“This is reputed to be the largest
pothole in the world, 38 feet deep and 41 feet across at the widest
point. Although potholes are frequently found below waterfalls or
in fierce rapids, there is no evidence of a stream in the area;
thus, it is probable that Archbald Pothole was created during the
melting of the last glacier, about 15,000 to 10,000 years ago. A
stream of glacial runoff probably found its way into a crack in the
glacier and plunged hundreds of feet to the bedrock below. It began
to eat out a cavity as it swirled pieces of rock and sand and
gravel against the stone. The glacial stream carved a hole through
layers of sandstone, shale, and coal belonging to the Pennsylvanian
period. The sandstone is thinner and weaker than the shale beneath
it and breaks apart more easily. The mouth of the hole is,
therefore, considerably wider than the bottom. The shale on the
north face of the hole has been polished and smoothed by the action
of water and grit.”
—The Audubon Society Field Guide to
the Natural Places of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inland
(1984)
Archbald Pothole, at 150-acres, is a
relatively small State park but it represents an intriguing
geologic phenomenon with a substantial history. You could consider
this the “sister cache” for my Seven
Tubs Geocache near Wilkes-Barre. It is seldom crowded at
this park. Sooner or later I figured somebody would have to put a
cache here and it might as well be me, so I'm attempting something
new this time. Let me know how you like it. (No spoilers in the
logs, please!)
The area surrounding the park is laced with
footpaths, ATV trails and the remains of old mining roads. The
largest section is part of a strip-mine reclamation project and
numerous new facilities are planned in the near future. Some of the
closer paths are moderately rocky and hilly, but they are not
especially strenuous. Some sections may be mucky after it rains.
Proper trail footwear is recommended but not necessary since you
won't need to do much hiking. Mountain bikers will find miles of
routes and various loops that can take them to Eynon, Archbald and
Jermyn. Bring your bikes and explore!
The main cache container is now a .30 cal ammo box, as of
09/28/05.
As usual there are some very nice custom-made items to trade for
in this cache. Note also that I have included a special prize for
the “First Finder” who may keep it in addition to any other item
traded for. As is customary, take something from the cache, leave
an appropriate item in its place, and record your visit in the
logbook along with any comments, suggestions or (heaven forbid!)
complaints. [Just kidding. Complaints are welcome.] Place the
caches and all the components back in their hiding places exactly
as you found them.
Cautionary Note — Please use discretion and
stealth when examining the cache stages to avoid attracting undue
attention and potentially malicious curiosity. Kindly carry out any
trash (there are receptacles in the parking area) and most of all
... please be considerate!
Winter Cachers: Please try to
erase, camouflage or otherwise confuse your tracks in the snow in
order to maintain some level of difficulty for future Geocachers.
Also note that the main gate on Business Rt. 6 is typically closed
for the Winter, but you can leave your car parked in front of it
and make the short walk into the park.
I'm interested in knowing how much you like this particular type
of GeoCache. Good luck, fellow Geocachers ... and good
hunting!!!
~Rich in NEPA~
