Ray's (Hecla) Path Cache Traditional Cache
arrrg: Structure on which the cache was hidden is condemned - not safe and will be destroyed. Cache will be destroyed with it.
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Hecla Island North Shore
Ray’s family has a long heritage on Hecla Island. In 1896, while on a cruise on Lake Winnipeg, on the “Lady of the Lake”, Deaconess Sarah Millidge discovered a beautiful area on the west shore of the lake that was lined with a large white sand beach. She returned to the area and spent her first summer in a tent and later built a cottage. Sarah named the area Gull Harbour. Sarah and her friend Miss Talbot were the only English-speaking people on the Icelandic Island of Hecla. Sarah’s friends and family came to visit and remained to purchase land and build.
In the early 1970’s, the Government of Manitoba decided to turn the island into a Provincial Park. They also decided that the area would be more attractive in a “natural” state and expropriated the residents of the island and destroyed their cottages. Ray’s great grandmother had a cottage in the area that is now known as Gull Harbour beach. It was located just north of the stairs that lead to the beach today and remnants of the foundation can still be found.
The Gull Harbour Resort was built and the beautiful white sand beach was excavated in an attempt to create a swimming area closer to the resort. The lagoon that remains is perhaps a grand home for mosquitoes and other wildlife but the beach that was, will never be the same again.
In the late 1990’s the Government of Manitoba decided to reverse the decision and allow original descendents of the island to “re-claim” their heritage. Ray’s grandparents took advantage of this opportunity, purchased a lot on the north shore and now reside on the island.
This cache is dedicated to the heritage of the Millidge and Crossman families.
We hope that you enjoy and appreciate this beautiful land as much as we do.
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Treasures
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