This year marks the 100 anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme and the date that the Newfoundland Regiment was ordered to attack at Beaumont Hamel: July 1, 1916. The intention of this cache is not to provide statistics of casualties, a history lesson, or this Newfoundlander's take on the meaning of war and sacrifice. The intention of this cache is to give thanks to the men who went and fought on that day, and to also give thanks to the families who forged on after this battle - and the war - was over. On this year more than ever, we are reminded that July 1 is Memorial Day in our province, not Canada Day only. While it is worthwhile to take time to celebrate Canada's birthday and this great country we are now a part of, it is also important to take time to remember a day in the history of Newfoundland when so many soldiers showed great camaraderie, courage, and selflessness. From their actions on that day, the entire world was able to observe the resolve of our people, and from their sacrifice our identity as people of strong character was solidified. This cache is not meant to glorify war, but to remember a group of Newfoundlanders who were never meant to be soldiers yet were still willing to drop their work and put aside their own individual dreams, to take a stand together and do their part in order to keep the freedom and peace that we enjoy today.
The cache is located at a beautiful, quiet, spot on the south side of Middle Cove. It is an appropriate place, I believe, because on a fair weather summer day, you can park at the tourist lookout, but then stray off of the beaten path onto an old traditional path. Once at the cache, you can appreciate some of the peace, freedom, and blessings we enjoy today. The salt air and the beautiful rugged coastline; the blue water below. As you look back at Middle Cove, you can see families playing on the beach, free to live as they please; you can see hikers enjoying their time on the East Coast Trail; you can see tourists at the lookout, marveling at the vista, and maybe even an iceberg or a whale. During cycling season, I ride by this spot on almost a daily basis. Today more than ever, I realized just how fortunate I am to live in Newfoundland. So: I give thanks, and I will remember them.
One final word of caution: While Middle Cove is beautiful on a fair weather day, it is also known for its fog. The cache is intentionally off from the cliffs of the cove, yet the cliffs are within 25m of the cache. All small children (or for that matter adults with wandering reckless spirits) should be supervised at all times. This cache is not recommended during dense fog or darkness when visibility around the cliffs would be poor. If you are concerned that your search may take you out of your comfort safety zone, read the hint right away, and you will see that when you get to the area, the cache is at a safe location. Again: it's a beautiful spot and a cache with a meaning of thanks and remembrance, I would not place a cache in an area which I would feel is dangerous or inappropriate.
I encourage visitors in their logs to post a pic of something that you are grateful for, a freedom or a sign of peace that was in part earned by those men at Beaumont Hamel that day.