Lisa Moore, Oak Island Guide

06/11/2024

05/23/2024

Update:

Oak Island remains closed and tours will not be offered during the 2024 summer season.
A new Oak Island Treasure Shop will be opening this summer at 6992, Hwy 3, Martin’s Point. Follow and Share for updates on our Grand Opening Date.

03/24/2024

Ok, this one is too good not to share…one last post to feed your brains about Nova Scotia, islands and treasure - we’ve got it all and it’s everywhere! 😂👍

It’s not famous like Oak Island, but Shad Bay also has legends of pirates, treasure and treasure hunters, including two men who gave up on finding buried treasure and switched to prospecting for minerals.

Tradition suggests pirate treasure was buried on Cochran Island (aka Big Island) in Shad Bay, Halifax County, about 10 kilometres northeast of Peggy’s Cove. There is little documentation about the alleged treasure and efforts to find it, but several short references can be found online. For example, a pirate named Captain Howles is said to have buried gold and other valuables on the island.

Another legend says Cochran Island used to be known as Weeping Widows Island because Captain Kidd had 43 men bury treasure there and then killed them to keep the location secret.

A number of people have tried to find the treasure, including American Charles Ganton who came to Nova Scotia in 1892 to look for it. Ganton gave up after digging a shaft 30-feet deep.

No treasure has been discovered but a large, flat rock is rumoured to have been found underground by searchers, and there are suggestions that the treasure’s hiding spot is b***y trapped – all very similar to what is said about Oak Island’s Money Pit.

More substantive documentation appears in the 1937 annual report of the Nova Scotia Department of Mines, which reported that James P. Nolan and Rupert Allen were exploring Cochran Island: “Years ago it was supposed that treasure was buried on the island. As far back as any of the residents can recall there was evidence of digging having been carried out. An old map showing an island as the place of burial of considerable treasure is reported to be in existence, and from the description given, Cochran Island was believed to be the one indicated on the map. By the use of mineral rod operated by Mr. Nolan a point of maximum pull was located and a shaft started on the property.”

By “mineral rod,” the report perhaps means a dowsing rod, a forked stick used to locate underground water, minerals, or other hidden or lost substances. Dowsing is best known as a way to locate water sources, in theory at least, but it has also been used for centuries to look for minerals. The “point of maximum pull” would be where the dowsing road pointed toward the ground, theoretically where the treasure was located (https://www.facebook.com/MiningNS/posts/pfbid0j9ZPPtSKMkB2WnZFByhw47dh2rZ61aAYAbiWftVNPu8nuC27qQG5bzhivu9QnCGBl).

However, Nolan was also pitching some sort of gold-finding machine in that period, and it may be what the annual report referred to. Letters written in 1937 by Gilbert Hedden, who bought the eastern end of Oak Island in 1935 and explored for treasure until 1937, show that Nolan was trying to convince Hedden to use the invention on Oak Island. Hedden was skeptical: “I replied that I would be far more interested if they could produce positive results on the island in Shad Bay where he is working, and I think it will be some time before we hear from him again” (https://www.oakislandtreasure.co.uk/).

Hedden’s doubts about Nolan are also apparent in a 1938 letter in which he suggests Nolan may have lied about finding a large stone buried on Cochran Island which sounds similar to Oak Island’s 90-foot stone: “There is a strong possibility that he is trying to raise funds to continue his work at Shad Bay and has concocted this tale and produced a rock to attract interest.”

A 1940 Department of Mines memo refers to Nolan’s gold-finding machine as “a so-called mineral detector,” a phrase that also conveys skepticism. In that case, Nolan used the machine to convince Father John Lanigan of Prospect, Halifax County, to spend church funds exploring for gold in Terence Bay. No gold was found at the site and Department staff believed the site had no potential (https://www.facebook.com/MiningNS/posts/pfbid02XQQywPchrBBHEtq68RmcdswDkMNg9Pmx7UMxBtsLbswRettN9aWp8Ujtuvz5gpJsl).

Regardless of which method Nolan used to choose the location, a 33-foot shaft was dug at the northern end of Cochrane Island, eight feet of which were in bedrock. This effectively ruled out finding buried treasure in the shaft since someone hiding treasure would not go to the trouble of digging through bedrock – dirt is sufficient to hide something, and much easier to dig through.

The memo said, “This of course disproved the treasure theory so that they are now looking for a valuable mineral deposit in a cavity which they encountered in the rock. This is apparently the fissure through which salt water is entering the shaft.” The men apparently had enough faith in Nolan’s abilities that they assumed something valuable had to be buried at the site he chose – if not pirate treasure, perhaps gold.

The reference to a fissure – a crack – is another similarity to Oak Island. Seawater entered the Cochrane Island shaft, likely through the natural fissure, but this was taken by some to mean the site was b***y trapped as the Money Pit is said to be.

Nolan and Allen went on to dig a second shaft that was deeper than the first (37 feet) and larger (6x12 feet compared to 4x6 feet). They employed six men in 1937.

In 1938, Nolan and Allen returned to Cochran Island. They deepened the shaft and did some diamond exploration drilling from its bottom in search of the gold or other metals they believed had triggered the dowsing rod or mineral detector.

There are no other records of activity at the site, which suggests the drilling did not produce any results worth following up on.

You use gold every day. For example, it is in the device you are reading this on! Electrical signals can be interrupted by corrosion at contact points in circuitry. This can affect the proper functioning of electronics, so gold is used at contact points to ensure the signals flow properly through them. Gold is expensive so we only use it when its unique characteristics make it the best material.

Geology may explain some of Oak Island's mysteries. See the story at https://www.facebook.com/MiningNS/posts/pfbid02ur8oqsDBujgDvuzT33t1QxpbzDj1NvYAaAxkz5S4tqjr8uSbuGtdLsg9a4vzqjUl

Gilbert Hedden did not just search for treasure on Oak Island – he also took over exploration work at the Jubilee zinc-lead deposit in Victoria County. See the story at https://www.facebook.com/MiningNS/posts/pfbid02SDcPoZL9idBhhPFHukuUUMJbgtnosTUS1jUutEL1wFiwSHvJHZe9YkNpGzLVUn9l

03/23/2024

Greetings Oak Island enthusiasts! I hope this post finds you all well and enjoying the latest season of the Curse of Oak Island!

As most of you are aware, since the Covid pandemic began in 2020, the island has been closed to the public, which also closed the tours I so loved to provide. I have remained a small part of the team behind the scenes since then, but I have very much missed the opportunities to meet new people, share in their passions and express my creativity all while being on such a beautiful and magical island full of historical mysteries. I have enjoyed working with my dear friend Tony Sampson on some of his amazing boat tours of Mahone Bay - and may find the opportunity to do so again! We had a great time working together!

But I always had, before my time on Oak Island, during and since; many other means of employment and projects that have occupied my time - the balancing act of a very busy and fulfilling life! And after these years of being closed, I have found some new and exciting projects that require my full focus and time. So with that said, I have decided to step away from my involvement with the island for the upcoming year ahead. I will leave my social media pages up, but close messaging and my email for the time being. I am making this decision regardless of whether or not the island does happen to open up this year to the public (please note, management have made NO decisions or announcements as of yet) - either way, I will not be taking part at least for the upcoming year after which I will re-evaluate. I have discussed this with management on the island - please know, no I have not been fired, LOL! 😀 I have been asked to stay on, but have declined for the year ahead. I will be kept in the loop on the island's status moving forward and there may be some interesting opportunities for me there in the future. But, for now, I have some amazing projects that I am very excited and honoured to be a part of - that are not remotely related to Oak Island. I have many passions, as some of you are aware! 😉

I want to thank each and every one of you who have followed my social media and continue to do so - any important updates I will be sharing on my pages! I have enjoyed sharing my Oak Island perspective with all of you, both in person and online! It's been an amazing journey!! And rest assured that Red Beard the Pirate Squirrel is safe and well - he and his band of pirates still have plenty of acorns and continue to keep the secrets of that treasure!! 😂🐿️🌰 I also want to thank my tour team, Jen, Matt, Karen, and Janice - and Cindy (who we lost after a brave battle with cancer last year). We made an awesome team and I really hope we get to do it all again!! ❤️ I have met some truly amazing and interesting people over my 9 years with Oak Island - some will continue to be in my life as treasured friends. Such a blessing.

I had a young tour visitor on one of my many school tours one season ask me if I had found any treasure on the island. While my answer probably wasn't what they were hoping to hear, it was the truth. I indeed did find treasure there - and it was the time, memories and experiences with my son spent on the island that will always hold a special place in both our hearts. A treasure of immeasurable value.

So, as I said, I hope this post finds you all well and that you find happiness and kindness in this world...and remember...follow your passions...you never know where they may lead you...

All my best regards,
Lisa
Oak Island Tour Guide
🐿️🏴‍☠️🧩💎⛏️🗝️🌰

03/22/2024

Happy World Water Day from the home of the worlds highest tides! 💦

02/14/2024

Happy Valentine’s Day, acorns!!! 🐿🌰❤️❤️

12/22/2023

From the crows of Oak Island...and Red Beard the Pirate Squirrel too, of course! 🐿️🏴‍☠️🌰....may this holiday season find you and yours safe and well, and many blessings for the New Year to come!

All the best from Nova Scotia!

🎄❤️🐿️🏴‍☠️🌰🗝️💎🧩🇨🇦

12/16/2023

Just some of what makes this province an amazing place to live or just visit, this or anytime of year!

12/14/2023

How is everyone enjoying season 11 so far?!

Here's a little theory to ponder from Myth or History ....😉

🏴‍☠️🐿️🌰💰💎🗝️🧩

11/15/2023

And...this is why we can't find the treasure....
...oh, Red Beard 🏴‍☠️🐿️❤️😂!!

https://fb.watch/okAQEqAAhH/?mibextid=Nif5oz

11/01/2023

Last year, it was Rick..this year, it's Jack's turn! 😂❤️👍🎃🎃

Halloween fun!

10/31/2023

🎃👍

10/31/2023

10/31/2023

Happy Hallowe'en and Samhain Blessings!

🎃🎃💜💜🎃🎃
🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🐿️🐿️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️

10/28/2023

**It's time for another important FYI!!**

**PLEASE TAKE NOTE**

I have permission to post on behalf of the owners on Oak Island with regards to this never-ending issue. As most people are aware, scammers are EVERYWHERE - and it's more important than ever to stay vigilant and cautious. Especially when it comes to being involved on social media.

With regards to certain members of our team on Oak Island, namely Rick Lagina, Marty Lagina and Craig Tester specifically, THEY ARE NOT ON ANY FORM OF SOCIAL MEDIA. No Facebook accounts OF ANY KIND. No Instagram accounts OF ANY KIND. No X accounts OF ANY KIND. Oak Island Tours, Inc. or Cerca Trova will NOT ask fans for money to finance the dig, there are no GoFundMe campaigns. NO ONE is ill, hospitalized or in need of assistance in any way. They will NOT message you, PM you, email you or tweet you. There is only one official way to contact the company and that is through their official website at www.oakislandtours.ca and their Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/oakislandtours?mibextid=ZbWKwL - and Instagram page - https://instagram.com/cercatrovaltd?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Employees, like myself, manage these sites and pass along information accordingly.

It is, unfortunately, practically impossible to control what these scammers are doing on social media around the world - they are numerous and rampant. If you search any of the owners names on any platform, the results will be numerous - and they are ALL FAKE PAGES!!

Please, please, PLEASE do NOT engage with any of these pages - you're feeding the beast! You can report these pages (which unfortunately has little affect) but the best action is to BLOCK. Just block and move on. NEVER accept DMs, PMs or any messages from anyone claiming to be Rick, Marty or Craig - it is NOT them. NEVER give them personal information or money. Do NOT travel to Nova Scotia or Oak Island under the impression that they have personally invited you here - you are being scammed and defrauded financially. When our Interpretation Centre is ready and we are open to the public again, we will happily accept visitors to the island to see our museum and gift shop - and hopefully offer guided tours around parts of the island. But, until that happens, the island is CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC until further notice. Oak Island is entirely PRIVATE PROPERTY.

Please, take care when using social media and stay vigilant - if it's sounding too good to be true - it's because it is! We don't want any of our wonderful fans to be taken in by scammers, however, there's very little we can do but give you the facts - the rest is up to you.

If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact me through this page or my Instagram account - and yes, I'm real! 😜👍

Take care,

Lisa

10/24/2023

Be sure to check out this local fundraiser for a really awesome cause!!

Some of my good friends and colleagues volunteer for this wonderful group which brings such joy to seniors during the holiday season. ♥️🙏🎄

Lighthouse Market, Mahone Bay

https://www.32auctions.com/santasforseniors23?fbclid=IwAR1tN9x02MlUKU5GmMKCv0XBAPJQY9qxU7k706tYUJSTSGk88xakuXF1Kb8

Silent auction 'Santa's for South Shore Seniors' hosted online at 32auctions.

10/12/2023

Getting closer!!

🏴‍☠️🐿️💎⛏️🇨🇦

09/27/2023

Get ready... it's coming!! 🏴‍☠️🐿️🧩⛏️🗝️💎🇺🇸

Reminder that the Canada premiere is usually a week later! 🇨🇦

09/24/2023

Good Sunday morning 🍁 and Happy Fall Equinox 🍁!! Here's another great post from Mining Association of Nova Scotia full of great geological information.

I actually live in an UNESCO Biosphere here in Nova Scotia - it's where the sand from Africa still exists in North America. We also have varieties of plant life that exist no where else in the world 🌎.

Some awesome knowledge for the second half of your weekend! Hope it's been great!

🍁🏴‍☠️🐿️

09/18/2023

Well, Lee has passed and, very gratefully, he wasn't quite as strong as he could have been by the time he hit Nova Scotia. There is damage, but we've definitely seen worse! The coast took a beating, however, and many areas (including our beloved isle) are still without power this morning. All in all, I'd say all the prayers and positive thoughts worked!

Happy Monday - it's a beautiful morning here in Nova Scotia this morning! 🌞

🏴‍☠️🐿️❤️

09/15/2023

Be sure to check out Laird's awesome auction fundraiser and this super awesome Oak Island guitar! Now that's one of a kind!! ❤️❤️❤️

🏴‍☠️🐿️🇨🇦

From Laird:

It's finally up! Thanks to Phil Whitmarsh of Old Market Guitar Works for all of his hard work! Please share away and thanks for your help in this fight with cancer!

Photo credit: Old Market Guitarworks

https://www.facebook.com/OldMarketGuitarworks?mibextid=ZbWKwL

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186081208682?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=a06xughjtxu&sssrc=2566055&ssuid=a06xughjtxu&widget_ver=artemis&media=FB&fbclid=IwAR1wawWr9tafJIzWJdRACLVB7QGUxs6LUWMeTh0ym1geohYklNMsvAjh2JI

09/15/2023

Here's some weekend reading for you before I sign off... some more about the local "gold rush" in the area of Oak Island and beyond!

🏴‍☠️🐿️🇨🇦

09/15/2023

We're into the last few hours of prep time before the arrival of Lee - I'll be signing off until after the hurricane passes but will update you all next week! I hope everyone along the east coast of the US as well as us here at home stays safe and well. ❤️🙏❤️

We are and so do what we do best - take care of one another. We got this!

09/14/2023

I was out earlier today and the stocks of and other necessities are getting down - but still available. People are preparing but still hoping for the best...or a miracle 😉🙏

09/14/2023

And so it begins...the storm prep is underway throughout the province. We're all getting our priorities straight! 😉

09/13/2023

Another recent find by Saltwater Sean - I sent Laird Niven over to give him some advice! 👍

Be sure to check out Sean's adventures on FB and YouTube! 👍

https://www.facebook.com/mcmullenunderwateradventures?mibextid=ZbWKwL

https://youtube.com/?si=0VZ7f8iHCXc5V__H

🏴‍☠️🐿️🇨🇦

09/13/2023

This local gentleman is quickly becoming a local star! We are all so eager to see what he finds next!! Gary Drayton and Salty Dog Sea Tours Tony Sampson, the three of you could make quite the trio!! 😃👍

Give Sean's adventures a follow! Be sure to check out his YouTube as well!! 👍👍

https://www.facebook.com/mcmullenunderwateradventures?mibextid=ZbWKwL

https://youtube.com/?si=0VZ7f8iHCXc5V__H

🏴‍☠️🐿️🇨🇦

09/11/2023

In the silence...we will remember...

💔
🖤🚒🖤