Selim's Silk Road EarthCache
Hidden : 9/14/2010
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:


Seilim's Pass


This impressive mountain pass has been used for many centuries. The pass brings travellers from the valley below (village of Aghnjadzor) to the Caravanserai. The pass meanders up through a sedimentary rocks and a wonderful example of a hard volcanic layer preventing the softer layers underneath from being eroded. Leading to an impressive looking "castle-like" mountain.

 
near Selim
As you drive up (or down) the pass, you will notice lighter coloured rocks on layers. These are sedimentary rocks laid down under the basalt plateau. you will also notice that these layers are not flat but at an angle, indicating that tilting has occurred in the past.

near Selim caravanserai
The caravanserai itself is constructed from basalt, a harder, darker rock. this caravanserai formed part of the Silk Road from China to Europe. It is believed that there was not a single route but a number of branches and alternative routes preferred by various traders and that changed according to safety, weather, personal preference and political turmoil in the region. The building itself is incredibly interesting with three areas - including an area for animals to rest and feed. The building has an inscription dating it to at least 1332!
Selim Kervansaray of Silkroad at 2300m


In order to substantiate your visit and be able to claim this Earthcache, a number of questions need to be answered and submitted to the cache developer, via e-mail.
 
You should also post a photograph on the site with your log of you or your team and GPSr standing near GZ. There are stunning views here and it would be an absolute shame to come here without a camera to preserve your memories [OPTIONAL].
 
1. Describe your trip up (or down) the pass. Particularly mention the points of geological and geographic interest (rock formations, rivers, gorges,rock  colours, shapes of folding etc.).
 
2. Describe the rock that is used in the construction of the caravanserai  Describe the crystals and any layering you may see int he rock. Is this IGNEOUS (volcanic); SEDIMENTRAY or METAMORPHIC rock?
 
3. Please note and post photographs of any other interesting things you saw at this cache or in the area. I look forward to all the interesting logs. You are welcome to add this part to your cache log too.
 

NOTE: You may log your visit prior to approval, but e-mail submissions that do not meet the above criteria will be deleted.







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Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Erzrzore gb fraq lbhe rznvy naq ybt n cubgb va lbhe cbfg! Ab culfvpny pbagnvare urer – guvf vf n IVEGHNY pnpur.

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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