Jack climbed a beanstalk that reached up to the sky to retrieve the goose that would ensure his future. Today you don’t have a beanstalk to climb but a trail to follow that reminds us of that which is more precious than geese that lay golden eggs because our golden goose is the “air, soil, water, energy and biodiversity” (David Suzuki) and of course, one another.
This patch of bush along Gardiners Creek is a remnant of Ashburton Forest which the Friends of Ashburton Forest are seeking to restore. Today there are only a few large old River Red Gums that have survived past clearing.
Did you know that the Aboriginal name for Gardiners Creek is Kooyong-Koot? It translates to ‘where the spears are’.
This bush trail is filled with all kinds of birdlife – I wonder which you’ll encounter today. We saw what we thought were Australian King-Parrots just recently. A rather large flock of sulphur crested cockatoos hang out here rather frequently – especially on the golf course across the creek.
This cache is relatively easy to find. You won’t need to bring a spear, but you’ll need to bring your own writing stick. No need to climb down to the creek even if your GPS might tempt you to.
And after this cache, if you are feeling energetic, you might like to walk this bush trail all the way towards Warrigal Road.
There’s parking in front of the Markham Reserve Playground which has a toilet and water fountains. This is one of my favourite playgrounds for kids. A large open field is nearby that you can kick a ball, fly a kite or walk your geodog.
As per many of my other caches, here’s a poem you can read along.
Jack climbed a beanstalk high
by Cherryslice88
Jack climbed a beanstalk high
Reaching way up to the sky
His future he sought to ensure
Climbing he was not demure.
Where our heart is
there our treasure be
Walk now do not flee
Look around you up and down
Beside behind and to the ground.
Rustling trees, gentle brook
Stony path have a look
Ducks waddle swim and wade
Feed on grubs in the shade.
Parrots, Cockatoos, Galahs sweet
Blue wrens, pigeons we might meet
Willy Wagtails, skip along
Wag their tails sing a song.
Breath of life, fresh air still
Preserve conserve or pay the bill
Treasure cherish what you have
Thankful, lest once lost you will crave
Jack a beanstalk climbed treasure seek
Let’s be strong and not weak
Steadfast true share we must
Treasure here earn its trust.