B&W (U) Burke's Folly Geilston Bay, Tasmania, Australia
By SG-3 on 20-Aug-10. Waypoint GA2483

G'day SG-3, thanks for this fantastic geocaching adventure.
Interestingly, and quite by sheer coincidence I was thinking a few nights ago about where/when I was first aware of the word "cache". I concluded it was quite some decades ago, in primary school, history, learning of Burke and Wills expedition!
Ironically here I am today.
I'd planned a walk with my muggle mate in the general area, so I incorporated this, and a couple of other caches to our outing.
We departed on foot from the recommended parking and enjoyed the takara limuna/Sheoak Walk and Shag Bay area.
Then it was time to navigate to WP1, stumbling upon a possum down a hole, along the way.
Wow, very impressive WP1 - well done to you and your helpers. Fantastic effort.
Played with letters and numbers and soon had GZ. Unfortunately I didn't enter them correctly into the GPSr and so we spent quite some time searching in the wrong area - which seemed plausible - but found nothing anywhere to match the hint as provided.
Eventually after double checking all my work, I realised the error, and corrected the entered coordinates. Luckily we only needed to detour about 5 minutes, then my muggle mate spotted the likely hide, and was very impressed with the container he extracted.
All is well with the cache!
Thanks so much,
Cheers, EPs

Wow, what a fantastic cache! This one has been recommended to us on several occasions and today we made the visit. Waypoint one simply blew us away! That was just amazing! It's kind of a shame that hardly anyone experiences this cache these days but it certainly makes us feel privileged to be amongst the select few that do! TFTC!
Cheers,
The Hancock Clan

this has been on my to-do list for a very long time and today I walked up this way with the goose who had found it years ago

what an amazing cache this is, thank you to the co for hiding this so many years ago

Have had this cache on our to do list for a while and today Mr T made the journey to GZ. Went early to avoid the heat and made a quick find. Cache and contents in good condition.

Many thanks SG-3 for publishing this cache and adding to our geocaching experience.

Tassie Trekkers are now a locationless geocache we have published a 'Geocacher cache' - Travelling Trekkers GA10932 - so if you spot us in your area sign our log book and receive a code word to earn yourself a

Have you joined a clan? Enhance your geocaching experience by joining a clan and being a part of the Dragon Zone. Choose a team Gold - Griffin, Green - Phoenix, Blue - Cerberus or Orange - Minotaur. Earn trophies and rise through the ranks from Dragon Fodder to Ruler of the Universe.

Rated: for Overall Experience

Well, well, well, what an amazing saga this turned out to be. I had solved the 'puzzle' so long ago that I had forgotten that the coordinates were for a WP and not GZ. With an earlier than expected finish to today's proceedings and a late flight home, I figured that there'd be no better time to have a shot at putting a smiley in the ledger here so off I set into the wild bushy yonder.

At 'GZ' though, I couldn't find a 'regular' container anywhere but the lonely monument there had me somewhat intrigued. It was about this time that I decided to check the cache page at which time I realised that I wasn't at GZ at all.

This was where confusion reigned supreme and I couldn't for the life of me figure out what I had to do next so I calculated a GZ using the original clues instead of what was needed despite the distinct difference between upper and lower case.

That, of course, sent me on a wild goose chase to an area that was possible but unlikely. It was about then that I decided to give up as time was starting to get away from me. On the way back however, I checked the cache notes one more time and the penny finally dropped. Luckily I'd had the foresight to take a pickie of the aforementioned monument (about the only smart thing I did on this journey ) and as I walked, I calculated the real GZ.

At least that was on the way back to the car so I stopped by and whaddaya know, I quickly had the cache in hand at 15:25 for its first visit in 3½ years.

The journey back to the car consisted of me telling myself to 'READ THE B****Y CACHE NOTES IN FUTURE'.

An epic journey for me and a real learning experience (in more ways than one ).

Took free gift, LNSL. Many thanks SG-3.

Rated: for Overall Experience

Mr W headed back today to grab this cache and a puzzle one he didn't do when we were out and about yesterday. Another lovely day for a walk in this beautiful area. Mr W was also very impressed with what he found. Did the required calculations and located GZ. TFTB&W

Rated: for Overall Experience

Oh My goodness, its been 18 months since this was last found (and logged). The Bear and I started this a month ago without enough research, but in fairness we were here looking for a different cache at the time. We did our research sitting on the edge of the path and but the time we had WP1 worked out decided we needed more time to find this cache so left it. Today after PCC9 in West Hobart, the bear suggested completing it so off we went on the familiar walk. At WP1 we were amazed at what we saw but realized what the 'box with letters' was all about. Calculations done and then off to GZ. Once we arrived it was very obvious where the cache was (well) hidden. Cache is clean and dry- no issues.
Thanks SG-3 for a really well put together cache and experience. We totally enjoyed it.

Rated: for Overall Experience

What a great structure and well done. Pity more people couldn't see WP1. We initially had trouble finding the information using internet searches, but Barad Bunch provided a nice website link that allowed parts of the puzzle to be quickly ascertained. Part 2 was quite a riddle until the realisation that it didn't have to worked out prior to the visit. TFTC SG-3

Rated: for Overall Experience

We had planned to come to Hobart today to meet our daughter as she returned from over 4 months on Macquarie Island. However, the Aurora Australis was delayed by a day due to bad weather. Having already made travel arrangements, we came south today and used the day to try to tidy up a number of loose caching ends.

It took a little while, but we managed to research the required information some time ago - a really rewarding experience in itself. We enjoyed the walk into this area and after a short time, got to the waypoint and collected the information for GZ. Another short walk and the cache was located and was in excellent condition. The waypoint and GZ are typical of SG-3 caches: imaginative, attention to detail, very well constructed and a "must" to visit. To say more might give the game away. Thanks SG-3 for another cleverly designed and implemented cache.

I was planning to do another cache in this area today but hadn't realised that there was a puzzle associated with this cache. I had a look this morning and thought I found the required details quickly and easily. Unfortunately the numbers didn't fit into the solution at all and I soon realised that I had the wrong dates and the wrong Robert Burke. I puzzled over the mystery for some time before being interrupted by a text message from a friend asking what I was up to. I texted back that I was trying to work out which ship Mr Burke arrived upon in the appropriate year. She wrote straight back with the names of four ships, saying that they were the only four ships that arrived in Hobart that year. Little did I know that her mother is currently completing her PhD on Tasmanian history... The correct ship was correctly identified and the position of WP1 calculated quickly.

The walk along the heritage trail was pleasant even though it was a warm day today, but the cool breeze coming off the water was nice. I was very impressed with the construction of WP1! The required info didn't take long to gather and the cache was found quickly from there. No creepy crawlies or biting creatures were encountered on the search today, just the odd prickle bush.

Sorry that it has taken us all week to finally log our find!

We had planned to search for this cache recently while we had been in the area on another expedition, but with one of the party suffering from a lame leg and bad weather closing in on us, we decided that to continue would be folly and that it was better to turn back.

Our second attempt of exploration began on a pleasant, yet cloudy afternoon. We travelled over hills and even water until eventually we arrived at our first destination. We took notes of what we found there and continued on to our next destination while snacking on fruit that we had packed to help keep up our energy. We found the location with ease and with the hidden provisions there in perfect order. The return journey was an enjoyable stroll and all members of the party in good health and spirits.

Thank you SG3 for sending us on this enjoyable adventure!

I am SO jealous Dippy! What a glorious day to be out that way! Sounds like you had fun (detours and all!); I'm glad you found it.

The treks detailed in previous logs made me overthink/overworry this one, and so in a spur of the moment decision while heading towards Shag Bay, I decided to stay to the 4WD tracks that ran around the ridgeline! So I also had a journey to WP1 that took me about an hour longer than necessary and a 700m scrub bash because the 4WD track I took to head out to WP1 ended at the bottom of the hill at the top of the gully! I had to take photos of that track - it was quite rugged. Still we had a good look around in the area, and I feel I know the layout of the land there so much better! The normal track is lovely...and doesn't need to be left! I took Maddie seeing that the Shag Bay area is dog friendly, but I swallowed hard on our return leg when we passed the sign that informed us that we'd just left the reserve with $2000 fines applicable for said trekking dogs. Oops... We'd missed it on the way in because of our detour.
Once at GZ, found the impressive WP1, and then on to the cache. Thank you SG3 - it's a delightful cache, especially to visit it on such a gorgeous day. Well done.
Oh, and sorry it's taken me so long to do it. It wasn't on my radar for ages as my GSAK settings weren't including it, so when I kind of realised I was missing it, I sorted that out, then had to solve it. I didn't think I had the right Mr Burke for some time, but when I went with him anyway, it worked out! So it's all good!
Oh, and boy were the fish jumping in the bay - that was incredible too!

Rated: for Overall Experience

Hi to Budgietas
Just checked your finds and knowing that you wanted this one as your 1000th, congrats to you and Budgie jr. for the milestone that this cache gave you. Hope the next thousand is just as fast.
Cheers OldSaint.

What more can I say about sg3 caches.

This is another ripper, it has everything, walk, discovery of historical information, great waypoint and a superb job of camo on the cache.

I had kept this cache in reserve when I was knowing I was reaching a milestone as I expected something special and was not disappointed.

Cache number 200 gca and cache number 1000 in total.

Actually I would like to take the opportunity to thank those people who have hidden the caches I have found. Also thanks to the following people for there help : Oldsaint (for the phone a friend while I have been at the GZ), Lego Crew (for getting me started), Pippamer (for getting Lego Krew started), redtag, pjamesk (especially with seaside view), Dippy (help on the summit when I was cache blind), DNA and reborn cyclist (for spurring me on to find caches quickly), and to anybody else I have forgotten. Finally SG-3. Your caches are special and totally deserve to be ranked number one in the state, Thank you for your puzzle and help when again I was cache blind on MIB.

Adrian


Tftc

Rated: for Overall Experience

A third of us has a broken arm, two thirds of us have creaky knees and a third of us has more energy than the other two. It was a beautiful day and I took two jnr geos with me while killing time with our eldest at a short work day. Armed with a bottle of water and some enthusiasm we set off around the Bay without a hitch. Then I followed the gps and not my nose or the path and we had to back track to find we were almost at the point we'd needed when we'd turned off (following the gps). After this I decided to trust the paths and not the gps wholly until my IGCT headers were a little less than reliable without distances for WP1. Wow, what a little gem in the middle of nothing!! Off we headed again trusting my distance and compass on my geocaching app and we soon sat down with a sandybox and treasure. Loved the challenge of the initial puzzle (too much overthinking for a little there but quickly deduced the result) and loved the morning out with the sprogs. The return took us just 40mins after taking nearly 2hrs to climb up and in to the WP and GZ!! Many thanks SG-3. I'd never have gone to these heads and bays without the cache incentive!!

Rated: for Overall Experience

It was a lovely day for a walk in the area, and provided the opportunity for SG-3 to check that everything was in order with this cache. Having participated in the "development" of WP1, I was kindly permitted by SG-3 to bypass the initial research phase, and quickly worked out the final coordinates. The youngsters in our party led the way to GZ and found it quickly, in a good location. A great cache, and wonderful to have a part of the Burke and Wills series on this side of Bass Strait! Highly recommended.

Rated: for Overall Experience

Managed to find wp1 easily enough but didn't have time to continue as wife and geo kids were waiting on track. In typical Burke and Willis fashion other team member of our expedition didn't wait long enough for me to come along with....... The person involved knows who he is. Saving cache for another day.

A fantastic and interesting cache.
It's amazing what is located in the middle of the bush (WP1).
TFTC

Loved the walk and loved waypoint 1. TFTC

Rated: for Overall Experience

Well, the word was out that we were to attack another SG3 masterpiece.
With a little nudge from Budgietas and heckles from afar (pippamer). I had a look, suddenly i was captivated at the challenge. With some googling completed and Geo Jr all ready we were off.
Having travelled this territory extensively on Mountain Bike previously, I thought it might be good for Geo Jr's first real attempt at off road. Although I think he pushed just as much as cycled on this trip. We still had a blast.

We eventually made it to WP1, WOW !! I love the effort SG3 puts into his caches... this didn't disappoint. Then a quick trip to GZ and Geo Jr had the reward in no time.

Thank you SG3.
Always good to have an arvo out with Geo Jr.

Rated: for Overall Experience

After a few hours slaving away over a hot computer we eventually solved the puzzle about where the first way-point might be. Some time later we set off on a cool morning and started our expedition. We took a gamble with the weather and lost: the sky opened and the rain descended. Perhaps not quite like the tropical monsoonal rains experienced by Burke and Wills but wet never-the-less. We pressed on regardless. At WP1 (an impressive structure!) out came pen and paper. It was difficult to use these tools in the wet but we finally worked out where to go next. We set off through the mist and rain guided by our trusty GPSR and found the cache. Thanks SG3 for the adventure - an excellent puzzle that you must have worked hard to set up.

Rated: for Overall Experience

Day 1-4: Fueled up the co-ords finder in search of a ship that carried Robert Burke to Hobart. This was a dry argument in practice for the "Folly" on which I would embark when time became available.
Day 5: Checked with Mr Red Tag that indeed the correct ship had been found. It being the one; the brass path pointer was given the co-ords for WP1 after they were calculated on the abacus!!
Day 6: TODAY!! Packed and fueled up the Camelmobile with all necessary supplies and goods needed to ensure that this expedition did not end in disaster and unsuccessful. Left White Beach(bourne) at 0800hrs. Refueled the camelmobile at stop 1; Sorell; then journeyed to stop 2; Sandy Bay' to drop off my better half at her daughter's station to await this expedition's safe return, HOPEFULLY!!
Stop 3; Claremont for more needed supplies, which by now getting low.
Stop 4; success in finding GC2FEZQ; Stop 5; tired and weary, pushed on to find GC2FF01 as dangerous a quest this was, but finished successfully. Stop 6; Finding supplies slipping, water low took a chance on GC2FCFQ thinking a Swan may restock the larder. No such luck; not a Swan to be seen anywhere, hope fading. Cache found and logged. More success!! Most unlike our fore-runner Mr Burke.
Finally arrived at given co-ords for fettering the camelmobile. Proceeded to WP1 under duress from wind and storm. Surprised at what I found, no drink or cigs, decided against my better nature and the wishes of my group, me; to proceed to GZ. I arrived there, battle worn, bush bashed and wanting fluids and a boost; the cache was found and logged at 1325hrs. Took the sixth to find relic and removed said obstruction as requested. The treasure replaced, determined not to finally falter as did Burke and Wills; I mustered all my inner strength' took a deep breath and headed back to the transport. Arriving safely, fluids were taken, a booster had; the cachemobile fired up and I was off to my next destination full of the joys received from the hunt and the find of a cache.
Thanks SG-3 for the cache, the memories of a Biology excursion taken at Matriculation (Higher School Certificate)and a great walk and cache.
Cheers OldSaint.

I accompanied Mr red tag on a journey of discovery and what a journey we had!

Mr red tag led our expedition today and armed with supplies of food, water and batteries our route took us North, South, East and West. Our spirits where high and unlike poor Burke and Wills our expedition ended successfully.

Thanks for a top cache SG-3
We took the 5th to find prize and left a lanyard

And, so it was that on a relatively bright and sunny day in the depths of winter we set out to follow in the footsteps of those who had gone before. We haven’t seen any of them since their journeys, so are not really sure whether or not they returned at all!!! We had neither camels nor bicycle and the huskies and ponies we had rounded up took off when they realised where we were off to – leaving us with only our trusty frog should we encounter misadventure. So, why did we go? – Because it was there!

It was not long before we had a problem, Houston. – swamps filled with polar bears and crocodiles, bottomless crevasses and mine shafts, high voltage mutators overhead and our digital sextant was being cantankerous, which resulted in us using up more shoe leather than maybe we should have.

Still, it didn’t snow and there was no hurricane and we did have two mini snickers in case we weren’t found for some time, so we continued on. And as a result we found the hidden stash! Being sixth to find we thought we should take the sixth to find prize, but followed the instructions from headquarters and took fourth to find instead!! Flip had just a few words for the occasion – one small step for a frog, one giant hop for frogkind!!! We also left a frog bracelet buried beneath the digging tree as a memento for any who may follow.

On the return journey we spotted several natives in the distance and thought they may be headed our way, but they melted into the surrounding landscape and we returned to our waiting vehicle relatively unscathed. Thanks for the adventure SG-3 and helpers! We salute you SG-3 – and may have to hang up our cache-setting hats after seeing your efforts here!!!

Rated: for Overall Experience

QUICK NOTE: Although FIVE teams have found this, there is STILL a 4th, 5th, and 6th-To-Find special prize up for grabs (Finders 4 and 5 already had one of the special prizes and graciously left them for the next finders). SO if finder six can take the 4th-to-find, finder 7 take the 5th-to-find, and finder 8 the 6th-to-find. Confused? Good. Thanks!

** Day 1: Supplies packed and off to designated meeting area to meet up with other expeditioners. Weather unsettled. **

Plans had been finalised the day before to meet up with Dr SamCarter, the eldest Marine, and someone who was either a psychic or a charlatan who said he'd been to the place we were headed before.

** Day 2: at designated meeting area with full party. About to leave known world behind. **

The going was easy at first, and members of the expedition were in high spirits, convinced we could take on the challenges ahead. However a bit of chat regarding the supplies we hadn't brought soon tarnished our initial enthusiasm; would we really be able to make it without having packed a dandruff brush for the camels? And were the camels essential - it's not my fault I didn't bring them; I thought SamCarter was.

We reached a hidden sea with noisy natives whooping it up. Obviously startled by our menacing aspect, they soon pushed off in their odd out-rigger canoes in a swirl of white water.

After crossing the water-filled chasm, the terrain took a turn for the worse despite our taking what appeared to be a clear track obviously created by natives. Half-way up the mountain the expedition paused to remove velvet waist-coats and ties.

** Day 3: Batteries being changed in one of the compasses. **

We headed up, over, around, and down. The compasses showed ghost tracks that appeared and disappeared. We reached our initial destination and fell to the ground in wonder. After touching the XXXXXXXX in awe and whispering 'is it real?', we headed off for the northernmost part of the journey.

** Day 4: Reached our destination but as we learned from B&W it’s the return journey that can kill you! **

Our mission accomplished, we shared around refreshments. French patisseries seem to have forgotten the lost art of packing for a journey of this magnitude, however the level of nourishment remained the same. Reluctant to say good bye to our destination but hoping we wouldn't have too much trouble finding the known world, we retraced our steps.

No sign of the native humans seen upon our return, but oddly shaped small camels were spotted. They seemed to like being scratched behind the ears.

** Day 18: Party has fractured and gone their separate ways. We fear we may never see our colleagues again. **

(THANK YOU for this cache and for finding a B&W connection for us here in Tassie! This was truly outstanding - and an experience made even better for sharing it. )

Rated: for Overall Experience

Having assembled slightly more than half of the expeditionary company and sundry supplies (one bottle of water, a new-fangled sextant, and a digital sketchbook for recording our travels ... although unfortunately we couldn't find a spare gong, bathtub or oak table) we traversed the lightly tracked wilds of suburban Hobart to reach the rendezvous point for the more challenging part of the expedition. Snuva greeted me with "Dr SamCarter, I presume", which is odd because I do believe we had made each other's acquaintance before ... and at this stage I had not gone missing in the impenetrable jungle.

We sallied forth on a northward course, with the terrain at first straightforward, but then becoming progressively more uneven. There was dissent in the party and murmurs of "Are we there yet?", and, in the absence of camels (or bicycles) as sources of food, the eldest Marine was starting to feel a little worried about his future. Despite misgivings, we trusted our noble leader and ventured beyond the point of closest approach in search of an easier route. This proved fortuitous, but the effort was great and as we reached our objective we collapsed with a bout of immodicus risus.

We recovered sufficiently to make our way from here to the mangrove swamps and the view of the distant sea. Having marked our northernmost point, we sought sustenance and, to the relief of the eldest Marine, the remains of some well-travelled lemon tarts were discovered in the baggage train.

In hope of success, we commenced the return southward journey, but alas, we were too exhausted and I kept slipping in the mud. A search party will find the remains of my footprints.

Thanks SG-3: a great cache, and nice to get a real expedition feel to it through some great Aussie bush.

Rated: for Overall Experience

Woo-hoo! I have found Tasmania's ONLY Burke and Wills cache.
And now I'm probably not going to find any of the ones on the mainland.
Now, what next...

Rated: for Overall Experience

We saw this cache when we woke up this morning and were very tempted to call in sick so we could go for the FTF. We waited until after work before setting out. This was more like an Edmund Hillary trek to the South Pole than a Burke & Wills expedition. It was cold, wet, slippery and night was rapidly approaching. The Google maps we took with us were useless. The tracks on the maps were non existant and we ended up bush bashing, climbing over mountains, crossing raging rivers, skiing across uncharted glaciers, stepping over the bodies of those who had failed before us... OK, enough fantasising. But it was bloody cold, wet and windy. We managed to locate WP1 and pondered over why it was placed here and who by? And how on earth did SG-3 discover this? We bush bashed our way to GZ through the howling wind and rain. We weren't overly surprised to find we weren't FTF but we were happy that it was a worthy opponent. After reading his log we half expected to find his rusty remains on the return trek but thankfully the return trip was uneventful.
Thanks SG-3 for another brilliant and worthwhile adventure and thanks for the STF prize. The contents of the cache were most impressive. You certainly put a lot of work into your hides.

Rated: for Overall Experience

Some research through some interesting sources provided me with the information that I needed. Unfortunately, Mrs RC had the car, so I had to do a deal involving going home via the shops to get hold of it (and foul weather gear).
"I'm going out", I said to Mrs RC, "and I may be some time".
I considered sending DnA! a telegram: "BEG TO INFORM YOU RC PROCEEDING BURKES FOLLY STOP", but the thought that might give them too much of a head start.
(Ok, ok, I've got the wrong expedition, but given the weather...)
I set off cross country for WP! in a straightish line, eschewing tracks, only to find myself weaving to avoid obstacles.
As I approached the spot, disappointment filled me, as there appeared to be nothing there, but then suddenly the secret was revealed. Of all places, why here?
Then on to GZ. I walked into the teeth of the storm, battling alone (having been forced to eat my bicycle some time before), until I came to the cache.
I half expected to find a tent with a note from DnA! (sorry, Antarctica again), but to my delight, there was an empty log book.
The trip back turned out to be even more haphazard, as I attempted to find tracks on my trusty iPhone, and largely failed - I ended up getting back to the road some distance from where I had left my car.

Thanks for another of your masterpieces, SG-3!

Rated: for Overall Experience

Bit of research to eventually come up with the goods and to while away this very rainy day up this way...nice one...Cheers.

Good 2 hours of daylight?! But - I don't have 2 hours of daylight before work!

'Tis folly to search for this, but search if you must!