5* Severn Bore event Event Cache

This is a rare daylight 5* Severn Bore - unusual tidal conditions which results in a wave travelling UPSTREAM (up the river) and sometimes big enough to enable surfers to surf the wave.  The wave is due at about 0945 at this location on 2nd Feb but times vary due to winds by +/-30mins.

This event is an opportunity for cachers to get together from about 0900 until the wave passes. You can also log the Earthcache.

At this rate I'm considering turning this into a 5* terrain event. There is a Severe flood warning in place and Glocs Police are separately asking people to avoid the area altogether and alternatively that if people do come to see the Bore to be very careful. If you do decide to come then please observe any Police instructions.

Parts of Elmore village are now also subject to flood warning, but parking 2 and the Quedgeley estates aren't subject to any warning being on the other side of the canal. This would be a safer area to park for anyone unfamiliar with the area although it takes an extra 15 minutes to walk to the event.

As lots of people have booked accommodation, I'm leaving the event open at the moment but with a warning that you shouldn't take any risks. The event location is near Windmill Hill (where the "ye olde survey monuments" cache has been placed), so there is a safe place nearby if necessary.

The Severn Bore is an amazing sight and sound.  A wave is created by the tide rushing into the mouth of the river Severn, shaped like a funnel in the Severn Estuary, resulting in a wave flowing upriver which is big enough to surf.  This is the second biggest Tidal Bore in the world (the biggest is in China) and an amazing experience.  I've been twice before, I love the roar of the wave approaching before you can see it, the sight of surfers and boaters trying to ride the wave, branches and even trees being propelled upstream and particularly the expression of some very confused ducks.

The Severn Bore Earthcache is on this page. This page includes more information on the Bore and links to other sources including a Bore timetable.

This will be a big event (lots of muggles and probably press including a helicopter or two) and you can guarantee busy roads and very difficult parking.  Arrive early because of these but also because winds can accelerate (or slow) the approach of the Bore by up to 30 minutes.  I intend to arrive at the parking around 0830. The last few years have had poor Bore ratings and this is the only weekend daylight 5* Bore in 2014 (there is one other 5* daylight Bore on Monday 3rd March).

Due to the large numbers of people attending and the difficulty of getting everyone to sign a logbook, please bring a peice of paper with your caching name and drop this in the box provided. LOOK OUT FOR THE GAGB BANNER.

There will be a lunchtime meet starting at 1200 near the M5. This will allow you to see the Bore, find some local caches and then attend the event. Details are here A Cheese Roll anyone?.

Please check out the Geocaching Association of Great Britain for further information about Geocaching in the UK.