanted to stop in and visit family at Mangawhai so decided to grab just two more caches in Waipu on the way.  The first one GC2E2NJ Fairy Tern (Northland).  We had the whole estuary to ourselves and searched where our GPS and hint led us too.  We looked and looked but just couldn’t find it.  It was only found at the beginning of the month and logs mentioned how easy it was, so I am suspected it is missing.  I have added it to the watch list to see how the next load of people go.  Very disappointing as it is our first DNF for the weekend! 

The next one was further along the road and took us to a beautiful beach, GCH6PD Waipu cove views (Northland).  James couldn’t resist and had a good run around on the sand and went shell collecting.

It was now time to go geocaching so Kev Snr, James and I started the walk around.  We searched here, there and everywhere and realised we had to climb to the top of the hill.  The tide was in so we had to jump on rocks to get over the water.  It was a bit steep and slippery but we managed to get to the top of the hill.  Once up top James made an easy find and we were rewarded with an amazing water view.  James also retrieved a dinosaur as a finders fee!

Back at the bottom we had enough time for James to have a quick swing.

As we were walking back to the car I noticed something unusual on the sand.  It must be some sort of sea sponge but it looks just like a brain!

With family to visit and still a long drive back to Auckland we called it a geocaching day.  When we arrived home we noticed Kiwifamily had snuck back in front!  With the Hamilton event Winter Catch up (Waikato) this Saturday, Kevs_Team is already planning a busy cache run to get back infront!

Until next time!

*** Cath ***

Queen’s birthday weekend and a few  of us decided to catch up to do a group cache run.  We chose Saturday morning and were  to meet at 9am out at Orakei.  Earlier that morning Kai sent out the twitter to cancel due to weather. After a few more tweets some of us decided to still meet up at 10am and chance it.  Kev and I met up with Kai (Kai_Gotti) and Paul (bluedahlia.co.nz) at GC27M2B Orient Express (Auckland).  A great parking spot nearby and a nice easy find.  After discussing where to go next we all piled up in our car to go on the hunt.

The next cache we went for was GC10EY9 The Johnny B Cash (Auckland).  We drove down to the nearby parking and walked around with our GPS’s.  It told us to go up the hill so Kai and I went up the muddy slippery slope.  I just made the first little hump and turned around while Kai kept going.  We then realised we had parked at the wrong end and it was on the other side – typical way we geocache, making it a lot harder than it needs to be!  Here I am at the wrong side!

Kev drove us to the right spot and stayed in the car while the rest of us went up the hill (Kev will like me to mention he is still suffering from his knee injury).  Up the hill and within seconds Paul found the cache.  The rain had started up again, just a little drizzle but it didn’t damper the great view of the basin.

We noticed there was another cache GCTY0F Orakei Basin Hideaway (Auckland) along the basin reserve so went off for the 200m+ one way walk, in the rain!  I can’t remember who found this cache, I think it was Paul again.  Lucky it didn’t take long as the rain wasn’t easing – a consistent light drizzle.

We went back to Kev, a little wet, but ready to continue the caching.  We took a little drive to get to GC1Q59J Legend of Pau Tato meets bro Rangi-Tato (re-done).  This cache was a little tricky, we just didn’t know where to go as our GPS’s were going crazy.  After reading the logs and changing directions we figured out the likely spot and Kai got there quickly to claim the find.

Another short drive lend us to a walkway and deserted area next to the train tracks for GC24Y7F Nuts! (Auckland).  Kev stayed behind as we went walking along the muddy grassy walkway.  It was very slippery so we all walked carefully searching for this cache.  After a few good minutes I finally found a cache!  A cool disguise and suits it name perfectly.

The next cache was GC28Z7T The Purewa funeral (Auckland).  Once again we had trouble locating this cache due to coordinates being a bit out.  We searched where we thought it should be but had no luck.  We were about to give up when Paul had it in his hand.  He had to expand the search area and lucky he did, another smiling face for us!

A short walk down the road lend us to GC2MX5F The Last Ride (Auckland).  This is a lovely little area fill with massive big trees with excellent nooks and crannies to hide the cache, but none of us could find it!  We looked in the obvious, the non-obvious, expanded the search area, all with no luck.  It was a shame to post our first DNF for the day and especially as it was Paul’s last for the day.  Have to try for this one another time.

After dropping Paul back to the car, Kai and us decided to do just a couple more before going out for lunch.  The rain wasn’t stopping now so we wanted easy drive-bys.  We went for GC2GF15 Laminated Bridge (Auckland).  Unfortunately it wasn’t a quick find so Kai and I were getting wet while Kev was nice and warm in the car.  Fortunately Kai found it so we could return to the car. 

We decided to call it a day as the rain was so persistent but we just couldn’t resist a nearby cache a very short drive away GCX577 A Bit Ducky (Auckland) .  Yet again, not a quick easy find, Kai and I were walking around in circles trying to locate it.  This time I found it and since it was a large container, decided to drop off the travel bug Rolly.  On a nice day, this would be a beautiful spot with the water and ducks swimming by.  On a rainy day you really don’t want to stick around!

With Kai and I wet and cold (Kev warm and toasty) we decided to go get coffee and something to eat.  A great day caching with friends!  Next weekend we are off up north to attend GC2T8QJ Far (Winterless) North ‘Cache Up’ – can’t wait!

*** 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 ***