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This cache is deep within a cave. I recommend that you attempt this cache only having completed Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate. Although the route of Earnanæs, þæs wyrmes denn is a little shorter, in my opinion it is a slightly trickier technical challenge, having more climbing in the style of Lasciate's "chimney". Remember that any climbs that you conquer on your journey towards the cache will have to be conquered again in reverse in order to get back out again. This cache was set by free-climbing without ropes in both directions, but you will have to assess your own abilities. I suspect that climbing tackle may be more necessary for some in Earnanæs than it is for Lasciate. I used the Climbing Gear attribute to highlight this, but do not personally have any climbing equipment nor would I know how to use it, so cannot comment further. As with Lasciate, if you have any Difficulty ratings left over from the puzzle element, please carry them over to the challenge of finding the cache itself!
Safety
You should not attempt this cache alone; furthermore, general experience from both Lasciate and Earnanæs suggests that small groups, where team members can help each other out, are most successful and have most fun. You should let a support contact know where you are going and how long you are going to be. Your support contact should be familiar with how to get in touch with Cave Rescue (999), if you exceed your time, and should know the coordinates of the cave entrance, the size of your group, where you are parking etc. It is very difficult to estimate a time limit appropriate to all adventurers, as it will depend on team size and caving/climbing ability, but it should be of a similar order to Lasciate. Please be careful and look after yourselves.
Equipment
For this cache, you will need:
- Helmet;
- Headtorch (you need both hands free to climb);
- Spare torch and batteries;
- Ultra-violet torch/lamp (even a small keyring size should suffice);
- Overalls or old clothes, plus gloves (you will get muddy);
- Wellies or well-treaded boots;
- Knee and elbow pads may reduce bruising the next day!
- Suitable cave-climbing equipment (whether this is essential will depend on individual needs and experience; see previous comments);
- Magnetic compass (although you are unlikely to get lost in this cave);
- Something to drink, as it can be quite a workout;
- And don't forget, there's plenty of room for trades – this is a genuine large cache!
If you can pack all this into a very small space, I would try to avoid carrying anything but the smallest of packs.
Fauna
Bats: remember that it is illegal to intentionally or recklessly disturb a roosting bat, so please avoid all interaction, including lights and cameras, should you see one.
And finally ...
Huge thanks to digdug123, without whose help this cache would not have happened; I'm not as strong nor as brave as the epic hero in the illustration!
Residential Geocoin (April 2012)
Amberel kindly custom-made one of his Top Cache geocoins for this cache. It is called Hroðgar's Tribute. I have chosen to hide it as a RESIDENTIAL geocoin near to the cache itself. The coin's webpage gives all the details; please read them carefully else you may not find the geocoin! I hope that you will discover it, if you like to see coins and collect icons (as I do).