If there is one thing that this year has shown me it's that it is great to be outdoors exploring the countryside we have on our doorstep.
This occasional series of 'The Great Outdoors' caches intends to highlight some of the the places I have wandered and enjoyed where I thought a cache placement might be nice. They are unlikely to be park and grabs and may require a long day walk or an overnight stop, so plan accordingly!
After around four hours walk from Lake Chalice hut, this track junction came as a welcome sign that I was getting closer to my over-night destination: Mid Goulter hut; still around one hour's walk away. It seemed as good a place for a rest stop as any and as I dropped my pack my walking companion, Mellow, took herself off for a rest too.
As I sat I checked my GPS to see where the Old Man Hut was. Five kilometres away and 640 metres up, close to Mount Rintoul and the Te Awaroa track. I'm not sorry I'm not heading that way today.
Instead I thought I'd drop another cache in the area, this time a few metres off the track. It's uphill from the track but you can see the sign from the GZ.
Need a hint? Well you'll need to find the log to sign the log.
Make it a safe trip
DoC list five essential steps for staying safe in the outdoors so you can have a great trip.
- Choose the right trip for you Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
- Understand the weatherIt can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help Telling a trusted person your trip details and taking a distress beacon can save your life.
- Take care of yourself and each other Eat, drink and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together.