Geocache of the Week Flashback Edition: DSOM – Minero las piedras

Difficulty 5, Terrain 5. It’s the ultimate combination! It’s a blend of the most intense mental challenge and strenuous physical journey in geocaching. Only about 7,700 geocaches around the world carry this unique D/T combo. 

Travel with us as we revisit DSOM – Minero las piedras (GC273NE), an unforgettable 5/5 Multi-Cache, and descend below the surface of the Spanish island of Mallorca.

The 5/5 Difficulty/Terrain rating is elusive. Reserved for only the most tasking and strenuous geocaches, geocachers often travel great lengths to get to GZ. But that’s just the start!

To locate such a cache, you’ll need to push yourself to the limit, both physically and mentally. Think you’re up for the challenge?

The cache page tells the story of Pedro, the ghost of the stones. GC273NE invites you to uncover the mystery of what happened within the caves after peculiar noises were heard. Geocachers must use clues at several waypoints to lead them to the final cache. Each artifact, a waypoint, brings them ever so closer to the final container. 

But you can’t use the same strategy, tactics, or supplies for a simple lamppost or guardrail cache to find this cache. Instead, the cache page advises cachers to bring specific equipment:

• Climbing gear to move up and down the rope
• 98 ft (30m) single rope
• 197 ft (60m) single rope
• Helmet
• Two independent flashlights with spare batteries

Armed with plenty of gear, you’re ready to tackle this cache head-on! A mixed sense of terror and excitement washes over you as you rappel into the darkness. With each step, you slide deeper and deeper beneath ground level. The darkness envelops you as you descend into the void.

Finally, you find the last clue that leads you to the final location! As you place your gear on the ground, your hands wander in search of the elusive cache. Your fingers grasp at something just around a delicate rock: it’s the cache! With a smile, you grab a pen to record this unforgettable moment.

Illuminated with only a flashlight, you think twice about spending too long in the depths. After turning a few corners, you spot sunlight emerging behind a formation—you did it! Fresh air and sunlight never felt so good. With a deep breath, you ponder the many places geocaching takes you. With some well-earned contemplation under your belt, it’s time to embark on a new adventure!

 Continue to explore some of the most amazing geocaches around the world. Check out all of the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog. If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, fill out this form.

Source: Geocaching