Bex's Geography 108 EarthCache
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Sprung into existence due to our daughter who is in her first year at Canterbury University studying BSc with majors in Geography & Psychology. Watch out for Bex's Psychology 106 - now that could be scary!
Well we never got around to list Bex's Psychology, however, Bex has not only graduated from UC, but also from NZGSE as a teacher, now teaching Social Science & English.
The Oparara Basin
"Rich unspoiled rainforest stretching across a broad valley floor, three magnificent arches sculpted by the Oparara River, bush-fringed streams stained from the humic acids washing down through the soil, and an underground treasure hidden away in a highly complex cave system."
This is an area of immense national and international significance.
Taking just a 45 minute drive from Karamea to get there!
Access: From Karamea take the main road north towards the Kohaihai. Turn right at the Oparara Arches sign at McCallums Mill Road (approx 10 kms). Access into the Basin is via a gravel road, at times narrow and winding. The journey will take about 45 minutes.
Take care. The road is not recommended for large motor homes or buses. Or cars with a broken cooling fan!
The coordinates given with this cache take you to the car park at the start of the walk into the Arches. Enjoy the well marked track from here. Reception was sketchy, hence the use of the car park.
To claim this cache you will need to take the Oparara Arch Track (45 minutes return for an easy walk) and complete four tasks. Watch the river for a possible glimpse of the excruciatingly rare blue duck. Then:
1. Take a picture of your GPS or yourself (or willing friend) between the Warning and Arch statistics signs similar to the one attached. Email & Log
2. Email us the Statistics Email only
a. Length
b. Width
c. Height
3. Fill in the gaps of the information phrase below and email
"Limestone is _____; soluble and porous. Acidic ground water containing carbon dioxide from both the ___ and ______ floor leaf litter, __________ through cracks and fissures, dissolves and shapes the limestone. Below ground cave ___________ form. Above ground the weather _______ sharp edges to round curves. And here at the ________ _____ water has cut right down through the limestone to expose the _______ base beneath." Email only
4. Share some in interesting facts (geographical, animal or bird life etc) with fellow cachers. Log only
There are a number of other walks and some caves you can visit without guides. The honeycomb caves, however, require a guide and reservations are necessary.
We spotted a pair of rare native blue ducks and protected spiders in the 'Crazy paving Cave'. Very Cool! Wekas are in their usual abundance and curiosity.
Above all have some fun, get out in the open air and enjoy our natural treasures.
Cache In Trash out
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Vasbezngvba vf ninvynoyr ba ahzrebhf cyndhrf va gur nern
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
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