Conchi EarthCache

This area is also known as the Natural Pool, or Conchi and to some people, Cura di Tortuga.

• Your first task in logging this earth cache is to ask the locals why they call the Natural Pool, “Conchi”.

Travel Preparations
Snorkeling and swimming is possible at Conchi, you must take your own equipment, and any entry upon your behalf into the water is completely at your own risk. DO NOT DIVE into the pool. Logging this cache does not require you to get into the water at all.

Please be careful during your journey to Conchi. Be aware that you will be in a very remote part of the island on some very rough roads that demand you be in a 4WD vehicle, preferably air conditioned or have a hard top. There is no shade, and no water, gas, shelter, food or help if you get a flat tire or have a medical emergency.

I have been here a few times, and I can say the road has gotten better since I traveled it ten years ago, but it still has its share of ruts and boulders. that you will have to drive over. Aruban desert puts you at risk of sunburn, windburn, and desert wildlife. Please use your GPS to navigate the roads and track yourself, there are very few street signs. It is NOT recommended to approach the Natural Pool by driving along the shore from the Natural Bridge, nor the caves, or Arikok. You can use a commerical tour to get to the Natural Pool, however it is accessible by 4WD on your own. This journey doesn't appear far on the map, but it will take you at least an hour to arrive at the pool from the hotel areas. If you choose to take a child on this journey, keep extra watch for their safety upon getting to and from Conchi, and especially at Conchi. The posted coordinates will bring you to a sign at the pool, be sure to read the sign, and heed its warnings. After you read the sign, continue on with the cache below.

According to F. Van Den Oever, Aruba has been described to be composed of three types of rock; only the Lava rocks will be observed during this earthcache exploration.
The Aruba Lava Formation, aka ALF took place almost 100 million years ago. As a volcano erupts, one can see the lava flowing down and beginning to cool. In Aruba, there are no volcanoes instead, the lava that formed the rocks on the northeast shore came from volcanic activity beneath the earth’s crust, producing lava under the sea. As the lava exited the earth’s crust under the ocean, the rocks formed themselves in a rounded shape called pillow lava. It is the pillow lava that formed the structure of the Natural Pool.

• Your second requirement to log this cache is to descend the stone steps, find some pillow lava and get a picture of it with you and your GPS.

Once you are on the beach area, maneuver your way up to the pool. For logging requirements you will not have to enter the pool. Entering the pool is dangerous, completely optional, and to be done at your own risk, if you are not a strong swimmer I highly advise against it. If you choose to enter the pool, you will get to witness some beautiful fish, and watch the sea spray over top of the rocks.

Your third logging requirement is in 2 parts:

• Part 1 – take a picture of yourself at the pool with your GPS, you don’t have to enter the pool.
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• Part 2 - estimate one of two measurements: tell me how far across from edge to edge you think the pool is or, if you choose to go into the water, you may instead measure the depth if you have a good swimming mask and can see the bottom. Depth measurement is NOT required to log the cache.

After you’ve relaxed and explored Conchi, head back to the parking area. The last logging requirement involves a structure other than Conchi. From here, you will be able to see a big land formation to the left of Conchi that has a flat tan top, just past the water’s edge, and has water on both sides.

I hope you have enjoyed your visit to Conchi and remember, you have four logging requirements for this earthcache:

• Why is Conchi called Conchi?
• Find some pillow lava and get a picture of you, GPS, and the lava
• Get your picture in or next to the pool with your GPS and figure either the depth or diameter of it.
• Provide the geologic name for the big flat structure past the water’s edge to Conchi’s left.