The Minnis Monster Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Inishanier: Hi,

There has been no response from the cache owner so I'm Archiving this cache.

It may be possible to reactivate this cache. If you wish to do so please contact me via my profile and quote the Geocaching.com ID for the cache so I know which one you are referring to.

Please be aware that reactivation is not guaranteed and will depend on individual circumstances.

Many thanks,

Graham

Inishanier - Volunteer Reviewer for Geocaching HQ (Ireland)

More
Hidden : 7/23/2010
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

The cache is simple to find on a level site within easy reach. The real treasure is on the beach!

The area can get busy on a sunny summer day so stealth may be required!

Cache contains a log and a pencil only.

The cache is located just off the A2 Antrim Coast Road at Drumnagreagh Point. The wider area is known as Minnis Bay and is one of the best places in Northern Ireland to find fossils.

The fossils that can be found range in age from the Lower Jurassic to the Upper Cretaceous and are located in liquified Waterloo Mudstone which flows from the hills beside the road. After mudslides, the Road Service clear the mud onto the beach where the sea washes out the fossils and they can be collected without restriction. You should not however, attempt to climb the hills on the landward side of the road as they are both dangerous and private property.

The fossils that can be found include:
Ichthyosaur & Plesiosaur bones
Fish Teeth
Crinoids
Corals
Ophiuroids
Echinoids
Gastropods
Bivalves
Nautiloids
Belemnites &
Ammonites

The cache gets it's name from the remains of an Ichthyosaur which were found in 1991 and was dubbed 'The Minnis Monster.'
(visit link)

Another partial skeleton which was found nearby in 1999 is on display in the Ulster Museum.
(visit link)

If you find anything on the beach which you think may be significant (especially any vertebrate bones) or you wish to get some assistance with identifying your finds, you should contact the Ulster Museum (I have done this in the past and they are very willing to help...)
(visit link)

On 23 Mar 2010 Minnis Bay was declared an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI)
(visit link)

Please upload pictures of any finds with your log!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ragbzorq va Yvzrfgbar

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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