Today was my day to go to Brisbane with Kev.  While he is working I normally spend my time at the massive and just as impressive Roma Park, and City Plaza and venture right into the CBD.  Kev told me there is a lovely park up and hill and why not investigate that area.  I walked up the hill and found another huge park, Victoria Park.  I must say, all over Brisbane and Gold Coast you will always find plenty of park areas and if it was back home in Auckland, there would be just as many caches per parks, but over here, it is not so condensed.  At the park was a multi GC35B42 Centenary Pool Spring Hill.  It seemed simple enough, just had to answer three questions about the historic pool and apparently the final location was nearby.  I  entered my answers into the geochecker, which was in German, but the big red wording hinted I had it wrong.  I kept trying until I was locked out and had to wait an hour before another attempt.  I was positive I was right so plugged in the numbers and just went for it.  I ended up in a deserted area with trees and dried dead leaves everywhere, a perfect location for snakes and spiders!  Lucky enough the cache was quick to find and I was quickly out of there!  I did take the travel bug Whistle Blower.

Thinking the next cache wasn’t too far away I went for  GC24DVA Brisbane Tunnels – Clem7.  The walk took so much longer as there was no direct route, but a fair climb up a hill, across, then back down again!  Thankfully the cache wasn’t too hard to find, and not that close to the pay-to-use motorway tunnels .

While having lunch with Kev I noticed a new cache GC36NYV Train Spotter had recently been published and a whole list of DNF’s had been logged.  I decided since I had an afternoon to waste, why not have a little search.  I approached the area and noted three people were huddled having a chit chat.  I assumed they were friends who had spotted each other while one of them was in the nearby parked cars.  I walked slowly past them while looking and sped up the walk when I noticed thousands of midges were flying nearby.  I walked down to the train track to see if it was at the bottom level, watched a few trains go by, and once the muggles had left, went back up the stairs.  Here is a picture of the trains from the bottom platform.

Unfortunately the midges were still present at the spot, so I had a quick search and left before a mouthful of midges flew into my face.  I just knew it had to be there, so I kept going back in short spurts until I found it!  The log had been signed and I realised my three muggles were in fact geocachers.  I was so close to a FTF but was happy just to get away from all the midges.  Here is the view from the top, at the cache location.  If you look closely enough, you might get to see all those midges!

I spent the rest of the afternoon looking for a cache in Roma Park which still eludes me, one day I’ll find it!

Until next time,

*** Cath ***

Today Kev and I took a drive out into the country and Hinterlands.  We decided just to grab a couple of caches along the way.  Our first cache was GC13KHD Qld First National Park.  Kev had a good chuckle here because as I was preparing by putting on my bum bag while holding onto my hiking stick, I accidentally raised my stick and hit a male quite near a painful spot!  I apologised and quickly walked on!  The cache was under a bushy tree where you had to lift the branches and crawl right under, and avoid all the spider webs!  Naturally Kev sends me in but thankfully I didn’t spot any creepy crawlies!  Definitely a place to return to do the walks one day, when we are fitter!

I swapped the travel bug Marine Dagen 2011 for the Jeep 4×4 #3063.

The next cache was another park, but there were tonnes of cars parked nearby so some sort of event must have been happening.  We entered the park to look for GC1VTBH Lion’s Secret.  With all the nearby trees the GPS was having trouble fixing the right location.  I expanded the search area and come up with the find.  I also took the travel bug "Daund, India" Unite for Diabetes Travel Bug. 

We figured out why there was so much traffic, a local farmers market was on.  We popped in and had lunch and viewed all the goodies.  On the way home we made one more stop for GC1HC10 Village Bend.  This was on a old dusty dirt road.  Once again the GPS was out, but looking around at possible spots, I came up with the find!  Not a busy caching day but a lovely day out on a country drive.

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 ***

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 ***

Last night a local cache was published GC2XBER Behind the Hall (Auckland).  As Kev and I were already settled in the night and didn’t fancy going out in the dark we left the FTF for someone else to get.  The next day when I was at work Kev went to get it.  A geocaching trail was evident and lead him to the cache.  He left the travel bug Lambville Racer and retrieved Rolly.  Kev said there is a great park next to this cache.

And this is Rolly.

Later that evening Kev and I went to the movies – Hangover 2 (great movie!).  As we were going home Kev said should we get GC2W0NJ Gone With The Wind. (Auckland).  This cache has been bugging Kev as we often drive pass it but never go get it.  As it was late we had no problem with parking or muggles in this highly visible area.  We were lucky as we needed quite a bit of time to walk up and down and look everywhere.  Lucky our tummies were fill coz the aroma of Nando’s, Pizza Hut and Burger Fuel was very enticing!  Yet again Kev found this cache – his skills have definitely improved hehe.  Here he is pointing to the food sign. 

A end to a great night and a warm up for our cache group run this weekend.

*** 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 ***

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 ***