GC1GZKH Of Grave Concern (Traditional Cache) in Western Cape, South Africa created by trevorh7000

This cache has been archived.

ROTSIP: As there's been no cache to find for months, I'm archiving it to keep it from continually showing up in search lists, and to prevent it from blocking other cache placements. If you wish to repair/replace the cache sometime in the future, just contact us (by email), and assuming it meets the guidelines, we'll be happy to unarchive it.

GC1GZKH ▼

A cache by trevorh7000 Message this owner

Hidden : 10/20/2008

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Located at a historical grave site. Parking available a few metres away. easy to get to

Situated on the old Valkenberg Farmstead which lies within the Two Rivers Urban Park, this is the resting place of members of the Mostert Family. The Mostert Family, who owned a number of farms in the area, acquired this land in the early 19th century.

Sybrand Jacobus Mostert, is one of the occupants of the mausoleum. The Mosterts Mill nearby is named for him,but was constructed in 1795 by his father-in-law Gysbert van Reenen.

The nearby Valkenberg Manor house is said to date from about 1830 although it probably incorporates fabric dating from the 18c. The various other elements were modified and extended by the Mostert family and then by later users, a reformatory and hospital authorities.

The Valkenberg manor house and outbuildings have been renovated and are utilised by The Courtyard Hotel and The Wild Fig Restaurant.

The farmstead is the only remaining one on the Liesbeek River still retaining a sense of its agricultural past. All the others are now demolished or consumed by the Urban environment but include Coornhoop and Westoe.

After finding the cache take your time and enjoy the relative tranquility of this little patch of greenery in the City.

On your way to see the Manor House, admire the large Moretonbay Fig Tree (ficus macrophylla) from where the restaurant takes its name. The attached bar, Annie's Arms is a singe malt lovers paradise and you can wet your whistle with a well deserved drink as reward for finding the cache. The owners are keen cachers so pop in and say Hi.

I have placed this cache here to bring some attention to the little known Two Rivers Urban Park - did you notice the big gabion berm at the lights on your way in? This is under construction and will be the gateway to the Park.

You will also have passed The Royal Astronomical Observatory who have open nights once a month. This happens on the second Saturday see (visit link) for more details.

The cache also highlights the plight of our heritage and that is where the name comes from - Of Grave Concern - The site is not being maintained as it should. The site is owned by the National Monuments Council and lease to UCT on a 99 year lease. UCT are responsible for the maintenance but it is sorely lacking. Unfortunately quite a bit of money will now have to be spent to conserve this monument.

Parking available at 33°56'34.44"S 18°28'46.02"E opposite open field.

The cache is small, but can take small trade items. Please replace cache carefully.

On hiding the cache contained :-

1 x log book and pencil and caching note
1 x Meal Voucher for The Wild Fig as a FTF Prize!
2 x coloured dice
2 x plastic spiders
2 x rubber snappy jumpy things
2 x wooden piggy faces
2 x tiny peg with ladybird
2 x old 20c piece - not legal tender but still great for quarters!
1 x glitter
1 x 10 Ringgit note
1 x 50 sen
1 x wooden heart on string

Enjoy!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Vgf pehzoyvat, vgf snyyvat, vgf zbfg pregnvayl nccnyyvat. Lrf ybbx gurer!

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)