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Circle of Life Traditional Geocache

Hidden : 5/28/2005
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Regular cache ammo box on Cemetery Island

As we found no gravestones or totems at the site, we began to ask ourselves, "Why did this location receive this name?"

After asking around and consulting local texts we discovered some fascinating yet troubling information:

Prior to the White Man discovering and developing these islands, the Hyda Indians inhabited this area, bringing with them a rich history of harmony with the earth. These tight familied lovers of life followed some unique rituals that were filled with meaning.

One such ceremonial custom symbolized their conviction that ancestor spirits were revealed in the lives and antics of the raven and the crow. These majestic, clever scavengers were revered for their stealth and cunning and worshipped for their lack of fear and strength of character.

When a member of the Indian family passed on and their spirit was freed to take flight, the body was offered to the raven and crow as an expression of honor. The naked corpses were respectfully placed on platforms erected on this island. The natural action of the hungry birds was seen as a compliment of acceptance and appreciation for the Indian's gesture of love. The visual image of the birds extracting energy from the Indian's deceased loved ones placed gladness in the hearts of the people.

After all the nutrients were returned to the "spirits" the remaining bones were allowed to bleach and were then collected. Some were used as tools and the rest were placed in a common burial ground yet unfound on Stuart Island.

FTF Honors go to: "Catspaws' Crew"

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Frr qvtvgny cvpgher "Fvffl Fhr" sbe uvag. (ernqf onpxjneqf)

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)