“He who controls the spice, controls the universe.” Such were the words uttered by the main character of the movie Dune based on the Frank Herbert science fiction epic of the same name. In the story, the spice was the lifeblood of a vast empire. For the leaders of this empire, it was essential that at all times ‘the spice must flow.’ The spice trade of the Dune movie was no doubt inspired by the historical trade in aromatics from ancient times to the present. At various periods in history, spices have been as valuable as gold and silver. According to a 15th century saying: “No man should die who can afford cinnamon.”

According to Chau Ju-Kua, cloves and nutmeg were grown in two kingdoms found in Toupo, southeast of southern China. Ships coming from Toupo to China sailed for twenty-five days on a northwest course before arriving at Sanfotsi, and from there proceeded either due to north to reach Tsu'an-chou (Fuzhou or Xiamen) or a bit northwest to reach Canton. So it is clear and logical that the clove route went through the Philippines, where Sanfotsi was located and this also was the most direct course for the trade between the clove and nutmeg-bearing regions with the Chinese coast.

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3/10/2007 by compass McGillicutty
Our First Cache, thank you. Kids had nice time, great park. No stash to trade, logged in C. McG

3/1/2007 by Team Geo-Rangers
Another cache and stroll tonight. Thanks for the fun! #3908

2/12/2007 by JJG10101
Fast one. Left the car at the park and hoofed it, but it didn't take long. Great trail, but that's to be expected in Newport. TFTC!

2/9/2007 by Pacholik
Found it. Yep this is a not the clove container bu the Cinnamon container.

2/8/2007 by cache_in_pocket
I'm glad I had the bike in the back of my car. Just zipped on over to this one and then the next. I was back to the car before you could say...uh, say....uh, well, you get the picture. Had a funny hankering for dill weed stew on my way back to the car. Thanks for the fun.

2/6/2007 by Team Rand
Great walk with our dogs and then a quick find. Thanks for the fun cache.

2/3/2007 by karlareo
Was surprised to be the 2TF. This is a nice easy stroll.
Thanks for the cache!
The Rocking Reo's

1/20/2007 by Happy & Skippy
It's going to be a beautiful day. The sun is just peeking up, and despite the fact that I am in my jammies, we are going to continue caching along here.

Thanks for getting us out to enjoy the morning,

Skippy :)

1/20/2007 by HappyToBeFirst
FTF @ 7am Had some communication problems this morning, but finally woke up Skippy to see if he wanted to come caching early today. Of course the answer was yes! We bundled up to take this beautiful walk on a nice crisp morning. Smelled more like dill than cloves! TNL pencil --Happy :)

1/20/2007 by Marko Ramius
Published