The Call Goes Against the B&S RR For Interference! EarthCache
The Call Goes Against the B&S RR For Interference!
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
A pond near an abandoned railroad bed
Railroads must be constructed on a nearly level surface, for while trains are powerful machines, if they are pulling a heavy load they are no match for a grade of much more than 6%. In order to achieve this, crews create a stable bed for the sleepers (ties) and rails to rest upon. When deciding the course for a track, great obstacles such as gorges are spanned and trestled. Smaller inconveniences like wetlands are filled with little consideration for drainage unless it impacts on the rail bed itself.
Such is the case at this Earth Cache site. In 1906, the Goodyear family, owners of several prominent businesses, had track laid for the Buffalo & Susquehanna Railroad. This abandoned track bed is all that is left of the B&S Railroad, but the impact remains on the natural drainages here. The formation of this pond is a direct result of the impoundment of water behind the rail bed. Once a soggy wetland, water accumulated when the compacted dirt and stone acted like a dam, preventing the water from draining away. In time, the water filled more and more of the area, creating the pond you see today. You will need to walk the entire length of the pond to collect the information needed to claim this Earth Cache. WATCH YOUR STEP, wear sensible shoes for this cache and keep bug spray handy in the warm months. The railway has recently undergone extensive renovation by the local Utility Company and is now wider and in better shape than before; it is also gated off, but that will not impede foot traffic.
From State Route 19 (Willets Ave) in Belmont, just at the Library, you will be turning down Norton Street, which is at the center of town and takes you west around one side of the town circle. After you pass Middaugh Street to your right, look for a utility substation. The small parking area at the end of the access trail is there.
As you walk further into the pond area, please observe the opposite side of the rail bed.
To claim this cache, email the owner with the following information: 1. Name one other geological feature that contributes to the formation of the pond. 2. Describe the side opposite the pond on the other side of the railbed. Please include at least one plant that might be indicator species, that is, plants that grow in certain conditions, (Ex: Sage grows in semi-arid areas.) You need not be a plant expert to identify these common plants. ("Weeds" will not be accepted.) 3. Take a picture of yourself and your GPS at this site. Please do not give away any information in your photo that would be used in claiming this cache.
All logs that are posted before you receive an answer from the owner will be DELETED! Please wait for verification of your find. Unless I am traveling (rare) I check my emails EVERY day.
This area is home to many creatures, from bugs and fish to larger mammals.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
Loading Treasures