Here is the puzzle. In each cache there is a date of the event written as DD/MM/YYYY. Use the number I have indicated with an 'X'. Assume N43 and W 079
NORTH
Battle of the Plains of Abraham: X _ /_ _ /_ _ _ _
Cartier Lands at Gasp´e: _ _ / _ X / _ _ _ _, then add 2 to that number
decimal
Grand Trunk Completed: _ _ / X X / _ _ _ _, then subtract 5
First Loyalists Arrive: _ _ / _ X / _ _ _ _
New Flag Adopted: _ X / _ _ / _ _ _ _, then add 1
WEST
Canada Election Act: _ _ / _ X / _ _ _ _
Silver Dart Flies: _ _ / _ X / _ _ _ _
decimal
Halifax Explosion: _ X/ _ _ / _ _ _ _
Anik A-1 Satellite Launches MINUS Canadian Bill of Rights: Use _ _ / XX / _ _ _ _ from both caches, then add 1
Welland Canal Opens: _ _ / _ X/ _ _ _ _
The Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the US went into effect in 1989 when it was signed by President Ronald Regan and Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. The pact, later expanded through NAFTA, would profoundly alter the economic relationship between Canada and the United States.
President Regan and Prime Minister Mulroney signing the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement
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SERIES OVERVIEW
In 2017, Canada celebrates its 150th birthday. Over that time - and even prior to Confederation in 1867 - there have been many historic moments that have shaped our country and enabled it to be a player on the global stage.
Look for a number inside each of the caches, in the series in order to get the coordinates for the final cache: “Free Trade Goes into Effect - 1989”
The Canadian History Adventure is a series of caches celebrating the maybe not-so-famous dates in Canadian History. Oh, I am sure you will be familiar with some of them, but I bet some of them will make you say, “Huh, I didn’t know that!”, and hopefully you’ll learn something new in the process. The history lesson spans events across more than 300 hundred years, and each of them played a role in making Canada the amazing country it is today.
Find 11 traditional caches to gather the information required to enable ‘free trade’ and find the series final “Free Trade Goes into Effect 1989”
ABOUT THE CACHES
The caches themselves are all very simple hides, mostly of them are peanut butter jar (or similar) sized containers. When I placed them I parked at the trailhead at the end of Old Waterdown Rd. This dead-end road can be accessed from Waterdown about 2.3km north from the ‘Waterdown Rd’ exit from Hwy 403; or 1.2km south from Dundas St in downtown Waterdown. There is no parking lot, but you can park at the side of the road. There is a home right at the trailhead, so please be respectful of their privacy.
IMPORTANT TERRAIN INFORMATION
The hike for this series is an out-and-back journey, and you will encounter some very, very challenging terrain - I would rate it a T4 or T4.5 in certain spots.
To help in your planning and navigation, here is a synopsis of the route I took. If someone can provide waypoints for a better route, I will update this cache listing.
The first 4 caches can be found on a flat, easy trail. From that point, there are some serious hills to deal with, and one section of off-trail. Well, at least I couldn’t find a trail! My kids (between 8 and 13) were with me when I placed them, so although the ups and downs are challenging, they are doable for healthy individuals with some good hiking shoes. I just want you to know this upfront, so that you come prepared and are not disappointed.
1. Cartier Lands at Gasp´e 1534
2. Battle of the Plains of Abraham 1759
3. First Loyalists Arrive 1776
4. Welland Canal Opens 1829
The fifth cache requires a steep descent into a valley on a single track trails, then up the other side. It will get you huffing and puffing.
5. Grand Trunk Completed 1856
This is the off trail section. When I placed the cache I went straight down into the valley and up the other side straight to the next cache.
6. Silver Dart Flies 1909
For the remaining caches, you will be following a much more reasonable, flat trail.
7. Canada Elections Act 1918
8. Halifax Explosion 1918
9. Canadian Bill of Rights Approved 1960
10. Anik A-1 Launched 1972
11. New Flag Adopted 1964
Congratulations to foam follower on the FTF...in the dark...again!