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This cache is located on the site of the "Cabrens towers", in the Pyrénées mountains, at an altitude of approximately 1300m. From there, you will have a good view over the "Canigou", a beautiful local peak. The main trail is pretty difficult, therefore it is preferable not to go with young kids (minimum 8-10 years old I think). You should have good mountains shoes. There may be a lot of mud and/or snow on the path during winter and spring.
The cache initially contains a log book and a pencil (within a plastic zip bag), a bottle of perfume, a candle, a small toy car and some other little items. I placed the items in a waterproof plastic container (tupperware), and the box itself was placed in a black plastic bag in order to protect it from rain and snow. The box is labelled "www.geochaching.com".
The site of the Cabrens Towers is composed of three ancient guard towers at the border between France and Spain (In order to prevent spanish invasions during middle-age times I guess). The first tower (42°22.057N, 2°32.4681'E, z=1250m) has been entirely reconstructed, and it is a great purpose by itself to reach it. The second tower (42°21.94N, 2°32.4989'E, z=1285m) is still present too. However the third tower (42°21.8808'N, 2°32.5332'E, z=1285m) is almost entirely destroyed. I placed the cache in the ruins of a fallen arch that was part of a very ancient castle. Big parts of the arch lay on the ground, at the very top of the mountain. Some small bush is growing between the stones. I placed the cache in a natural cavity, at the base of a part of the fallen arch, behind small branches, and I covered the cache with vegetation.
Several options are available in ordre to reach the cache: the "hard way" consists in finding your own path, using only the GPS coordinates. This should be only for confirmed hikers. I think the easiest way is the following: first, find the small village called "Serralongue" in the south of France, between Perpignan and the border with Spain. Keep going on the main road up in the mountain. When you reach the following point: 42°23.1245'N, 2°32.1967'E (altitude 860m), you have to turn left. From there, you are leaving the road, and you are driving on a dirt track. Be very careful, since this track may be damp or even full of snow from november to march. It may be a good idea to take tire chains, just in case you get stuck in snow. The 3km track will take you to a camping site, at an altitude of approx. 980m. You have to keep going on the same track (keep going up), but you may prefer to leave your car at the camping since the track is very bad from this point. At some point in the mountain, it will be definitely impossible to use your car, unless if it is a very good 4x4. The walk from the camping to the first tower takes around 1h, depending on your physical condition. Keep going on the track in order to reach the second tower. You may have to climb in order to reach it. Once you are at the second tower, you can see the ruins of the arch. If you want to reach the third tower using the direct way, you will have a pretty hard time climbing big rocks. You may prefer using a small path in the woods that circumvents the third tower, and you will reach it much more easily.
In all cases, be very carefull not to slip on the rocks, you can break a leg fairly easily. It may be a good idea to take food and drinks since the closest shops are in Serralongue, and a phone in the case you have a problem. I recomend to leave the camping site at the beginning of the afternoon, since you won't appreciate getting lost in the mountain at night.
2009/05/12 update: I went to the cache for maintenance last week. I had nothing to do, since it is in perfect condition. Thanks to all the people who let some words on the log book and on the web site.
By the way, I was wrong in my first description: it is possible to climb all the way up to the cache with a young kid (4 years old). Still the same great feeling when you reach the towers !
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Na K znexf gur fcbg !