J.R.R. Tolkien famous for his epic Lord of the Rings fantasy books was born on January 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein.
Bloemfontein was then part of the Orange Free State, an independent Boer sovereign republic under British suzerainty in Southern Africa during the second half of the 19th century.
Today it is part of the South African province Free State and its capital as well as the juidicial capital of South Africa.
Tolkien was born in Bank House, Maitland Street but this location is a tribute to the legendary writer, even "procuring" the historical plaque from the real birth place.
One of my favorite charaters from the series is Smeagol A.K.A Gollum.
Gollum was once a Stoorish Hobbit named Smeagol, but after he killed his friend to take possession of the ring, he hid in the caves. Over time, he slowly changed into the terrible creature Gollum because of the power of the ring. Gollum's name is derived from the sound he makes in his throat when he swallows.
Bonus information: There are rumours J.R.R. Tolkien was inspired for some of his fantasy locations when visiting a town called Hogsback in the Eastern Cape and this is definately a place to visit.
In order to log this Virtual Cache please provide one of the following photos from the location in your log:
1) A photo of a ring circling the Hobbit Boutique Hotel signage with your geocaching handle and date included
2) Your best Gollum impression (ring included for extra fun) with the Hobbit Boutique Hotel signage in the background with your geocaching handle and date included
3) If you are geocaching in a group, get everyone together and imitate your favorite scene of the fellowship with the Hobbit Boutique Hotel signage in the background with your geocaching handles and date included
4) Strike a pose and imitate your favourite character and thier reaction to the ring with the Hobbit Boutique Hotel signage in the background with your geocaching handles and date included
Please note, none of the photos require your face in any of the photos. however it has been made optional to do so in one of the four photo requirements, any log without one of the four required photos will be removed by the CO, after a period of time if not added.
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.