TORCH ESSENTIAL AND USE GREAT CARE TO HIDE THIS CACHE WELL AND AVOID MUGGLES! BEWARE ALSO THE SHARP IRON SPIKES EMBEDDED IN THE GROUND IN THE DRY MOAT SURROUNDING THE FORTRESS. The cache is associated with an old Austro-Hungarian fortress on the Vrmac ridge accessed via a zigzag footpath known as "Franjo Josip Put" named after the last Austro-Hungarian emperor. It begins on the shore at Muo by the police station, but is more easily joined at a bend in the twisting road that leads over the mountain from Kotor to Tivat above Vrmac tunnel. Park your car and begin the hike above Muo. (Waypoint 1). Built in the 19C this pathway is a wonderful example of the work of the engineers of the time. The fortress you will discover would have dominated the surroundings, and consists of a large complex of barracks, a water catchment, the stronghold itself and a number of lookout posts. A small hamlet is nearby whose residents have probably descended from the camp followers who kept the garrison supplied with their daily needs. Today, they herd goats and keep a few cows and chickens. Once parked, look for the start of the path. It is above and a little to the right of the parking spot. The first part is a little obscure, but once found, the route is straightforward giving stunning views across the bay to Kotor old town. On your way, look out for the commemoration stone inlaid in a marvelous piece of stone walling. (Waypoint 2). When you reach Waypoint 3 near the fort, you are ready to begin your exploration and to solve the "Secret of the Saints"! To do this you must first explore the fortress stronghold. This requires you to start by finding the only way into the interior. It is vital that you take a powerful torch and beware of dangers that exist inside. There are a number of places which had been used formally to hoist the large guns into position. These are only partly covered with strong planks, so it is possible to fall through to the floor below if you do not take care. It is also possible to hit your head on low iron beams. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. Explore the floors in sequence starting at ground level. There are interesting remnants of machinery including gun positions, ammunition hoists, storage areas and latrines. Other areas permitted foot soldiers to fire directly upon attacking troops approaching the entrance. On the top level, there are a number of machine gun positions accessible via short steps. Some contain bats! All bats are protected by law so keep disturbance to a minimum. The biggest surprise in the fort is the old chapel in one of the gun rooms. Murals of a number of saints appear on the wall and some are in good condition. DO NOT TOUCH THE WALL. Pray that the saints will guide you to the cache. ONE SAINT MUST PROTECT YOUR JOURNEY IN THE DARKNESS, HIS COMPANIONS WILL GUIDE YOU BEYOND THE DARKNESS INTO THE LIGHT. SEEK THERE FOR YOUR REWARD! Solve this riddle by counting the saints to reveal the exact location of the cache. N42 25.2,C-1,C-5 E018.44.9,C-3,C. Happy and Safe Geocaching!! Please support "CACHE IN - TRASH OUT" http://www.geocaching.com/cito/ Unfortunately, this is not the cleanest of locations but historically fascinating. Responsible Geocachers will want to take some of the litter that is around to dispose of properly. If you enjoyed this challenge, then why not try our "Montenegro Matrix" to see a completely different aspect of this beautiful country? PLEASE HIDE THE BOX CAREFULLY TO KEEP IT SAFE FROM MUGGLES.
Please post a photo holding the hiking book at the fortress!