The Cache:
This should be an easy find. It is one of a series of caches located within or near old railway sidings. The main purpose of bringing you here is to draw attention to this long forgotten and overgrown railway siding. It was part of the now defunct Busselton to Flinders Bay Railway that ceased operations nearly 60 years ago. Plans are afoot to establish a rail trail (for cyclists and walkers) on the alignment of the disused railway. You can already ride or walk parts of the rail trail north and south of Margaret River. One day the trail will extend all the way from Busselton to Flinders Bay (south of Augusta).
In the early days of the railway it was used to cart timber (karri and jarrah) from the timber mills to ports at Busselton Jetty and south of Augusta (at Flinders Bay). Later it served the group settlements that were established throughout the region. Dairying and other industries continued to develop throughout the area serviced by the train. Potatoes were a major industry too.
The cache is hidden in what was a part of the Metricup Siding infrastructure. I placed the cache here in the middle of winter and I think it would be a brave person who goes poking around in this area during summer, especially the location where I have hidden the cache. Be careful!
The cache is a pill bottle. You’ll need to bring your own pen or pencil to sign the log sheet. Replace as found please with a bit of camo so it remains not too obvious.
As always, when caching in the hotter months, beware of critters lurking in the bush and grass – especially in the long grass and old timber of the siding area.
See the following sites for updates on progress of the rail trail:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=356578181126424&story_fbid=789765737807664
http://www.trailtalk.com.au/forum/topics/busselton-to-flinders-bay-rail-trail
**Congratulations to pood on First to Find**