In the Footsteps of the First European Explorer Mystery Cache
smartee: I am archiving this because the area still has restricted traffic.
In the Footsteps of the First European Explorer
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You can drive right up to the site.
In the late 1970s I hiked using his journal the route followed by the first European explorer into what is now Waterton Lakes National Park. Today a plaque sits along the valley he descended where you will have a magnificent view of the mountain that now bears his name.
TO LOG THE CACHE
Go to the posted coordinates and after reading the plaque jot down the name of the explorer and the date he descended the valley. (You will probably want to take a picture of the mountain and valley from this spot - but that’s up to you.)
Now go to the following waypoint:
N 49° 03.075
W 113° 54.402
This is the Heritage Centre of the Waterton Natural History Association. Tell the friendly staff the name of the explorer and the date he arrived in the park. They will have you sign the log book and you can pick up a prize for your effort. It is a trail guide of his full journey through the Rockies that I published after I traced his route years ago.
Maybe you or someone you know will someday also want to follow in his footsteps. It is an amazing journey with its own story through mountains with landscape little changed today.
Update - July 2011 — I am led to believe the plaque has mysteriously disappeared. Until it returns just enjoy the view at the first waypoint then go to the Heritage Centre, describe the valley, (you may have seen some wild life) sign the log and pickup your prize.
Update - May 2013 — The prize will be available weekends in May, June and September, and daily in July and August.
Additional Hints
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Treasures
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