The Hide
The cache container lock and lock container. Please make sure all locks are snapped back into place, before rehiding. Additionally please make sure its well covered before leaving the area. This area has a lot of GPS bounce. It is on the southern wall. Use the Spoiler/Extra Hint photo for assistance if you need it. Current container 14/6/25 could be described as a small, small container. More plum than apple sized.
The Story
Ever notice how Coolangatta is surrounded by hills? In fact the foothills between Kirra and Coolangatta was a challenge to the builders of the South Coast rail line when it was built 1903 The line connected the Coolangatta/Tweed area with northwards to Nerang and onwards to Brisbane. To overcome this challenge, the railway engineers dug a cutting. The height of the excavation was 40 feet above the train line. 16, 980 cubic yards of dirt and rock was removed in its construction. The cutting, along with trestle bridges on either side provided a gentler gradient to cross the hill. Steam locomotives do not perform well on steep inclines.
When the line was closed in 1961; and the rails and bridges removed, the cutting itself eventually became a pedestrian shortcut between the suburbs. The original ‘pedestrian’ pathway was just rocky and rubbish filled track but over time the council has improved conditions by sealing the path, and installing lighting and seating. But if you listen carefully you can still hear the sound of the PB15 steam loco as it crosses into Coolangatta.
photo courtesy of the Gold Coast City Council Local Studies Library