The Battery Traditional Cache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Thank you Skyjuggler for placing this cache and allowing me to
adopted it.
This is what a REAL tunnel looks like. Extreme caching ...
This cache is placed in a tunnel in Shongweni Nature Reserve.
The tunnel itself was constructed in 1927 as a way to alleviate
some of the dam pressure should it get too full. It has however,
long been discontinued for this purpose.
This tunnel has become one of the most important locations
environmentally for bats. It houses literally thousands of them
with more than six different species living in harmony.
Some species include:
Schrieber's Long Fingered Bat
Long fingers, dark brown above, smaller ears, long tail entirely
enclosed in interfemoral membrane.
Cape Serotine Bat
One of the smaller bats about 8-9cms long
Large-Eared Free-Tailed Bat (Rare)
Identified by it's large ears and long tail which protrudes from
the inter-femoral membrane.
Getting there:
Park your car at the parking co-ords the cache "Shongweni micro" is
very close to this location. Now you will need to find a suitable
spot to cross over to the other side of the dam wall. The tunnel
gate has been locked and if you are small you might be able to fit
under the gate and will not have to get your feet wet.
(Incidentally, the wall of the dam is an engineering phenomenon
with the largest 'Hydroplus Fuse Gate' system in the world and the
original water works are preserved as a national monument.)
Continue up the path, at the building turn left and continue
downstream, and then start up the hill to the main tunnel entrance.
You will now have to climb up to the entrance of the main tunnel.
(Please be very carefull as this climb is dangerous and if you do
not feel that you will be able to safely climb up please do not
attempt this cache.)
Look straight into the tunnel, in the distance you'll see some
light, you can easily walk that far, those braver (waterproof)
souls can walk further (all the way through the mountain).
What to expect:
Not particularly strenuous, but those suffering from claustrophobia
or fear of the dark should maybe give it a miss.
Although it is wet and wellies are recommended, I usually go in
wearing hiking boots and have yet to emerge with wet socks.
For those worried about guano and ammonia, don't; The slow flow of
water ensures that it's all swept away safely.
A serious climb up to the entrance of the main tunnel.
What to bring:
A torch (head lamp is sufficient for walking, although you may want
something a little stronger to see clearly.
Spare batteries
Something waterproof to sit on (Should you want to sit and enjoy
for a little while.)
Special considerations:
Most important!! This site is home to some very rare
creatures and is to be regarded as environmentally sensitive.
Please treat it with the care and respect that it deserves.
While walking, there are also a number of creatures (crabs etc) on
the ground so please look down as well.
Bats are not aggressive. While you're walking they may fly very
close to you, but they won't harm you.
Please try and avoid flash photography
Try to avoid shining torches directly into their eyes.
Cost to get into the reserve is R30,00 per person then R3,00 per
vehicle
I hope you have as good a time doing this cache as I had.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Vg'f va gur fznyy ghaary gb lbhe evtug.