Nose Creek Valley which runs from Airdrie down to the Bow River
close to 17th Ave in Calgary, is now a slow meandering stream. But
at one point was part of an Glacial out flow stream much larger in
scale.
The small cliff at the edge of the creek is an outcrop of
Paskapoo Formation sandstone, which dates back to the Early
Tertiary (Paleocene). At this location unlike other similar
locations along Nose Creek the Bed Rock has provided the protection
from from erosion needed to form Hoodoo's.
The word hoodoo originates from the Hausa language meaning "to
arouse resentment, produce retribution." Hoodoo was a distinct
magic practice introduced to North America in the 18th century,
although different in nature than the more familiar voodoo.
Aboriginal peoples used "hoodoo" to refer to evil, supernatural
forces. Some believed hoodoos where giants turned to stone by the
Great Spirit due to their evil deeds.
Thousand years of erosion by wind and water have created these
rock pillars. Protective caps of hard sandstone have prevented the
hoodoos from wearing away as quickly as the surrounding rock.
Acting like umbrellas, the caps shelter the under-lying softer rock
from much of the erosive power of wind and water. Erosion of the
pillars is slows down but not stopped, and in time these hoodoos
will collapse.
Please Note these Hoodoos are located on
Private Property but can be viewed from the road. Please respect
this and stay on the public side of the fence.
To log this earth cache please email the answer to the following
questions. DO NOT POST THEM IN YOUR LOG.
- How many fully formed Hoodoos are at the site?
- Can you see any new hoodoos forming, if so how many?
- Please estimate the height of the sandstone cliff that the
hoodoos are part of?