Chummel and Teddy Oswald Mystery Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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A one stage puzzle cache set beside the River Ayr and the River Ayr Way.
CHUMMEL AND TEDDY OSWALD
The area surrounding Auchincruive Estate is part of the ancient seat of the Cathcarts. The Estate was bought over in 1764 by London merchant Richard Oswald and his family.
Oswald was prominent in negotiating the American Declaration of Independence and was celebrated for his part. He was the chief negotiator and earned the nickname ‘Richard the Peacemaker’. It is less well known that Oswald was also a leading figure in the African Slave Trade.
Oswald Hall, the principal building on the estate includes some interior design by famous architect Robert Adam.
In 1782, Oswald was selected by Lord Shelbourne to open negotiations with the Americans. Because of his prior living experience in America and his knowledge of its geography and trade he had been frequently consulted by the British Ministry about the war. The informal negotiations were to be held in Paris. Lord Shelburne chose Oswald because he thought it would appeal to Benjamin Franklin. Oswald shared Franklin's free trade commercial views; he possessed a "philosophic disposition"; and he had previously had a limited correspondence with Franklin.
It would appear that Richard and Elizabeth Oswald were animal lovers and in particular showed a great fondness for Chummel and Teddy.
Parking:- During the Winter the gates to the Oswald Hall Car Park are closed in the evenings and at weekends. Entry is through the main college gate through the automatic barrier. Turn right and follow the signs for Oswald Hall.
This is a simple puzzle cache that starts near the car park in the grounds of Auchincruive Estate and the River Ayr Way.
The listed coordinates take you a couple of grave markers near the main house and, we will admit, ‘Chummel’ took us by surprise.
Read the two animal grave markers at the listed coordinates:
You will have to obtain the information and go to the final cache location at
n. 55 . AB . CDE
w. 004 . FA. GCH
Teddy died on 1C September 1B7A.
Chummel was born in 18D5 and died September JH G8E1
F = (G+A)
The coordinates obtained will take you to the South bank of the River Ayr, so follow the way marked trail to the East after crossing Oswald’s Brig.
In keeping with the ‘animal’ theme the cache is a wee bit different. The coordinates take you as close as tree cover would allow and as an additional hint, the cache is landward. Enjoy the walk. It’s one of our favourites.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gjvgpuref Ubhfr?