Tidbinbilla Traipse Pierces Creek, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
By SecretSquirrel-BJC on Saturday 24 January 2009. Waypoint GC1KZEP

26th

Coooeeeee, a *FTF*. No. 2 of 3 NAMADGI FTF’s today, Coooeeeeee.

The main paragraphs of this log is similar to the logs for Arabian Caravan, Squirrel’s Peak & Tidbinbilla Traipse as all were done together on the one expedition. Some differences at end though.

Parked the car at the Northern Coordinates S 35º 23.831 E 148º 55.281, so I could get both an early start before 9am and to avoid the heat of the afternoon. Time 6:15am. Well, that incline up Spur #3 is quite something for the first 2km. Once I reached the ridge line, I progressed along the fire trail at a steady pace towards Camel Bump mountain. I went up the gentle slope of the grassy Northern (the back) side and arrived at the huge cairn of stones at 7:30am. (I’ve been here before). Then within a couple of minutes I located the cache. Admired the early morning sun rising on the back valleys, then replaced cache and went down the rocky Sth face to the fire trail. Easy.
Onwards then to St. John’s wart and the Squirrel’s Peak cache. Got to the Northern rocky face of St. John’s wart, contemplated the rocky ascent and was about to go, WHEN, slither, hiss, YIKES – A VERY VERY Aggressive brown snake darted back and forth across the rocks with the clear intent of not letting me pass. I was 5m away, with stick ready. It was clearly not going to let me up in its territory. I Haven’t seen a snake behave like this before. Also, as it was zipping around, its skin was “humming” on the rocks – an amazing sound. A Mexican stand-off. OK, I didn’t want to climb up the Nth face anyway. So, I went around and scaled the tree covered East face and got to the top. Cache located within 2 minutes. Time 8:40am.
Onwards then to yon distant Peak, Tidbinbilla. A fairly easy walk following the path where I could, then up the grassy slope to the top. Time 10:05am. Once again, cache located within 1 min. Now to ADMIRE THE VIEWS – FANTASTIC. Can even see Corin Dam over there.
Time to arrive at Tidbinbilla Peak (inc collecting 2 caches) 3 hrs 50 mins.
Also, didn’t need to turn on the GPS AT ALL, I memorized the picture clues, all found easily and quickly, as I noticed the GZ coords were always close to the summit/cairn, as given by Squirrel.
10:15am, Time to go back down, a steady and pleasant walk back down (giving the snake location a VERY wide berth), and arrived back at car at 1:05pm, 2hrs 50 mins.
Thanks Squirrel (& Tomato, Big Matt & Farmer Fretz) for a top series of caches, a lovely walk which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Tidbinbilla Traipse – MAGNIFICENT location with top views. Loved it. As I was Admiring the views, I spied Mt Tennent and thought to myself, there’s another new cache over there …….

 

24th

What a surprise awaited us at the top of this peak!

The views from this location are some of the best I have yet to experience in Canberra. 360 degree, unobstructed views for many kilometres make this perhaps my favourite location in the area thus far.

Found in the company of Big Matt, Captain Tomato and the cache owner Secret Squirrel during an all day run around the area (well more of a slow walk really).

As noted in the previous logs the winds at the top were surprisingly strong and maintaining balance took a little bit of skill.

What else is there to say.............a picture speaks a thousand words.

Thanks Secret Squirrel for showing me this truly magnificent location.
 

24th

I very much enjoyed the circuitous traipse to this GZ and the windy fun we had trying to locate a suitable hiding spot. I always prided myself with excellent balance but today dispelled that theory. The wind was strong enough to push and shove us around considerably making it difficult just to stand in one spot.

Anyway, the walk across the top of the Tidbinbilla range was fantastic, with exceptional views and quite a bit of challenge. Some other logs relating to this expedition mention the distance covered (18+ km) and a total ascent of just over 2km.

I really enjoyed the great company (Farmer Frentzen, Big Matt and Secret Squirrel) and hope we get to tackle some more caches together sometime. Thanks SS for planning the day so well. I'm sure you could have carried 3 ammo boxes if you really tried....LOL.
 

24th

1901.

Yes Winglen, definitely one of the six and while I didn't carry it, I was certainly along for the ride.

This peak is probably the highlight of my short history in Namadgi bush walking. It has amazing 360 degree views and on a clear day you can easily see the city. The walk out here is lovely but you need to ensure that you are prepared for any weather as this is my second visit to the area and you couldn't get two more different days. The first was snowing and visibility down to 10m, the second was around 30 degrees and I used 4.5 litres of water.

Thanks Squirrel for having me along, I had an absolute ball, I think I was even singing as I approached this peak. Once you reach the summit the views just take your breath away. *Recommended*

TNLNSL
 

24th

I can vouch that this is one of the six "shots". I'm the silly mug who carried it most of the way!  

24th

I feel like Dirty Harry counting shots - I think that's five out of Squirrel's six ammo boxes that he's used up!  

24th

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