Update August 2020 Please note that since this cache was placed 5 years ago, both the path around the island and the area around GZ have become overgrown with shrubs and trees. GZ is now significantly harder to reach and requires a fair bit of bush whacking. The area is unrecognisable from when I was last here and as a result the terrain rating is no longer correct and only hardy kids will manage this and it is most certainly no longer suitable for buggies. I don’t want to change any terrain, difficulty or attributes in case it interferes with anyone’s grid challenges so please just take this update into account when attempting this cache. As always, happy caching.
Treasure Island
A long, long time ago, Blackbeard the notorious Pirate was sailing past Bo'ness when his ship was set upon by Captain Cache of the Bo'ness Pirate Slayers.
In a desperate attempt to protect his treasures he quickly jumped into his pirate dingy and sailed to this little island to hide some of his most treasured posessions in the hope of returning one day to reclaim them.
After setting some booby traps, he only had time to draw a rough map of the area and the only thing he could remember about where he hid the treasure was that it was behind a rather fat Christmas tree.
On this map he included some decoy 'X' marks the spot, hoping to confuse anyone brave enough to try and find his goodies before he was able to return and make claim himself.
Sadly Blackbeard never made it back alive and from that day on, many a brave adventurer has tried and failed to find the missing treasure and most have met their doom on this dangerous and booby trapped island.
Those who failed however, were not cachers and geocachers are made of tougher stuff so should have no problem finding the hidden bounty and escaping the island unharmed.
Are you brave enough to take on the challenge and find the missing treasure?
This is a traditional cache and is hidden at the listed coords.
The maps are hidden at the waypoint and are meant as an extra bit of fun for the little cachers but are in no way accurate and most likely will be of no use for navigation. The maps are hidden in a clip lock box, under rocks at the base of the tree.
You do not need the map to find the cache but feel free to take one and enjoy your pirate adventure on Treasure Island.
This cache is suitable for kids but as it's on an island and surrounded by water, care should be taken.
Exploring the whole island with a buggy may not be possible but with a bit of determination, you should be able to reach GZ with one if desired.
There is a path that goes all the way round the island but at the SW side it is pretty overgrown and may take some bush whacking and crouch walking to get through. This is the fun path that my little 'uns love exploring when we go.
As this is aimed at kids, the cache is chock full of swag at time of placing. Please feel free to take your share of the treasure but remember to replace with something else and keep this fun for the next cachers. The map is yours to keep if you so desire.
The crossing from mainland and at certain points on the island can be muddy so boots are recommended.
I've never experienced difficulty getting onto or off the island but as the tides rise and fall, the walkway over can sometimes end up under water depending on the tides. If you are concerned, please check the tidal times around Bo'ness by typing 'Bo'ness tides' into your search engine.
Cache placed with the kind permission of Scottish Natural Heritage. *** Well done to WeeGem86 for getting FTF!!! ***