Smith's Monument Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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An historically interesting alpine walk along the Mt Wellington skyline!
This cache is located at a small memorial which marks the location of where Dr John Smith, a visiting ship’s surgeon, died in January 1858. He had fallen behind his four companions and became disoriented and lost.
There are two main approaches to this cache. Either way it will probably take 2 – 3 hours return. The first way is to start at the pinnacle, and head along the South Wellington track. Walk the first 100m or so of the ZigZag track before branching right cross country, following the metal stakes. Continue along the plateau, up and over the small ridge and then continue on, past “South Wellington” cache, and to the junction with the Ice House Track. This takes about 45 minutes. Branch right here, at the sign, on a foot track leading west to Smith’s Monument.
The other route is to park at the top car park at the Springs, set off on the Milles track and after 5 mins head up the Ice House Track. Pass “Ice House Ruins Lower” and then “Ice House Ruins Upper”. This track involves quite a climb, but the ruins have historical interest. Continue up to the plateau by taking the right hand fork at the Upper Ice House Ruins. Cairns indicate the route on the plateau and very soon you come to the junction that leads to Smith’s Monument.
This track is very indistinct but it is well marked with poles, cairns and yellow direction arrows. Just take your time to ensure that you spot the next one before you move on. The track from the plateau out and back to Smith’s Monument takes 45 minutes.
Take care with your preparation for this walk. Being on the top of Mt Wellington, there can be dramatic weather changes, so be prepared for all seasons and take warm protective layers. The track is obvious in good weather, but it is subject to sudden loss of visibility when cloud moves across, so take care – take some marks/waypoints with the GPS!
The memorial is protected by a bag/cover, but this can be taken off for viewing and then carefully replaced.
The cache is a very small sistema container with just enough room for small logbook, pen and stash note.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Whfg orsber vg. Gerr ba evtug. Haqre fybcvat ebpx.
Treasures
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