Rock On Mystery Cache
inspicio: As there has been either no response from the cache owner, no cache to find or log to sign, or it has been a number of months since the last owner note I am archiving this cache to keep from continually showing up in search lists and to prevent it from blocking other cache placements.
If you wish to repair/replace/make available the cache sometime in the near future (next 30 days), just contact a reviewer (by email), and assuming it meets the current guidelines, the reviewer will be happy to unarchive it.
Should you replace the cache after 30 days has passed please create a new cache listing so it can be reviewed as a new cache.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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The following is my best attempt at a translation of the small fragment we were able to save from the manuscript; I am afraid the rest of it is lost, doubtless forever. I think I have managed to get most of the meaning right but I have been quite unable to match the beauty of the original; it is written in a very early Lothlorien metre and I am not that familiar with the idiom. I have no idea what it means without knowing exactly where this rock portal thing actually is:
The rocky landward portal opens,
Just when, we cannot state;
The sheltered way is shut betimes,
As writ upon the gate.
No guiding birds can fly in here;
Employ a different lore
And seek the centre of a Ring
That fuelled a bygone war.
Arrayed the thirteen lawful routes
Now rise before you tall;
Across their faces creatures swarm
And know they cannot fall.
Choose the path of Cirith Ungol,
Friend, but go not sadly;
There is no Samwise here to help
Yet others will, and gladly.
The staring, flightless bird stands guard,
Your route lies at her back.
Only need you ask to find
Equipment that you lack.
Courage, those who have not skill,
For natives’ sound instruction
Can show you how you need to go
And keep you from destruction.
A silver stud’s beneath the crest;
Yet around lies empty space.
Can the sought for treasure rest
Within the rocky face?
Fear not to enter Shelob’s lair;
'Though she watches o'er her land.
The tethered strip now brings all answers
Unseen to your hand.
First let the treasure to the ground
And follow after likewise;
Take the treasure where you must,
Lest Orcs learn of this prize.
Add nothing that a peaceful dove
May not unaided lift,
Perchance you'll make the gentle folk
Below most sorely miffed.
When done, screw shut the elven ring
Else cast all gains to Moria;
Now retrace the Cirith steps
And sing a joyful Gloria!
The natives may exact a toll
They profit not ‘tis true;
The toll is levied lest you fall
And they needs care for you.
Yet even so, you need not pay
If principle prevents,
For Ex Nihil has left a message
That will recompense.
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That’s all I managed to translate but someone who has been that way once told me that if you seek the rock portal on foot the following numbers can make getting there more pleasant but I believe they are not essential; something to do with steps and an ancient well? Anyway here they are in case they help: 12 27.484 130 50.016
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gur cbrz vf rffragvny. Gur 'Ebpx' vf gur JJVV bvy gnax 'gb ynaqjneq', ragre ivn gur 'cbegny'. Gur fghq vf n puebzr qbzr xahg haqre Furybo gur fcvqre, ernpu bire oruvaq gur ebpxsnpr, unhy va gur fgenc. Vs vg'f fuhg lbh pna'g qb vg. Lrf, lbh unir gb pyvzo. Gur angvirf znl uryc, nfx. Ybeq bs gur Evatf abg erdhverq.