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Off the Rails Traditional Cache

Hidden : 11/9/2012
Difficulty:
3 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

A cache next to a railway branch line between Exeter and Exmouth. There is no need to go onto railway property.

Please bring a pen and replace cache carefully as you found it.  Thank you.

The Avocet Line is a busy and thriving railway that runs for approximately 15km along the eastern side of Exe Estuary connecting the city of Exeter to seaside Exmouth. It is a very scenic ride, but also a vital resource for daily travel to work, school and college and shopping.  The line is named after the Pied Avocet which winters in the estuary.
 
The line was built in 1861. For most of its history the line was part of the London & South Western Railway and BR’s Southern Region, but is now operated by First Great Western.  The line is the busiest branch line in the west of England with about 1.3m travellers a year.  The name ‘Avocet Line’ was introduced in 2003 by Wessex Trains, the then franchisee, as a marketing name and has been adopted by everyone.
 
The Avocet Line has a Rail Users Group which was founded in 2007.  The objective of the group is to represent the interests of users of the line and to work for improvements to services and facilities.  It does this by dialogue and partnership with a number of partners, including First Great Western, the current franchise holder, Network Rail, who own the track and stations, Devon County Council and a number of local, regional and national passenger and rail industry bodies.
 
I thoroughly recommend a return trip on the Avocet line starting from either end.  The views over the Exe estuary are stunning and different each time you travel.  The estuary is a very important over-wintering stop for many birds, including Avocets, Brent Geese, Plovers and many more.  If you are inspired to see the estuary in its full glory why not book a bird-watching trip which is available from Stuart Lines in Exmouth.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Lbh jvyy arrq n xrra rlr sbe guvf bar.

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)