SS: Schonenberg Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Knagur Green: Due to no response from the CO after the request to maintain or replace the cache, I am archiving it to, stop it showing on the listings and/or to create place for the geocaching community.

The Geocache Maintenance guideline explains a CO's responsibility towards checking and maintaining the cache when problems are reported.

Please note that if geocaches are archived by a reviewer or Geocaching HQ for lack of maintenance, they are not eligible for unarchival. This is explained in the Help Center

If the CO feels that this cache has been archived in error please feel free to contact me within 30 days, via email or message via my profile ,quoting the GC number concerned

Thank you for understanding

Knagur Green
Groundspeak Volunteer Reviewer

More
Hidden : 12/1/2010
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

A devious plot caused this wreck and cache that forms part of the Shipwreck Series. For the series methodology and more info visit SS: Shipwreck Series via the related web page link.

The Schonenberg was an 800 ton Dutch East Indiaman built in 1717 and commanded by Captain Albert van Soest. He had passed the Cape on several occasions and made friends with the local Dutch contingent which included Hendrik Klopper, owner of the well-known estate Vergelegen.

On the morning of 20 November 1722, fully laden with goods from Batavia, a change of course alarmed the crew of the Schonenberg and they attempted to warn the captain and helmsman that there was breaking surf ahead. The captain ignored these warnings and the vessel ran aground in this spot. The crew were able to wade ashore to safety. They were promptly told by the captain to make their way overland back to the Cape.

Van Soest remained with twenty crew, and shortly thereafter Klopper and two friends arrived with empty wagons and an offer to transport the cargo back to Cape Town. They had lit a fire on the hill and guided the ship into this spot. The three farmers, the captain and crew worked through the night to offload all the cargo. By the following evening the cargo was loaded onto the ox wagons and they were on their way. The crew were told to remain behind in case the wreck needed to be salvaged.

Governor De Chavonnes became suspicious and sent men to investigate. What happened to the cargo remains a mystery to this day. Legend has it that it was buried on Vergelegen by four slaves who were then shot by Klopper so that they could not reveal the whereabouts of the treasure. Klopper himself died mysteriously two days afterwards.

The two remaining farmers and Captain Van Soest were frantically digging with picks and shovels when Castle officials arrived on the farm and arrested them.

They were found guilty and subjected to brutal punishment. Van Soest had his limbs broken at the wheel, between pauses, and was then hung from the gallows. His execution and punishment was pronounced from the balcony of Die Kat. The other two farmers were hung and their bodies left hanging to be eaten by the birds of the air as a warning to all those thinking of stealing the Company's property.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Nggnpurq gb gur 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)


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