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Ordhenge Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Touchstone: Archived per BLM request.

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Hidden : 2/19/2006
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

For many years the local residents have been puzzled by the ancient structure on top of Elliot Hill in the old Fort Ord. Thanks to a brilliant yet quixotic member of the Central Coast Geocachers of California we at last have an answer.

 

The closest parking to get to this cache is either Intergarrison Parking Area , Gigling Road Parking Area, or Parker Flat Parking Area

Please do not attempt to drive your car on  BLM or Presidio Land.  You risk a sizeable fine and/or the impoundment of your vehicle.  Biking, hiking, or horseback are your best options.

 

Professor Jones, or as he is more affectionately called by members of the CCGC, "Prunedale" Jones (not to be confused with that *pretender* from Indiana) is legendary for his caching exploits.  There was the two mile thrash through poison oak to find the fake dog poo cache which earned him a spot in the Tecnu Hall of Fame.  And pictured here on the left after subduing the acres of English Ivy in order to snag the FTF on the infamous Altoid in the Ivy Cache.  Yes, these are exploits that deserve to be etched in stone, or set in bronze beneath a marble likeness of his craggy features.  Unfortunately it will be the "Ordhenge Affair" by which most of us will remember him. 

Ordhenge, as it has been known for time immemorial to locals of the area, has been a puzzle wrapped in an enigma for time out of mind.  What are these ancient structures that top the hill?  Who put them there, and what was there purpose?  Many archeologists and paleontologists put forth their theories, but none were as decisive and controversial as Professor Jones' theory.

 

 


 

Having cached in the area for many years, it was Professor Jones custom to wander Elliot Hill contemplating these ancient wonders that tower over the landscape.  One afternoon, he sat down on a promontory to catch his breath after the long climb.  Dropping his pack, his GPS came loose from his pack and slid into a crevice.  Trying desperately to fish it out with a stick he noticed light coming in through the crevice from some other source.  Further searching revealed an entrance to a small rectangular cavity in the stone.  Turning on his light he observed piles of parchment and a large round object leaning against one of the walls of the cavern.  Opening the parchment he read in an ancient tongue, Gratiae pro cache, Took nusquam left nusquam subcribo stipes , and vestri coordinates es off  (which were later translated into the common colloquiums, TFTC, TNLNSL, and "your coordinates are bad").  In a revelatory moment, Professor Jones suddenly realized the true purpose of the ancient structure on the hilltop: the remnants of a Neolithic GPS.  And he was standing in perhaps the first cache ever placed.  Turning his attention to the large circular object which measured about 18 inches across, he read with breathless anticipation the inscription "Geo-lammina" on it's surface.  He had not only found what might be the first cache, but also the first Geocoin.  

Unfortunately the Professors discovery was greeted with skepticism by the community.  At first he was regaled with angry taunts, then derisive laughter, until finely even his friends avoided him.  Broken and humiliated the Professor was finely committed to a "rest" home by his loving friends (visiting hours 3-6 p.m.).

Judge for yourself and stand in awe at the ancient civilization that may have developed GPS technology before the advent of satellites.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Oruvaq gur Arbyvguvp Trbpbva

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)