MnGCA

Buzzygirl

Some of you, maybe even most of you, may already be familiar with the story of the mysterious treasure of Oak Island, a small island off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. If you aren't, it's a fascinating story of a real-life treasure hunt that's been ongoing since the 1790's, when two young boys found a mysterious shaft sunk into the ground of the island.

Dozens of people have since tried to get to the treasure, but no one has yet been able to get at it. The reason? The 100' deep shaft was booby-trapped with numerous tunnels leading to the ocean, and not even modern excavation methods have been able to keep the shaft from flooding. So many people have tried to get at the treasure and failed, that the area has come to be known as "The Money Pit".

I recently read the book, "The Secret Treasure of Oak Island : The Amazing True Story of a Centuries-Old Treasure Hunt" by D'Arcy O'Connor. It was really hard to put down. It introduces readers to the history of the island and the various attempts at getting to the treasure. It also outlines the various theories of who would have buried a treasure there and why. The theories run the gamut from pirates Captain Kidd and Blackbeard, to the Vikings, the Spanish, the French, and even the Mayans. No one knows for sure who buried it or why. The only thing that is safe to assume about the hide is that whoever put it there didn't want anyone to get at it easily!

I highly recommend this book if you are looking for something to read that is fun and different (except I don't recommend it to Candy Apple Green, because it might give him some "ideas" for his next cache hide... Wink

).

KC0GRN · Past MnGCA Board Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Posts: 1424

just heard about that via some information on a new movie coming out after thanksgiving called "National Treasure".

Sounds interesting, though I wonder if it'll be like all those old geraldo specials (like where he tried excavating a basement in chicago looking for al capone's hidden loot, all they found was old bottles and dirt..).

Buzzygirl · Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 4:29 pm Post subject:

I heard that movie mentioned last night, when I was at Pizza Pie and I with the night caching crew. All I know about the movie is that Nicholas Cage is in it.

I wonder if it has to do with the two guys who now own all the rights to dig on Oak Island? I'll have to do some looking online... I really wonder what is down there. It might be a real treasure, or maybe it's buried ammo, or who knows.

Kitch · Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 6:12 pm Post subject:

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/nationaltreasure/splash.html

I'm sorry I forgot to post the link!!!!

Buzzygirl · Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 4:22 pm Post subject:

That looks like it might be entertaining. Somewhat "Da Vinci Code"-esque. I'll be in Arizona the week it opens. Maybe I can take a break from hiking in the mountains and convince my siblings to see National Treasure with me. I told them I was going "treasure hunting" in the desert when I was down there. My sister just laughed and said that the old gold mines are no longer in operation in AZ. Then I told her about caching, and she said, watch for snakes and scorpions when you're turning over the rocks... Shocked

KC0GRN · Past MnGCA Board Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Posts: 1424