Another instalation in the fear factor stand alone series this one attacks not one but two fears at once: Necrophobia and Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia.
About the location... Located on the Slaughter Track walking trail...
This walk commences at Deptford Picnic Area, 34 km north of Bairnsdale, and traverses the slopes above the Nicholson River. The track passes through the forest over usually dry creek beds and provides views down to the Nicholson River.
The track crosses Store Creek shortly before reaching Stanton’s Place Picnic Area. Retrace your steps to return back to Deptford Picnic Area. The Deptford Picnic Area is located in the area that once was a small gold mining village situated on the Nicholson River.
The name Slaughter Track originated from its use as an access track for drovers moving cattle up the river from the open country at Waterholes. At each settlement a beast was slaughtered to provide meat for that community. The track was also used as a goods route taking vegetables grown at The Farm (down stream) up to the settlements, and the local children at Deptford used the track to walk to school at The Farm when the Deptford School fell into disrepair.
There are opportunities at the Deptford Picnic Area for both day visitors and campers, with good access to the Nicholson River, plenty of spots for a picnic and a pleasant walk that meanders through the surrounding bush incorporating some of the local history along the way. This walk includes the site of the township cemetery, ‘Baker’s Oven’ and Houghton’s Diversion Tunnel.
There is four-wheel drive access to the Deptford Picnic Area via the Deptford Road. The Deptford Road turns off to the left of the Great Alpine Road, approximately 7.7km from the Bairnsdale Post Office on the way to Bruthen. Follow the Deptford Road for 11.7km (passing through the Clifton Creek locality) to the State forest boundary. Continue into the State forest along the winding gravel road for another 14.3km. The main camping area is located on the other side of the Nicholson River and access by vehicles involves a potentially deep river crossing.
The Nicholson River was one of the early sites for gold mining in Gippsland, with the first gold discovery registered in 1852. In 1854, the river was proven auriferous and by 1856, the Nicholson River Goldfields were well known.
The Deptford Township was officially gazetted and named in 1866 and consisted of a hotel, post office, general store, school, blacksmith’s shop, chemist and bakery. In its’ heyday, Deptford had a population close to 300 people. However, there were only ever three timber houses and all other buildings, apart from the hotel and store, were simple bush structures of spars and bark. Residents remained in the district through to the early 1900’s with the school closing in 1928
Deptford road is 2WD accessible in dry weather only.
About the cache.... Not knowing is half the fun.
Fear not - or should you?
Most people have both rational and irrational fears - fear of death, close spaces, spiders, snakes, mice. The list goes on and on. Geocaching sometimes forces one to confront those fears. This little series is no exception
What is lurking in that hole?
Dont let this one catch a hold of you...
Being the largest cache i have ever made i wanted this one to be slightly different so enjoy the hunt...
Congratulations to poiter.h on his FTF