Zambesiboy Returns #1: What a View!
The cache, a large (~500mL) screw-topped, camo-taped plastic pot, is hidden in the rocks at this stunning viewpoint overlooking Hout bay.
This was the location of Eggsandbacon and Mussolini’s cache GC1HP48 Green eggs and ham which was hidden 30/10/08 and archived 21/4/14 after some 28 finds. The completely melted remains of this were discovered in the hidey hole – probably destroyed in the huge March 2015 Silvermine fire. Since it is such a fine and suitable location, this cache was placed at the same spot.
This small series of three caches – all along the same trail - was placed (in reverse sequence on our way back) during a joint maintenance mission to our caches on this route. They celebrate one of Zambesiboy’s periodic return visits to family and friends in this country – this one in May 2017 - which is usually also marked by an event cache which he organises and is always well attended and much appreciated.
During his stay in South Africa, he was an enthusiastic and active geocacher (now continuing in New Hampshire, USA) and many of us had the pleasure of his company on various memorable hikes and caching missions – a 17-hour day trip to Cap Agulhas comes to mind!
As a major contribution to the game here, he also placed some 41 Traditional Caches and 4 Mystery Caches (most of which are actively maintained by friends and thus still available) and hosted 2 Event Caches, organised 1 CITO Cache, and has since hosted 2 further Event Caches on return visits (in 2015 and 2017). Amongst the most notable caches are the following:
https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC2A02A_old-steamy 9/6/10 309 finds
https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC2K5QZ_spotty-dog 9/12/10 282 finds
https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC22H0P_fishermans 1/1/10 194 finds (his 1st SA hide)
https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC2HVK1_the-houtbay-leopard 6/11/10 191 finds
https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC313DT_gordons-pull-together 29/7/11 146 finds
https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC2VN4Z_pepper-salt 5/5/11 129 finds`
https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC2NH0C_just-nuisances-grave 8/2/11 112 finds
https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC396CV_blank-page (now archived) 14/12/11 27 finds (reached #14 on the list of 15 Toughest Nuts on GeoCheck)
The caches were also placed to encourage geocachers and their hiking muggle friends to experience this great route from East Fort to Vlakkenberg and down to Constantia Nek (8km/4 hrs + time for caches / photos / refreshments any detours to find other caches) which now has some 20+ caches along or just off the trail. This is usually done as an A->B route where you will need to leave some wheels at each end.
The trail is part of the Hoerikwaggo Hiking Trail which runs from Table Mountain to Cape Point. This was a 75km, 2-5 day, 1-4 nights trail but is no longer operational due to various issues including fire and security (see here).
To access the cache location:
- park at East Fort parking park at the East Fort parking area ideally @ S 34 3.361 E 18 21.915or (if full) across/down the road @ S 34 3.306 E 18 21.892
- head up the gravel track a short distance to S 34 3.338 E 18 21.928 the junction with a smaller trail heading upwards. Take this up to the T-junction with another wide gravel track @ S 34 3.321 E 18 21.984.
- follow this track upwards around a hair-pin bend and then onwards to the junction @ S 34 3.172 E 18 21.987 with a small trail heading up (also the location of Zambesiboy’s cache GC2NBVW Dolphin View)
- turn onto the small trail and follow this as it zig zags upwards, past the junction with the Upper Contour Trail @ S 34 03.092 E 018 22.078 and on up to the cache location.
- For the other caches, simply continue along the same trail . . .