A small stream flowed through here that a beaver dammed to
create his habitat (During a dry summer you can only see the
channel of the stream). Ducks Unlimited Canada lent a hand too, to
create a wetland habitat compatible with human structures like the
road through here (more later). The field on both sides of the road
is completely full of water when we have a wet season, creating a
wonderful wetland environment.
Note the dam of rock and branches and the Ducks Unlimited sign
at the trail head. This is an example of a Clemson Beaver
Leveler in use, one of some 119 installed in Nova
Scotia by Ducks Unlimited Canada in recent years. When the water
is high, you can see the water gushing up out of the pipe as it
tries to keep the water from flooding the road.
When you walk along the edge of the former pond/lake, note the
beaver chewed logs (the stumps all come to a point). If you look
closely, tooth marks can be seen on the wood. Just below the cache,
on the edge of the pond, there is an abandoned beaver lodge. The
entrance is usually below the level of the water (raised by the
dam) to keep out predators. Since this lake was completely dry at
the end of summer '07, the beaver has likely gone elsewhere. We
used to watch him in summer, hopefully he will return. Keep
watching for him!
The path to the cache is a bit overgrown, but my youngest (5)
had no problems with a helping hand. When the water is high, it can
get rather damp, so come prepared and have fun!
Watch out for traffic and narrow
shoulders. Park at the designated spot. It’s the safest place and
the trailhead. It will be obvious when you arrive.
The cache is a camouflaged large lock’n’lock. Original contents
include a logbook and pencil, a First To Find certificate, a
Canadian Cacher (Beaver) pin (FTF prize), a Ty Mallard (Jake)and
several items of swag.