Helmet Rock Traditional Cache
Hidden : 3/7/2016
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

An unusual natural lookout - the top of a massive helmet-shaped rock, with good views towards Albany

This cache is one of several new caches released in March 2016 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of geocaching in WA. Or did geocaching exist 30 years ago already? Read on to find out more about the special history of this cache, which dates all the way back to 1985!



This cache will take you to the top of a famous landmark, Helmet Rock, which is clearly visible when you drive along Frenchman Bay Rd. If you look carefully, it looks just like a military pith helmet (also known as a sun helmet)! Helmet Rock is indeed its official name, and it is sometimes designated as such on official maps. See also the description below, which appeared in the Sunday Times of 14 March 1937, as part of an article entitled "Freak Rock Formations - Features of Albany District".



I suspect there are some interesting stories attached to this landmark, for example I was told that some practical jokers once affixed a toilet to the top of it as a prank! Perhaps that's just an urban legend (if so, it's a good one!), but if you have any interesting stories to tell about this rock, please do share them! Like most others, you've probably driven by here many times, but never been to the top of the rock itself. This cache will help you join the select few who have made it to the top of this natural lookout.

To get here, turn off Frenchman Bay Rd onto the road to The Gap, then look for the fire management track almost immediately on your right, where you can park. You can get close to GZ by simply walking up the sandy fire management track; it's a short uphill walk from your vehicle, which shouldn't take you much more than 5 minutes. You'll only need to bush-bash the last stretch towards Helmet Rock itself, but you'll be well rewarded with some nice views back towards Albany from the top of the rock.

But this cache has a fascinating historical twist that makes it particularly appropriate for the 15th anniversary of geocaching in WA, because even though this is a brand new cache, it actually has a history going back more than 30 years! I thought I'd found the ideal spot to hide the cache container, and to my great surprise I discovered in that exact location a small container with an old and yellowed log sheet! I first thought it was an old geocache, but closer examination showed that this wasn't the case.



I was even more stunned to discover that the log had a small list of names and dates going all the way back to 3 August 1985! The names are mainly from the Marshall family, who have apparently come here a handful of times over the last 30 years. To preserve this history, I've placed the small container inside my cache, to help protect it and ensure its ongoing longevity. By all means take a look at it and check out the names and dates, but please respect this piece of family history by signing my official log, rather than adding to theirs.



The cache you're looking for is a clear plastic 400ml sistema container. Please ensure it is returned carefully to its hiding spot behind/under a small rock. We have deliberately made it easy to find (see the hint, and the image gallery for a spoiler showing the exact hiding spot), because this cache is all about the location.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Nhffvr, Nhffvr!

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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