Alvis Gaynickle had been very proud of his tidy little dwelling deep in the forest. He made sure he kept the path swept, the leaves raked and any rubbish put in his bin, all before he went out to play or explore. However, the thing he was most proud of was his shiny black metal letterbox. No hollowed-out log, old can or snail shell like most of his forest dwelling neighbours had. He even had a cute red flag to indicate to the postie when there was mail to be collected, or for the postie to tell him mail had been delivered.
Then those nasty trolls put a highway right past his front door - his peace was broken... then the highway brought the vandals who tore down his swing, stole his pet frog and... his shiny black letter box with its cute red flag!
Alvin was hearbroken and no longer felt safe in his cosy woodland cottage.
He was planning on putting his previously beloved cottage up for sale, when his friends Legolas and Gandalf came to see how he was doing. Gandalf whipped up same magic and resettled Alvin's home a short distance away in a protected glade and put a shell of concealment over it - much stonger than the spell that had been there originally.
Alvin said that he was apprehensive and still thinking of shifting into the fairy forest with protection of neighbours. Legolas said that he wanted some time alone and proposed a house swap... so now Legolas lives in the forest and Alvin lives in the Fairy Forest just over the great divide.
But if you want to come and visit, just follow the directions below.
Harken, travelers, to the journey that lies ahead. Set forth to the forest of Bottle Lake and find thy transport a resting place upon Rothesay Road. From thence, journey left upon the open pathway of the 28th until thou comest to the junction of Apple Road. Turn right, and follow this path into the heart of the forest.
Press onward straight, the kea will point the way, until thou reach the crossroads with Landfill Road. To avoid thy brambles venture round the corner past the signpost in the triangle island. At this juncture, spy out the Trolls highway and entering deep into the wooded realm, take 83 strides ahead. Amidst the trees, to the right seek out the tree of pine scented might, that triangle touches the ground. Therein lies the hidden vale under its protective dome. Seek the way to enter, and bring forth the enclosure into the light, to find the secrets that awaits within.
To remind them to find and sign sign the visitors book before they left, Alvis even penned a poem:
In forests deep where shadows play,
Four treasures hide in ancient sway.
First, Geocachers' paths are laid,
In a secret tome of journeys made.
Then find the stamp, a token rare,
Where woodland whispers fill the air.
Next, search for ink, a liquid deep,
To seal your find and record keep.
Last, the Letterboxers' book,
Where others stampmarks are there to look.
Embark with heart, let pathways guide,
For these four treasures wait inside.
So heed the call, adventurer true,
In these finds, your quest pursued!
Note: This is a two logbook letterbox hybrid cache - with one logbook for geocachers to log their visit in, and a stamp logbook for stamps only.
There is also a stamp, and stamp pad for you to record in your personal stampbook, for those who participate in letterboxing.
PLEASE LEAVE THE STAMP & STAMP PAD - they are NOT trade items for geocachers! This cache has also been registered on atlasquest.com letterboxing site as Box #370176
Please recover to keep this redecorated cache active as long as possible.