Author Archives: Geocaching Victoria

Life is Precious

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Many geocachers have heard of Mr & Mrs Coffee, Ian and Michelle (Shell/Shelby) George, via their hides, logs on finds, supportive posts on various FB groups and met them at events. A large proportion of you that have met them in person have come to know them as friends.

It is with some sadness, and a lot of hope that we share this post with you.

After dinner last night, 19th October, 2019, Shelby suffered a stroke. She was rushed to  Monash Hospital and was found to have an aneurysm. Shelby was taken to ICU where she was connected to life saving equipment, before being taken to surgery at 4am this morning. Due to the size of the blockage, the surgical team had to cut the artery off.

This surgery reportedly went as well as possible, and the aneurysm has been stopped. Shelby has been kept sedated all day, in an induced coma to allow her brain some healing time. The medical team are continuing with CT scans to monitor how things are going, whilst using multiple medications to stabilise her condition.

The current plan is to review again in the morning, and if Shelby’s condition has improved, they treating team will trial reducing her level of sedation. There are still significant risks, particularly over the next two weeks, of further strokes, or worse. Shelby remains in critical condition at this time. Today’s team abandoned the idea of reducing her sedation today, believing that having the full team available on a Monday is a far better option for Shelby. That means that they bigwigs with all of the knowledge will be available if there are major problems or further emergency surgery required.

Our thoughts are with the whole family, but Ian in particular, who is buoyed by the wonderful messages and phone calls he has received, but also feeling quite helpless due to the long wait with no outcomes and sitting beside his soulmate Shell, feeling great distress that he is unable to make this right for her.

Ian, you and Shelby have been an amazing support to many in our community, despite your own previous health struggles. We are all thinking of you both, your boys and extended families who will also be struggling with all of this. You already have an amazing support system, but remember, geocachers are here to help in any way possible.

Ian will update us, as and when he can. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts.

Monday 21st October – Ian reports that the medical team has begun to reduce Shelby’s sedation today.  So far there has been no response. Now Ian must wait, hour by hour, day by day. All the while trying to stay positive and hope that his beautiful Shelby comes back to him soon.

 

The St Arnaud Event – October Update

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Welcome to The St Arnaud Event update. The committee are working behind the scenes to bring you the best MEGA event we can – all for FREE! Remember to REGISTER HERE by logging a “Will Attend” as this year we will be crossing off names at the event to ensure everyone who registered early gets their FREE gift.

In October you can attend our final  Lead Up event in Bacchus Marsh. Pop along to hear about all things MEGA!

Official Shirts – LAST CHANCE TO ORDER

Official St Arnaud Event shirts now available to order. Check out the Geocaching Victoria Store to pre-order yours now. Available in Men’s, Women’s and Kids sizes. Orders close October 20th so get in quick!

shirt

Geocaching in St Arnaud – Night Cache Adventure

If you enjoy heading out after dark and geocaching by torchlight, St Arnaud is the place to be! With five fantastic night cache experiences on offer taking you around the outskirts of St Arnaud, you won’t be disappointed.

Hunt for the elusive Pot Of Gold (GC5DH73) north east of St Arnaud then take the time to enjoy the Starry Starry Night (GC7YCP6)

Continuing around to the south you can enjoy a Bush Meander by Torchlight (GC64CBE) before heading around the south west of St Arnaud to check out the Wheelie Wheelie Cranky Night Cache (GC6TWJ3).

There’s been sightings of some alien activity north west of St Arnaud, ensure your torches are charged up before investigating INVASION (GC7D3AN).

These five existing caches have a combined total of over 340* smilies earning 119* well deserved favourite points. Keep an eye out, there may be a new addition for 2019…  So if you’re heading to the MEGA and aren’t afraid of the dark, these multi’s most definitely need to be added to that ever-growing to-do list.

*Statistics current as of 7th October 2019

St Arnaud Geo Coins & Pathtags

The St Arnaud Event 2019 MEGA standard and limited edition geocoins are also selling like hotcakes in the Geocaching Victoria store. Get in quick before they sell out!

The Standard coin has been specifically designed for the event and features Fern the leadbeater possum as well as some stunning Australian flora including Victoria’s floral emblem – the Pink Heath. What sets this coin apart is that it is a 3D textured coin. If you’ve seen one before you know how magnificent they look – if not you will definitely want one for your collection! Coins are $16 each. Order here.

ST A standard coin

The Limited Edition coins come in three different colours and aims to depict the farming communities that are located within the St Arnaud district. Get in quick as these are limited in number! This coin is 3 inches in size so nice to add to the collection. Limited edition coins are $34 each. Order here.

LE tractor coins

And whilst in the store don’t forget to purchase your St Arnaud Pathtags too!

St A 5 set

Weekend Schedule

The official schedule for the St Arnaud MEGA weekend has now been released. In order to plan and cater properly we need you to log “will attends” on all official events you plan to attend. If you don’t you may miss out on what we have to offer (plus it makes it SO much easier for everyone who is organising the event and volunteering their time too).

View the schedule here and get logging!

Milestones

Who doesn’t love celebrating a milestone at a MEGA event? We know lots of people do so as in previous years we will be handing out some special certificates. If you plan to celebrate a Milestone in St Arnaud make sure you fill in this form.

Sponsorship

It’s thanks to amazing supporters that make a MEGA event possible. This includes GeoStuff who will be on site during the Mega. We’ve also had donations from our mates in South Australia who are organising a MEGA event there – GeoVenture2020, Caching Supplies, Sssafe and Sistema so a big thanks to them too. It’s also important to note that this event isn’t possible without the support of the Northern Grampians Shire Council so thank you NGS – your support in invaluable! And we can’t forget the amazing support from PathTags and Geocaching HQ   who help to make this dream a reality! Thanks guys!

The St Arnaud Event – September Update

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Welcome to The St Arnaud Event update. The committee are working behind the scenes to bring you the best MEGA event we can – all for FREE! Remember to REGISTER HERE by logging a “Will Attend” as this year we will be crossing off names at the event to ensure everyone who registered early gets their FREE gift.

The Lead Up events have continued and in September we saw an event in Castlemaine. In October you can find our final  Lead Up event in Bacchus Marsh.

Bunnings BBQ

Thanks to everyone who headed in/up/down to Ballarat on Sunday the 15th of September for GC88V1F, A gathering in Ballarat. A group of volunteers manned the BBQs for the day and cooked and sold over 700 sausages. The funds raised will be put to good use for the Mega Event.

bunnings

Geocaching in St Arnaud – Australian Inventions Mini-series

This novelty series is a new set of 9 traditional caches placed by powerhouse caching team, The Morris. This series will take you on a physical trip north east of St Arnaud along a well maintained dirt track.

Figuratively you will be taken on a trip through history klearning all about some Aussie claims to fame with inventions such as the Victa Lawnmower (1952) and the polymer bank note (first circulated in 1988). Published just over 3 months ago, the fun and informative series has over 150* ‘found it’ logs and over 80* favourite points combined.

Did you know that 21 out of 22 world records at the 1972 Munich Olympics were broken by swimmers wearing Speedos? You’ll learn this and many other fascinating facts while completing this series. Be sure to pop it on your must-do list. You can get started at AI1 Speedos (GC8BNYD).

*Statistics current as of 22 September 2019

St Arnaud Geo Coins & Pathtags

The St Arnaud Event 2019 MEGA standard and limited edition geocoins are now for sale in the Geocaching Victoria store. In fact we have placed our order and there is limited stock so get in quick before they sell out!

The Standard coin has been specifically designed for the event and features Fern the leadbeater possum as well as some stunning Australian flora including Victoria’s floral emblem – the Pink Heath. What sets this coin apart is that it is a 3D textured coin. If you’ve seen one before you know how magnificent they look – if not you will definitely want one for your collection! Coins are $16 each. Order here.

ST A standard coin

The Limited Edition coins come in three different colours and aims to depict the farming communities that are located within the St Arnaud district. Get in quick as these are limited in number! This coin is 3 inches in size so nice to add to the collection. Limited edition coins are $34 each. Order here.

LE tractor coins

And whilst in the store don’t forget to purchase your St Arnaud Pathtags too!

St A 5 set

If you are thinking of ordering your own personalised pathtags and want them in time for St Arnaud, you have until the end of September. Why not consider a set of tags with the Geocaching Victoria Logo on the back? Go to pathtags.com for more details.

Weekend Schedule

The official schedule for the St Arnaud MEGA weekend has now been released. In order to plan and cater properly we need you to log “will attends” on all official events you plan to attend. If you don’t you may miss out on what we have to offer (plus it makes it SO much easier for everyone who is organising the event and volunteering their time too).

View the schedule here and get logging!

Milestones

Who doesn’t love celebrating a milestone at a MEGA event? We know lots of people do so as in previous years we will be handing out some special certificates. If you plan to celebrate a Milestone in St Arnaud make sure you fill in this form.

First to Find (FTF) Raffle

We know people love chasing FTFs – how would you like a MEGA Event FTF? This raffle supports the amazing work done by The St Arnaud Agricultural Society (whose premises we are using and who do an amazing job of coordinating the St Arnaud Show). So if you are a FTF hound, or you just want to support a really great charity, then you can go in the draw to earn the right to call yourself the FTFer of The St Arnaud Event, 2019. Tickets are only $2 and you may win FTF and an unobtainium geocoin… You can purchase your tickets in this wonderful raffle by following this link!

St A Ag society

Sponsorship

It’s thanks to amazing supporters that make a MEGA event possible. This includes GeoStuff who will be on site during the Mega. We’ve also had donations from our mates in South Australia who are organising a MEGA event there – GeoVenture2020, Caching Supplies, Sssafe and Sistema so a big thanks to them too. It’s also important to note that this event isn’t possible without the support of the Northern Grampians Shire Council so thank you NGS – your support in invaluable! And we can’t forget the amazing support from PathTags and Geocaching HQ   who help to make this dream a reality! Thanks guys!

The St Arnaud Event – August Update

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Welcome to The St Arnaud Event update. The committee are working behind the scenes to bring you the best MEGA event we can – all for FREE! Remember to REGISTER HERE by logging a “Will Attend” as this year we will be crossing off names at the event to ensure everyone who registered early gets their FREE gift.

The Lead Up events have continued and in August we saw an event in the Melbourne CBD – thanks sharkiefan for hosting. In September you can find a Lead Up event in Castlemaine and one in Bacchus Marsh in October.

Schedule

The schedule for The St Arnaud Event is almost finalised so make sure you lock the following into your calendar:

THURSDAY

6:00pm – 7:30pm GC8C60W Thursday Night Picnic Tea in the Park #5. See here for more information.  

FRIDAY

10:30am – 12:00pm GC88WW9 Friday CITO – St Arnaud Wax Gardens. See here for more information.
6:00pm – 8:00pm GC88X2V St Arnaud Event: Friday Night Dinner. See here for more information.

SATURDAY

8:00am – 8:45am GC8CCA4 Vision 2020 – St Arnaud Event. See here for more information.
9:00am Registrations open – at the MEGA site.
10:00am – 10:30am Opening Ceremony – at the MEGA site.
10:30am LAB Caches go LIVE!
11:00am Pathtag Trading – at the MEGA site.
2:30pm – 3:30pm Photography Skills Seminar- presented by Mr Coffee of Coffee Table Images

Meet on the Netball Courts behind MEGA shed
3:30pm – 4:30pm Earthcache Seminar – presented by Reviewer GeoAwareANZ2 

Netball Clubrooms behind MEGA shed
4:30pm – 5:30pm GC88X1N Saturday CITO – St Arnaud Creek. See here for more information.
6:30pm – 8:00pm GC8BWHJ The St Arnaud Saturday Night Event. See here for more information.

SUNDAY

9:00am Pathtag Trading – at the MEGA site.
10:00am – 11:00am Meet the Reviewers/Lackey – a Q&A session featuring Bunjil, GeoAwareANZ2, Tchingal & Rock Chalk
2:30pm – 4:00pm GC8BWH0 GIFF & Farewell to The St Arnaud Event. See here for more information.

Bunnings BBQ

Hopefully a few of you have seen our event which will be held on Sunday the 15th of September, GC88V1F, A gathering in Ballarat. Our newest sponsor, Bunnings, is letting us run a traditional Bunnings BBQ at the Bunnings store in Ballarat to help raise funds for the St Arnaud MEGA event (as events like a MEGA cost lots of money to run).  It’s a day long event from 9am through until 4pm where we will be cooking and selling sausages. We would love everybody to come down to the Bunnings store in Ballarat and have a sausage to help support this MEGA event. If you can donate some time on the day by volunteering to help with the cooking and selling of some sausages please email info@geocachingvictoria.com.au

bunnings

A Lucky Lackey

We are excited to announce that Chris Ronan  aka Rock Chalk will be the lucky Lackey visiting us from Geocaching HQ in Seattle. Chris will be around for the whole event and part of a panel session on the Sunday morning so make sure you introduce yourself to him and ask lots of questions! With over 28,000 finds he has lots of knowledge on all things geocaching!

Geocaching in St Arnaud – Loop Track (LT)

The Loop Track series was created in 2016 by FUF006 & Tyred n Cranky, following on from their earlier Firebreak series (2014) and Bush Meander series (2015).

The LT series is a total of 18 cleverly constructed caches comprising of 16 trads and 2 puzzles that require numbers to be collected along the way. The Loop Track begins on the outskirts of St Arnaud, taking you on an enjoyable journey through the bush.

A total of 1,953* unique finds have been logged on this series with over 650* favourite points awarded to the series overall. The midway mystery Big Wheels – ? LT (GC6Q79K) holds the honour of ‘most favourited’ cache of the series with 69% fave points*.

This is a must do series when you’re in the area and a fantastic adventure for all ages. Begin your quest at Alpha – 01 LT (GC6Q76E)

*Statistics current as of 26 August 2019

Official Shirts now Available

Official St Arnaud Event shirts now available to order. Check out the Geocaching Victoria Store to pre-order yours now. Available in Men’s, Women’s and Kids sizes. Don’t forget until the end of August, kids receive a Free Tracking Code when they order a shirt with Embroidery

shirt

St Arnaud Geo Coins & Pathtags

The St Arnaud Event 2019 MEGA standard and limited edition geocoins are now for sale in the Geocaching Victoria store. In fact we have placed our order and three is limited stock so get in quick before they sell out!

The Standard coin has been specifically designed for the event and features Fern the leadbeater possum as well as some stunning Australian flora including Victoria’s floral emblem – the Pink Heath. What sets this coin apart is that it is a 3D textured coin. If you’ve seen one before you know how magnificent they look – if not you will definitely want one for your collection! Coins are $16 each. Order here.

ST A standard coin

The Limited Edition coins come in three different colours and aims to depict the farming communities that are located within the St Arnaud district. Get in quick as these are limited in number! This coin is 3 inches in size so nice to add to the collection. Limited edition coins are $34 each. Order here.

LE tractor coins

And whilst in the store don’t forget to purchase your St Arnaud Pathtags too!

St A 5 set

If you are thinking of ordering your own personalised pathtags and want them in time for St Arnaud, you have until 22nd September. Why not consider a set of tags with the Geocaching Victoria Logo on the back? Go to pathtags.com for more details.

Milestones

Who doesn’t love celebrating a milestone at a MEGA event? We know lots of people do so as in previous years we will be handing out some special certificates. If you plan to celebrate a Milestone in St Arnaud make sure you fill in this form.

milestone

Sponsorship

It’s thanks to amazing supporters that make a MEGA event possible. This includes GeoStuff who will be on site during the Mega. We’ve also had donations from our mates in South Australia who are organising a MEGA event there – GeoVenture2020, Caching Supplies, Sssafe and Sistema so a big thanks to them too. It’s also important to note that this event isn’t possible without the support of the Northern Grampians Shire Council so thank you NGS – your support in invaluable! And we can’t forget the amazing support from PathTags and Geocaching HQ   who help to make this dream a reality! Thanks guys!

The St Arnaud Event – July Update

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Welcome to The St Arnaud Event update. The committee are working behind the scenes to bring you the best MEGA event we can – all for FREE! Remember to REGISTER HERE by logging a “Will Attend” as this year we will be crossing off names at the event to ensure everyone who registered early gets their FREE gift.

The lead up events have continued and in June and July and  we’ve seen events in  Adelaide (SA), Appin (at The Gong MEGA – NSW), Hexham (NSW), Geraldton (WA) and Camperdown (Vic). Thanks to our hosts for helping to spread the word about The St Arnaud Event 2019. In August you can head to a lead up event in the Melbourne CBD (Vic).

Camperdown event

camperdown

Official Shirts now Available

Official St Arnaud Event shirts now available to order. Check out the Geocaching Victoria Store to pre-order yours now. Available in Men’s, Women’s and Kids sizes. Don’t forget until the end of August, kids receive a Free Tracking Code when they order a shirt with Embroidery

shirt

Lab Cache Builder Competition

We are looking for several keen Lab Caches Builders for St Arnaud. Do you have a great idea a little “left of field”? If so we would love to hear from you. Simply email gemmasiemensma@gmail.com and tell us your idea along with a simple sentence (or two) on how it would be “interactive and delight cachers”. Entries close on August 10th so get creating!

Geocaching in St Arnaud – The Challenges!!!

Those of you keeping an eye on the St Arnaud geocaching map may have noticed that earlier in the year 50 (yes 50) geocaching challenge caches were published by sharkiefan with the help of FUF009.

A challenge cache is a variation of the Mystery Cache type that involves completing a specific list of requirements before you can claim a find.

The St Arnaud challenges range in difficulty. Some are easy and some are very challenging. Check out GC81062 to see where they are placed on the map and to see if you qualify. And the best thing about challenge caches is that even if you don’t qualify yet you can still sign the log (via a “write note”) and then when you do qualify at some point in the future you can claim the smilie without having to return. So make sure you check out these awesome caches!

St Arnaud Geo Coins & Pathtags

The St Arnaud Event 2019 MEGA standard and limited edition geocoins are now for sale in the Geocaching Victoria store. In fact we are about to place orders for these so get in quick before they sell out!

The Standard coin has been specifically designed for the event and features Fern the ledbeater possum as well as some stunning Australian flora including Victoria’s floral emblem – the Pink Heath. What sets this coin apart is that it is a 3D textured coin. If you’ve seen one before you know how magnificent they look – if not you will definitely want one for your collection! Coins are $16 each. Order here.

ST A standard coin

The Limited Edition coins come in three different colours and aims to depict the farming communities that are located within the St Arnaud district. Get in quick as these are limited in number! This coin is 3 inches in size so nice to add to the collection. Limited edition coins are $34 each. Order here.

LE tractor coins

And whilst in the store don’t forget to purchase your St Arnaud Pathtags too!

St A 5 set

If you are thinking of ordering your own personalised pathtags and want them in time for St Arnaud, you have until 22nd September. Why not consider a set of tags with the Geocaching Victoria Logo on the back? Go to pathtags.com for more details.

Bunnings BBQ

Hopefully a few of you have seen our event which will be held on Sunday the 15th of September, GC88V1F, A gathering in Ballarat. Our newest sponsor, Bunnings, is letting us run a traditional Bunnings BBQ at the Bunnings store in Ballarat to help raise funds for the St Arnaud MEGA event (as events like a MEGA cost lots of money to run).  It’s a day long event from 9am through until 4pm where we will be cooking and selling sausages. We would love everybody to come down to the Bunnings store in Ballarat and have a sausage to help support this MEGA event. If you can donate some time on the day by volunteering to help with the cooking and selling of some sausages please email info@geocachingvictoria.com.au

bunnings

Accommodation

Camp Seed – Stuart Mill – only 15 mins from St Arnaud

Camp Seed is now taking bookings.  There are 48 beds available in dormitory style accommodation.  Twelve rooms each with 4 single beds.  Cost is $35 per adult and $25 per child per night with a 2 night minimum.  Bring your own sheets (or sleeping bag) and towel.
To book contact Donna info@seedvalue.com.au

Free Camping

As St Arnaud is surrounded by bush there are some magnificent free camps around. One of the most popular ones in Walkers (a beautiful lake, public toilets) which is only 20mins away in Avon Plains.

Other Nearby Towns

There are plenty of towns just a short drive away (and let’s face it they are closer than what it took for many who live in Melbourne to get to and from The Parkville Event 2018). You can check out accommodation options in:

  • Donald
  • Wedderburn
  • Charlton
  • Dunolly
  • Inglewood
  • Bridgewater

First to Find (FTF) Raffle

We know people love chasing FTFs – how would you like a MEGA Event FTF? This raffle supports the amazing work done by The St Arnaud Agricultural Society (whose premises we are using and who do an amazing job of coordinating the St Arnaud Show). So if you are a FTF hound, or you just want to support a really great charity, then you can go in the draw to earn the right to call yourself the FTFer of The St Arnaud Event, 2019. Tickets are only $2 and you may win FTF and an unobtainium geocoin… You can purchase your tickets in this wonderful raffle by following this link!

St A Ag society

Sponsorship

It’s thanks to amazing supporters that make a MEGA event possible. This includes GeoStuff who will be on site during the Mega. We’ve also had donations from our mates in South Australia who are organising a MEGA event there – GeoVenture2020, Caching Supplies, Sssafe and Sistema so a big thanks to them too. It’s also important to note that this event isn’t possible without the support of the Northern Grampians Shire Council so thank you NGS – your support in invaluable! And we can’t forget the amazing support from PathTags and Geocaching HQ   who help to make this dream a reality! Thanks guys!