DAWSP (Dargan Arch Winter Solstice Picnic) Dargan, New South Wales, Australia
By
rogerw3 on 21-Jun-15. Waypoint GA7194
Cache Details
| Difficulty: | |
| Terrain: | |
| Type: | Event |
| Container: | Other |
| Coordinates: | S33° 28.889' E150° 15.971' (WGS 84) |
| 56H 245976E 6291988N (UTM) | |
| Elevation: | 996 m |
| Local Government Area: | Lithgow City |
/150.266183,-33.481483,14/400x200?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiY2F1Z2h0YXR3b3JrIiwiYSI6ImNqa2l4ZzNzMDE5bjgzdm1sZGpuODF1Mm0ifQ.q8YMzVyzDJJlJHHV8EMjwQ)
Description
DAWSP (Dargan Arch Winter Solstice Picnic)
What better way to celebrate the Winter Solstice than with a picnic in this amazing place.
Of course you cannot drive right up to it, but it is only a short 1km walk from parking on Sandham Road. You used to be able to drive to within 200 metres of the Arch but now no longer so we all have to walk in, after all what better way to build up an appetite than a brisk walk.
At this stage there are no caches along the way except for the Dargan Arch virtual, but there may be one or two specially placed caches along the way just for the day, it is after all a National Park so no permanent caches will be placed.
If you have any moveables on hand, feel free to bring them up for the day all will be welcome.
Parking will be at 33 29.188 by 150 15.750 where there is ample space.
We will all meet at the parking coords at 11:30 so as to get to the Arch in time for a relaxing picnic.
This is strictly a BYO picnic and drinks, it is not extremely dangerous but a close eye should be kept on any little ones.
There will be a PathTag designed for the event, this will be given to each GCA cacher when signing the log book. There is only a small quantity of these tags available and the only way to get one is to be there on the day!
Logs
Time to close this one, thank you to those brave enough to have attended it is much appreciated.
Thanks so much for the tags RogerW3. Mum and I got them in the mail this morning already. Thanks from Mum too. 
So I made a video blog of our visit to Dargan Arch. It's basic and shaky, but was too fun not to share. It is at
youtu.be/iXIwaUqZAmg
Be warned there is a Bathurst spoiler at the end.
youtu.be/iXIwaUqZAmg
Be warned there is a Bathurst spoiler at the end.
As we all expected the Pathtags arrived today! Not to worry they are all in the mail.
Minutes late but in time to see a gathering roadside to the blocked entrance to the trail. A hello to old and new faces and then the group followed Roger's lead down the descending track. At the lower clearing a single file trek was required for the 'new' (to the 'mushroom) final walk to end overlooking the Arch.
Watching the intrepids cavort cheerfully on the 'bridge' it was a belated realisation that they had also made the move below - missed that part, but hopefully there will be this event next year to complete.
A picnic on the rocks followed with caching tales and chatter, groupie pics and good humour ... with further discussion back up the track at the vehicle line up.
A good place for a Winter's solstice day ... thanks to fellow cacher attendees and RogerW for a enjoyable event.
Oh, and a bonus
, a very fine pathtag delivered courtesy of Roger (TY).
Watching the intrepids cavort cheerfully on the 'bridge' it was a belated realisation that they had also made the move below - missed that part, but hopefully there will be this event next year to complete.
A picnic on the rocks followed with caching tales and chatter, groupie pics and good humour ... with further discussion back up the track at the vehicle line up.
A good place for a Winter's solstice day ... thanks to fellow cacher attendees and RogerW for a enjoyable event.
Oh, and a bonus
, a very fine pathtag delivered courtesy of Roger (TY).Rated: for Overall Experience
Decided to head up from Canberra for a weekend of GCA caching, and to attend this event.
Arrived a bit early...to be greeted by roiger3w and pjmpjm, and we stood around chatting about all things GCA until a couple of other attendees arrived...and before long we started to head down the trail to the Arch. First time I've been here and it was certainly worth the trip. Amazing arch formation....and the walk a few of us took down into canyon was an added bonus.
Once back up on the top rock, lunch was the order of the day, along with lots of talk about caching and life in general. All too soon though it was time to head off...so it was back to the cars and time for the out of towners to start the trek home.
A great location roger3w.....very pleased I made the effort to come up for few days. Thanks very much for putting it together....and thanks for the envelope to address, very good of you to do that as well.
For the record, I had 4 stops in Bathurst as planned...and I arrived home just on 7.30...so all good.
Arrived a bit early...to be greeted by roiger3w and pjmpjm, and we stood around chatting about all things GCA until a couple of other attendees arrived...and before long we started to head down the trail to the Arch. First time I've been here and it was certainly worth the trip. Amazing arch formation....and the walk a few of us took down into canyon was an added bonus.
Once back up on the top rock, lunch was the order of the day, along with lots of talk about caching and life in general. All too soon though it was time to head off...so it was back to the cars and time for the out of towners to start the trek home.
A great location roger3w.....very pleased I made the effort to come up for few days. Thanks very much for putting it together....and thanks for the envelope to address, very good of you to do that as well.
For the record, I had 4 stops in Bathurst as planned...and I arrived home just on 7.30...so all good.
Rated: for Overall Experience
The weather was fine and the company excellent - and just big enough to fill our rocky picnic area. Enjoyed the catch up with old faces and new. Thanks for getting us together roger.
Rated: for Overall Experience
What a lovely event in a stunning location. I'm amazed I never knew about this place or the road that runs on this side of the railway line. Wonderful group of people who had travelled far and wide. Nice to meet some new cachers whom I'd never met before and to catch up with old friends. Great spot for a picnic after a guided tour of the canyon below. Thanks rogerw3 for putting on such a fabulous event.
Rated: for Overall Experience
A great chance to revisit the wonderful arch.
A small group but all friends, even those I met today.
TFTE.
A small group but all friends, even those I met today.
TFTE.
Loved coming out here today. It was really great. Thanks for inviting us out here. So glad I came. Thanks rogerw3 for taking us right down the gully/canyon too. Gangstella and I had a great time.
Oh, and I'll be making a video of the visit some time soon to put up on my channel here: www.youtube.com/channel/UCPyFQAoEuDyPBIYRsAafxUA/videos
Oh, and I'll be making a video of the visit some time soon to put up on my channel here: www.youtube.com/channel/UCPyFQAoEuDyPBIYRsAafxUA/videos
Rated: for Overall Experience
Woo! Had heaps of fun, i really enjoyed the walk around! Thanks for the event!
Rated: for Overall Experience
A great gathering of like minded geocachers, the weather while overcast was just about perfect and a nice picnic was had by all.
Some stayed above the arch while the rest of us wandered down into the small canyon for more exploration.
Thanks to all and I hope to see you again next time.
Some stayed above the arch while the rest of us wandered down into the small canyon for more exploration.
Thanks to all and I hope to see you again next time.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Great event! Thanks, rogerw3!
We all met as planned at the trailhead on Sandown Road, and when about ten were ready, rogerw3 guided us down to the remarkable Dargan Arch. In all, about 15 attended and we had some good talks about geocaching in general and GCA specialties in particular.
A number of participants trekked further afield, past the Arch and down the track, while a few of us waited higher up, enjoying the view.
It didn't rain and it wasn't too cold (7 degrees but felt warmer) so that made for a great day.
I met some new faces, whose names I already knew. This is what an event is all about.
Will upload some pictures later.
Thanks again, rogerw3, for the event, the moveables, the doughnuts and other food, and for an overall good geocaching time!
Hope we can do it again on another occasion.
'Five Thumbs Up' for an outstanding geocaching event like it's supposed to be.
We all met as planned at the trailhead on Sandown Road, and when about ten were ready, rogerw3 guided us down to the remarkable Dargan Arch. In all, about 15 attended and we had some good talks about geocaching in general and GCA specialties in particular.
A number of participants trekked further afield, past the Arch and down the track, while a few of us waited higher up, enjoying the view.
It didn't rain and it wasn't too cold (7 degrees but felt warmer) so that made for a great day.
I met some new faces, whose names I already knew. This is what an event is all about.
Will upload some pictures later.
Thanks again, rogerw3, for the event, the moveables, the doughnuts and other food, and for an overall good geocaching time!
Hope we can do it again on another occasion.
'Five Thumbs Up' for an outstanding geocaching event like it's supposed to be.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Thanks to rogerw3 for this event.
It was great to take in this location and enjoy the company.
We will join you all.
Nana nel just said that this could be a good rehab walk. Google indicated 2Hr 20Min to the start so we have plenty of time to get there.
It was great to take in this location and enjoy the company.
We will join you all.
Nana nel just said that this could be a good rehab walk. Google indicated 2Hr 20Min to the start so we have plenty of time to get there.Beautiful day today, bodes well for tomorrow. The only downside is that the Pathtags did not arrive in time but not to worry you will all get the promised reward in the mail when the Pathtags finally arrive (With my luck it will be on Monday!).
My soccer game got canceled. I'm coming and can't wait for the brisk and beautiful mountain air. I'll bring some picnic goodies to share.
I have been holding off making a decision as to whether I could be there but alas I have a solicitor's appointment on Monday, which was the day I planned to return. Thanks for the invitation but once again something gets in the road.
The long range forecast is for rain in the next 3 days but sunny for the weekend so it should be a cracking day. A word of warning though do rug up as the forecast temp for Saturday night is -3 with a max of 12 for Sunday, so be warned!
I WILL be coming and will be bringing my non-Aussie cacher, Gangstella, with me.
New signage has appeared at the start of the track, it is now private property but the track can be used by walkers. All the climbers bolts have been removed and/or cut so almost pristine arch restored!
Now you have to walk all the way which is only a km or so as vehicles are not allowed, in fact there is a temporary barrier at the start of the track, I assume until a proper gate can be placed.
None of this will affect the Picnic so all is well.
Now you have to walk all the way which is only a km or so as vehicles are not allowed, in fact there is a temporary barrier at the start of the track, I assume until a proper gate can be placed.
None of this will affect the Picnic so all is well.
I'm going to put myself down to attend. However I may not be able to make it due to work. Will let you know if not coming.
Not a problem, I would think the picnic won't start much before that and some time after will be spent exploring the little canyon below as well so you should be there in plenty of time.
99% confident that I will be there....
Will hopefully be a couple of others as well coming up from Canberra to join in the fun....visit the great looking area...and of course grab a few GCA caches along the way.
Will confirm numbers asap...thanks roger3w.
Will hopefully be a couple of others as well coming up from Canberra to join in the fun....visit the great looking area...and of course grab a few GCA caches along the way.
Will confirm numbers asap...thanks roger3w.
Will there still be festivities from 12:30? That's when I reckon I will get there. I didn't see a finishing time in the description. Thanx RW.
Will be in another hemisphere on that day enjoying the summer solstice so won't be able to make it!
Noted to remind myself. Never actually cached in the Blue Mountains before but there's always a first. Date looks perfect but no guarantees.
I have every intention of attending. I do hope this will be one that an acrophobic can handle. If not, I'll hang back a kilometre or two.
