Floating Bob Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Sir Robert Preston was born in 1740. He made his fortune with the East India Company and his maritime exploits earned him the nickname “Floating Bob”. Sir Walter Scott reported that “He was as big as two men and ate for three!” In 1800 he inherited the Baronetcy of Valleyfield in West Fife and went on to build coal mines and Salt works on the nearby island now known as Preston Island.
This cache is situated on Preston Island, but you won’t need a boat to reach it! As part of a land reclamation project the island is now surrounded by ash lagoons created from ash slurry brought from the nearby Longannet Power station which lies to the west along the coast.
A walking route now stretches out from Culross to join a path network which surrounds the ash lagoons and Preston Island. Parking is available at two locations. Parking area (1) is at NS 99031 85898, a 1.8 mile walk out to the Island and Parking area (2) is at NT 00606 86356, a 1.2 mile walk out to the Island. Please stick to the main paths and be aware that small children can get under fencing.
This cache can be tackled in a number of ways:
1) As part of a walk from Culross (Parking Area 1) to the cache sites and back. (3.6 miles)
2) As part of a circular walk from Culross (Parking Area 1) to the cache sites and continue on along the paths to travel fully around the lagoons. (4miles approx, recommended)
3) As a walk from parking area 2 to cache sites and back. (2.4 miles, least scenic). Cross bridge then turn right and go through gate below bridge, continue to follow path.
However you choose to get to the co-ordinates this can be a pleasant walk along flat paths. Remember to take your binoculars as the mudflats around Culross and Torryburn are important feeding areas for birds such as Shelduck, Oystercatcher, Goldeneye and Red-Breasted Merganser. You may catch a glimpse of one of these on your travels. An enormous owl flew past me silently when I was out setting up this cache.
Now let’s move onto the cache. You may find the coordinates NT 00665 85226 of interest as these are information display boards with details of “Floating Bob” and the islands history. This area can be well used by muggles in the summer. At the cache site you will be easily observed so some stealth may be required when retrieving and replacing the cache.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gur ynfg cbfg
Treasures
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