Pache
Évora
Évora is a town in the interior of Portugal. It has a well-preserved old town centre, still partially enclosed by medieval walls, and a large number of monuments dating from various historical periods, including a Roman Temple, Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Caches within walking distance of the centre:
Praça do GiraldoThis is a stealth requiring micro at the main square.
Capela dos OssosThe 'Bones Chapel' is litterally built with the bones of the monks...
Largo da Porta de MouraHere you visit one of the many marble fountains and take a lettle walk to the final location.
Templo e Jardim de DianaA fairly easy multicache that takes you to the Roman temple.
Universidade de Évora - Colégio do Espírito SantoHere you are invited to visit the main buiding of the university, a former Jesuit cloister (a little homework is required).
The sun watch of MargiochiTake a stroll through the park and climb a little to get to this cache.
Lusitani: Alentejo CentralThis cache is hidden at the base of the Silver Water Aqueduct (Aqueduto da Água de Prata)
Caches that take a slightly longer hike:
Moinho do Cu TortoAt the old windmill it is still possible to see the interior. The cache is tricky because there are always muggles about.
Jardim da MemóriaHere you are take on a walk through the 'Garden of Memory' (in remembrance of traffic casualties) and Álvaro Siza Vieira 's Malagueira housing project.
Granitic PegmatitesAt the site of this earthcache you have a magnificent view of the city.
Alto de S. Bento 2.0
Post MasterThis multi cache can be found after solving 5 mystery-caches spread around Évora. It requires quite a bit of homework.
Fonte do Arcediago / Arcediago's FountainThere is a very pleasent walking trail along the aqueduct, this fountain can be found there.
Requiring transportation:
Aerodromo de Evora This is the plane spotters spot.
Anta do Paço das Vinhas - Paço das Vinhas DolmenA dolmen
Recinto Megalítico de Vale Maria do MeioA cromlech
Portela dos MogosAnother cromlech
Pela Pré-História do Alentejo - IThis multi takes you to the biggest dolmen on the Iberia peninsula and along some of the megalithic monuments to the biggest cromlech in the area. Absolutely worth a visit.
There are some more caches around Valverde but if you have the time, here is my favourite cache:
Ribeira de Valverde e Barragem da TouregaIt took me some three hours to find it, since it has 6 intermediate points. Getting back to the car just cost me 35 minutes. (dif: 4 / Terr: 4)
Lisbon
28 - PrazeresThe 28 tram is perhaps one of Lisbon greatest icons, be sure to take some time to have a ride on it.
4 Elements (2nd Edition) [Lisboa]This cache will show you one of the most beautiful and well kept gardens in Lisbon. Worth a visit.
A great view of Lisbon [Lisboa]There might be no "decent" caches around the St. George Castle (in my oppinion and as I'm writing this), but the castle is worth the visit...
A walk in the Park [Lisboa]Eduardo VII Park is located on the extreme north side of the Liberty Avenue, right behind the Pombal Marquis Square, and was originally called Liberty Park. Renamed with the name of the King of England who came to Lisbon in 1903 to reaffirm the Anglo-Portuguese alliance, this park provides excellent views over the city and is frequently used to hold exhibitions, concerts and the annual booksellers fair.
The objective is to invite you to take a walk in Eduardo VII Park and discover some interesting points in this pleasant space at the heart of Lisbon.
Belém Time Portal[Lisboa]Lisbon's first Wherigo cache will provide you half an hour's worth of the best spots around the Belém área. Even if you don't have a Wherigo compliant device, go to the initial spot, walk east for 200m, ask for the "Pastéis de Belém" pastry shop and indulge yourself...
BH12 Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara [Lisboa]Placed very near Bairro Alto, this cache offers a pretty good view over great part of the city.
BH18 250th Anniversary of 1755 Lisbon Earthquake1755's earthquake has changed the face of the city. This cache explains what happened. Located in the Belém area, near a bunch of important monuments like the monastery, be sure to try the typical "Pastéis de Belém" pastry.
Cache à Antiga [Lisboa]Cache is located inside the gardens of the most important art museum in Portugal (among the most important in Europe). Visiting the museum is not mandatory, but the view from the gardens to the river is almost as rewarding.
CampequenoLisbon's unique bullfighting arena. Displaying a neo-arabic style with cupolas similar to those found in mosques. In fact, the building is now much more than just a bull fighting arena. It was closed between 2001 and 2006 for restoration works; the space, with a capacity for 8000 spectators, was added a movable top closure, and is now prepared to host different kinds of shows (operas, concerts…). It also includes a commercial zone, with restaurants, cinemas and a subterranean parking area.
Castelo [Alusbona]It might not be consensual that this is a good cache, but the visit to the castle neighborhood and its typical features shouldn't be missed.
Catedral [Cristianismo]Lisbon's cathedral and the surrounding area (right next to the castle and Alfama) are great spots for getting in touch with Lisbon's spirit and deserve a visit.
CCBKnown for the monuments and touristic attractions around it, the Belém area also features this art museum/gallery/event venue building.
Cristo Rei [Almada]Yet another Lisbon icon, altough it's located on the other side of the Tagus. If you visit the south bank, you must visit this monument and witness the view over Lisbon. Trully amazing.
Elevador de Sta. Justa / Sta. Justa LiftPerhaps one of Lisbon's main icons, the Sta Justa Lift and its mythical cache (even when unavailable) should also be a mandatory stop for every tourist/geocacher. Even if you don't use the lift, the are on the top floor can be visited coming from Largo do Carmo. The view over the downtown area is awesome.
Entre a Cidade e a Floresta [Lisboa]If you're tired of buildings and cars and want to get in touch with nature, this cache is a pretty good place to start. Located in Lisbon's lung, the biggest green spot.
Estação do Rossio [Lisboa]Located downtown, one of Lisbon's main train station has been recently refurbished and is (apart from its architectural value), the startpoint for train connections to other touristic attractions (such as Sintra, Estoril and Cascais)
Fernando Pessoa [Lisboa]Visiting Lisbon and missing the Baixa/Chiado is almost a sin. Be sure to visit this cache and taste a cup of coffee with one of the biggest portuguese writers of all times.
GulbenkianThe Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is an institution dedicated to Science, Arts, Education and Culture. Gulbenkian’s Gardens are one of the few green spots in the center of Lisbon. It’s a small but very well designed garden with a touch of a modernist abstract art. There are lots of paths through trees, water cascades, exotic plants and modern art sculptures.
House of Diamonds [Lisboa]A whimsical 16th-century mansion which was one of the few buildings to survive the 1755 earthquake.
Jardim Tropical [Lisboa]Quite an interesting garden near the Belém area and several other Lisbon landmarks - and a very accessible cache.
Let's Play! [Lisboa]This cache is placed in Parque das Nações, where the Expo'98 World Exhibition took place and are one of the remnant structures of the event. The area has been renewed ever since and provides a lot of reasons for a thorough visit. Altought this is a multi-cache, it's very easy and it won't take much to complete.
No Paço do Terreiro [Lisboa]Praça do Comércio stands between the Tagus river and downtown Lisbon. Many touristic trams and buses start here and the view over the city is unique.
O Ascensor da Bica / The Bica FunicularYet another of the Lisbon lifts saga.
O Ascensor da Glória / The Glory FunicularYet another of the Lisbon lifts saga - and a great way to get into Bairro Alto, another typical quarter known for its night life.
O Ascensor do Lavra / The Lavra FunicularYet another of the Lisbon lifts saga.
O Tejo é mais belo [Lisboa]One of the many caches that span the river front, which can provide and nice and relaxing walk along the margin.
Panorama [Almada]If you consider taking a look at the south margin of the Tagus river, you'll be amazed by the views over Lisbon. Be sure to check this place too.
Panteão Nacional / National Pantheon [Lisboa]The Church of Santa Engrácia is a 17th century monument, converted into the National Pantheon in which important Portuguese personalities are buried. It is located in the neighbourhood of Alfama.
Picture your Flag [Lisboa]A visit to the area where Expo 98 took place is mandatory if you're around Lisbon. Be sure to point out where you're from!
Portas do SolYet another unique viewpoint over the city near the historical town center. Quite busy on weekends and festivities.
Run to the Hills"Run to the Hills" is one of those caches that prove that mistery caches are evil. The final spot is too good not to be directly referenced. If you want to experience a unique view over Lisbon and visit the city lungs (Monsanto), contact the owner in advance and ask him for the final coordinates for the cache (tell him the Mafia sent you).
Senhora do MonteOne of the most beautiful belvederes in Lisbon with a great view over the river and downtown.
The dreamer's door [Lisboa]Be sure to check this cache, placed at a very old archway which was restored a few years ago.
Vulcões de ÁguaThis cache is placed in Parque das Nações, where the Expo'98 World Exhibition took place and are one of the remnant structures of the event. The area has been renewed ever since and provides a lot of reasons for a thorough visit.
With Arms Wide OpenThe "Christ the King" monument is built on the left bank of the Tagus river, facing the city of Lisbon in the other bank. Great view over the river and the city.
Como escolher um GPS para a prática de Geocaching
Como escolher um GPS para a prática de Geocaching?
Para a prática de Geocaching não necessitas de um receptor GPS (habitualmente abreviado para “GPS” ou “GPSr” – GPS receiver) muito caro e complicado. Nos níveis mais básicos só vais precisar de um GPSr que permita adicionar waypoints de uma forma fácil e que seja minimamente resistente às condições adversas a que pode ser exposto.
Segundo a Groundspeak, as características que devemos levar em conta ao comprar um GPSr para Geocaching são:
•Basemap: Um mapa base simples, com os detalhes mais básicos da geografia da área é altamente recomendado. O custo adicional é mínimo e o aumento da capacidade de utilização do equipamento é substancial. Se, adicionalmente, o GPSr permitir dar instruções passo-a-passo sobre o melhor caminho a seguir para chegar à área da cache, isso pode ser extremamente útil. E claro, se adicionares mapas topográficos detalhados e mapas de estrada actualizados melhoras muito a usabilidade do receptor de GPS.

•Canais: Hoje a maioria das unidades GPSr suporta a recepção de 12 canais em paralelo. O número de canais (indexado à quantidade de satélites dos quais consegue obter informação em simultâneo) ajuda a obter um sinal de satélite fiável de uma forma mais rápida e precisa. Se por questões de orçamento estás à procura de dispositivos GPS mais baratos, garante que são posteriores a 1997, já que os modelos mais antigos, a maior parte deles receptores GPS single-channel, são muito mais lentos e podem não ser tão precisos.

•Ligação para antena externa: Para os novos dispositivos GPS existentes no mercado isto não é muito importante, já que os novos chips são sensíveis o suficiente para adquirir um sinal estável dentro de casa ou de uma viatura, mesmo em condições extremas de eco. No entanto, nem sempre é possível obter uma boa cobertura de satélite através do pára-brisas de um veículo (existem viaturas que, para reduzir a absorção de UV e consequentemente a temperatura dentro do habitáculo, tem vidros especiais que bloqueiam grande parte do sinal GPS). Nestes casos, uma antena externa é bastante útil. Para além disso, um GPSr com antena externa pode permitir-te manter o GPS dentro da mochila ou bolsa protectora sem prejudicar a acuidade do sinal. Pode ser útil em lugares onde o sinal é fraco como em áreas densamente arborizadas, mas não é muito prático.




