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TRotAM Part VII: #1 The rotted old oak-stump Traditional Cache

Hidden : 5/24/2015
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
3.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

This series of 50 caches will take you through the classic poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. The caches are set on a walk of approx. 13 miles, giving stunning views of some of the best scenery in the Peak District National Park.


PART VII
This Hermit good lives in that wood
Which slopes down to the sea.
How loudly his sweet voice he rears!
He loves to talk with marineres
That come from a far countree.

He kneels at morn, and noon, and eve—
He hath a cushion plump:
It is the moss that wholly hides
The rotted old oak-stump.

The skiff-boat neared: I heard them talk,
'Why, this is strange, I trow!
Where are those lights so many and fair,
That signal made but now?'

The Poem

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a major poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It was written in 1797-98, although the text used in these caches is from the revised version of 1834, as it is much more readable.

The poem tells the tale of a sailor who has returned from a long voyage. With the mariner narrating his story to a man who is on his way to a wedding.

The Series

Parking is available near the starting point - it is shown as a waypoint on 'TRotAM Part I: #1 An ancient Mariner'.

If 13 miles in one walk is too much for you, the series can be easily split into two, with Parts I - IV forming a loop of approx. 6 miles, and Parts V - VII making up a second loop of about 7 miles.

There are two big ascents on this series - one on each loop. There are steps on a couple of the steeper sections, and there are also numerous stiles and gates to navigate. Tweezers may be required for a few of the caches, so don't forget them! You'll also need to bring your own pen, as there aren't any in the caches, and you do need to sign the logs to claim the finds.

None of the caches are hidden in dry stone walls, so please do not look in any.

The Cache

This cache used to be something quite different, but unfortunately the contraption broke after less than two months. Although it had been awarded favourite points by over 60% of finders up to that point, due to the remote location I decided to replace it with a 1 litre clip-box, which is what you're looking for.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

onfr bs gerr, pbirerq ol ybt

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)