Eregion, or Hollin, is a land settled by the Noldorin elves at the beginning of the Second Age. It was a beautiful land in the shadow of the Misty Mountains, near the western gate of the underground dwarf kingdom of Khazad Dum (Moria). It's capital was Ost-in-Edhil, but it encompassed many cities.
Eregion is most famous for being the home of the high elf Celebrimbor, the grandson of Feanor. As the leader of the Gwaith-i-Mirdain, or "people of the jewel-smiths," Celebrimbor was the most skilled of all elves, save Feanor, in making crafts and jewelry. When a stranger, Annatar or giver of gifts, offered to teach the elves further knowledge in this area, they readily accepted. With Annatar's help, Celebrimbor forged nine rings of power for men and seven for dwarves. He also forged three rings for the elves, but without the knowledge or assistance of Annatar.
Annatar was actually Sauron, the lieutenant of Morgoth. He forged his own ring of power which would dominate the others and all they created: "One Ring to Rule Them All." Celebrimbor and the elves realized they had been betrayed, and refused Sauron's demand to turn the three eleven over to him. He waged war upon the elves, destroying Eregion, killing Celebrimbor, and plunging much of Middle Earth into darkness. Thus, Eregion is where the events of the "Lord of the Rings" had their genesis.
The quest for Eregion is a short but steep climb of 350 of elevation to the top of a prominent hill. The longer, more gradual route follows the dirt road down to the wash, then up to the northeast of the cache. At this point go cross country to the south, then climb the last 50 feet from the southeast, for a total 4 mile roundtrip. Mountain goats can shorten the hike to 1.5 miles roundtrip by climbing straight up the northwest side of the hill from the wash. Avoid the catclaw during your ascent, and look for the huge prickly pear cactus at the summit. There are great views of Tonto Basin to the southeast of the hill.
This is a letterbox hybrid. In addition to the normal logbook and trade items, it also contains a letterbox stamp, inkpad, and stamp book. Please do not remove the stamp, ink pad, or stamp book. THEY ARE NOT TRADE ITEMS!