Churchdown Park and Ponds Multi-Cache
ottergirl_fcl: Second part of this has washed away so I'm archiving. Thanks to all who visited
Churchdown Park and Ponds
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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A short offset Multi-Cache, starting close to the new Ponds at Churchdown Park. First part is a micro hidden on National Cyclepath 41.
*** PLEASE Ensure first part is well hidden after you have noted the clue THANKS ***
Churchdown Park is the large playing field adjacent to the Parish Council offices. There is a small children’s playground in front of a dog-free nature garden known as the ‘Pocket Park’. In October 2011, the Churchdown Skate Park was completed. This is a fantastic floodlit venue for skateboarders and attracts visitors from far afield. A floodlit MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) is available for ball games such as basketball, football and even cricket practice! A BMX track is in the process of being built at the side of the playing field. It is a great place for kids. There is plenty of car parking at the Churchdown Parish Council offices and the 97 bus stops nearby.
Some years ago the playing field was used mainly for football games on Saturday and Sunday mornings. In the summer of 2012 drainage was put into the playing fields. The water runs off into a series of five small ponds and a larger balancing pond that were built at the far end of the field. These ultimately empty into Norman’s Brook beyond a small wooded area. The ponds are fenced off within a landscaped area and have been planted with reeds. Over the next few years they should form an important new habitat as the reed beds and ponds mature and become established. The playing field is popular with dog walkers but dogs must remain on short leads while in the fenced area near the ponds and are not allowed to swim in the ponds! There are plenty of bins for dog waste in the main field.
The coordinates take you to the first part of an easy offset-multi cache. Part one is a micro containing coordinates. Stealth is required as it is close to a busy path used by dog walkers and cyclists. You do NOT need to detach the cache container, just undo it carefully to make a note of the coordinates. You will need to cross a stile into neighbouring fields to find the final cache which is a 35mm case in a camo bag. The path to GZ can get muddy. Watch out for stingers in the summer months at both the micro and final GZ and bring your own pen/pencil. Sorry it is not big enough for TBs or swaps. However, there is a Team GB keyring for the FTF in the final cache.
Please watch geokids and dogs near Norman’s Brook as the banks are steep and obscured by vegetation during the summer. However, there are a couple of places along the route where dogs can easily get down to the brook for a paddle and a drink. Be aware that although normally quiet shallow, the brook can swell and flood very quickly after prolonged heavy rain. Please be sensible and bear this in mind before setting off to find the final cache.
The round trip from the car park to the final cache and back should take around half an hour. Please take time to wander around the ponds while you are in the area. If you have more time, there are other caches nearby: - Check out the Collie Capers series, Really Side Tracked Churchdown and even a few of the Cheltenham Circular Challenge route caches.
As the ponds develop and mature, I'd love to hear reports in your logs of any interesting fauna and flora you spot. Thanks.
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Well done to Kiting Klive for FTP by torchlight at midnight!!
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Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Zvpeb: unatvat jnvfg urvtug
Svany: ybj qbja 'zjnu'
Treasures
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