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Ghosts of Spanish Conquistadors Mystery Cache

This cache has been archived.

Old River Runner: The area where this cache was placed has changed quite a bit, due to logging activity, making it difficult to restore it to the same experience as before. Therefore, I have decided to retire it into the geocaching history books. -- ORR

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Difficulty:
3 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:


This is a NIGHT cache!

This cache was originally placed by NidoMio, with the assistance of Old River Runner.
The cache was transferred by NidoMio to Old River Runner on 12/11/12.


From NidoMio's original cache description:
"Thanks to Old River Runner for helping me set this up, and thanks to Sancho for having an archived night cache here for me to, ahem - bring back from the dead!"

Only attainable at night, the listed coordinates will get you to your starting spot. From there, shine your flashlight on the east side of the road and follow the reflectors you will find over the approximately ¼ mile course. Because it is a night cache, and there are obstacles, the hide and terrain are both rated a 3. All reflectors along the route are reflective white tacks on trees. Some trees are marked with one tack, while others have two tacks (placed vertically). The cache location itself is marked with four white reflective tacks, in the same pattern as a "4" on a die. After you find the cache, look for orange reflective tacks, one per tree, which will guide you back to the roadway. Once you reach the road, turn left to go back to the starting point and your vehicle. Or cross over the road and head a little to the right to the Dover Lights overlook.

According to legend, Spanish Conquistadors buried their gold in the valley and their ghosts came back to look for it. The lights are supposedly the lanterns that they carry. This story is so well known, it has been featured on "Unsolved Mysteries". Dover light’s overlook it located at N 35 33.156 W 93 08.176 (see the provided waypoint). Since you’re in the area go ahead and take a look. On average you can see them only 5-10% of your visits and under a variety of different atmospheric conditions. While this cache certainly isn't down in the valley, there still may be ghosts roaming the hills. Please report any interesting discoveries you make or experience on your journey, as strange things are alleged to be wandering around and sighted in the nearby woods.

To find the cache, you will follow a long trail of reflectors, wandering a seemingly aimless path through the woods - almost like a wild animal following a scent trail. Due to terrain changes you may not be able to look ahead on most reflectors. If you have a hard time seeing the next reflector, move around a little bit - there are over 20 reflectors, so take your time and enjoy it.

The cache is a medium sized lock-n-lock container located near a final grouping of four reflectors. Although it originally contained a small pencil and sharpener, you are advised to bring your own writing instrument. The cache is not very large, but will still hold small trade items or trackables. When you close the cache, please make sure that all of the latches are firmly snapped into place and the lid is securely shut all the way around, so that it remains watertight. And when you re-hide the cache, try to do as well or better than how you found it, to keep it from being found in the daytime if a hunter or someone else happens to pass by it. Finally, when you log your find, tell all about your adventure. The more you log, the more it is appreciated and pays back the cache owner for his efforts!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Qba'g sbetrg lbhe synfuyvtug! Na YRQ yvtug jvyy or rira zber sha.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)