GCJNM1 Skeleton Cave (Traditional Cache) in Oregon, United States created by Geobaby, JFrank, EagleI, and the "mama's boys"

This cache has been archived.

JJROB2: I did go to the cave today. At first it appeared that they had just blocked the road a mile before the cave, however, I walked to the cave and there is a large metal grate covering the entrance. It appears to be permanent. On my way back into town I stopped and talked to a USFS law enforcement officer. He told me he suspects the grate is permanent, however, it was originally placed there because of people entering during closure. He is going to contact his superiours and ask about this. This cache is archived until further notice.

GCJNM1 ▼

A cache by Geobaby, JFrank, EagleI, and the "mama's boys" Message this owner

Hidden : 6/9/2004

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Vandals rolled a rock down the stairs and the Forest service was forced to take them out,

This cache will only be active from May 1 to October 14 because the access road closes. Skeleton cave is a lava tube cave a short drive from Bend. Access it via China hat road.

The coordinates get you to the entrance. Bring good shoes and good flashlights (EMPHASIS ON THE "S"). Do not leave anything visible in your vehicle when you enter the cave. These recreation sites are notorious for break-ins. be smart! This is a classic lava tube however, so try to ignore the trash, (Or pick it up and take it out with you!) etc. There are even some minor formations still in existence that have yet to be destroyed if you know where to look.

To find the cache, walk to the end of the cave. At the far end of the cave turn back and start looking for landmarks. Be alert for neon green graffiti on an arch over the top of the cave and also on a large rock on the floor. This graffiti arch is within sight of the end of the cave and can only be seen when looking upward (outward) from the deep end of the cave. Cover the cache well.

You will need the hints

NOTE: when searching for the cache and moving rocks use caution, for there is much broken glass in the area.

This cache will only be active from May 1 to October 14. This is because in the winter it serves as a hibernacuclum for the Western big-eared bat. Bats use this cave to survive the winter. The western gig-eared bat is a highly beneficial species in rapid decline due to disturbance during hibernation. Hibernating bats must survive the winter months on a limited supply of stored fat. Any disturbance during this period may awaken the bats depleting this food supply and can cause abandonment, resulting in further decline of the species. Humans within sight of sound of the bats create sufficient disturbance to awaken them.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Trbonol fnlf: Gur pnpur vf qverpgyl haqre gur nepu va gur qrrcrfg perivpr. jrfg pbnfg jrravrf fnlf: zbivat bar ebpx fubhyq rkcbfr gur pnpur. vs lbhe "urneg" vf va gur "evtug" cynpr lbh fubhyq svaq vg.

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)