Fort Normandeau Traditional Cache
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
EDIT: OCTOBER 15, 2007
We would like to thank those who keep Fort Normandeau alive and active for another year. The gates to the park have closed for the season (October 15) but will reopen again next spring in May. The cache is still accessible by the way of the river, just remember to be safe.
What a great place to do a little Geocaching. Located at Fort Normandeau just 5 minutes west of Red Deer. A great find for anyone who wanted to learn more about Central
Alberta history! A place where three cultures came together and modern central Alberta began
The Red Deer River Crossing
Before the railway connected Edmonton and Calgary in 1893, the Red Deer River Crossing was the gateway between northern and southern Alberta. The Native people knew it as the safest river crossing point for a long way upstream or downstream. In 1884 Robert McClellan built a stopping house at the Crossing to take advantage of the traffic on the Calgary–Edmonton Trail. The next year, with settlers afraid of violence during the Riel Rebellion, his hotel was fortified by the 65th Mount Royal Rifles under the command of Lt. J.E. Bédard Normandeau. Today, the Crossing and its fort commemorate the Native, Metis and European people who influenced central Alberta.
The story of the Red Deer Crossing is displayed through dramatic programs, exhibits and artifacts. The theatre features an excellent 10-minute audio-visual program. Souvenirs, books and tapes of native music can be purchased at the gift shop. Refreshments, snack food and washrooms are available.
Throughout the summer, history is brought to life with authentic, entertaining and informative live programs. All three of Red Deer's founding cultures are celebrated. Visitors can learn to make bannock or home-made ice cream. They might dance to Native or Métis dance, toss the caber and eat haggis, or participate in an old-fashioned harvest.
In late May every year, Fort Normandeau Days brings an entire weekend of historical fun. 1885-era military skirmishes, traditional Native ceremonies and dancing are highlight events in the midst of craft displays, period foods and children's games.
Relax with a picnic lunch in the picturesque Red Deer River valley. Listen to the sounds of nature beside a crackling fire. Firewood is available for purchase when staff are present.
The Crossing is the ideal place to launch a canoe for an afternoon paddle down the Red Deer River. The river winds into the city to other sites in the beautiful Waskasoo Park system.
The Cache
The cache is in a small lock and lock container, with a log, pencils and sharpener. And is wrapped in the usual camo tape. You should have no problem finding this one. When replacing the cache, try to make sure the surrounding camo stays in tact. Please note that this is a day use area, and is not recommended that you try to find this one at night, or in the winter.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Jurer bevragrrevat naq na rntre ornire zrrg.
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
Loading Treasures