GC1XCMK Pickmere Picnic (Multi-cache) in North West England, United Kingdom created by doublegandt

This cache has been archived.

Royal Oak: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it. It is not normal to unarchive a cache, which has been archived due to a lack of maintenance.

If you wish to email me please send your email via my profile (click on my name) and quote the cache name and number.

Regards

Royal Oak
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GC1XCMK ▼

A cache by doublegandt Message this owner

Hidden : 8/25/2009

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

This a multi-stage cache that takes you on an anti-clockwise route around Pickmere Lake (or, as the lake is referenced on OS maps, Pick Mere).

Pickmere is a small village in Cheshire. The grassy areas by the lake are perfect for lazy day picnics. When the weather is good - nothing beats it!

Up until the 1980’s there was boat hire and a fun fair at the lake – but that gave way to a housing development and the lake is much quieter these days.

In days gone by the lake attracted lots of day visitors arriving in charabancs (or as I used to pronounce it - charabangs) from Manchester and Liverpool. It was also a nice day out for POW’s who where housed not far away in Marbury Park during WWII !

See here for more info on the area -> (visit link)

The co-ordinates above are not the location of the cache - but the starting point for Stage 1 - The Turton Pavilion – a building used to serve light refreshments most Sunday afternoons during the summer. Picnic tables and benches are provided year round. It is also here that community events, concerts, bbq's etc are also held.

There is limited parking (approx 15 cars) next to the Pavilion – and during the summer there is restricted parking on the roads leading to the lake. There is a pub just around the corner. If you do park in the pub car park then please have a drink before or after your walk as a thank you. They serve nice food also!

Bikes can be locked onto the provided frames on the path just past the parking going towards the lake.

The lake has a footpath all the way around it. The south side is a Public Footpath that is gravel / decking / grass with several ‘kissing’ gates. On the north side is a Permissive Path which is not shown on maps. The north side does get muddy – even in dry weather – so good footwear is recommended. Unfortunately most of the route is not wheelchair friendly.

There are lots of ducks, geese and swans at the lake – and, as you appraoch the lake, they will come to greet you looking for any bread that you may have (they have great hearing). For this reason please keep dogs on a lead.

Thanks to the Parish Council for permitting the placement of the cache.

The dates in the cache are wrong by about a week. I had it placed and had planned to have the cache active by 22 Aug 09 but it was delayed due to my unexpected involvement with The X Factor!

Be aware that the final cache is NOT in the lake - and is no need to go near the lake edge. If you are then re-check your calculations!

After the cache continue walking to return to the starting point for your picnic!

3 Sep 09 - I have re-visited, re-checked the clues and updated the co-ords of the final cache very slightly and is hopefully now more accurate.

2 May 10 - The cache was stolen a few weeks ago - so I have replaced it with 35mm film canister (I may change it back to a box when I have time). A small paper log and a pencil are inside - it is big enough for a few small geocoins.

Ok - lets get started! Pen and paper at the ready......

Stage 1 – Co-ords as above.
200A

Stage 2 - N53° 17.(A+1)80 W2° 28.(A+1)48
How many butterflies? B
How many fish? C

Stage 3 - N53° 17.B(A+C)0 W2° 28.(B+C)11
D

Stage 4 - N53° 17.BD(B*2) W2° 29.(B-4)CD
01E2F 2G0580

Stage 5 - N53° 17.(E/2)BG W2° 2F.A(G/2)A
0195H

The Cache - N53° 1D.HCB W2° 2E.E(D+1)C

After the cache continue in that direction to return to the starting point.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

[Clue for Stage 1 –] Njneq ba gur Cnivyvba [Clue for Stage 2 –] Yrsg unaq obneq [Clue for Stage 3 –] Gnt ba gerr [Clue for Stage 4 –] Jbbqra tngr [Clue for Stage 5 –] Zrgny tngr [Clue for Cache –] Ng gur onfr bs n gerr.

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)