Sacred Grotto Traditional Cache
Hidden : 6/2/2010
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:


I found this spot last year while mountain biking in the area, and since beginning geocaching I had thought it might be an interesting spot for a cache. This cache is not to be confused with The Grotto by The Rats, which you might want to do in tandem with this one. Unfortunately, I really couldn't think of any title for this cache that didn't include reference to a grotto.

I'm not religious, but my mother was and she had two pictures either side of her bed of Bernadette at the famous Grotto in Lourdes where she is said to have had visions of a lady, presumably the Virgin Mary. If you are interested to know more about this before looking for the cache, click here to read a short history of Bernadette and the Lady of the Grotto.

I do not pretend to know the history behind the area in which you will find the cache. But I know someone out there will, and hopefully they will give some information when they come to log their find. I was told by a fellow bike rider that he thought this grotto was connected to St Columbas High School at some stage in its history, but he wasn't certain.

Note: Since this cache was published Jonnosan hunted down the history of this place. He has provided a link to the Blue Mountains Local Studies site which explains some of the history of the grotto and provides some interesting pictures.

You will find not only a beautiful grotto, where someone has attempted to create a small pool from the waters that come off the overhang. There is also a metal plaque attached to the underside of the overhang that is now unreadable.

When I found this I was reminded of my mother's pictures and the story of Bernadette. It is said that when she had her vision a spring with healing properties was meant to appear, and it seems to me that the construction here was an attempt to replicate that. I can't be certain that it was directly inspired by the Lourdes story, but I'm fairly certain it was inspired by that culture.

Please be careful not to damage the area while you look for the cache. When looking for the cache there is no need to climb over the structure or search around it. Please do not damage any of the structure you find at this location. To find the cache, walk next to the large fallen tree to the right of the track to minimise damage.

Unfortunately, the area now seems to be a spot for people to party. Be careful as there is some broken glass about, as well as rubbish. I took out what I could with my eldest son when I placed the cache. It would be good if you could take even one piece out when you visit. It all helps.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ybbx haqre gur uhtr obhyqre gb gur evtug bs gur genpx, ybbxvat gbjneqf gur tebggb.

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)


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