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Becky's Surprise Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Ngaambul: Unfortunately there was no response (or regular update) from the owner within the time requested and as per the original note this cache has been archived. If you wish to replace it please submit a new cache via this link.

Ngaambul - Matt

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Hidden : 7/17/2010
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

This cache is hidden along a relatively hidden section of the Hunts Creek Reserve. Watch out for Muggles as they cycle along the cycleway or mini Muggles playing.

For a quick find you can park in Northam Drive.

However, if you wish to enjoy the walk along the creek we suggest walking along the cycleway. Parking in Statham Avenue is restricted near the cycleway, so parking is best found in Becky Avenue, entrance from Bowral Street (Becky Avenue is blocked at Statham Avenue).

This cache can also be combined with two other nearby caches.

"Stunkel's Den" the track to this cache can be found by crossing Statham Avenue.

At the other end of the cycleway along the creek, Geocachers can turn right into Northam Drive, and left into Norfolk Place to be challenged by the multicache "Thrill of the Hunt".

"Becky's Surprise" cache is also easily accessible via public transport - Sydney Buses route 546 Parramatta Station to Epping Station via Oatlands and North Rocks.

Hidden among the suburban landscapes of North Rocks, behind houses and roads, is Hunts Creek Bushland – a patch of nature much as it was in ancient times.

The North Rocks District roads passed through dense bushland and were terrorized by the bushrangers Jack Donohue (famous from the Australian Ballad “The Wild Colonial Boy”), John MacNamara and William Underwood from 1826 to 1830. A favourite hideout for this gang of 15 were the caves at North Rocks. This gang was wiped out in 1830 in this area by the Police from Parramatta, although Jack Donohue was not present when the gang was defeated.

Also, during this time many gallons of “poteen” (alcoholic cider) were made in illicit stills located in the caves of North Rocks near the creeks. Incentives to turn in a distiller were generous. Rewards to free men of stock or cash or a full pardon to convicts helped to eventually eliminate most illicit stills.

By the 1850’s the North Rocks area had become mainly orchards (mostly citrus and later stone fruits) on large acreages. Many of the local streets in the area are named after varieties of peaches grown on the orchards, including “Becky”.

The words chorus of "The Wild Colonial Boy" fit in well with this landscape - and to those hooked on the hobby of Geocaching:

"So come away me hearties
We'll roam the mountains high
Together we will plunder
Together we will die
We'll scour along the valleys
And we'll gallop o'er the plains
And scorn to live in slavery
Bound down by iron chains"
(Australian Ballad)

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Gur pnpur vf ybpngrq ba n fvqr genpx tbvat hc gur uvyy pebffvat gur perrx gb n fznyy puvyqera'f cynltebhaq ybpngrq va Abegunz Qevir.

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)