This is a traditional cache with the traditional logbook and writing equipment and can be used as a drive by cache but has an optional activity that can be recorded in the logbook and your subsequent log if you wish to partake in it.
The optional activity is Hippo and Waffle's first underwater cache to get you into the water and experience the marine life in this corner of the world.
So, if you're going to do the optional bit you'll need a snorkel, etc and will need to get wet (but your GPS won't) and you'll be the guinea pigs to see if the underwater cache works. This is a good fun activity for families on a hot summer day.
TRADITIONAL CACHE
The traditional cache is located above the Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary and in (in Hippo's opinion anyway) is located near the best part for snorkelling within the sanctuary.
The best places to park are in Dalgety or Rennison Street as the physical cache is close to here.
The traditional cache can be located with a GPS and signed off in the normal manner.
The traditional cache also has instructions on how to find the second optional underwater cache.
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Details on the Ricketts Point Sanctuary can be located here
OPTIONAL UNDERWATER CACHE
The instructions to find the underwater cache are fairly straightforward and use onshore features to guide you to the underwater cache. I have swum into the cache area from a number of different directions and have readily located the cache using the onshore guides.
I have put a copy of the instructions in the traditional cache and a copy under the bottom step of the access stairs opposite Rennison Street so you can take this into the water with you. Please firmly replace when finished so it doesn't get dislodged for those following.
The underwater cache is in a small Sistema container with a big chunk of lead inside and is covered / marked with rocks. It is located in about a metre of water at high tide so it is readily accessible though recovery may take a bit of duck diving to retrieve the cache and replace the covering rocks.
If you wish to prove in your log entry that you have located the optional underwater cache, you will be given a 13 digit code from the sheet in the underwater cache to be included in your Geocaching log on the web if you wish to record it.
You don't have to remember the code - just how it is constructed which is via three easy steps noted on the heavily laminated paper in the cache. NB You do not have to complete the underwater activity to log your visit.
Best conditions for snorkelling at this site are when the winds are light and from the eastern to northern quadrant of the compass so check the forecast. Typically these are the hotter days which are best for snorkelling in any case. Other times may be OK but visibility could be affected. Probably best on a middish to high tide as low tide can restrict access over the rock shelves a bit for snorkelling.
PLEASE ENSURE YOU LEAVE IT IN EXACTLY THE SAME LOCATION AS IT IS RETRIEVED FROM SO THAT FOLLOWING GEOCACHERS CAN LOCATE IT FROM THE INSTRUCTIONS.
Once you have found the found the underwater cache and noted the code for your log, head further out until you reach "The Wall" where the rock shelf drops into about 4 metres of water. Follow this south and make detours into each of the "canyons" off to the east back towards shore and then head back out and along further.
A few things to note:
- Sea urchins are present so wear flippers or be careful where you put your feet - these are typically in the deeper water.
- Stingrays are present as they are all around the bay - don't poke them and they won't poke you. Do not swim over sting rays.
- Take the usual care when picking up things to avoid nasties - pick up objects on the parts that you can see to prevent this
- Keep an eye on Geokids - it's a relatively safe environment but has all of the usual risks associated with water. The reef is a good place for kids as they can swim along the walls and canyons in the deeper water but quickly retreat to the shallow water of the rock shelf if required for a break.
- If you hear strange noises, that could either be the Banjo sharks or Waffle talking under water as he has been known to do...
A few tips:
- Look, look and look. There are a lot of animals that are well camouflaged. There are some big flathead for instance that you can hardly see when they are near a weedy area. Look for movement - it often gives away these camouflaged animals.
- Look ahead as well as down - you will often see big schools of fish swimming past - Explore each of the canyons - they're all a little bit different
- Touch when safe but don't take - this is a marine sanctuary.
What will you see? Well I'm amazed every time I go there with something new or rare:
- Sting rays (if you're lucky you may see one of the giants which are over a metre across - great to watch when they are in full flight)
- Flathead
- Snapper
- Whiting
- Banjo sharks
- Leather jackets
- Zebra fish
- Star fish (including the notorious Pacific sea star)
- Giant abalone
- Sea urchins
- Lots of sponges including large ones
- Hippo (he's the one on the air bed floating around relaxing)
- Waffle (he's the one talking underwater)
- and heaps of other stuff
Come and enjoy on a hot day and provide any feedback in your logs... Hope you have fun...