Another Ubiquitous Hide - 03 Cache On A Stick Traditional Cache

This is one of a series of cache hides showcasing some of the more common urban hides.  They are all meant to be easy to find, even for the beginner, and will tell you exactly how the cache has been hidden.  All you have to do is spot it.

Experienced cachers can stop reading now.

While not quite as urban or common as the first two caches in the series, there are many forms of the "Cache On A Stick" hide. Some, like this hide, use an actual stick. Others use a stiff piece of wire - like coat hanger wire.

Whatever form the "stick" takes, though, the basis of the hide is that the cacher is looking for the one end that is visible. It may be sticking out of a rock crevice, a log or even a metal pipe. Removing the stick reveals the container attached to the other end.

Most commonly, the container is a micro such as a bison tube - like this cache - or a mint tin.

There are not really any hints specific to this type of hide, but possible ones include "Made Of Local And Imported Parts" (ie a stick from the area and a manufactured container) and "Sticky".

This cache is the hardest of the series to spot so far - even with the specific hints I've given it a 2 Difficulty rating. The area in which the cache is placed contains a lot of vegetation and rocks, so there are a large number of places the cache could be. Also, GPS reception under the trees may not be the best - published coordinates may be off. Feel free to suggest yours in your log.

The cache is within one metre of The Ponds Walk, in a rock crevice on the northern side. You know you are in the right place if you are standing at the top of crude wooden steps leading down to the creek.

The provided hint, if you are still having trouble (or are desperate for the First2Find) tells you exactly where the cache has been placed. So now you know what you're looking for, and where it is, go get it!

You'll be very unlucky to have muggle problems here, but there is a school at the top of the slope (which you don't need to climb).

As it's a micro you will need to bring your own pen / pencil - if you don't sign the log you can't claim the find (no "I forgot" or "my geodog ate it" excuses accepted). And remember to replace it the same way you found it, so the cache is still there for the next cacher. Make sure the stick is pushed almost all the way in, but don't force it.

When replacing the log, remember to insert it into the cap of the bison tube, not the base. This makes it easy for the next finder to remove it.

If it appears the tape is starting to unravel, please mention it in your log so I can do a cache check.

For more information on The Ponds walk, see The Ponds Walk pdf.

Congratulations to

Martin cousins

on the First2Find!