Moses Dock Multi-cache
Knightwood Oak: I have re-walked this great walk this morning on a lovely summer morning. But with the main footpath closed for new building work, a seat required has now been moved, and a couple of other clues not working also, I HAVE decided to ARCHIVE this Multicache. Its been out there for about 6 years, and has been enjoyed by many that walked this Nature Reserve. Thank you to all that send great messages and added FAV point.
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This is certainly NOT a quick Cache and Dash but a Multi Cache that give you a great walk around the Lymington - Keyhaven Nature Reserve, on the Solent Coast in Hampshire.
The Walk takes you part of The Solent Way along the sea wall, then back from the Lymington Yacht Marina along quite country lanes and footpaths.
Please Note this cache is hidden with the knowledge of the Reserve Warden. who HAS given me permission to hide ONE (and only one) cache on this Nature Reserve. It is also hidden in an area as not to cause any problems.
HISTORY and ARCHAEOLOGY
The landscape we see today has been shaped by more than 2000 years of human activity. If you look carefully there are signs of a major industry which once thrived here.
Salt was made by impounding seawater in shallow lagoons, known as salterns where it was left to evaporate. Wind pumps were then used to draw off the brine solution into large metal pans where it was heated until only the salt remainded.
A series of narrow docks were constructed to enable sailing barges to import coal for the boiling houses and to export the salt. Moses Dock is the only remaining navigable dock, but other examples include Maiden Dock and Pennington Dock.
The production of sea salt was important in this area from Middle Ages until 1865, when cheaper mined salt from Cheshire forced the closure of the last saltern
The Lymington - Keyhaven Nature Reserve contains the best preserved examples of medieval and later salt workings in southern England.
WILDLIFE OF THE RESERVE
Just inside the sea wall lie a series of shallow brackish lagoons, connected to the sea through a system of sluices and tidal flaps.
The lagoons are some of the most important in Britain with populations of rare species including Foxtail Stonewort, Lagoon Shrimp and Starlet Seaanemone.
In Winter the looded lagoons are home to wildfowl such as Mallard, Shoveler and Teal. Spring and Autumn brings migrant wading birds including Whimbrel, Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint.. The island with in Normandy Lagoon enable Little Tern, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher to breed in relative safety.
THE WALK
The grid above is for the start of your walk, at the southern end of Lower Pennington Lane, parking layby for a good few cars, -- There is 'NO' charge for parking here.
You walk along the seawall path which is part of the Solent Way all the way to the Lymington Yacht Marina, then inland, back through lanes and footpaths.
PLEASE NOTE :: Clue 17 (t) swings are now missing so have given the answer in the question, AND Clue 20 (w) name plaque unreadable so a new clue has been put in its place.
At Clue 15 there is a shop at "Nick Cox Yacht Chandlers" by the entrance to marina where drinks and icecreams can be brought, open 7 days a week 8am - 5pm.
At Clue 21 you have collected all the required information.
so you deserve a break and a drink, so may I suggest you visit "" THE CHEQUERS PUB AND RESTAURANT" just up the road, where you may sit and work out the final cache placement.
A Calculator would be handy tool to take with you on this cache.
After visiting the Final Cache you should easily see on the map the walk back to the car parking area, but if not directions will be on back page of the cache book.
So give yourself a few hours and a fine sunny day and enjoy your walk.
You can obtain a "free" leaflet about this Nature Reserve by contacting the Countryside Service of Hampshire County Council on 01590 674656 and they will forward one on to you.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gur Gbgny ahzore nqqrq gbtrgure nyy lbhe nafjref vf --gjb bar avar.