The coordinates given above are for a sign explaining the history of the various attractions in the Common. This sign is not used in any of the questions, but has a map and some interesting (even if outdated) information about different ways the Common has been used. There is a car park near the sign. There are other signs at each of the entrances to the Common but they do not contain as much information.
For all the other clues you are looking for a sign, notice or display above ground level at the coordinates given. Each clue will give you a single digit number. The clues can be answered in any order, and you are advised to enter all the coordinates into your GPS receiver before you start. They have been designed so they can also be solved by teams either competing or cooperating with each other. Depending on the order and route, the walk round will be about 4km (2.5 miles). The questions themselves should be easy, as long as you read them correctly and you are looking at the correct sign.
| CLUE |
Coordinates |
Question |
Answer |
| A |
N 50° 55.418’
W001° 24.465’ |
How many copies of the sign? |
|
| B |
N 50° 55.476’
W001 °24.424’ |
How many little feet? |
|
| C |
N 50° 55.408’
W001° 24.755’ |
How many O's? |
|
| D |
N 50° 56.067’
W001° 24.480’ |
How many flowers? |
|
| E |
N 50° 55.771’
W001° 24.842’ |
For how many months is it open? |
|
| F |
N 50° 55.739’
W001° 24.449’ |
How long did 560 feet take? |
|
When you have got all six answers you can find the actual cache at:
N 50° 55.ABC W 001° 24.DEF
In order to comply with Acts of Parliament and local byelaws governing the use of the Common, the cache is not located on the Common itself, but in an open space nearby. There is some tree cover near the cache but a small clearing just above it, and plenty of sky nearby. Although the location is quite secluded, it is near a road and some footpaths so some discretion is necessary. You are encouraged to CITO around the cache which does not get as much attention as the Common itself, and gloves and bags are included in the cache for this purpose.
This cache has been especially set to be the "home cache" of the students of the Geocaching Club at Taunton's College and it will be used to train new members of the club. For most of them this will be their first find. Please don't let them be disappointed! It is the intention that this cache should only contain quality items likely to appeal to the older teenager.. within the rules of geocaching, of course ;)
Combine this cache with Sid's Grave by Adge and Anna (GCQBNX) and Uncommon by njh (GCK4XT) for a good geocaching day out well worth traveling for. The three multicaches will take you on a complete tour of all areas of the Common, present you with a variety of geocaching challenges and show you some places which even frequent users of the Common are unaware of. The total time would be about 4-5 hours, and you can break it up with a meal at the Bellemoor Tavern (N 50° 55.643' W001° 24.980') or the Cowherds Inn(N50° 55.446' W001° 24.348'), or even better, a picnic on the Common itself.
Please Note: It is required by Southampton City Council that all activities adhere to the guidelines set out by Hampshire County Council regarding Geocaching.