This rock cairn had an important role to play in the early days of coastal trade and transportation in Bremer Bay.
First built in the 1880s by the pioneering Wellstead family, the cairn was used to signal passing vessels that there was cargo to pick up from John's Cove.
The original cairn consisted of a long pole held upright by a large pile of rocks. A lantern hung on the pole by night and a white flag by day were used as signals. The first sea-faring vessel dedicated to coastal trade and communications between Albany and Eucla began operation in 1881. This was the Agnes, a 19 metre, 44 ton schooner skippered by Captain Frederick Douglas, a 'crack mariner' whose exploits over more than 30 years of sailing the south coast became the stuff of legends.
Travelling by sea dramatically reduced the time it took to reach Albany from Bremer Bay - about 8 hours of sailing time compared with 4 to 10 days by bullock dray.
For John and Ann Wellstead, sea transportation meant they could move more produce, including livestock, skins, wool, sandalwood, vegetables and dairy produce.
The Cache:
At the starting coordinates you will be standing next to a rock cairn. Have a read of its story.
You will need to answer a few questions to get your new coordinates.
The Agnes was Douglas's first vessel and they sailed together for AB years.
Agnes was wrecked in a storm on the night of the CDth April EFGH as it was moored in John's Cove.
She was wrecked because she:
1. Broke her anchorage, (J=3)
2. Caught on fire, (J=5)
3. Struck a reef. (J=7)
To find GZ - S34 23.(G-H)(D+C)(C+A) E119 24.D(H+B)J
The container has a log book, pencil and a couple of bits of SWAG.
A maintenance plan is in place and ~Tango~ has kindly offered to do this for us.
CONGRATULATIONS - FTF - adinache!