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Gold Island Challenge Mystery Cache

Hidden : 9/18/2012
Difficulty:
5 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

NB: For those who have read recent logs and think it is always easy to cross, read the log on 26 Dec 2015!  
This cache is a reward / incentive for those who have done lots of harder caches. The cache is at the coordinates but it can only be claimed if you can show that you have met the criterion below. 

In order to qualify to log this cache you must first have completed 4 of the following 6 rows or columns on your Difficulty / Terrain grid -

Difficulty - rows at levels 4, 4.5 or 5                      Terrain - columns at levels 4, 4.5 or 5       

For example, to count D4 row, you will have to have found a cache with grading 4/1, 4/1.5, 4/2, 4/2.5, 4/3, 4/3.5. 4/4, 4/4.5 and 4/5.

When logging the cache please ensure that your stats or profile are available for viewing to allow me to confirm that at least 4 of these lines are complete.

The cache is on Gold Island in the North Tyne near Wark. Although the crossing requires no more than wellingtons or paddling shoes in normal conditions, when the river is in spate it could be highly dangerous. Do NOT cross when the water level is high. As a marker, the water level should be well below the wooden steps on the island side of the crossing. The difficulty rating reflects the need to have found a significant number of harder caches and the terrain rating reflects the crossing risk. The following report of a July 1965 rescue provides an illustration of the potential dangers -

"The Brigade was called out to Hexham to rescue 8 Boy Scouts who had been stuck on an island in the River Tyne for over 2 days once again after extreme flooding. The Breeches Buoy equipment was used to rescue the 8 lads whose ages ranged from 11 to 17. After firing four rockets at the island, all of which did not reach the Boy Scouts, a fisherman made a giant cast with his rod to get the line onto the island. Instructions were then passed via loud hailer so that the Boy Scouts were able to tie the line at a suitable point"

The island is reached along a tarmac road and grassy public path on the East side of the river.

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Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Haqre byq snyyra oenapu.

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)