GC7X6C7 Phraya Nakhon Limestone (Earthcache) in Thailand created by Phil-Die

GC7X6C7 ▼

A cache by Phil-Die Message this owner

Hidden : 9/1/2018

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

Phraya Nakhon Cave , located in the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park , is one of the most exquisite Limestone caves in Thailand . The cave was discovered over 200 years ago by a former ruler while seeking shelter from a storm .

Inside the cave a pavilion was built for King Chulalongkorn’s (Rama V) visit in 1890 . The Khuha Kharuehat Pavilion has become the symbol of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province . The cave has a hole in the ceiling allowing sunlight to penetrate . At certain times the sun will shine directly on the royal pavilion . At the top of the hole , there is a stone bridge known as "Death Bridge” .

To reach the cave you can rent a boat from the parking or walk across Tian Mountain to Laem Sala Beach . After that , there is a 430 meters steep climb up the mountain to reach Phraya Nakhon Cave and the Khuha Kharuehat Pavilion .

The Limestone mountains around Khao Sam Roi Yot have been formed from sediment from the ocean bed . Over thousands of years the earth’s crust has moved and pushed up stone to become the Limestone mountains . Limestone is soft and disintegrated easily by water . Limestone mountains are craggy so flowing water causes holes and caves .

The environment around is quit constant . The weather is mainly windy and sunny . The ground soil is often shallow so it cannot hold a lot of water . This means that plant life is also limited to plants that are able to survive in the dry climate . The trees in the area are also very hardy and had to adapt to the environment . In addition trees are unable to root properly in the ground so they lay down surface roots . They use their roots to cling to the rocks but the roots also protect the rock underneath . This process allows the trees to remain healthy and draw enough water from the limited supply .

After the climb you finally reach the cave . Once inside the cave you can discover several Limestone sculptures , formed from the flow of calcium rich water . As the water evaporates , the sediment remains and forms this sculptures . Some of these formations have been formed over 1000 years ago . Walking through to the second part , you reach the fairytale pavilion . There is also a small shrine in the corner . Have a walk around the caves and enjoy this amazing place .

A National Park fee of 200 baht must be payed before entering the park .

Now for the Earthcache :
Q1 : While you are climbing your way up to the cave from WP1 to WP2 you will see some round shaped holes (see picture “Hole in the wall”) . What has formed these holes ? Are they formed by the roots of the trees , prehistoric animals , something else … Explain your answer .
Q2 : The ceiling of the cave has a hole in it that allows rain and sunlight to enter the cave and made it possible for trees to grow inside the cave . But what has caused these holes in the ceiling ? Did an elephant fall through ? Explain your answer .
Q3 : There are 3 forms of Limestone formations inside the cave . Which ones ?
Q4 : What is the difference between the Limestone that forms these sculptures and the Limestone of the cave ? Explain your answer .
Q5 : Poste a picture as prove you have visited the location . As from 1 December 2019 this is not optional but a must !

You can send the answers by the message center or by email . I will contact you when I received your answers in my inbox , you do not have to wait to long the cache as a found .

IF YOU HAVE WIFI TO LOG YOUR FOUND , YOU ALSO HAVE WIFI TO SEND THE ANSWERS !
AS FROM 1 DECEMBER 2019 LOGS WITHOUT PICTURE / SEND ANSWERS WILL BE DELETED !

Sawatdee khab and thank you for visiting !

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ernq gur Vasbezngvba cnaryf vs lbh qba'g xabj gur nafjref !

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)