SCS #3: Fossilised Birds Multi-Cache
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Surfcoast Secrets is a series of caches designed to share some of the places that make the Surfcoast special. These include iconic and lesser known views, local history and landmarks. #3, which was Juc_cacher's first hide, takes you on a short walk along the scenic clifftops of Jan Juc and hopefully teaches you some basic geology along the way. The supplied coordinates take you to the start of a short side path where your lesson and adventure begin.
The surrounding area and paths are very popular with walkers, joggers, bike riders, surfers and scenery watchers, so I have given this a higher difficulty rating due to the number of muggles. As you start down the path, you'll encounter a sign containing your first clue. (a) = the number of letters in the common name of the dominant tree species in this area. At the end of the path is a small deck with magnificent views and a series of numbered interpretive signs.
- Make your way to sign number 1, which is furthest out. (bc) = the number (in millions) of years ago that the landscape was created on the seabed
- At sign 2, as a check you will see the same number, indicating when the rocks were deposited.
You also need to find (de), which is the estimated age (in Ma - which is mega-anum, or millions of years) of the boundary between the Puebla Clay and the Jan Juc Marl (the sign says de.9, but the .9 is hard to read, so we just need the first 2 numbers)
- At sign 3, (fg) to (hi) = the time span (in millions of years) during which the sea levels were high.
- At sign 4, admire the shells and think about fossils, there are no clues here ;-)
- At sign 5, (j) = the date in November of the rock-fall described in the newspaper article reproduced there.
- The coordinates of the gz are: S: 38.20.(a+3)(de+fg+hi+4) E: 144.18.(bc x j - 13)
GZ is a little walk away, although you can see it from here. There is a moderate hill and it's an unsealed, but well maintained track. Maniac bike riders are a possibility, but visibility is good along most of the path. If you do drive, to GZ beware of the speed humps in the carpark ! The cache is a large sized bison tube. You will not need to climb any fences or railings to get to this cache, but be aware that muggles can appear from almost any direction. Please be careful when placing the cache back in its spot, as it can easily fall and become obvious to passers by ! Please place it back where it came from, or the hint will not be much help. Once you've made your find and marked the log, take the time to enjoy the views past Torquay and Barwon Heads. On a clear day, you can see the Pt Lonsdale light house near Port Phillip Heads and watch the shipping movements. In summer, the Jan Juc beach can be very busy and if you're lucky, the surf club members will be training, running Nippers sessions, or there may even be a carnival going on ! Kids can often be seen taking part in one of the local rites of passage on the rock formation giving part of this cache's name. In winter, whales are regular visitors to these waters and even if they're not around, the local surfers out enjoying the waves will often provide some entertainment. Facilities and refreshments can also be found a short walk away. While you're here, consider the Earthcache "Rocks and Time" by hi_pressure (GC2CY8G)
The caches in this series:
- SCS #1: The Next Steps GCKMN1
- SCS #2: Point Addis GC2KMNG
- This cache SCS #3: Fossilised Birds GC25X4X
- SCS #4: Mission..not impossible GC25YTY
- SCS #5: C'arn the roos ! GC297GW
- SCS #6: Treecreeper Trig GC3BDEJ
- SCS #7: Hells Bells GC3BDF6
- SCS #8: Southside Rocks ! GC3HBRJ
- SCS #9: Pop on down and enjoy the view ! GC3NJMH
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ybj naq oruvaq...lbh jvyy abgvpr gung gur abgvprf ner npghnyyl abg jbegu abgvpvat
Treasures
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