Tree Trail Multi-cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This is a multistage cache where you will need to work out some coordinates from some easy clues. It is best started from the Athlone Direction as the cache clues leads towards Ballymahon on the N55.
Welcome to Westmeath!
The initial coordinates bring you to this nice spot. Be sure to bring a camera along for the nice photo opportunities.
Once there count the number of tall trees at the coordinates let this number be A.
(These are Ash trees, which are member of the olive family, ash is one of Ireland's native trees being especially venerated for its butts and roots that get used to produce the Irish Hurley used in the Gaelic Game of Hurling. A common tree, its divided leaves in pairs on the stem and easily recognised in winter by its prominent paired blackbuds and in autumn by its winged fruits. It likes lime-rich soils which Irland has plenty of and it can grow up to 40m)
Using the number for A that you found work out the following coordinates
N53 30.8A2 where A is the number you counted
W007 49.3(Ax4)-3)5 Do the Multiplication first
When you arrive at the second coordinates look at the name of the location and use the number in the name for the next coordinates. Let the number be B. If you are thirsty I can highly recommend the Guinness at this location.
N53 31.4(B+2)4
W007 46.71(Bx3)-2) Again do the multiplication first.
These Coordinates will lead you to the final location of the Cache. Please park on the side of the road opposite the gate or 100m further up the road at the football pitch.
This is private property but being the landowner I have no problems with you searching for the Cache.
This graveyard is one of the oldest of its kind in Ireland due to its round shape. Some of the dates on the headstones go back to the 1500's and before. With many that are now unreadable.
The ruins of the abbey in the centre of this Graveyard are said to be connected to the forested hill across the field by a tunnel. This tunnel lead to the monastery that once stood on the hill. It was used by the monks to escape during raids and attacks. My great Grandmother is said to have found the entrance of this tunnel and thinking it dangerous planted a beech tree on it.
After years of searching as children we have yet to find the entrance in the graveyard or on the hill to the tunnel. But have found some nich arrow heads and other interesting artifacts. If you look across the field though you can see a distinct rise running all the way over to the hill with a small mound at the midpoint.
One of these days I'm sure I will have time to do some experimental digging!
The house dates from 1649 with my family living there since 1701. The big wind of January 6th 1839 blew the roof off the main house. This was replaced and an extra storey was also built turning the house into a 3 storey dwelling. Since then the only thing that has happened is a few slates which are 45cm X 60cm square blowing off and damaging my sisters car quite badly.
As this is my first cache I have made it a big one. With lots of nice things for the first to find to choose from. The contents are as follows.
1 Hat/Cap
1 Drinks Bottle
1 Waterbomb Game
1 Necklace
1 Book of Irish Songs
1 2000AD comic from 1989
1 Little Angel Pin badge
2 Handwarmers
1 Dice drinking game
1 Millenium Pound Coin
A selection of old Irish Coins
1 Set of Earplugs
1 Emergency Rain Cape
15 sets of Glow in the dark stickers
1 Pill box from Cologne with knitted cover
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ybbx fbhgu sebz gur nepu naq lrj jvyy xabj