Arm River Valley Erratic Boulder EarthCache
Arm River Valley Erratic Boulder
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Along the Louis Riel Trail (#11 Highway) in Saskatchewan you will come upon a Historical Marker on a small turn-out between the communities of Chamberlain and Aylesbury. This marker will point out the Arm River Valley and a Buffalo Rubbing Stone.
Amid sloping hills and a winding creek the Arm River Valley can be observed to the east. Its geological origin dates from retreating glaciers which covered this area 12 – 13,000 years ago. The valley and creek originates 70 km north of here in the Allan Hills. They wind gently southward to end at Last Mountain Lake. “Little Arm River” so named by early regional explorers, has been refuge and provider to natives and settlers alike. Today it’s a vital link in the Region’s recreational and livestock economy. Its natural beauty and abundant wildlife delight any who take time to explore this charming and historical landmark.
The large boulder near this point is a natural monument to the great herds of bison that once ranged over the entire prairie and aspen parkland and was used as a "rubbing stone". The boulder itself is a GLACIAL ERRATIC deposited by the last CONTINENTAL GLACIER. As the weather warmed in the Spring, the bison used these boulders to removed their heavy winter coat. In Summer, hordes of mosquitoes and biting flies tormented the bison. The bison sought relief from these insects by rubbing on these boulders and/or tree trunks to soothe their tortured hides. Over centuries of use these boulders became polished from consistent rubbing of the bison. Other surfaces on the boulder have become encrusted with lichens. At the base surrounding the boulder one will notice a ringed crater-like depression. This was caused by bison continuously walking around the boulder. After the bison disappeared, domestic cattle continued to use many rubbing boulders for the same purpose.
Do NOT post your answers in your log. Please be sure to submit your answers to me or your log will be deleted.
To log this Earth-Cache, you must e-mail me (through my profile) the answers to the following questions. .
1. On first line, give me the name of the earthcache, the GC code, and your caching name(s).
2. What type of rock is the boulder?
3. Where did the boulder come from and how far away?
4. What is the size of this boulder in height, length, & width?
5. (Optional) Post a picture of your GPS beside the boulder.
There is a turn-out for north-bound traffic where one can pull over and safely park. For south-bound traffic, it is recommended that you go to a turn-around past the posted coordinates and approach this site going north-bound. Be sure to keep an eye on your kids and pets at all times. Answers to the questions can be found on the plaques at the pull-out.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)