Sun, Stars and Meteor Showers. Traditional Cache
Sun, Stars and Meteor Showers.
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The cache is located on Slieve Meelmore in the Mourne Mountains, Co.Down.
Slieve Meelmore ( from "Greater bald mountain") is a prominent, round-topped mountain that can be seen from many parts of Co. Down and Co. Armagh - and even beyond. It presents a challenge to geocaching hillwalkers. So why climb it? Well, there is the exercise aspect, the clear air, the "pull" of one of its geocaches and, of course, "because it is there"! Whatever your reason, having made the effort to seek out this cache I hope you will tarry a while - sit on the cache cap stone which is about 3 metres from a wall and soak up the atmosphere. On a fine summers day you will be warmed by your granite seat and be rewarded with a breathtaking view - Commedagh, Donard, Bernagh, Lamagan, Binnian, Doan and Meelbeg appear knuckle like over the heather covered stones; and the Silent Valley often appears as a shining tongue. At night time it can be equally enthralling. I remember one starry December evening, just past midnight having a late supper here - the ground was silvered with frost crystals and above, the constellations seemed close enough to touch - the Seven Sisters (Pleiades) were being chased by the Hunter (Orion) who, in turn, was followed by the Dog Star (Sirius) - a darkness full of legends. That evening we were lucky - meteors streaked across the sky and, for each one a wish was made.
Hopefully, you will be lucky too. But remember, you will be in a high mountain environment with its changing weather conditions and steep and stony ground - only go if you are properly equipped and prepared, and have good navigational skills.
The handiest way in is to park at the Happy Valley car park and walk south-eastwards up the valley to the Meelmore / Meelbeg col (it is a steepish climb). Then, cross the stile - not too far to go now. You can also park at Trassey car park and at Meelmore Lodge (there is a charge) and walk in from there.
Please carefully replace the cache afterwards - make certain it is well tucked up and away from the ravages of our weather and prying eyes.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Haqre boybat obhyqre.
Treasures
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