Cache #204
"Ode to the Mighty Murray" is a sculpture created by Tobias Bennett and installed in 2021. The following information is on the Albury City Council website on the sculpture.
The Murray Cod is a fish of great significance, it is the largest exclusively freshwater fish in Australia residing in the largest river system in the land. For millions of years Murray Cod have dominated the waters of the Murray Darling basin, Fossils have been found from about 26 Million years ago and many indigenous creation stories describe a giant Murray Cod who originally carved the Murray River in a time before time.
Since European settlement, wild populations of Murray Cod have declined massively to the point of them being listed as endangered, largely due to commercial exploitation and human intervention with the river.
In the story of human interaction with this fish and the rivers there are many lessons to be learned about our relationship with the environment that supports us.
At Waypoint 1 you will just need to find a tag that has the final coordinates - it's as simple as that. However, common sense may be needed depending on the water level.
- If, like when I placed the tag, the water level is very low, then you should be fine to find the tag.
- If, like in the photos you can see the rocks, you will likely only get wet feet while searching.
- If the water is flowing through the mouth, it might be difficult to get the tag (and maybe come back another time).
- If you can't see the Cod - don't even try.
- If the road is closed and you can't get within 100 metres of WP1 - the cache will be disabled.
Once you find the tag you will just need to get to GZ. You could walk from WP1 (it would be a pleasant walk on the river bank) but there are closer access points if short of time. Once there, the cache is located above flood level so a little elevation is required. In summer, snakes may be present and at all locations there may be plenty of walkers so please use stealth. Please return the tag as found (tucked in where it can't be seen)
Please take caution with this cache - it is there to challenge but you can always come back another time if the water is too deep. The bank at WP1 is steep (and can be slipery with leaves) and the water may be deep.
Big thanks to Lex from skullracing for assistance with this one - infrastructure, installation and the final hide were all helped here!
Enjoy!
There is a spoiler in the photos that may help.