Mt George Traditional Cache
Hidden : 3/13/2013
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:




Mt George, later known as Flagstaff Hill, has been a viewing and signalling point for all phases of settlement on Norfolk Island, including the Pitcairners’ era.  Coloured flags were used to indicate where ships were unloading right up to the 1950’s. 
 
The First Settlement cleared the base of the hill and established their encampment there.  They made a road up the ridge to the interior of the Island and established a flagstaff part way up the hill.  The flagstaff at the top was added by 1829, in the Second Settlement.
 
The Hill was cleared continuously from initial settlement to improve the visibility of the side from the sea and so convicts could be seen.  This led to extensive erosion.  Sketches from as early as the 1830’s and 1840’s show the ridge was devoid of trees with exposed rock and patches of grass.
 
Prior to radio communication with ships, flags were used to give information about landing conditions.  A white flag meant conditions were suitable to unload at Kingston. Red meant unloading was at Cascade. Red over white flags indicated unsuitable conditions at both jetties, with the ship seeking shelter at Headstone, west of the Island.
 
The Flagstaff Hill Walk follows a similar route to the old road to Longridge.
            Length – 300 metres
            Time – 15 minutes return
            Grade – medium to steep.
The walk leads to two viewing platforms overlooking Kingston and a viewing point over Arthurs Vale.
 
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Island sponsored the restoration of the historic track, flagpole & lookouts to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Rotary International in 2005. 

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Syntfgnss fvqr, prager cbfg

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)


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