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Stockyards & Stockmen Traditional Cache

Hidden : 1/12/2017
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Take a step back in time to when the old Meekatharra Stockyards would have comfortably held 300+ cattle in the grounds ahead of you. Facilities back then catered for sorting into various groups - the cattle would have to be culled and the sub-standard beasts were removed to be sold locally.


Being the end point on the railway line to Perth made Meekatharra a focus for droving routes that fanned out in all directions around the northern half of the compass. In the period between 1910 and the 1940's, countless cattle arrived here on foot after journeys lasting weeks or even months. During the 1940's and especially after the war, roadtrains began to take over, delivering smaller loads of cattle much more frequently. 

When the trains left Meekatharra, the Stockmen used to ride in the last coach ; a brake-van with 2 or 3 compartments in it. On top of the wagons, were built platforms to allow them to walk along and check the cattle whenever the train stopped to change staff, re-coal or to fill up with water. The Stockmen would lift any beasts that had fallen over and remove any that had died. 

The cache is a sandwich sized container with ample room for trackables and small trade items. A logbook and pen is also enclosed - don't forget to log your find and sign. 

You are now on the Eastern Loop Meeka Drive Trail with many more key historical points of interest along the way should you have time to stop & explore. 

Photographs of your find can be mailed through to cdo@meekashire.wa.gov.au

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Pybfr gb gur Fgbpxlneqf, ybbx sbe n cyngsbez...

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)