The Golden Spruce, latin name Picea sitchensis 'Aurea' is a Sitka Spruce that grew on the banks of the Yakoun River on Haida Gwaii. It had a rare genetic mutation making its needles yellow gold in color. This tree was considered sacred to the Haida people and they named it "Kiidk'yaas".
"Kiidk'yaas" in Haida mythology told a story of a young boy that disrespected nature resulting in a very bad storm that wiped out his village with the exception of the boy and his grandfather. As they were fleeing the village the grandfather told the boy not to look back but the boy didn't listen and he was immediately turned on the spot into the Golden Spruce.
Unfortunately in 1997 an unemployed forest engineer swam across the Yakoun River with a chainsaw and placed cuts stategically to deliberately weaken the tree, so that the next set of strong winds would take the tree down. The tree sadly fell two days later. He admitted to the deed and contacted the media and the Haida Nation, claiming his motivation was rage and hatred towards university professionals and their extremist supporters. He was subsequently arrested and later while traveling by kayak in the winter across the Hecate Straight for his court date, he never arrived. His broken kayak and personal effects were found that June, but his fate remains unknown. Was it a drowning, murder or did he stage his disapperarance?
A book, The Golden Spruce has been writen by author John Vaillant that tells the whole story. There is also a hiking trail on the island called the Golden Spruce Trail.
All hides for this Spruce Geo Art Series are camoed pill bottles or bison tubes. Each container contains a logsheet sealed in a tiny zip lock bag. Please bring your own pencil. This cache is not hidden at the posted coordinates, however all the information you need is on this cache page.
Image credit: own artwork created in Paint app. LOL North 53 39.752 West 122 57.119
Congratulations to Trailjoy for FTF!