SideTracked Ince & Elton Traditional Geocache
Sir Leisurely: To make sure that the cache container remains securely attached at its location, I use neodymium magnets. These are one of the strongest type of permanent magnet made, and certainly do not “lose their magnetism” within one month of being placed. This is the third time that this highly unusual phenomenon has occurred here on the border of Ince and Elton. There is always an explanation to why things like this happen. Last time I visited the cache site I was amazed to see that not only had the magnet lost its magnetism, but the magnet its self had vanished! The insulation tape that secured it to the container had some how ripped its self apart allowing the magnet to “escape”. I do have quite a few of these magnets but feel that replacing this one each time will only mean that I have fewer for other cache hides. I now archive this cache.
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We have Motorway Mayhem. We have A-Road Anarchy. But what about public transport users? SideTracked Caches are intended to provide quick Cache-and-dashes at or near Train Stations. PLEASE BE SENSIBLE and remember that in this day and age, public transport is under greater scrutiny than ever before, so, although this cache should be a quick and easy grab, PLEASE act with stealth to avoid causing alarm!!! I had originally intended to have this cache nearer to the actual station; however, any geocache located in or on Railway Company property could cause concern to the general public as the cache may possibly be deemed to present a security risk.
Ince station was opened on 1st July 1863. It was renamed Ince and Elton on 17th April 1884. The station is unstaffed; only four trains a day call here in each direction (towards Helsby and Ellesmere Port). The road leading up from the station to the main road at Ince is step-free. The alternative entrance, and exit, via the narrow path involves steep steps, which is not accessible for passengers with pushchairs and/or mobility problems. There is level access from the small car park at the front of the station onto the Helsby platform. From this platform, to reach the Ellesmere Port platform, turn left, go down the platform end ramp, and providing the level crossing warning lights indicate that it is SAFE, cross the lines using the foot crossing and then up the platform end ramp. There is no service on Sundays. A Saturday service operates on most Bank Holidays. In the event of buses replacing trains, only one service in each direction runs, usually in the late afternoon.
The cache location is just a short walk up from the station car park co-ordinates N53º 16.607 W002º 49.000. Since this station serves both the villages of Ince and Elton I have decided to place the magnetic 35mm film canister, which contains a logbook and pencil directly between Ince and Elton.
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