The cache is located somewhere along the riverbank of Howes Valley
Creek. This rather narrow and sandy waterway snakes it's way
between rural properties and a maze of steep ridges within Yengo NP
to eventually meet the Macdonald River. Most of the time the creek
is fairly dry, but lately it has been carrying quite a bit of water
so the beds are very soft and boggy. This is where the fun begins
because walking on the wet bed of this creek is the only way you
will be able to get to the cache. It's a tough slog and you're
going to have very soggy feet and tired legs by the end of the day.
Choose appropriate footwear and please resist the temptation to
walk barefoot.
The area is teeming with wildlife and even if you don't see any
of the actual critters you will be amazed at the evidence of their
visits to the water and the wide variety of foot/paw prints. See if
you can pick which animals they belong to.(see photo below)
There are no side tracks and no shortcuts, at least not without
trespassing on private property. I have tipped off the local
farmers and they will shoot any cheating Geocachers on sight. :-)
Kidding of course.
The stash is placed a long way down stream from the closest
access point, which is a ford located on a fire trail. Enter the
trail about 4.5 kms north of the Macdonald River bridge on the
eastern side of Putty road. You can negotiate the short section
required "very carefully" with a 2 wheel drive but don't try to
cross the creek at the ford and please shut any gates you open.
As far as retrieving the cache goes, be careful as it will be
much harder with your "River Legs"
Some safety issues: Don't go alone in summer. Watch weather
reports and don't go if heavy rain/storms are about. Take a supply
of bottled drinking water as the creek water has some rural
pollution. There is no mobile phone coverage anywhere in the area.
Navigation is quite easy but take a compass and copy of the CMA map
"Howe's Valley" for reference.
I estimate it's going to take you around 5 hours, car to car, to
complete this hunt so get an early start, have fun and Good Luck!
As an added incentive (22/4/2010) I have added this following link
for more up to date info about this fabulous walk. http://ozultimate.com/bushwalking/walk.php?nid=793
If you need additional clues, drop a clue request on the wall of
our new "Cache Hounds" Facebook Page at
Cache
Hounds Facebook Clues and we'll try to help.