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Physic Well Traditional Cache

Difficulty:
3 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

The cache is approached by an easy bridleway which is OFTEN MUDDY. Except in dry weather wellies are suggested. It is 1.74 Km from Leys Rd. where there is parking at the Parish Hall (51 deg. 44.190' N 1 deg. 20.183' W) and 0.59 Km from a parking area beside the river Thames at the end of Bablock Hythe Rd. (51 deg. 44.087 N 1 deg. 22.192 W).

We have taken over the care of this cache and have relocated it to a place closer to the well. It has a new container and log book.

The Physic Well  The Physic Well

The Physic Well is a small pool, with a stone lining, just to the N of the path. The water varies from green through brown to pink, probably as a result of algal blooms. In any case it is not fit for drinking! The well has been known for a long time, the earliest reference I have been able to find is an extract from the diaries of Anthony Wood dated 22 June 1667. "This month about the middle, the well at Comnore in the high way going down to Bablackhythe was discovered and frequented. It will never be famous because there is not water to supply a multitude. Much resorted to by scholars; the water was brought to Oxford." The famous Oxford photographer Henry Taunt took a picture in 1916 which shows it beside the path in a clear area and not surrounded by trees as now.

For more information on the Holy Wells in Oxfordshire, visit megalithic.co.uk

Those interested in birds may wish to visit Farmoor Reservoir and the Pinkhill reserve between it and the Thames.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ubzr bs gur Juvgr Enoovg va n ZGG.

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)