White Cliffs of Wapiti Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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WELCOME TO THE
WHITE (sand) CLIFFS OF WAPITI
When the Voyageurs first explored Lake Winnipeg, they referred to the Victoria Beach peninsula (it was an island at the time) as L'Ille-a-la-Biche, and Elk Island was labelled on many early maps as Petite Ille-a-la-Biche.
The French word biche literally translates to hind, which originated from the Shawnee word wapiti, meaning "white rump", a descriptive name focusing on the elk's most destinguishing feature. As a result, Wapiti and Biche were translated to Elk on English maps and eventually became the modern name for the island.
Elk formerly existed in central and southwestern parts of Manitoba including the entire Victoria Beach area. Today they are limited to pockets in the western part of the province.
This is an amazing location on Elk Island. It is both beautiful and rugged, and the views are spectacular. In addition, the clay and sand formations in the area are unbelievable.
Getting to the island is the easy part. Getting to the cache itself is significantly harder.
The cache is winter-friendly, but attempting this cache in the winter will increase the difficulty. Furthermore, you will not be able to truly appreciate the rugged beauty of the sand dunes in the winter.
The terrain difficulty level is high not only because the cache is on an island, but the terrain itself at this location is difficult as well. You may find that getting to the island is the easy part.
If arriving at the island by boat, please take caution on your approach as there are many large jagged rocks submerged in the water in front of the boat landing area. We recommend you anchor your boat about 30 metres out and wade in to shore.
Take the time to enjoy the secluded beach and explore the area.
Bring a picnic lunch and a camera, and please post lots of pictures .
Summer is really the best time to experience this idyllic spot on Elk Island.
Depending on the water levels, you may be able to wade across to Elk Island. In 2010 and 2011, this was not possible. However during summers of low water levels (such as 2016 and 2017), you can simply follow the sandbars across the shallow channel. In fact, 'grover' and 'elmo' have made it across at least twice in drought years without even getting our feet wet!
You are looking for a medium-sized Lock 'n Lock container. The FIRST to FIND gets a certificate and the satisfaction of a well-earned and well-deserved accomplishment, in addition to the spectacular views.
Please post photos of your experience. Special thanks to MuStash for providing the photos on the cache page of the interesting clay formations at the base of the cliffs.
About Elk Island: Elk Island Provincial Park is about 900 hectares in size. The island is virtually free of development and has many white sand beaches. Camping and open fires are not permitted on the island. Please help maintain the beauty of this wilderness, by packing out whatever you brought to the island.
Attributes listing for paperless caching: Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island, winter friendly (but that may not be a good thing), scenic views, available 24 hours a day, difficult climb, dogs allowed, poison plants, ticks, cliffs/falling sand, not wheel chair accessible, seasonal access, no public transportation available, boat may be required unless you want to go for a swim, access from the west is not recommended.
Happy caching!
This cache was hidden by a member of
the Manitoba Geocaching Association.
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Congratulations to ruylopez and JB. on the co-FTF.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Abg sbe gur snvag bs urneg.