If you're scratching your head and thinking I've sniffed one Hand of Glory too many, then you've obviously not heard of The Wicker Man, a (so-called) cult (so-called) horror film made by British Lion in late 1972. It stared Christopher Lee as Lord Summerisle, Edward Woodward as the policeman, Sargent Howie and Ingrid Pitt as a librarian with Nazi hair. It also famously features Britt Ekland's breasts and her body-double's bottom. Who could ask for more? Anyway, it's one of my favorites (I even like the 'remarkable' music by the late Paul Giovanni) and this cache is a homage to it.
Please note, this cache does not require a Human Sacrifice to complete it.
It is ideal for willing king-like virgin fools.
This isn't a remote Scottish island, but there are several parallels between this village, which lies within a bite that Northamptonshire has taken out of Bucks, and the mythical Summerisle. Learn more about the film at www.steve-p.org/wm.
Park (or land your sea-plane) in this deceptively attractive village and gather figures at the following locations (Note: If walking on the road, keep to the right side to face on-coming traffic and take extra care if caching with children.):
i) Near a bend in the road at N52° 02.890 / W000° 55.012 is The Gospel Elm. Not looking its best when I saw it in April 2004, it has to be said. A small sign next to it reads 'Under this Elm since 1(A)87 the service to mark the joining of two parishes has been held every year on Ascension Day.'
ii) Take a footpath to the churchyard (still very much consecrated and in use, so no midnight 'funny business') where you'll find the well hidden grave of Josiah Chapman at N52° 02.933 / W000° 54.881.
Which year is carved on it? 1(B)(C)(D). I looked, but while there are many trees growing from graves (no Rowan, as far as I could tell) I could locate no one who is protected by the ejaculation of serpents... There are a few 'Slaymakers' though.
iii) Pass a very Scottish looking school by a green (the ideal spot for a Maypole, I'd say) to reach an odd walled area at N52° 02.986 / W000° 54.897. A small plaque explains what it is. How many words appear on the plate? Add the two digits together and half the answer. (E). While you're here you may like to don an animal mask with some friends and suddenly appear above the wall in a creepy way.
The Cache is located at:
N52° 0E.AAA / W000° 5A.(B+C)DB.
To get there, use the lanes, tracks and footpaths provided. As you climb the hill (or get a big man with a beard to drag you up) feel free to mutter 'Oh Christ. Oh Jesus Christ' under your breath. For the maximum Wicker Man effect, try to arrive at the cache location at sunset. Happy hunting!
The cache originally contained:
1x Music CDR
1x Party Popper
2x Candles - For burning! Bwwaahhh!!
1x 'Bekonscot Model Village' flyer
1x Hulk temporary tattoo
Plus the usual: Cache notice, log book, pen and pencil.
While you're in the area I suggest you try The Hornets
The Church in the Fields cache or else
Cattle Creep by Zensunni.
Both are within short driving distance.
A small experiment - Please feel free to rate your visit to this cache out of ten in your log.