About the Bunker
During the Cold War in the 60's, there was much paranoia about the perceived threat of nuclear war. So much so that the Canadian government built a network of "Deifenbunkers" (a play on the name of the Prime Minister at the time, John Diefenbaker) to house important documents and provide fallout shelters when the time came.
This bunker, located about an hour West of Calgary, is not a Deifenbunker. The bunkers the government built were located on DND property. This was on private land at the time of construction, land that is now part of the Bow Valley Wildlands.
It is believed that this was a private undertaking by a Calgarian for personal use. It was meant to house enough supplies to serve as a fallout shelter for two years if things got active. Then the Cold War ended and the bunker was abandoned before completion.
The Bushy Tailed Wood Rat finds the conditions of this bunker favourable. Many rats' nests can be found in the cave- gatherings of natural items such as grass and sticks, meshed together with discarded man made items like gloves and shredded linen.
About the Event
- If you would like to hike with the group, meet shortly before 2pm at the provided parking coordinates. At 2pm, we will head West on the 2Km hike to the shelter. Navigating this trail is a bit tricky at the beginning, but I have done this hike before so I know where to go. The trail has a generally gentle elevation change, except for crossing a washed out section near the start; as well as the moderately steep section at the end in the final approach to the entrance of the cave. (Nothing the average geoacher doesn't tackle on a weekly basis :P)
- Upon arrival at the bunker, we will enter and expore, light a bunch of candles, and a unique log will be presented for signing
- I will have a little more information about the bunker to share; attendees are invited to share/add any information they have learned as well
- Luminary Competition: Bring your brightest luminary (lights and/or candles) and attendees will vote for the best and brightest! One entry and one vote per geocaching name only. Voting slip will be provided when you sign the log. Voting closes at 3:30pm. One prize will be awarded to the 1st place winner, and one prize to the runner up. Award will be presented at 3:45pm
This event is proudly sponsored by
What to bring
- Dress for the weather, obviously
- Flashlights, headlamps and/or candles
- Optional: bring a plastic bag for CITO as there is always waste left behind by spelunkers (mostly candles)
Rules
- *It is not a requirement that you hike in at 2pm. Anyone can come and sign the log up until 4pm when the event ends
- Dogs welcome, but must be on a leash
- No young children. The cave is deep and dark
