One cannot hit "Will Attend" quick enough when Xixau & Shenzi hold a Rural Cha... I mean.. "SAFARI".
Pprime was keener than mustard to take his new beast out one of these. As we had taken "Canyonero" out in previous years, I thought it was only fair that Pprime bought "Suzee" out. We slightly adjusted our team name so we were recognisable from previous years and informed Captain Terror he was coming
After Pprime leaving home just before 5am and picking up the "crew" (sans the Crew - who is rudely on a cruise), we rocked up just before the nominated 8.30am start time.
We registered, we listened, and we chatted among good mates. My main job for the day was to be the driving - and spotting. Pprime and Captain Terror were both navigating, answering questions, and also spotting.
Apparently, we stuffed up from the start. None of us spotted it - so be it. We were off and racing. We enjoyed romping about doing what was requested. Even took 30 minutes out to have some lunch in Goombungee.
"Observation" was quite taxing. I am going to be seeing fence posts and Telstra infrastructure in my dreams for weeks to come. But we felt we did quite well - as we only managed not to find two.
Weary as we were, we came back to "home base" satisfied we had done our bit.
Xixau and Shenzi announced the winners. We managed to come 2nd place. I am very proud of that. I think we did really well with our "resources to hand". Congratulations to the team that won
But this Event is not all about winning. It's about spending a day with my great mates and catching up with my other great mates before and after the Event.
Xixau and Shenzi - you are both to be commended on your fine efforts yet again. I believe I will include OMY130 in my thanks as well as he had a part in helping out too. I didn't see an unhappy face for the entire day. An extremely enjoyable day for everyone. Thank you, sincerely, for our prize.
I look forward to next years. TFTE Xixau and Shenzi
Fangsoki
What a ripper of a day this was!
I'd been looking forward to this adventure as your reputation for organising brilliant events certainly goes before you, Xixau & Shenzi! I was prepared to just turn up on the day and hope to find a vacant seat, but I didn't need to in the end as a space was available with what was to become team C3D1... consisting of TeamDFL, Brother Colin, IolantheK and myself. And what a fun team it was. In fact, I believe a few of the picture clues were missed purely because of the laughing, chatting, and general shenanigans going on in and outside of the vehicle. :D
It was great to meet and catch up with cachers before and after the event, and being a Crowy local it was nice to have people discovering caches I've placed nearby. The logs are still coming in. :-)
Thank you all of the organising you did for this event, Xixau & Shenzi, it definitely lived up to the great reputation and I had a blast! :D
Jess & Caro
We were late arriving so thanks to the COs for their patience. Once out on the course we had a fun day and enjoyed exploring the area. Thanks again for all the effort you put in organising this
WMG187
What a fabulous event! King Lizard was my only crew member for the day and we casually swanned around the back roads gathering information. We had a game plan, to just enjoy ourselves and not worry about collecting everything. Managed the grand tour in 6hrs and 3 mins with a respectable 279 points which meant that we came in second (from the opposite end 😉). Next year we might have the whole team on board as the extra eyes are definitely an advantage.
Thank you so much for organising this amazing day, it's one of my geocaching highlights for the year.
JACS Team
Another Awesome week-end away with Geocaching friends.
Always great to catch up with friends from near and far, especially around the campfire.
Thanks again for another great week-end event.
Brother Colin
With Jez occupied with the very important matters of rugby, cricket, steak and aircon this weekend, I accepted the offer of a seat in Seffnjarah's 4WD to go on Safari. The rest of the team bailed at the last minute, so we joined forces with our dorm-room buddies the Ms Mad Goldenstairs to form 'Not the full packet of Tim Tams'.
We all had a great day with everyone fulfilling their assigned tasks with enthusiasm and a reasonable level of skill. Considering it was our first Rural challenge/safari we were super happy with our finish in the middle of the pack (and we were first back!). I was threatened with disembowelment (maybe just a nipped ankle) by the CO's (admittedly tiny) dogs when trying to hand in our answer sheet though; as more and more teams arrived back they seemed rather less inclined towards violence so perhaps there was something to be said for a later return!
Looking forward to next year already, thanks Xixau & Shenzi for a very well run and fun event
JezNDez
Always a pleasure to attend these events, and this one lived up to expectations The CO's put so much effort into today and I thoroughly enjoyed the outing. Thanks to my car buddies teamdfl, Jess & Caro and Brother Colin, it was a day of laughter and silliness, with a lot of teamwork and camaraderie. Can't wait for the next one! TFTC, Xixau and Shenzi.
IolantheK
Well what can I say? We have been looking forward to this event since it was first mentioned on Facebook, and our little team (Mr and Mrs K8'n'Co, Wombles & Co, NyssaFlutterby and I) had plans to have some real fun with this.We decided on particular costumes, came up with a team name, and booked accommodation. And then we waited... and waited... for the event day to come around.
But as with all plans, some things changed along the way. Our little team welcomed some new additions to the family, first with Slow Puncture, and then with only a day or two to go, Orange Crew. And sadly we lost a much loved member, as NyssaFlutterby fell ill and could not join us for this adventure. But she would be with us in spirit the whole way!
Collecting Wombles early Sat morning, I headed to Crows Nest, arriving around 8 am to a caravan park abuzz with keen cachers. Prepping K8'n'Co's safari machine with a couple of additional surprises, we then headed up to join the rest of our team, and say hi to so many other familiar faces.
And then the real fun began! The teams were given their challenges and timeframe in which to complete them, and we were off!
Boy we all had our work cut out here, looking this way and that trying not to miss anything. A couple of times early on we ran into C3D1, and some friendly rival scuffling may have ensued between the D1 of the team and myself , but as there is no known footage as evidence of this all I will say is nice try Brother Colin, shame a girl was stronger
The journey was long, and there was so much to see at every step, including a couple of bonuses with wildlife along the way - the dingo was definitely a surprise!
Having done as best as our team felt we could have, at the end of a long day we returned to base and handed in our papers. Then it was time to relax for a while and chat about our adventures and relax for a little with good company before we all joined together with bated breath to see how we had gone on our mission.
We can honestly say we were shocked and elated when Taking The Pith received first prize, but we can also say with all honesty that it made no difference where we came this weekend, we had an absolute blast the entire time!
Formalities over and a couple of our team heading home, the remainder of us headed off to dinner with some other cachers, before returning to Captain Terror's blazing campfire to chat a little longer.
Thanks for the event Xixau & Shenzi. It truly was exceptional and very memorable. We look forward to seeing what your next event holds! I wish we could award a favourite point on an event, because this event certainly was worthy of them!!
1MinnieMoo
Saturday. Slow Puncture were attending their first event of this type and we were not disappointed. We had a great time with our team and completing the tasks and activities - of which we had no idea what to expect. Nice to also see so many familiar faces and thought is was fitting that so many people showed up - and all got to experience the uniqueness of the weekend.
Thanks Xixau & Shenzi, for having us and putting on such an enjoyable event. It is a real shame an event cannot be awarded a favourite point - this one would have piled them up.
Slow Puncture(LJCC)
The RoddyCs were holidaying in the ACT after the Alexandra Event. Should we make the effort to attend this event?
I remember the previous one - Mrs RoddyC was cruising around the Carribean at the time, so I was here with Nadine1989, and we completed the "Challenge" with youngoldfella.
So with those memories in mind, we decided to come along. Leaving Canberra a day earlier than originally planned, we overnighted in Dubbo then Moree, making it in time for our cabin at 5.30pm on Friday. Over dinner that night caught up with many of our friends.
The Safari on Saturday was quite an adventure. Our team included Echocage1. We were slowed quite a bit by the event of a flat tyre on the GeoFalcon. Thanks to Paul and Andrew for assistance in changing the tyre - I'm sure your time spend here also shortened your Safari time. We did fairly well overall, and were very happy considering the circumstances.
Dinner Saturday night and we teamed up with our cabin neighbours, K8&Co, with other invited cachers, for dinner at the local pub.
That was our experience - and we are so looking forward to 2018!!
Thanks to Xixau & Shenzi and their helpers. You did a fantastic job!
RoddyC
This was my first forest challenge and I prob stumbled into the event more out of curiosity as tales abound in the caching community of past expeditions and fun that was had around the campfire in drop bear-infested wilderness. I understand this year a dingo ate a waypoint and that’s why we couldn’t find it
Firstly... thx to the amazing COs (and their trusty helpers) who actually enjoy going to a lot of time, effort and expense so we could all have fun. You rock!!! We tried to turn over every stone but as we were not towing an excavator behind the 4WD some of the larger monoliths defeated us Great to catch up with familiar faces and put a few names to faces.
Secondly... we had an amazing Not the Full Packet of Tim Tams team comprised of bromancer SeffnJarra who supplied the wheels and got us through the entire course safely. As I recall we only went up on two wheels once on a tight steep corner and that put me (backseat passenger) at precisely the right angle to spot the dry stone wall 👍 Dez of JeznDez fame, Stairman1 and I were runners, spotters, solvers and gofers. Goldielover was the only safarian wearing a moon boot and surely we scored extra points for that?! It was clear that having a dedicated resource for the paperwork was a blessing ‘tho occasionally when the sure-footed four could not locate a tricky WP Goldielover could be found hobbling thru the long grass in her bionic boot 😎 Squabbling over WPs was equally shared as you’d expect on a safari 😂 (happy to report we’re a good natured mob)
Thirdly (and famously)... A huge shoutout to Jeff’s in-laws for their generosity in turning over their amazing property and BBQ to a bunch of sweaty geocachers for the weekend 😻 I’m so grateful as it made the trek affordable for me. Dez introduced me to tropical 🏝 beer and gets bonus points for that 🍺
Lastly... Crows Nest is a great little village and excellent spot for an event. Thx to the locals and for sure I’ll be back so feel free to put out more caches here 😀 Logged a local bush trail on Sunday morning before heading home 🌵 Looking forward to next year’s challenge 🤗 You turned on perfect weather this weekend so I have high expectations 💦 Happy to donate a prize if that helps.
TFTC Xixau & Shenzi 🎈This was also Violet the Tabby’s first challenge event 😻
Ms Maddy
Our first and definitely not our last Safari! We had a great time! Thanks so much for all the time and effort you put in to create this fantastic Event.
Stortigirls
What an awesome weekend. This event was marked down and booked in the instant it was announced - in fact I have been looking forward to it all year, long before a date was announced. And it most certainly did NOT disappoint. With my new girl Suzee champing at the bit to be allowed to go too, Team Canyonero went undercover this year, Incognito.
The day started early, collecting Fangsoki and Captain Terror, and heading up the hill to the launching pad. People everywhere, cars, campers, dogs and the all important X&S sign to gather around. Great to see so many people I've not noticed at these events previously - the word is getting out - and of course a few other die-hard perennials like us.
Having noted the fresh predilection for Rouge Pisceans we avidly absorbed all the information around us - however once we got started we failed at the very first of said fish - but then we were off. We have our key skills. Fang can drive, I can steer, C.T. can see. We all got somewhat caught up in the observationing, and apparently we did pretty good at that.
Xixau mentioned the trail would take at least 4 and a bit hours. Yes, we stopped for lunch early on, but we didn't really muck about at any time - 6 and a bit hours later .... however we met the time frame easily enough. We drove, we spotted, we discussed, we turned, we lost all sense of where North was, we saw some that others didn't and felt all gloaty, we loved the bush, the changing scenery around us, and then we arrived back to the pad to submit responses and to hand over the game-fate to the Safari gods. We then managed to shop, and eat, before attending the formalities.
Scores were read out, and I think only then I noticed some of the teams present - a great turnout this year. Proudly Team Canyonero Incognito managed to sneak into second place (by one question or perhaps just 2cm in the driving bonus) ... naturally we shall be back next year to defend our honour! And thusly the socialising begun in earnest.
With clear weather (I recall it being cold and rainy last year), a lovely big campfire, drinks, comfy seats, and people people people. All chatting, relaxing. Loving life. There is nothing better than a campfire, truly.
It's been said by others and elsewhere too ... but it cannot be said enough. To X&S and Geoff too a massive congratulations and thanks for the effort, time and cleverness (even the tricksies). The day and all aspects were perfect, even the weather was nicely cool, and remained dry.
Thanks for holding this event, Xixau & Shenzi. A fantastic time was had at this, my 78th ever event. See you at Rural Safari 2018
{Overall find #5518}
RATED MY WINNER OF BEST EVENT 2017
Pprime
What a fun event!!! :D :D :D I can't wait to do it all again!!!!!! :D :D :D Thank you Xixau & Shenzi for the mammoth effort you have put in to ensure everyone had a fantastic time.
Selva Girls
I'd been to a Xixau & Shenzi event 10 years back and had a great time, so I was pleased to make it to another one!
Technology has had some huge changes in ten years and some people had awesome setups in their cars!
I was part of the "Taking the pith" team and we had a wonderful time, chasing down all the waypoints and bonuses.
The unexpected bonus was our group winning by 5 points!
I appreciate the effort you guys put into putting this together, it was an awesome event and I loved the chance to be a bit silly with pith hats and snakes and other various accessories! Hoping to be able to make the next one as well!
Wombles and Co
With the in-laws living in Crows Nest, this was the perfect opportunity to attend my first Safari/Challenge event. Arriving in town on Friday night, the plan was for our team to setup camp in the in-laws back yard, however the forecast rain saw us doss down in the garage instead, bringing back memories of school camp dorm rooms. Surviving a night where snorers made no friends, those who were sensible enough to wear ear plugs arose refreshed and ready to face the challenge of the day ahead.
After a breakfast of bacon and eggs we headed off to the event, where the team quickly got into game-on mode as we were second to head off. Being my first event I really had no clue about what exactly we were supposed to be doing along the way, but surprisingly we managed to finish mid field despite missing the secret challenge and fluffing the first token challenge.
Winding our way through the countryside we were initially concerned about how few images we had spotted but as we progress we became more confident as were gradually ticked off a lot of the list. The threatened rain never eventuated and we managed to arrive safely home, having enjoyed the local scenery, most of which I hadn’t seen before despite numerous previous visits to the area.
Thanks for organising a fantastic event. With the experience under the belt hopefully we will put on a better showing next year.
SeffnJarah
Almost missed logging this one. Thanks for a great day out Xixau & Shenzi. Spent a lovely couple of days in the area. Found a few smileys and stayed surprisingly dry.
TeamDFL
Each year I really look forward to the annual Xixau and Shenzi event. This year there was even a discussion between Fangsoki and I about how many we've been to. Turns out this is our sixth. It seems there is a loyal crowd comes along every year. I'm only annoyed I didn't start earlier! A few weeks before Pprime and Fangsoki sung out their plans and informed me I was going too. As if I needed persuading! The only change was there was no Pajero come Canyonero this year. Instead we'd be rolling Suzuki style as team Canyonero Incognito. Not sure we were fooling anyone though.
After a way-too-early-start-for-my-liking to leave Brisbane and get up the hill, we arrived on time at 8:30. A cabin had been booked so we checked in, then just a bit of milling about and catching up with friends before the instructions, directions, clues, emergency contacts, red herrings and misguidance was handed down by the boss. Turns out we were one of the last teams to leave, but in that time our team had gotten our head around the route, the waypoints and even solved the bonus clues. Excellent! Prime and I also made record time solving the first clue to unlock our starting time, but alas, we messed that royally up, and never found out until after we'd finished. Oh well, we were off anyways.
Fangsoki was driving and keeping an eye out. While Prime and I shared the navigating, spotting clues and observing for the bonus waypoints along the way. Naturally, cars began bunching up and since our breakfast was at sunrise, we pulled off to Goombungee for lunch. A half hour stop in maybe the most colourful town in the area was a great distraction. We hardly saw another team after that - excellent!
Basically, we went alright for the day. I made sure to take plenty of photos and we generally stressed that we had likely missed some of the observational clues. But we made it back to base in 6.5 hours, having answered all questions and found all but 2 of the observation waypoints. And it seems we were the only team to spot one of them - 'the post'. We quickly nipped out for food and were back for the results. I am astounded our little troop came in second place. Only one question wrong and maybe 20mm missed on the driving challenge. Yeah, we'll take that! And a caring prize awarded too :)
It was a most enjoyable day. Lots of chatter in the car, interesting places seen and many, many comments about the effort that went into setting the whole event up. Your efforts are to be commended Xixau, Shenzi and OMY130! With the formalities done, the fire was stoked, bottles were opened and the night disappeared in more chatter and laughter.
This ought to be the benchmark for events in South-East Queensland. Thank you so much to everyone who organised, played along and turned up. Next year, hopefully more teams see the light and make the pilgrimage! Thanks a zillion for the event and a weekend away Xixau & Shenzi! Same time next year?
Captain Terror
Another great weekend. Many thanks for all the effort. Great to see it well supported.
Even the rain god's were on our side. We may not have won the day but we certainly enjoyed ourselves.
Thanks
Griffo
What a perfect weekend for this safari, not too hot and not too wet! We had a wonderful day, there were six of us in two cars. It's a great area to explore; nice and green at the moment with plenty of wild flowers in bloom thanks to the recent rain. Everywhere was so picturesque. We were pleased to find all 70 waypoints even though we were a tad slow. Thankyou both for all your hard work you've put in to this wonderfull day. TFTE.
Herbz
Attended the event as part of Not the full packet of Tim Tams team. What a fantastic event. Had such a great day finding all but 1 of the way points and most of the observation points. Our driver SeffnJarrah managed to keep us all in line and with our navigator plotting the course we had no problems with the well set out course. Xixau & Shenzi and any helpers you have put on such a magic event. The dedication put into the event for all of us to enjoy Thank you very much. Had a nice catch up with fellow cachers.
Magic event
Stairman1
It had been quite a few years since stairman1 have attended a Rural Safari Event so I logged a will attend. Unfortunately I had a bad accident last weekend and ended up with a fractured ankle and have to wear a moon boot. I thought I wouldn't be able to attend but decided I could be a navigator and stairman1 could be the designated driver. As it happened we teamed up with SeffnJarah JezandDez and Ms Maddy so there were plenty of runners. Our team was aptly named "Not a full packet of Tim Tams". We drew second and headed off. We had Perfect Pete AKA Jeff who was driving, The lovely Penelope PitStop AKA JezandDez as navigator, Rufus Ruffcut AKA stairman1 and Red Max AKA Ms Maddy who were the spotters and Blubber Bear AKA myself because I was complaining about my foot. SeffnJarah was hot on the pedal and we reached each way point with lightening speed. We managed to grab but all the clues. But that darn fence post had us all stumped😛. We we were the first team back and enjoyed some lunch and a rest while waiting for the other teams to arrive. Our team came mid way which wasn't a bad effort.
Thanks to the great team that was thrown together at the last minute and the fun and laughs on the whole journey.
Of course a big thank you to the host Xixau and Shenzi and their killer pooch for putting on a great event. Looking forward to next year
GoldieLover
Once again we have so enjoyed the weekend organized by Xixau & Shenzi. I'm so grateful that we found this great hobby and met all you wonderful people and made some great friends. You have all enhanced our lives and given us so much. Thank you all for your friendship and thank you for another superbly organized event that we have been so grateful to have been able to attend. Cheers and happy caching! Our hearty congratulations to those who won the event and those who came 2nd and 3rd also. We'll try to do a bit better ourselves next time.
Aussie Liahona
A last minute change of plans meant I could participate in this event (resplendent in safari suit attire) rather than just attend, as part of a great team. We had a great team dynamic while solving the bonus clues, and paid close attention to the notes and applied our powers of observation. Though we didn't find everything, we did have fun and were pleasantly surprised to be the event winners !!
Thanks for the great event Xixau & Shenzi, which gave us a good excuse to come back to Crows Nest. This find makes #4531. Discover our TB
Orange Crew
Thank you to CO for a fantastic day for the Rural Challenge (oops Safari....lol). Great to go around the countryside to spots you would not travel too. Looking forward to next years event.
Richmond Lad
Many thanks to Xixau and Shenzi for another fabulous Rural Safari. Just love travelling the country roads and byways as well as having to keep an eagle eye on the country side! It really is "its not about the destination but the journey taken".
Looking forward to next year!
JooJoo57
It was a great Safari and a very enjoyable weekend.
Thanks Xixau & Shenzi.
Guddink
Another fantastic weekend adventure. We all had such a great time at such a well planned event. Will definitely be back next year. Thanks so much for all your planning and organisation.
Grundies
Thanks Xixau and Shenzi for organising such a fantastic weekend
K8 n Co
Looking forward to next year
Curare63