There are numerous signs on walls, pavements and roads that most of us never notice. They are not invisible, they are such a common sight we just ignore them. They refer to the pipes installed by the utility companies and local councils. Walking around with a guide to these esoteric symbols opens up a whole new world, that of the Marsh Troll.
The Marsh Trolls to be found in this area are descendants of the clan from which Grendel, of Beowulf fame, came. How they got here is another story, the important point is, they are here. Unlike Grendel, these trolls are peace loving and are no danger to anyone. That is why there are so many marshes and mosses around these parts, some natural and others manmade. The utility pipes supplying our water were really installed to keep the trolls habitat controlled.
You are highly unlikely to see a marsh troll, as they are caked in mud and semi submerged, thus blending seamlessly with the environment
This multi stage cache will take you to all of the signs needed to find the location of the marsh trolls of Frodsham.
To find the cache
At each stage you will find a sign with numbers on, make a note of those digits
(read from left to right and top to bottom)
At stage 1, the listed coordinates, look at the bridge where it spans the road, you will see a sign
Note the Feet and Inches.
At stage 2 you will find a brown service plate giving the location of a Service Valve S.V
in Feet and Inches.
At stage 3 you will find a yellow service plate giving the location of a Hydrant Valve H.V
in Feet and Inches.
At stage 4 you will find a yellow service plate giving the location of a Hydrant H.
This is a inch 6 inch valve at a distance in feet
How many Feet.
At stage 5 you will find a yellow service plate giving the location of a Hydrant H.
This is a 150mm valve at a distance in metres
How many Metres.
At stage 6 you will find a white service plate giving the location of a Hydrant Valve H.V
How many Feet.
At stage 7 you will find a black service plate giving the location of a Service Valve S.V
in Feet and Inches.
A=value of stage 6
B=value of stage 5 plus first digit of stage 2
C=sum of first and second digits of stage 7
D=second digit of stage 1
E=sum of digits at stage 3 multiplied by the stage number that has a value of 15
F=first digit of stage 4
G=value of stage 5 divided by first digit of stage 2
H=number of the stage that has only one digit
Calculate the above values of A to H and then substitute those numbers for the appropriate letter below:
N 53º A.BCD W 002º E.FGH
The cache is a well hidden small screw cap container
Please bring something to sign the log.
Parking is free in Frodsham, there is usually somewhere to park along High Street or Marsh Lane.
For a more detailed tour of Frodsham have a look at Adjess Multi Buzzin' round the Town
Poor satellite coverage - The number of satellites that are "overhead" may be an issue when using a GPS close to tall buildings.
GPS units typically will not work indoors, underwater, underground or in the hands of a Geocacher.
Congratulations to Bazonka and Jackpotmary, on being FTF, 30th November 2013.