Fallen Warrior (West Coast) Traditional Geocache
Fallen Warrior (West Coast)
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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AKA Hollow Defeat
For some 1000 years this was where a Matai (Prumnopitys taxifolia)had continued to grow, over looking the pretty Lake Ianthe. It witnessed the arrival of Maori, Europeans, the car and, I'm sure, the possum. The road builders spared this tree, and instead, for many years this was a sign posted road side stop.
This tree was reputedly the largest Matai in NZ. While some grow taller, none could match its girth. Our research says it grew to 23m tall, which is nothing too special, but its 235cm diameter put it in a class of its own.
While it had stood on this spot for centuries, things don't last forever. While on the outside the tree was an impressive sight, within it was being eaten alive! On the night of November 13, 2002 strong winds finally dealt to the mighty warrior. The tree was cracked, and because of fears of it falling over the road, the decision was made to cut down the tree.
The remains of the tree are still onsite, giving life to the next generation of the forest.
There are laybys on both sides of the road, making for an easy highway stop. From here you will be 30m from the cache. Take the short path, marvel at the impressive stump, the fallen trunks, and the complete lack of heart wood, then find the cache.
The cache is a standard ammo can so plenty of room for swaps. Currently contains some swaps, logbook, stashnote and writing equipment.
You are about 300m from Lake Ianthe which is where you can have a picnic and find a toilet.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Onfr bs gnyy chatn