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Gnome's Treasure Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Paganmen: I am sad to report a tragedy that happened to the Gnome family that will require the cache to be archieved. On Tuesday October 11, 2011 a neighbor drove off their driveway and crashed right on top of them. The vehicle was hanging precariously and needed a tow truck to retrieve it. They were lucky to not roll down the bank.
While the driver of the vehicle was ok, several members of the Gnome family tragically lost their lives in the incident. Even the doorway to their underworld treasures was lost. The three surviving family members have decided to move away and try to rebuild their lives.
They want to thank everyone who came to visit them in the past and wish all of you "Happy Caching".

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Hidden : 4/8/2008
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Easy access and a few stone steps.

Gnomes are mythical creatures that are small and live a subterranean lifestyle. The word gnome comes from the Latin gnomus, which is believed to come from the Greek word gnosis "knowledge" but is more likely from the word genomos "earth-dweller".

Gnomes are very intelligent, cunning creatures and great inventors. They are often depicted as having beards, wear red hats and usually smoke pipes. Their diet is believed to be largely vegetarian, consisting of cereals and root vegetables. They also indulge in eating great quantities of chutney and sausages during their festivities. They brew very good ale that is used in moderation (except during festivals). Although they enjoy simple lives, gnomes are engaged in many crafts besides gardening, such as weaving and woodcrafts.

Their greatest expertise, however, is in rocks, minerals and gems of the earth. Each family group would look after a lode of copper, a vein of gold, a pipe of diamonds, a seam of coal or any other mineral treasure in the Earth.

They first emerged from underground into the forests of Great Britain and Europe around the time of King Arthur. The dimness of light in the thick forests was much to their liking. Sometimes they even established colonies in the root systems and trunks of large trees.

The first statues of Gnomes were made from terracotta clay in the town of Grafenroda in Thuringia, Germany in the early 1800's. They were called "der Gartenzwerg". The most popular ones are called Heissner Gnomes, which were mass-produced, by Philipp Griebel and August Heissner starting around 1872. They embellished the local myths that gnomes helped in the gardens at night and became very popular items to display in the gardens of Germany and France. It is considered good luck to place a Gnome in your home or garden.

The first recorded appearance of a Garden Gnome in England was around 1840 at the estate of Sir Charles Isham, the 10th Baronet of Lamport Hall. He brought 21 terracotta figures back from a trip to Germany and displayed them around the gardens of his home. Only one still exists today, called Lampy, which is on display and insured for one million pounds.

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The Gnome's Treasure cache is located at a rock garden on private property. Owner gives permission for this geocache. Owner will not assume responsibility for any accidents or injury that may occur while on the property. Muggle "neighbors" will be expecting your visit. If you are lucky, you will find some Gnomes busy tending the rock garden. They would be extremely pleased if you brought a pretty stone you have found to add to their garden. They may in turn invite you to look inside their treasure chest. The treasure chest is a 6" x 12" camouflaged Rubbermaid container. They have unbelievable riches for you to look through. They ask that if you take an item, please leave an item. Also, sign and date the logbook and leave your comments about this Gnome family!

In April 2008 the treasure chest contained:
Log book, Pokemon deck, leather passport holder, plastic Lei's, ear phones; and beautiful polished and tumbled rocks that the Gnomes have dug up, such as Goldstone, Petrified Wood, Bloodstone, Carnelian, Moss Agate, Dalmatian Jasper, Rose Quartz, Pyrite, Lodestone and Purple Amethyst.

Good luck and happy Gnome hunting!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Fuuu...qba'g fpner gur Tabzrf njnl!

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)