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The bunkers Traditional Cache

Hidden : 4/2/2013
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:



The Bunkers

Bunkry

In the first half of the 20 century Vodno was a bare mountain, causing erosion and sediment problems in Skopje city. Since the fifties of the 20 century afforestation on almost all the area of Vodno was undertaken. Since then Vodno Mountain represents a heaven on Earth for citizens of Skopje. It is close to the city and big enough to accept all nature lovers who are seeking for a short or long escape of the civilization. But, what is most important, Vodno “cries” for more cache!!!


On the trail to the bunkers



The Vodno mountain is situated on the southern side of the Skopje valley. The highest peak on Vodno mountain is Krstovar peak, on 1,066 meters a.s.l. From the top of Vodno is a wonderful view of Skopje valley, spreading north, while on the south side lies Jakupica Massif and its highest peak, Solunska Glava (2,538 meters).



There are many interesting places to see on the Vodno mountain. At Sredno Vodno (Middle Vodno, 640 meters a.s.l.), there is a chalet, hotel "Vodno" and the church of Holy Mother. You can get to Sredno Vodno by walk, bike, public bus or by car. During sundays Sredno Vodno is unpleasantly crowded!



A symbol of the Christianity, The Millennium Cross, was built on the Krstovar peak, in 2002, marking 2000 years of Christianity. It is considered to be the highest Christian Cross in Europe.


Friends? Rivals?



At an attitude of 750-800 meters a.s.l., on the eastern side of the mountain (2 km from Sredno Vodno), at the end of the new trim trail, is the medieval fortress, Town of Marko.



Some 8 km from Sredno Vodno (Middle Vodno) is the St. Pantelejmon monastery, dating from the year 1164 AD. It is well-known due to the beautiful frescoes, of which the most famous is "Lamentation over the body of Christ", painted 140 years before Giotto's "Pieta"!!!. In the monastery complex there is a restaurant with a wide choice of delicious Macedonian national meals, with a very pleasant interior in a traditional Macedonian national style.


Spring poetry



Many trails lead to the top of Vodno. Depending on your time, your body condition and on the time of the year you can choose long and moderately steep trails shadowed by trees, or “Die Hard” trails for sportsmen, maniacs and some geocachers



From the Millennium Cross on the top leads a very popular trail to the Lake Matka, some 14 km long.



At 2011, a gondola lift was built to allow an easy ascent to visit the Millennium Cross. The lift starts at Sredno Vodno (Middle Vodno) and ends at the Cross, taking approximately 8 minutes to ascend.



Once upon a time, there was an Yugoslavian National Army, proud, strong and respectable. Today only remains of its glory past are scattered here and there… If you go west from the Millennium Cross, after some 30-40 minutes of light and nice walk, through woody and open space, you will reach a place where remains of previous military bunkers stay. Today only shepherds with their cattle occasionally use them as a shelter during bad weather. Near the bunkers are located few wooden cottages, where you can rest and enjoy a splendid view.


Near the bunkers



The cache is small white plastic container. Please, be aware of snakes, especially in summer! Check the cache place with a stick or some branch first!!!



How to get there: The easiest way: from the Millennium Cross go west, about 30 minutes nice walk. Or: from Sredno Vodno (Middle Vodno) go on asphalt road about 3 km. You'll get to a place with several very old buildings (former Children holiday resort, called in Macedonian "Detsko"), from here take the forest path west.


Sources: Wikipedia, other internet sources. Photos: Original (by Galejnik)

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Yrsg bs gur ohaxre, haqre gur fgbarf.

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)