Why do we have tunnels?

Why do we have tunnels?
Pedra Branca - ER101 - Ribeira Funda

PT:

Esta cache irá te convidar a conhecer parte da Estrada Regional 101. 

A Estrada Regional (ER) número 101 (ER101), com 205 km de extensão, merece especial destaque por ser uma obra de engenharia notável, realizada com os meios limitados da época, que só encontra paralelo na extraordinária rede de levadas construída ao longo dos séculos. Foi concluída a 6 de junho de 1958, com a inauguração do túnel Boa Ventura/Arco de São Jorge. Na passagem para o séc. XXI, encontra-se sem circulação rodoviária principal, mas está ainda na lembrança de muitos madeirenses e turistas o percurso vertiginoso da estrada escarpada na rocha da costa norte, desde São Vicente ao Porto Moniz. A sua imagem ficou gravada em muitos postais madeirenses.

Ao longo dos 3km (ida e volta) irás conhecer os problemas e ao mesmo a beleza desta outrora importante estrada. 

Este percurso deverá ser feito com boas condições metereológicas. Evita os dias de chuva e vento.

No início o percurso é acessível, tendo apenas uma área mais sensível após o túnel de acesso à Ribeira Funda.

Boa sorte!

EN:

This cache will invite you to visit the Regional Road 101.

The Regional Road (ER) number 101 (ER101), with 205 km of extension, deserves special mention because it is a remarkable engineering work carried out with the limited means of the time, that only finds parallel in the extraordinary network of "levadas" constructed along the centuries. It was completed on June 6, 1958, with the inauguration of the Boa Ventura / Arco de São Jorge tunnel. In the early XXI century, it longer has main road traffic, but it is still in the memory of many Madeirans and tourists the dizzying route of the steep road on the rock of the north coast, from São Vicente to Porto Moniz. Its image was engraved on many Madeiran postcards.

Along the 3km (round trip) you will discover the problems and at the same time the beauty of this once important road.

This course should be done with good weather conditions. Avoid the rainy and windy days.

At the beginning the route is accessible, having only a more sensitive area after the access tunnel to Ribeira Funda.

Good Luck!

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Galinhaça

GALINHAÇA
Vereda da Cavaca - Cabeço das Moitadinhas - Ribeira da Galinhaça

PT: 

Esta cache irá te convidar a conhecer a Vereda da Cavaca.
A cache está colocada no cruzamento entre a Vereda Cavaca e a Ribeira da Galinhaça a cerca de 750m de altitude.
Durante a época de chuvas poderás observar uma das cascatas desta ribeira. No verão terá um caudal muito reduzido.
Poderás iniciar o percurso no Chão da Ribeira (360m de altitude) ou no Fio - Fanal (1150m).
Poderás também efectuar um percurso circular e encontrar mais algumas caches utilizando o Caminho das Voltas.

EN: 

This cache will invite you to visit the Vereda da Cavaca.

The cache is placed at the intersection between Vereda Cavaca and Ribeira da Galinhaça at about 750m altitude.

During the rainy season you can observe one of the waterfalls of this water stream. In summer it will have a very reduced flow.

You can start the course at Chão da Ribeira (360m altitude) or at Fio - Fanal (1150m).

You can also make a circular route and find some more caches using the Caminho das Voltas.

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Madeira na Geocaching Magazin

O geocacher alemão vanWeyden esteve recentemente na Madeira onde aproveitou para fazer geocaching e para escrever um artigo para a Geocaching Magazin. Tive a oportunidade de contribuir com uma pequena entrevista.
O artigo fez sucesso e deu origem a um segundo artigo sobre a ilha.

Curiosamente já alguns turistas fizeram referência a estes artigos nos seus logs:

Kingdom of the Ents (GC3H7AA) has a new log:  

Logged by: OmaSus  Log Type: Found it  Date: 11/12/2017  Location: Arquipélago da Madeira, Portugal  Type: Multi-cache

Log:
Am Start fanden wir nur das, was auch in einem Log von 3.11. beschrieben steht. Schade, also zurück zum CM. Aber dann hatten wir wirkliches Glück: An unserem letzten Cache in dieser Ecke trafen wir andere Cacher, und bei einem Plausch über unser wunderbares Hobby kamen wir auf diesen Cache zu sprechen. Die beiden waren so nett, uns die Koordinaten von St. 2 zu geben, und schon zog es mich zurück zum Kingdom of the Ens. So konnten wir diesen Multi, auf dem ich im Geocaching-Magazin aufmerksam geworden bin, doch noch zuende bringen.

Rain (GC3W0FB) has a new log: 

Logged by: Neon Knight  Log Type: Found it   Date: 07/07/2017   Location: Arquipélago da Madeira, Portugal  Type: Traditional Cache
Log:
After we had finished the Multi Levadas da Lombada we drove to the west - heading to visit the lighthouse of Ponta do Pargo. On our way we came along this cache, where we had lots of fun and really enjoyed it. This cache is mentioned in the German "Geocaching-Magazin" as one of the "must-do-caches" on Madeira ... and indeed ... it is a "must-do-cache" [:D] Tftc Hilli & NK FAV

Artigo 1:

Madeira - Geocaching Magazin by Luís on Scribd

Artigo 2:

Madeira - Geocaching Magazin II by Luís on Scribd

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Ribeira do Jardim

RIBEIRA DO JARDIM

PT: 

Esta cache irá te convidar a conhecer parte do curso de água da Ribeira do Jardim junto à Levada do Norte.

A dificuldade do acesso irá depender do caudal da ribeira. 

Junto à cache poderás ver a Cascata da Aguagem (48m). 

Durante os meses da primavera poderás também ter a oportunidade de apreciar as cerejeiras em flor.

Existem várias formas de chegar até este local. Na listing são dadas três coordenadas com diferentes sítios onde começar este percurso.

EN: 

This cache will invite you to get to know part of the water course of Ribeira do Jardim next to Levada do Norte.
The difficulty of access will depend on the flow of the stream.
Next to the cache you will see the Aguagem Waterfall (48m).
During the spring months you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
There are several ways to get to this location. In the listing three coordinates are given with different places where to begin this route.

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Twin Waterfalls

TWIN WATERFALLS

PT:
Esta cache irá te conduzir a duas bonitas cascatas situadas junto à madre da Levada Nova de Santa Cruz.

Existem várias formas de chegar até este local. Na listing são dadas três coordenadas com diferentes sítios onde começar este percurso:

I - Levada Nova de Santa Cruz
Total: 4,8km / 2h

II - Levada dos Tornos - Vereda do Alvoredo - Levada Nova
Total: 3km / 1h

III - Percurso Circular:
Levada Nova do Moinho da Serra - Ponte de Roma - Levada dos Tornos - Vereda do Alvoredo - Levada Nova de Santa Cruz - Madre da Levada Nova de Santa Cruz - Levada Nova de Santa Cruz
Total: 13km / 4h

Ao chegar à madre da Levada Nova de Santa Cruz atravesse o curso de àgua e siga em frente de pedra em pedra. Poucos metros depois irá ver na Ribeira de Santa Cruz a sua cascata de dois ressaltos, ladeada de colunas prismáticas. Linda e única.
Ali mesmo ao lado a Ribeira Primeira une-se à Ribeira de Santa Cruz e podemos ver também outra cascata. Subindo um pouco até a base dessa cascata podemos ver um afluente com outa cascata.

EN:

This cache will lead you to two beautiful waterfalls located next to the source of Levada Nova de Santa Cruz. 

There are several ways to get to this location. In the listing three coordinates are given with different places where to start this route:

I - Levada Nova de Santa Cruz
Total: 4,8km / 2h

II - Levada dos Tornos - Vereda do Alvoredo - Levada Nova
Total: 3km / 1h

III - Round-Trip:
Levada Nova do Moinho da Serra - Ponte de Roma - Levada dos Tornos - Vereda do Alvoredo - Levada Nova de Santa Cruz - Madre da Levada Nova de Santa Cruz - Levada Nova de Santa Cruz
Total: 13km / 4h

When reaching the source of the levada, improvise, cross the water course and go ahead from stone to stone. A few meters later you will see Ribeira de Santa Cruz and its waterfall with two junps flanked with prismatic columns. Beautiful and unique.

Right beside the aforementioned waterfall, Ribeira Primeira joins with Ribeira de Santa Cruz and we can see another waterfall. Climbing a little to the base of this waterfall we can see a tributary with a smaller waterfall.

 

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Os Arredados - Cascata do Rabo do Burro ou da Fajã Escura

OS ARREDADOS
Cascata do Rabo do Burro ou da Fajã Escura

PT:

A Missa do Parto dos Arredados é já uma tradição anual na Freguesia De Ponta Delgada, realizando-se habitualmente no último domingo antes do Natal.

É uma missa que reúne sempre muitas pessoas de várias zonas da Madeira, sendo por intenção das pessoas que raramente participam nas cerimónias religiosas e como tal estão arredadas da liturgia.

Tal como os arredados estão afastados das liturgias também algumas pessoas estão arredadas da Natureza. Esta cache é um convite para um regresso à Natureza, uma purificação e quem sabe com um lavar dos pés incluído.

ATENÇÃO:

- A dificuldade desta cache depende do caudal da ribeira. Analisa as condições e não arrisques.

- Existe um trilho pouco marcado na margem oeste (ver spoiler). Utilizando o trilho serão poucas as vezes que terás de andar dentro da ribeira.

- O percurso deverá ser feito apenas com boas condições climatéricas.

- Deverás levar água e comida, roupa e calçado apropriados (roupa extra para o caso de te molhares).

- A utilização de um bordão é recomendada.

- O sinal GPS é muito fraco por isso utiliza a Hint e o Spoiler.

- Carro - Cache - Carro: 1 km, 40m

 

EN:

The Arredados Mass in honour of the birth of Jesus is already an annual tradition in the Parish of Ponta Delgada, usually taking place on the last Sunday before Christmas.

It is a mass that always gathers many people from various parts of Madeira and is intended to the Arredados (people who rarely participate in religious ceremonies and as such are distant from the liturgy).

As the Arredados are distant from the liturgies also some people are cut off from Nature.

This cache is an invitation for a return to nature, a purification and who knows with a Washing of the Feet included.

"In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir

ATTENTION:
- The difficulty of this cache depends on the flow of the stream. Analyze the conditions and don't take risks.
- There is a trail on the west bank (see spoiler). If you use the trail you will avoid walking inside the river bed most of the way.
- The course must be done only with good weather conditions.
- You should bring water and food, clothing and appropriate footwear (extra clothing in case you get too wet).
- The use of walking poles is recommended.
-The GPS signal is very weak in this area so use the Hint and the Spoiler.
- Car - Cache - Car: 1 km, 40m

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Geocache of the Week - Senhora da Pedra

DECEMBER 21, 2016 / JANELLE

Senhor da Pedra—Geocache of the Week

Traditional

 

GC2ZWP5

 

by luisftas

 

Difficulty:

 

4

 

Terrain:

 

3.5

Location:

 

Arquipélago da Madeira, Portugal

 

N 32° 50.110 W 016° 54.419

 

 

GOTW Senhora da Pedra, Madeira Portugal

Off the southwest coast of Portugal and northwest coast of Africa lies the beautiful archipelago of Madeira. It is the outermost region of the European Union and an autonomous region of Portugal. Known for its idyllic climate, flowing wine, romantic beaches, and sheer cliffs, Madeira is also home to close to 1,200 active geocaches.

You must be thinking, “Geocaching in gloriously warm climate with stunning landscapes and flowing wine—where’s the grit and the character-building adventure of that?!” Luckily, this traditional cache provides a mildly challenging hike with a big pay off in a phenomenal location. Perfect!

You’ll start your journey at the São Jorge (St. George) lighthouse, a sweet little spot to prepare for your trek and take in the ocean views. The lighthouse was, “…designed in 1948 and started to function in 1959. Its structure is a cylindrical tower 14-meters high, and the focus is at an altitude of 271 meters. Its light has a range of 16 miles, and its operation is automated in 1986 after being electrified in 1962.”

São Jorge (St. George) lighthouse

The next step is to find the path to the geocache. Once you are on the path, you will see why this geocache earned its 3.5 terrain rating. There are many paths—will you take the correct one? Will your path be full of mud with no alternate route? Will you slip and fall in the mud? Will this actually be worth it? Stay strong, intrepid geocachers, because yes, the payoff will be worth it.

Path to the geocache

At the end of the path on the very edge of a cliff, you will find a very large rock. Many years ago it broke free from the hills above, rolled down the rugged terrain, then suddenly stopped right on this precipice. This was so amazing and odd that the locals built a small shrine in honor of the “Lady of the Stone” and placed it underneath the boulder. This “monument’ is full of religious statues, candles, flowers, stones, and other knickknacks. It is also a wonderful place for quiet reflection and to sign a logbook.

Path to the geocache

If this amazing rock and little shrine weren’t enough, check out that view! On the left you can see Porto Moniz very far away, while on the right you can look down and see the old pier of São Jorge. Can it get any better than this?

View from above the rock

Recent logs:

Siggi72This is my second time visiting Madeira but the first time with Geocaching. Without geocaching I wouldn’t have seen this “balancing” rock with the small shrine and the great views. Thanks for showing!

Amazing location for a geocache

ComètesOn our way, we could not miss this cache, that we already bookmarked in France when preparing our trip. Its D/T ratio is the only one missing in on matrix. We first discovered the lighthouse, then went down to GZ. 148 steps later, we were at the right place. A special place, as many ones that we can discover since we are practising geocaching. We found the box with the help of the spoiler. While we were signing the logbook, a rainbow appeared above the Ocean. To celebrate our fully filled matrix? Thank you for this great cache!

At the shrine under the rock

ED77First we had problems to find the right access and had almost given up. Fortunately we found the right way otherwise we have missed a great adventure and a total crazy place! The path down was a real adventure but at the end worth every step How curious to place a shrine under this huge stone! We enjoyed the mystic and peaceful place, stayed some time staring at the sea This place is worth a favorite point

Just before the geocache

Great view and a great experience

The shrine

Gorgeous views

View to the right

Even pooches love this geocache

Source: https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2016/12/senhor-da-pedra-geocache-of-the-week/ (01/2017)

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La ducha del Cochino @Ribeira do Porco

Esta cache irá te conduzir ao longo da Ribeira do Porco. Este curso de água nasce na Boca das Torrinhas (1430m) e é uma das mais caudalosas da ilha. A origem do seu nome é desconhecida mas deve-se provavelmente à importância destes animais para a subsistência dos locais. De acordo com o arrolamento do gado de 1893 haviam na freguesia cerca de 4060 porcos.

Mas se esta é a Ribeira do Porco, então onde é que ele toma o seu duche? Vamos descobrir...

ATENÇÃO:

- A dificuldade desta cache depende do caudal da ribeira. Analisa as condições e não arrisques.

- Não existe trilho. Deverás improvisar, tendo de atravessar várias vezes a ribeira.
- O percurso deverá ser feito apenas com boas condições climatéricas.
- Deverás levar água e comida, roupa e calçado apropriados (roupa extra para o caso de te molhares).

- A utilização de um bordão é recomendada.
- Ponte - Cache - Ponte: 2 km, 1h15m



This cache will guide you along the Ribeira do Porco (The Pig's River). This stream originates in Boca Torrinhas (1430m) and is one of the most torrential in the island. The origin of its name is unknown but is probably due to the importance of these animals for the livelihood of the locals. According to the enrollment of cattle in 1893 the parish had about 4060 pigs.

But if this is the Pig's River, then where does the pig takes his shower? Let's find out ...

ATTENTION:

- The difficulty of this cache depends on the flow of the stream. Analyze the conditions and don't take risks.

- There is no trail. You have to improvise, having to cross the river several times.

- The course must be done only with good weather conditions.

- You should bring water and food, clothing and appropriate footwear (extra clothing in case you get too wet).

- The use of walking poles is recommended.

- Bridge - Cached - Bridge: 2 km, 1h15m

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Into the Wild

SEMAGRAL - INTO THE WILD

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Lost

Translation: 

LOST

 GPS TRACK

FTF: dandrade, Hugo Pita, Martim Andrade, tojoliveira, Elvio alpHa, ruben&alexandra, escorcios



STF: ricardomariagoncas, horticalheta, residencial.pordosol, cicerocastro, RicardoGonçalvesrady, Gonçalinho



TTF: ...

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Lara Croft and the Hidden Waterfall

Lara foi informada da existência de um tesouro escondido e precisa da tua ajuda!
Esse tesouro está nas redondezas de uma cascata secreta, desconhecida de grande parte das pessoas que por perto passam.
Os manuscritos a que teve acesso indicam-lhe:

"Para a cascata encontrar, vai até ao local onde as pedras choram e formam uma poça de lágrimas. Ao lá chegar, segue o caminho das águas traiçoeiras na margem esquerda. Este será o teu maior obstáculo!
Já no patamar superior, segue sempre pela margem esquerda! Continua a subir, utilizando os degraus cravados na pedra. Pouco antes do final do percurso, encontrarás no meio da vegetação, novos degraus cravados na pedra que te permitem descer até junto ao curso de água. Ai encontrarás o que procuras.
Boa Sorte!"


Lara was informed of the existence of a hidden treasure and needs your help!
This treasure is near a secret waterfall, unknown to most people who pass close by.
She had access to some manuscripts that told her:

"To find the waterfall, go to the place where the stones weep and form a puddle of tears. When you get there, follow the path of treacherous waters on the left bank. This will be your biggest obstacle!
In the higher level, always follow the left bank! Continue to go up, using the steps carved on the stone. Shortly before the end of the path, you will find amidst the vegetation, another set of steps carved on the stone that will allow you to go down closer to the watercourse. There you will find what are looking for.
Good Luck!"

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jl3tXIDmog&hd=1

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