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Patonga's Grotto Traditional Geocache

This cache has been archived.

barefootjeff: Sadly the deluge last Thursday was finally enough to claim it. Its camo rock had been knocked over, as usually happened during floods, but this time the cache had been washed away, either all the way out into the bay or to a sufficiently exposed spot for it to have been muggled. I had a good look all the way along the shore, in case it had washed up, but no luck. Thanks to everyone who made the effort to visit this cache and for all the FPs it received.

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Hidden : 6/28/2015
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   other (other)

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Geocache Description:

Beware what hides in Patonga's subterranean depths.


Ever wondered where those creatures that lurk in Dark Corner come from? Come and explore the mouth of the River Styx, gateway to Hades. Prepare to be frightened, prepare to be wet, and above all, if you see a ferryman, don't pay him!

This is a cache that's best done barefoot and in clothing you don't mind getting wet, as there's rock-hopping and wading involved.

Enter the grotto through a gap in the rocks, which is on the left as you climb up the cascades. Once you pass into the underworld, your GPSr won't be able to see any satellites. You won't be able to see much either if you don't bring a torch. To give you a hint, you're looking for something grey, a hell-spawn imp about 20cm tall and with enough weight to stop him washing away when it rains.

Oh yes, that reminds me. GZ is subject to flash flooding. DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS CACHE IF IT'S RAINING OR RAIN IS IMMINENT. If it's just been raining, it might be best to wait a few days if you don't want to get more than just your feet wet.

One other thing. Don't let him see you. If his eyes are covered you should be safe, but, well, best to make sure your estate is in order before embarking on this quest.

The log container is on his back and doesn't really have much room for anything more than the log and pencil, although a small TB or geocoin should be okay.

I've set the Public Transport attribute as there's a bus service to Patonga, but it doesn't run very frequently so check the timetables first!

When returning the cache, please stand its covering rock vertical and wedged against the side wall, so the cache is concealed from view and prevented from moving when water flows through the grotto.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Lbh'yy arrq gb or ba lbhe unaqf naq xarrf gb ernpu uvz.

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)