GC1K3K1 Secret of the Cannons (Traditional Cache) in Eastern Cape, South Africa created by Chessmate

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GC1K3K1 ▼

A cache by Chessmate Message this owner

Hidden : 12/24/2008

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

This cache is placed at the Cannons (at the start of the 7km Cannon Hiking Trial) that overlook the sea at Cannon Rocks. You are able to park right next to the cannons. The cache is now a plastic pill container.

Research shows that the cannons and anchors hails from a ship called Baptista. The ship sailed from Goa on 1 March 1622 and two weeks after leaving Goa, the Baptista developed a leak and – more seriously – they lost contact with their flagship. Two days later they encountered two Dutch ships and the ensuing battle lasted 19 days. This was the first naval engagement off the South African coast. During the battle the Baptista suffered serious damage and a decision was made to head for land. Fortunately they gave the two Dutch vessels the slip and eventually, after many tribulations, they reached land at latitude 33 degrees 20 min S.

Shortly after setting up camp the local Koi-khoi inhabitants showed up and soon they were bartering meat for iron. If parameters are realistic, and the reported latitude correct, the wreck should then be between Port Alfred and Woody Cape. There is only a single wreck site along this stretch of coast where two muzzle-loading cannon, anchors of the type used during the 17th and 18th centuries and Chinese blue-and-white porcelain have been found. This is at Cannon Rocks – latitude 33°45' S.

Unable to leave by building a boat, the captain ordered the remains of the boat to be burnt after which they set off on foot up the coast to Lorenco Marques. After many misfortunes – including starvation and cannibalism amongst themselves, a mere 35 of the original 279 survivors reached Sofala.

The anchor and two cannons were mounted on the position of the origination of the original town. There were originally only three houses and a rondawel used by locals as a holiday destination.

Additional Hints ()

Napube hc!

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)