Introduction:
This multi-cache is made of three micro-caches and the final
cache. The objectif of this cache is to make you "jump" from one
place to another like a squirrel. Also, I try to draw Your
attention to the fauna (During the creation of this cache, I saw a
squirrel and two rabbits) and some nice paths with the help of a
map I supply in the first micro-cache.
Monsanto:
The Monsanto Forest Park is known as being
Lisbon's lung. It's a very important park.
If you're interpelled by Forest Guards. Don't panic. Introduce
yourself and explain what you're doing (show some material that
links you with Geocaching. This page should do). Monsanto is a
very sensitive area - I've already talked to the Park
Administration and they told me they'll inform the Forest Guards
about Geocaching. I have explicit authorization from the Park
Administration to place this cache.
Some places you'll see in
this hunt;
Pedreira do
Calcário
The action of the man is
well visible in all Monsanto, and this place carries us to the time
where it was removed of the Mountain range the calcareous
rock and the basalt for Lisbon sidewalks. This type of exploration,
allows to study and to understand the geologic events of this
region. Be careful in this area.
Moinhos do Mocho
In decade of 40, many of the
mills of Monsanto had been recouped - some had been transformed in
houses and, in the case of the Moinhos do Mocho, in a
sightseeing place.
Luneta dos
Quartéis
It is part of the old system
of military defense, constructed in 2nd half of 19th century,
with the name of Luneta do Capela. It was destined the
artillery rank and is, since the forestation of Monsanto, a
sightseeing place where we have a pretty one sight on the west
region of Monsanto.
The
Squirrel:
There are hundreds of squirrels and they are beginning to take
over the forest, having introduced by man. Belonging to the species
Sciurus vulgaris, the small rodents are loosing their fear
of visitors, and they have already been seen in the middle of some
streets around. Being a sweet animal and easily accustomed to human
presence, it is probable that visitors to this park will soon take
kindly to the tricks of these small animals, with a long tail and
of brown or copper coloured fur.
In this site you can read the untold story about
squirrels. More information about fauna in this Park can be
found in the cache container.
The hunt
With this cache You'll enter the real forest and not only see it
from the roads where most of Us use to drive. One nice thing I
noticed, when searching the spots for the caches, is that everybody
says ""Olá" (Hello) or "Bom dia" (Good morning) to each others -
wether being walking/hiking, biking, running...
The total distance I walked to create this cache was 4.300m and
took 2,5 hours to do it. I walked by the roads showed in the maps.
All caches are in open sky places, so the signal is ok. Try to use
the paths, instead of going straight "like the crow flies".
However, the best paths you'll only find them in the way back ...it
happens with me all the time...
On Weekends and special hollydays, some roads are closed to the
traffic so, you'll have to leave your car/moto in the park
suggested and go to the hunt by foot or bike. You can also reach
the parking area by public transports. There's a BUS stop named
"Cruz das Oliveiras" for Carris buses nr. 11, 23, 24 &
29.
All the circuit is suitable for persons who just want to walk
and not climbing difficult paths or do other exercises. However, if
you want some excitement, go directly from 2nd to 3rd micro-caches,
instead of turning back to the start point and take the road at
West of it. Between 3rd micro-cache and the final cache there's a
steep ascent in the road. Don't forget to take water with you.
I supply a GPS
TrackMaker file with the
circuit you'll have to walk for this hunt. If you need, get a copy
of it. It's free.
Cache
Content:
Logbook, stash note, pen, documentation about fauna, and
some nice gifts for you to exchange.
Don't forget:
"Cache in, trash out" and Leave No
Trace
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