Higgins Hidden Valley #3: Bluegum Forest Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Yurt: Archiving as I am not happy with the new location and I can't find anything in the area. As this is part of a series I need the clues that were in the cache (which I can't find) and the notes section on the cache page has disappeared so I'm not sure how I can get them without the help of a previous finder. I plan on replacing this cache but I will use the location of the nearby cache that is not part of the series once I can find the clues for the final and place them in the new cache. Sorry to all who have been waiting on this one. I just don't have the time for geocaching any more. I have adopted out most of my caches but still hold a few bush ones that shouldn't require this much work.

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Hidden : 8/13/2010
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

This cache takes you to another of the hidden gems of Hornsby. This is number 3 in a series of four caches. You can do the first three in any order but numerical order is recommended. Finding the first three caches will give you what you need to find the fourth cache. Have fun!

The Higgins family was one of the first to settle in the Hornsby area going back as far as 1820. They settled on land known as Old Man's Valley to the west of Hornsby station. It was a long and successful tenure going by the fact that they occupied the land for almost 150 years, only leaving in the late 1960s. Descendants of the original settler, Thomas Higgins, still live in the district.

The main land holding is where the infamous Hornsby Quarry now sits. Around this area there are several historic sites relating to the Higgins including a family cemetery, a stone coolroom and a "sandstone receptacle". This area is currently difficult to access.

The area where this series of caches is sited is a valley to the west and south of the original property. It contains beautiful tracts of bluegum forest and rainforest in stark contrast to the dry sclerophyll forest in the national park over in the next valley.

The Higgins family is commemorated in the naming of Higgins Place in Westleigh which overlooks this valley.

This cache is in what we think is the most beautiful forest in the Sydney area. Tall, smooth bluegums and soft green ferns make for a wonderful scene. It is especially beautiful on a foggy morning but is a great retreat on a hot day. You can approach from Westleigh but best to come in from the bottom of the valley.

The cache can be reached without bushbashing or damaging the ferns. It is not on the main track but there is a minor track that takes you straight there.

Here you'll get the final information you need for Higgins Hidden Valley #4: The Secret.

There is a small path that leaves the main path (with all the steps) at S33 42.623 E151 04.423 - easy to miss but it avoids unnecessary bushbashing. You can follow this path all the way to the general area of where you need to be next. A beautiful walk.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Pbzvat qbja gur fznyy genpx (oenapu evtug ng lryybj frjre pbire) ghea evtug ng gur raq bs gur qrnq oenapu sebz gur ybt. Bayl 3z sebz genpx.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)

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