GC3MPAA The Noon Gun (Unknown Cache) in Western Cape, South Africa created by Fairest Cape

This cache has been archived.

Fairest Cape: The logs show that very few Cachers have been attempting this, especially since Covid and since a Virtual was placed at the same starting point. Like the noon gun tradition itself this hide can now be part of history. Thanks to all those who logged the finds and for the FPs.

GC3MPAA ▼

A cache by Fairest Cape Message this owner

Hidden : 6/2/2012

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Cape Town's oldest tradition.

A short clue-gathering tour around the Lion Battery on Signal Hill where the famous noon gun is fired and a short hike to where the container is hidden. Spectacular views over Green Point Common, Cape Town stadium, the V & A Waterfront and harbour.

Each day (except Sundays) a single cannon shot from Signal Hill booms across the city at exactly 12.00 noon.

Before the introduction of wireless and telephones, cannons were used to announce important events. In Cape Town, being a port city, a gun was fired each day at noon for ships navigators to adjust their chronometers - and also for gentlemen to re-set their pocket watches if they forgot to wind them! They were also a means of alerting farmers in the Company Gardens when a ship was approaching and would need provisions.

The original signal guns introduced by the Dutch were fired from the Imhoff battery at the castle and the muzzle load cannons in use today were placed there by the British after the invasion in 1806. But as the population grew, the daily loud bang became intrusive, causing men to be thrown from startled horses, and the guns were eventually moved to the Navy's Lion Battery on Signal Hill where the first signal was fired on 4th August 1902. Even as technology brought other forms of time checks, the tradition carried on and the gun has been fired ever since.

1864 saw the introduction of electronic signalling from the Observatory and now the gun is timed by an atomic clock. People these days still check their watches when they hear the noon gun, and this tradition, which employs the oldest cannons in the world in daily use, is now a novel tourist attraction.

Access to this military facility is free, and there is parking inside.
Opening hours are:
Weekdays 08.00 - 16.00
Saturdays 08.00 - 13.00
Sundays & Holidays - closed

Follow the Noon Gun signs from Buitengracht St through the Bo Kaap to Military Rd.

Time your visit for around 12 noon and you can also take away the lifetime memory of the "big bang" from close range.

Good afternoon! (Photo:Henzz)

Because this is a military establishment the cache is not at the stated co-ordinates. This is the location of the noon gun itself where you need to look around for some numbers:

The signal guns are AB pounders

They were cast by Walker & Co in the year AEJC

When the noon gun was fired on 14th of the GHth month on a particular year, there was a 2 minute silence

The cannon with the Fleur-de-Lis emblem was placed in the Woodstock battery by the French in the year AEBF

NoonGunWW2FieldGunReduced

The serial no. of this 1919 6" Mk19 breach load field gun is CADD

Now head out of the gate and look for the cache at:

S.33.54.(E+F)CB E.018.24.HJG

CHECK: The numbers add up to 65

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Gbc bs onax. Onfr bs 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)