Pump it up! Traditional Cache
johnny_mud: Archiving this one as I will be moving to the North of Australia once again soon.
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Another Yarra Trail cache in a relatively cache-free area.
Background:
The Yarra River Trail is a shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians, which follows the Yarra River through the north eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The trail follows the river from near its mouth, through the city and suburbs to Westerfolds Park and Eltham.
Recently while walking along the banks of the Yarra we discovered an old diesel water pump which probably once supplied water to what is now Odyssey House. The side of the pump is emblazoned with the words “Imperial Super Diesel”. After some research it was discovered that the pump was manufactured by A.H. McDonald & Co in Melbourne.
Alfred Henry McDonald commenced business in Flinders Street, Melbourne, in 1903. Assisted by his brother Ernest, his company designed and manufactured petrol engines specifically for driving electric generators. In 1903 this was indeed advanced technology! Twelve months later A.H. McDonald & Co. moved to larger premises in Hawthorn where plans were drawn up for the production of a petrol powered agricultural “self propelled machine”. In 1910 the company relocated yet again, this time to a brand new factory and foundry facility at Richmond.
McDonald unveiled the first of a long line of farm tractors in 1908. Known as the AE, it was powered by a 20 hp two cylinder petrol engine of his own design and its introduction marked the birth of the Australian tractor industry. The company later produced all manner of petrol and diesel powered machinery.
The Cache:
This is the second cache placed by the johnny_mud crew.
The posted coordinates should have you in a nice spot situated right next to the Yarra River. The cache position is visible from the Main Yarra Trail which will lead you to the site from either an up or downstream direction.
The cache is a 1 litre plastic container suitably camouflaged to match the surroundings. You will need to be careful when retrieving or replacing this cache as the area is quite open. Muggles on foot and bike may appear out of nowhere; however the nearest houses are quite some distance away so the cache is suitable for locating by night or during the week when the trail is not as busy.
The cache original contents include: a “Hooked on Fishing” stubby cooler, an ID card holder, a packet of magnetic months, a button ring, two “Magic Mountain” tokens, five AAFES POGS, a small stretchy snake, a Sydney Swans AFL football card (Nick Malceski), a St Kilda AFL football card (Luke Ball), a kangaroo key ring and a small koala. At the last minute we also threw in the MCG Car Park Key TB and the Lil’ Fishy Lure TB.
The cache is located approximately 5 metres from the pump at the base of a small tree.
Some other points:
If you are travelling by car to the site you can park along Bonds Rd in the vicinity of S37 45.186 E145 06.770 which will have you approximately 600 m from GZ. Alternatively you can park along Duncan St or Riverwood Ln close to the playground at S37 45.236 E145 06.967 and access GZ by using the pedestrian suspension bridge at S37 45.192 E145 07.050. This bridge offers fantastic views of the river and valley. Ducks often congregate at the bottom of the bridge waiting for a feed.
If you choose to explore the area on bike the cache site can be accessed from either direction by the Main Yarra Trail. The trail can be easily ridden, although in this part there are numerous steep hills.
Please make sure the cache is well camouflaged when you leave.
*** Note: There are several rabbit holes in the area - please watch your footing. Beware of snakes in the warmer months.***
We hope you enjoy the cache.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Svaq gur chzc. Gur pnpur vf ng gur onfr bs n fznyy gerr 5z FR sebz gur chzc.
Treasures
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