The Singing Sands of Bete Grise
(It’s pronounced bay-de-gree if you were wondering.)
In the U.P.'s Keweenaw Peninsula lie the singing sands of Bete Grise on Lake Superior. The sands on this beach are said to 'sing' to anyone who visits and walks the beach. The sands of Bete Grise make a singing sound when pressed down with your hand or even a bare foot. If you strike the sand, it makes a barking sound.
The legend says the 'singing' comes from the spirit of a Native American maiden who lost her lover when he perished in Lake Superior. Her attempts to contact him are with the singing she transmits through the sands. Visitors to the beach are encouraged to help the maiden find her man; just press the palms of your hands on the sands and rub hard, or just smack the sand with your palm. The noise it emits is like that of a puppy's bark or the rubbing of a balloon.
You can listen here Bete Grise
Even though the 'singing' is more of a natural phenomenon rather than a supernatural one, the mysterious part comes when people attempt to scoop up some sand and take it home. Once off the beach, the sands refuse to 'sing'. No other sands along the lake make these sounds, adding to the mystery.
Scientists say the sand 'sings' when perfect conditions such as the size of the grains, humidity, and the makeup of the sand are just right. However, they admit that they don’t completely understand what creates the phenomenon.
Also, the name "Bete Grise", translated as "grey beast", was named after a creature that was spotted and named by Native Americans many, many years ago.
The beach is a mile long so there is plenty of room for you to test the sands yourself; it's located on Bete Grise Road off US-41 in the Keweenaw Peninsula. if you visit make sure you make a video so we can all hear your results...
Read More from the Source: MICHIGAN MYTH: Legend of the Bete Grise 'Singing Sands'
About the cache
The cache is a regular-size Ammo Can hidden just off the Blue Heron Trail. As always, please use stealth and return the cache to its original location. Also, when trading please trade fairly with items of equal or greater value.
Crosswinds Marsh Rules
No fires
No bikes / ATVs / personal watercraft
No swimming or ice fishing
Dogs must be leashed
No alcohol or illegal substances
No camping
Fishing in designated areas only
Collecting plants & animals prohibited
Park only at N 42° 05.744' W 83° 26.552'
All Geocachers must follow the above rules.
Crosswinds Marsh is open from DAWN to DUSK. Admission is FREE.
The Crosswinds Cache Crew pledges to develop and maintain quality, interesting geocaches in the marsh consistent with geocaching and Wayne County Parks rules permit process.
