Yo ho ho! Avast ye mateys!
A recent missive carried to me by my trusty one-legged parrot informs me that my rival Mary Hyde has lost her treasure. Her ship, The Golden Cache, and its crew, were known to some as the fiercest bunch of bearded buccaneers and sea legged sailors who ever sailed. Clearly though they never met the Garbageman and his family out on their kayaks in Lake Macquarie – but you can!
According to my source, a series of four challenges await those who seek fame and fortune and a set of souvenirs (six of them in all).
With that in mind, we’re looking to band together a crew of the most wretched geocaching misfits who ever sailed the seven seas, or did something on a poop deck! So you are invited to join us on the lake for the start of a swashbuckling geocaching adventure.
Your first test will be getting there. After all, if you can’t prove your mettle as a pirate, how could you ever by worth your salt on the quest for treasure? Having your own craft will be a must (well, at least strongly recommended - it is technically possible to wade the 1km walk at low tide or swim). Either way there’s no means of attending unless you can evidence your pirate skills and bravery.
Likewise, ye are strongly encouraged to dress in your most piratey attire.
So where do we rendezvous? I’m feeling generous, so I will tell you it’s located at: S33 03.773 E151 38.025.
The event will be held as the sun reaches it's highest point. Be there at noon, for a half hour or so of piratey shenanigans. That way you'll still have enough time to explore the area, both before and after the event.
There is no wet weather plan. The lake is wet. There is a chance you will be too. The event goes ahead regardless.
We understand it can be hard to bring snacks to such a remote location, but please pack something light that you can share if you can. I hear the water in the region is somewhat brackish, so make sure you bring your own liquid refreshment.
Perhaps if you have not completed or attempted Colleda’s Sand Island series, it might also be a good time for you to try. We recommend wearing reef shoes though, just in case you encounter a razor clam or blue ringed octopus (we have in this area).
We recommend launching your non-powered vessel at S33 04.274 S151 38.004 – it is less impacted by the tidal flows when you approach from this side, and even at low tide, a vessel with low draft can get make its own way without dragging your keel. Life jackets are recommended, just in case the wind comes in and it gets a bit choppy – especially to keep the miniature pirates safe.
If you have a powered craft, there are a range of launch points at Coon Island and Pelican. Choose your own adventure. You will not be able to launch from the coordinates listed above. Your best bet though is S33 04.479 E151 38.268
Please also be careful of non-pirate muggles on stink-boats and jet-skis please as it can be a busy area, and sometimes people forget to watch out for those in slower craft. <Additional text removed due to foul language>
Want to spend more time getting to know other scurvy dogs? Check out HAVOC on Facebook - the Hunter Area Victims of Caching – the most nefarious bunch of scallywags, powder monkeys and sons of biscuit eaters that there ever was!