South Gare ( Cleveland ) Traditional Cache
Long Man: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.
If you wish to email me please send your email via my profile (click on my name) and quote the cache name and number.
Andy
The Long Man
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This cache is located at the south breakwater of the river Tees. You can drive along the private road, right down to the breakwater past the steel works and Coatham marsh nature reserve, to within a few metres of the cache. There is a nice beach and sand dunes to walk on ( good for dogs! ) and lots of bird life ( good for birdwatchers !). There are good views of the ships going up and down the river ( good for ship watchers! ). The cache is hidden on the 'river' side of the low wall so you don't have to enter the 'building site'. This is a very exposed site in bad weather and the river and sea are on both sides of the breakwater, which is quite wide, but watch the kids! There are lots of people here so be careful when locating the cache! A bit of history The construction of the Breakwater which was opened in 1888 was prompted by the wrecking of over 60 ships near to the mouth of the River Tees. The purpose being “ improving and protecting the navigation of the River Tees, and affording shelter and refuge to shipping of the north-east coast”. A tramway was used to bring in nearly 5 million tonnes of slag from the local steelworks for its construction. The lighthouse, constructed in 1884, is the only privately owned lighthouse in England, and is a Grade II listed building. When working, the light had a range of 20 miles. During one violent storm the thick glass of the lighthouse was smashed by the force of a tremendous wave. The breakwater takes a continuous pounding from the rough sea and concrete blocks are constantly being placed around it to prevent erosion. The far end of the gare was the site of a gun battery. The battery was constructed in 1891. In 1929 the Battery was handed over to the Royal Engineers and in 1938 it was reconstructed and two 6” Mk 7 guns were erected. The roles of the South Gare fort were the engagement of hostile ships, destruction of enemy light navel forces, transports and landing craft, Support of the Examination service, engagement of targets on landing beaches and anti-mine laying aircraft barrage. The landing beaches covered were Coatham Sands, Bran Sands, Seal Sands and Seaton Sands. The site housed a number of underground facilities including an engine room and a number of store rooms, magazine, command post and air raid shelter. Above ground facilities included Navel offices / accommodation, Battery Observation Post, Signal Mast, watch Shelter and various gun emplacements which at various times included two 6 pdr emplacements, two 6 “ emplacements and two 4.7” emplacements.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Arkg gb gur jnyy ncebk 20sg cnfg gur pbapergr srapr cbfg.
Treasures
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