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For Valour Mystery Cache

Hidden : 2/28/2009
Difficulty:
4 out of 5
Terrain:
4.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:


This cache was hidden as part of the 5th Annual Vancouver Island Hide-&-Go Cache.

Cache is not at the posted coordinates. Please read carefully below to undertake this challenge.

This cache should challenge you moderately and is not meant for those seeking to increase their numbers quickly. The rating I gave it may help those trying to complete their "cache matrix", but you'll work for this one. For those wondering what a cache matrix is, it's the table you produce when you place cache difficulty against terrain difficulty.

Find the graves of the 2 Victoria Cross recipients buried in the Greater Victoria area. Remember proper etiquette when visiting a cemetery. When researching the burial locations, take some time to read about the events and the citations leading to the awards. One of these men went on to even greater achievements.

For those who are unaware of the importance of the Victoria Cross, I quote the following from Wikipedia:

"The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration which is, or has been, awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories. It takes precedence over all other orders, decorations and medals. It may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service and civilians under military command. It is usually presented to the recipient, or their next of kin, by the British monarch during an investiture held at Buckingham Palace, or by the Governor-General for awards made by other Commonwealth countries. It is the joint highest award for bravery in the United Kingdom with the George Cross, which is the equivalent honour for valour not in the face of the enemy.[2] However, the VC is higher in the order of wear and would be worn first by an individual who had been awarded both decorations (which has not so far occurred).[3]
The VC was introduced on 29 January 1856 by Queen Victoria to reward acts of valour during the Crimean War. Since then, the medal has been awarded 1,356 times to 1,353 individual recipients. Only 13 medals, nine to members of the British Army, and four to the Australian Army have been awarded since the Second World War. The traditional explanation of the source of the gunmetal from which the medals are struck is that it derives from Russian cannon captured at the siege of Sevastopol. Recent research has thrown doubt on this story, suggesting a variety of origins for the material actually making up the medals themselves.[4] Due to its rarity, the VC is highly prized and the medal can reach over £400,000 at auction."

Of note, only 94 Canadians have received this award.

Now, onto the cache...
The cache may be found 26921 metres from the most northerly grave, and 18303 metres from the more southerly grave. Distances are "round world" vice flat (it makes a difference in this case). PM me if you need help.

Other than finding the 2 graves, the final hike is approx 6km round trip from where I parked . The trail is very well maintained by equestrians and hikers. The final 50m, however, will challenge you, giving this cache the higher terrain rating. The cache is camouflaged 10"x10" lock in lock almost out in the open. It is a recycled TEAM KFWB container.

Before heading to the final, feel free to PM me to confirm your answer. If you are +/-25 metres, I'll give you my reading for the final (averaged to 3.3m), where I parked, and the trail head.

The cache contains an inactivated CF geo-coin for the FTF.

Good luck!

Additional Hints (No hints available.)