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NWG#1 Gaustad Iron Mine Traditional Geocache

This cache has been archived.

cervisvenator:
Hi

While I feel that Geocaching.com should hold the location for the cache owner and block other cachers from placing a cache in the area around this cache for a reasonable amount of time, we can’t do so forever.

Nothing seems to happen with this cache listing, so it is now archived, so that someone else can place a cache in the area, and geocachers can once again enjoy visiting this location. Also, if it hasn’t been done already, please pick up any remaining cache bits as soon as possible.

Geocaches which have not been maintained or the owner has not responded will not be taken out of the archive

(This reviewer note is in English so non-Norwegian cache owners, geocachers and cache reviewers can understand what it says.)

Thanks for your understanding,
Cervis Venator
Geocaching.com Volunteer Cache Reviewer

More
Hidden : 5/31/2004
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

This cache is located at about 240 meters over sea level in the forest north of Oslo. It is hidden near the old Gaustad Iron Mine. A good starting point is either from Sognsvann or Vettakollen station.

The original contents of the cache are:
note book with pencil and sharpener,
a medal,
a pocket organizer,
a odd ball computer cd,
a little book which may result in deep thoughts,
a pack of all weather matches.

About 250 million years ago (Permian age) the Oslo region erupted into a rather exciting period. After being a quiet shallow sea area the continent started pulling apart (similar to the East African rift) and numberous volcanoes appeared. On the way to this cache you will be walking from the sediments formed into the quiet sea...to the edge of a volcano (albeit a deeper part of the volcano...) At this contact to the volcano, super heated water from the volcano carrying metals including iron and copper reacted with the sediments and formed a small iron ore deposit. The iron occurs as magnetite, so bring a magnet if you want to find some.

The Gaustad mine was first started in the 1500's and the iron ore was smelted down in Maridalen by Hammeren. During this mining activity the miners used a technique called "fire setting" to dig out the ore and the tunnels. This resulted in beautifully arched tunnels that are very stable, as apposed to blasted tunnels that can result in rock falls....

After being forgotten for some time, the mine was reopened by Peder Anker around 1798 and the ore was smelted at Bærums Verk after being transported along Ankers Vei.The mine is open, but bring some rubber boots and a flash light if you want to explore. In the winter the mine is locked about 20 meters in to protect hybernating bats.The most inner portion of the mine was filled through its shaft in 1967. You can see this area at N59 58.086 E010 42.952

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Unatvat va gerr / Ger

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)