This cache is the first part of a series of caches I plan that can be done in one line (if you have the time and strength to do so). This one leads you through the Hautes Fagnes, a moor area that is very beautiful at all seasons - be it in summer when the air is hot and flickering above the ground and mosquitos are swirling around your head, be it in winter with lots of snow, even in thick fog it is very nice. Try to pick a time when there is no one else there - on a weekday, in the early morning.
You should bring waterproof boots, at least 30 cm high, or trekking sandals, if you don't mind dirty and wet feet. Depending on the trail you choose, you may have to walk through a river. The area can be very muddy, and even on the trails you can sink into the mud up to your ankles and deeper.
Since this cache is in a nature reserve, there are some do's and don't's that you should be aware of:
1) In case of danger of forest fire, the area is completely closed. Red flags are hanging out at all entrances to the area, and you should check in the internet Naturpark Hohes Venn-Eifel or by a phonecall : 0032-(0)-80-447272 or 0032-(0)-87-552313 before you leave. Usually the area is closed from the snow melt till Easter because of fire danger.
You cannot reach the cache at these times
2) Bikes are not allowed on those trails you need to walk on to do the cache, also no motor driven vehicle. (Sorry, Marco!)
3) Dogs are not allowed in the nature reserve, not even on the leash. (Sorry, Chakko!)
4) Smoking is not allowed in the sensitive areas. (Sorry, Ray!)
5) Don't leave the paths, it's not good for the nature, and very dangerous for you (remember, it's a swamp, and lots of people have died there when falling in a mudhole and not coming out on their own again.) Also fire-lanes and all ways that are closed with a barrier are closed for public access.
When coming from Aachen along B258, watch your speed all times carefully! On the way up and down again there are at least 5 chances to log FLITS (GC38D4) as well :-(
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Let's go finally!
About coding and decoding: Every code is only valid at the station where you got it. The first numbers of each code are always N 50°3.,... and E 6°1.,... so I only give you the last four digits without the ','.
You can park your car or bike or bus or train at the railroad station of Konzen, just next to B258, at N 50°36.000' E 6°14,918' (which is 6000/4918)
From there go to station 1 at 5939/4856.
Station 1
You are standing in front of a table showing a map of the area, and some walking suggestions. Take those walks, that are marked with an asterisk (*, i.e. not to be done when there is fire guard). Add the kilometers of these walks and the times to walk them. If necessary, round the result up to the next full km or h.
AB km in CD hours.
Your next station is at DCEE/FGCH
with E = B-2A, F = A-C, G = C+D, H = D-C
Station 2
You are standing in front of an object. A little metal plate shows three year numbers. In chronological order, they resemble the code ABCD EFGH IJKL.
Your next station is at GFEL/LADM with M = C-G
Station 3
Two little wooden boards (about 10*40 cm) show some words. Take the first word of each board and order them alphabetically. Assign to the letters the numbers 1 to 0 in the order they appear. If a letter occurs that already has a number, omit it. (Example: Word HEIDELBEERE yields in H=1, E=2, I=3, D=4, L=5, B=6, R=7)
Your next station is at MMGM/YALS
Station 4
You are standing in front of an object showing a date. Transform this date into DDMMYYYY format, and assing this number to ABCDEFGH.
Note the date somewhere, you'll need it at station 6.
Your next station is at IJAH/KLMN
with I = G-E, J = D-E, K = G-D, L = G-B, M = B-E, N = D-A
Station 5
You are standing in front of a small green fence. Inside the fence there is a light blue something, bearing a small metal plate with one eight-letter word on it. Sharpen your eyes to read it.
There is another five-letter word written at certain parts of the fence. Put this word behind the first one, and assign to the letters the numbers 1 to 9. If a letter occurs that already has a number, omit it.
Now calculate the cache coordinates:
CODE1 is ETFW + month from date at station 4
CODE2 is IGTG + day from date at station 4
The cache is at CODE1/CODE2
Good luck, and have matsch (<- german for mud) fun!
enduromaniac