To log this cache you will need to visit the posted coordinates that are located at a lookout on the eastern side on top of the Castle structure and answer the related questions.
This is a Terrain 5 rated cache so please be sure to read the entire description below
With this earthcache lesson we will be looking at the differences between Conglomerate rock and Sedimentry sandstone.
So what is Conglomorate rock?
Conglomerate rock is a sedimentry stone that is formed where larger sediments usually greater then 2mm are formed by the process of Lithification,this is the process when these larger sediments are compacted under water pressure.Compaction and cementation lead to lithification of sedimentary rocks. Compaction is the squeezing of sediments by the weight of the rocks and sediments above them.Cementation is when cement from fluids bind sediments together.
Large stones found within Conglomerate proves that a strong water current was needed to move and shape these large particles,therefore the area of deposition must of been along a swiftly flowing stream.
So what is Sandstone?
Sandstone is another sedimentry rock that is composed of smaller sand sized grain materials,these small fragments fall to the ocean floor and are pushed together by the pressure of the water above,it also contains a cementing material that binds the sandgrains together and may contain a mixture of silt or clay sized particles that occupy the spaces between the sandgrains,any larger stones found within sandstone have more then likely to have fallen from melting ice glaciers from above trapping a different type of stone within the deloping sandstone.
Sedimentry sandstone is usually formed in horizontal layers,proving this process is developed under high pressure with very little water flow such as the ocean floor.
Getting to GZ
The hike to GZ is a hard rated walk,it is no easy feat and should be considered with extreme caution,the estimated return time to complete this walk is approximatley 10 hours,this can be done as a day hike with a reasonable amount of fitness but if you have any doubts it would be best to complete the journey staying overnight at any of the make shift camp sites along the trail.
The trail is well defined most of the way until you reach closer to the top,here you will need to negotiate your way through Meakins pass and also around large boulders.There are ropes in place for the sections where you will need to climb,these ropes often look of good quality but they should never be trusted, I suggest you bring your own rope and send the strongest climber up each level first to then drop a hand guide line down for the rest of your party.This cache will take you to an elevation above 800 metres so I strongly recommend for all safety reasons not to complete this cache alone.
Before you head out the trail to claim this earthcache you are going to need to bring few things along with you - A gps receiver with topo maps,a 1:25 000 scale NSW topographical map of the park,a compass,climbing rope(30m)at least 4 litres of water per person,enough food for an extra day and a great sense of adventure.EPIRB emergengy beacons are available for hire from the IGA supermarket,Princes Highway,Milton
Now that your prepared and ready to hit on the trail here are the questions you need to answer to log the cache,you will need to stop at the given reference point along the trail at S 35°18.109 E150°11.502 to answer the questions.
1 - At the given reference point at S 35°18.109 E150°11.502, What type of rock formation is found all around this area?
2 - At what elevation do you notice the change between Conglomerate rock and Sandstone,what do you think caused this change?
3 - What type of rock structure is found from the lookout at the posted coordinates?
4 - (optional)Take a photogragh of either yourself or your gps receiver from the posted coordinates with the views of Byangee Walls and Pigeon house Mtn in the distance.
Please send me your answer via Geocaching.com before logging your find,you do not need to wait for my reply to log this cache however any unsatisfactory logs will be deleted.
Enjoy your visit to the Castle
Well done J+Jau and Chalk for conquering The Castle with FTF honours