At last we have been able to get back to the bush and place a cache that you really have to slog for.
The cache is called Tower 126, and is named after a lonely electricity tower that sits on top of one of the highest ridges in the area. To reach this tower, and in turn the stash, you will have to negotiate some very steep terrain. The track you MUST follow is an electricity/gas pipeline service road, but even though this is a well formed road you will still need to be quite fit to follow it.
Enough said about the trip only to say that you will sight Tower 126 for quite some time before reaching it.
Now to the safety issues.
We have spoken to the local ranger, and while reluctant to allow too much activity in the area she has agreed to allow passage along the fire trail only. You will pass an "Area Closed" sign at the beginning of the road. This will remind you that your entry is at your own risk. The N.P.W.S will not be held responsible for any injury incurred while this sign is present. DO NOT use any other way to the cache, this includes the gas pipe line clearings. Take plenty of water (You are going to need it). At the tower area please do not approach or search at the base of any large burnt out trees. The cache is NOT hidden in a tree stump. It is sitting on the ground below some new growth and is accessible without trampling down any new foliage.
What else? Oh Yes.....Do not attempt this cache if storms are threatening. The towers are designed to earth lightening strikes so stay away from them if you do get caught in a storm.
Have a break at Tower 128 on the way up if you can, the views are breathtaking. When you finally reach 126 there are even more wonderful views to experience.
The whole area is regenerating well after recent bushfires. Ironically it is the lack of foliage at present that makes the views so spectacular. Do this cache soon or you will miss it at it's best.
We estimate 3 hours at least (return) to complete the hunt.
Good Luck.
SOME INTERSTING FACTS ABOUT TOWER 126 and others like it.
It costs an average of 1 million dollars to install a tower on a ridge like 126.
A rule of thumb for telling how much voltage is being carried is to count the insulators. 1000v for each insulator.
The two smaller wires at the top of the towers are for attracting lightening away from the main conductors. They earth any strikes via the nearest towers.
Model aircraft have often been used to draw lead lines across valleys during installation.