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Spite Canal Traditional Cache

Hidden : 5/15/2009
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:


Both the St. Mary and Milk River commence in the United States and flow into Canada. The Milk River returns to the United States downstream, the St. Mary's flows into the Oldman River.

This is one of the neatest historical facts about the area. Back in 1909 farmers in the state of Montana discussed diverting water from the St. Mary River into the Milk River prior to the water entering Canada. The locals in this area caught wind of the plan and threatend to divert the water back from the Milk to the St. Mary River on the Canadian side. To prove they were serious the settlers on the Canadian side built a canal from the town of Milk River north to the Ridge Reservoir by Raymond. (This canal was given the colorful nickname the spite canal) This international dispute led to the formation of the Boundary Waters Commision that included reps from both Canada and the United States. It is still in effect to this day. The irony is an American contractor led one of the groups that built the canal, The other group was formed by local settlers. This quiet spot allows you to see the path of the canal. The Canadian news show W-5 even featured it a few years ago. This is a lot of attention for a "Canal" that never held water and leaked like a sieve. To this day both Governments check the water depth and flow to ensure clients in each country get a fair portion of the water.

I would like to give credit to Morningdrifter & Stitch1 for the proof reading and Rock Chucks for bringing forth that the canal was more like a ditch as water never officially flowed through it. (His wife's Grandfather worked on the project). Thanks everyone and happy caching.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ghea jrfg ba gbjafuvc ebnq 32. Pebff gur genpxf naq byq uvtujnl naq gnxr gur arkg yrsg (fbhgu, n snezubhfr jvgu n terra nyhzvahz ebbs vf arneol). Gur pnpur vf va gur evtug bs jnl sbe gur ebnq fb ab arrq gb gerfcnff.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)