Rambler's Reward Challenge Cache (Dunedin, Otago) Mystery Cache
Rambler's Reward Challenge Cache (Dunedin, Otago)
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This cache is exactly where the coordinates say it is- on the Knoll between Flagstaff and the Pineapple track. That's an easy 45 minute stroll from the Bullring carpark, or a one hour uphill walk from Booth Rd, with just a short scramble up the hill at the end.
Once you're there, you'll be looking for a 1.8 litre screwtop container in an obvious hide. At the time the cache was placed it was a 10 litre bucket hidden under a tussock - you could sit on the grass, bring out the thermos and enjoy the view. That changed with gorse overgrowth and then a fire on 16 September 2019 ODT 16 Sept 19 Massive Blaze Dunedin Hills. So, until the tussock regrows, the cache has to be downsized to a regular.
But... this is a CHALLENGE cache, so things aren't quite that simple. Please read the guidelines very carefully before you start!
Your challenge, starting from when you read this, is to complete and log seven rambles of at least an hour each, with each ramble including a cache find or visit, before you set off to find the Rambler's Reward cache.
This cache does require planning where you're going to walk, and logging each ramble as you go. It will take you significant time and effort to complete and won't be for everybody.
We hope this cache will inspire you to explore some of Dunedin's beautiful hills and beaches. Or, for those who have already been there and done that, this is an excuse to revisit some favourite caches.
Since we're all different, any interesting ramble appropriate to your ability and circumstances is acceptable. Some people might put on their tramping boots, take their lunch and walk from Dammed If You Do down past Carey's Creek through to Restful Dale , or do the Green Hutless and Halcyon Days loop. A family with young children might do Scenic Sandymount or Don't Break the Pirate Code, or walk beside their training-wheel cyclist along the Ravensbourne cycleway to May I Start and back. The most important thing is to enjoy yourself!
Guidelines:
# Each ramble must be at least one hour long (not including stops). We encourage you to challenge yourself and choose longer rambles- half day or all day outings would be great.
# Walking, biking, running, kayaking... any mode of non-motorised transport is fine.
# On each ramble you must pass at least one cache, and log your find or visit in the logbook. A maintenance visit to one of your own caches does count. (But, no, placing a cache doesn't.)
# Each outing is a single ramble, no matter how long it is or how many caches you visit during the excursion. Please don't claim that second cache you found on the way back to the car as "another ramble".
# You must say in your online cache log entry that your find (or visit, if you've found the cache before) is counting towards this Rambler's Reward challenge cache.
# Log each ramble immediately after you do it as a note on this cache page, at the same time as you log your cache find/visit. This automatically rules out retrospective logging.
It will be simplest if you edit your first note to list your subsequent rambles.
# Please do not log retrospectively. You definitely CAN'T nip back and edit a past online log to claim a previous walk as a ramble.
# Your log should include the date of your ramble, details of your route, the walking time taken, and name & GC code of cache/s found or re-visited. Photos are very much appreciated.
# If you walk to a traditional cache which is definitely more than half an hour from a road, then that's unquestionably a good ramble. If you choose another sort of ramble, please include photos taken along your route showing where you went (avoiding spoilers for mystery or multicaches).
# Once you've listed seven rambles, go and find the Rambler's Reward. There will have been plenty of peer scrutiny; you don't need an email from us.
# This cache is a personal challenge, not a competition.
If you have questions about the guidelines, or if you would like ideas for suitable rambles and information on local tracks, you're very welcome to contact us. We suggest buying your own copy of Antony Hamel's guidebook "Dunedin Tracks and Trails", which includes almost every local track and route.
Special Arrangement for NZ MEGA 2012 visitors (AND, since the challenge cache guidelines changed, for other out-of-town visitors who won't ever be in Dunedin again)
You may “do the challenge backwards” if you are:
a) registered at the NZ MEGA 2012 event or
b) come from beyond Otago.
Here's how to ramble backwards:
- Visit the final while you’re in Dunedin for the MEGA or on your NZ travels;
- Sign the logbook and log your visit as an online “note”;
- Complete the challenge: seven decent rambles, with each ramble noted on the Rambler’s Reward page when you complete them;
- Then change your “note” to a smiley!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Obhyqre, haqre ebpxf.