Hi Everyone!
Who would have thought that a cryptic note scribbled on a hundred-year-old map would lead me to an off-trail adventure? Not me! But chance and an unexpected observation can open new doors if you let it.
My friend noticed a strange notation on a 1912 map and used a computer and a little "map magic" to project the location of some caves. It was a remote area with no roads or trails nearby. So we had to plan our route more carefully than we would for the usual trail-hike. The key to our trip was arriving at the cave entrances at the proper elevation. Too high and we would be staring down a cliff. Too low and we faced an ugly climb in rough terrain.
Here are some pictures from the trip.
There are three caves in this photograph. It may be hard to tell, but we have to negotiate a very steep hillside to reach them. It was quite a scramble!
Here is a closer look at the bottom cave entrance.
This is a picture of a "skylight" in one of the caves. There were wonderful swirls and patterns on the cave walls. My guess is that they were caused by iron-rich minerals and water. But geology is one of my (many) weak points.
How long was it since humans had last visited these caves? I have no idea. But the smooth sandy floors allowed me to do some terrific animal tracking inside.
If you are interested in more details about how we did the "map magic" or planned the journey, I placed some here (details). There are also more pictures of the inside of the caves. I did not want to overload this thread.
What I learned:
- Maps are living documents - Just as features appear on new maps, they can also disappear.
- Bushwhacking can require a tremendous energy expenditure compared to hiking on trails.
- If you are open to the possibilities and put in the time, there are hidden treasures out there for you to find.
Have you ever used an old map to find a "lost treasure"?
Regards!
- Woodsorrel
Who would have thought that a cryptic note scribbled on a hundred-year-old map would lead me to an off-trail adventure? Not me! But chance and an unexpected observation can open new doors if you let it.
My friend noticed a strange notation on a 1912 map and used a computer and a little "map magic" to project the location of some caves. It was a remote area with no roads or trails nearby. So we had to plan our route more carefully than we would for the usual trail-hike. The key to our trip was arriving at the cave entrances at the proper elevation. Too high and we would be staring down a cliff. Too low and we faced an ugly climb in rough terrain.
Here are some pictures from the trip.
There are three caves in this photograph. It may be hard to tell, but we have to negotiate a very steep hillside to reach them. It was quite a scramble!
Here is a closer look at the bottom cave entrance.
This is a picture of a "skylight" in one of the caves. There were wonderful swirls and patterns on the cave walls. My guess is that they were caused by iron-rich minerals and water. But geology is one of my (many) weak points.
How long was it since humans had last visited these caves? I have no idea. But the smooth sandy floors allowed me to do some terrific animal tracking inside.
If you are interested in more details about how we did the "map magic" or planned the journey, I placed some here (details). There are also more pictures of the inside of the caves. I did not want to overload this thread.
What I learned:
- Maps are living documents - Just as features appear on new maps, they can also disappear.
- Bushwhacking can require a tremendous energy expenditure compared to hiking on trails.
- If you are open to the possibilities and put in the time, there are hidden treasures out there for you to find.
Have you ever used an old map to find a "lost treasure"?
Regards!
- Woodsorrel