Tracking Dragons 1 - Dragon Claws Traditional Cache
Dalesman: As this cache has been in need of attention for some time, with no update from the CO, I'm archiving it to keep it from showing up in search lists, and to prevent it from blocking other cache placements.
Please note that if geocaches are archived by a reviewer or Geocaching HQ for lack of maintenance, they are not eligible for unarchival.
Tracking Dragons 1 - Dragon Claws
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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The Dragon of Wantley is a well known story in the Upper Don Valley from Oughtibridge to Stocksbridge. It relates to a dispute between the Wortley family, lords of the manor, and the villagers of Wharncliffe Side. One version says the lord wanted to evict the villagers to enclose the area as a hunting park (there are still wild deer in Wharncliffe Woods), another that he wanted to increase the tithe rents. Moore of More Hall, represented the villagers in the courts and won the case. A poem was written to satirise the dispute, depicting the lord of the manor as the dragon and Moore as the knight. It must have been a famous event as the story is even mentioned by Sir Walter Scott in "Ivanhoe" - "Here haunted of yore the fabulous Dragon of Wantley." Also, there is a large carved wooden dragon's head at the end of a stone wall in Bitholmes Wood above More Hall and a representation of the event in the entrance hall of Sheffield Town Hall. The poem itself can be found at: http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Dragon_of_Wantley (polite version) or http://www.polenth.com/myth/europe/wantley.html (original poem - warts and all!) ******************* This is a series of 9 caches based round Glen Howe Park at Wharncliffe Side (approximately 2.5 miles). There are designated footpaths to all the caches, you just have to find them. You must visit all 8 dragon caches to find the co-ordinates for the bonus cache – The Golden Hoard. Each cache has a letter and number on the log book. To find the co-ordinates for the Golden Hoard, substitute the numbers into the formula below: N53 2A.(X+Z)BC W001 3W.(Y-W)DB. There is a free car park at N53 26.668, W001 33.321, with a couple of picnic benches, a small children's adventure playground and a green area for ball games. The lane down to the car park (Storth Lane) is single track and uneven and could be a problem in wintry conditions. This walk is not for the faint-hearted. Remember, you are dealing with a dragon, a cunning, fearsome opponent. The dragon lives across the valley in Wharncliffe Crags, but often visits this area and his muggle body guards are trained to ambush the unwary cacher. His claws and scales are sharp (brambles and holly) and his tail, which he flails from side to side, has a sting (nettles), so you may wish to bring specialist equipment to ensure legs, arms and hands are well protected. You may also meet evidence of his usual food, cows, so keep dogs and children under close control. Speaking of children, special care should be taken of them - they are the dragon's favourite food! I have included a waypoint for the Packhorse Bridge where the footpaths meet, in case the magic disorientates you. Some of the paths follow the valley sides, which are quite steep in places, so watch your step, and the children's! Please note, this dragon is not house-trained, as you will find as you track him (boggy areas with standing water). Good luck with your hunt to find the Dragon's Golden Hoard. If you do not return within three hours, we will assume you have been eaten!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Uvqqra va n ynetr vil-pynq nfu gerr. (gurer vf n fznyy fghzc nyzbfg bccbfvgr - nccebk 1 sbbg uvtu) Lbh jvyy arrq gb tb qbja gur qvgpu, nibvqvat gur ubyyl!
Treasures
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