The nearest boat ramp to the Earthcache is located at the TVA
Guntersville Dam- South. Ditto Landing Marina is the closest to
Huntsville with a $3.00 boat ramp fee payable at the Fuel Dock or
honor box for after hours use. The boat ramps are open to the
public during daylight hours. Both locations have bathrooms and
picnic tables. Please follow their posted safety guidelines while
using their facilities. When placing Earthcaches, the owner is
require to provide permission and contact info (name and number) of
all property owners to which land is accessed to find the cache.
Because there are no public roads to access Painted Bluff (that
I am aware of) I have therefore made it a requirement that this
cache is accessed by water. I have gotten required permission from
two locations in order to access the river. Any finds found
otherwise will be deleted and not be allowed to log a find again on
this Earthcache. Didn't realize I would have to spell everything
out in such a way but there it is.
The Coordinates bring you to a majestic buff known as Painted
Bluff. The bluff is the abrupt end of Merrill Mountain. This region
is the southern end of the Cumberland Plateau and what a lovely end
it is. It is one of the highest bluffs along the river from here to
Paducah, KY. Just west of the buff, the familiar Paint Rock River
empties into the Tennessee River and was named after this Bluff.
Every summer we ride our boat to this scenic backdrop and often see
Bald Eagles. Upon researching information for this Earthcache I
found out the reason why we frequently have seen Bald Eagles.
Information from the North Alabama Birding Trail #36: “The park
below the dam also offers a boat ramp where boats can be launched
to visit Painted Bluff, a few miles downstream. This impressive red
sandstone bluff is the premier observation site for migratory
raptors, which are attracted to the hot air thermals that are
pushed off the water and over the bluff, providing ideal soaring
conditions. This area can be comfortably scanned from a boat below
the bluff. The area is especially good for Peregrine Falcons and
Bald Eagles, which have historically nested nearby.”
Back to the Bluff: It is easy to see how the Painted Bluff
received its name. The mountain side is streaked with a wide range
of colors from the deposits of mineral waters percolating from its
rock face. Researching the Painted Bluff, I found conflicting
information. One was the approximate size of the bluff. The other
was the type of formation. One site states that this cliff is
Sandstone while another states it is Limestone. What is the
difference? How can you tell? Upon further research I found out the
answers and much more. I learned that this bluff is made of
limestone. Limestone is commonly light color tan or gray but can
take on a variety of colors. Limestone has been found in almost
every color. The color of limestone is due to impurities such as
sand, clay, iron oxides and hydroxides, and organic materials. All
limestone forms from the precipitation of calcium carbonate from
water. Calcium carbonate leaves solutions in many ways and each way
produces a different kind of limestone. There are many types of
limestone represented at Painted Bluff. The upper part of the bluff
has dark blue and bluish gray colors while yellows and browns are
most prominent throughout. Some of the limestone is granular, other
shale like and some are pure limestone. Argillaceous limestone is
also located throughout the bluff as can be seen by a silvery
reflection. Interstratified seams of cherty or flinty limestone can
be seen at the top of the bluff and serve as a protection to the
softer under strata of the bluff. There is also a coal ribbon that
measures 12 to 18 inches set in at the top of the bluff forming a
steep slant. There are two gapping mouths of a cavern that extend
back into the bluff from 50 to 60 ft. These type formations are
prevalent in the area and provide fertile and limy lands between
Paint Rock River, and the foot of Gunter’s Mountain. In this area
the rocks are close to the surface and often crop out along the
water ways.
Please email me the answers to the below questions and post your
picture with your log. Failing to do so will require me to throw
you off the bluff. (okay maybe not that but I will have to delete
your find.)
Logging Requirements: 1) Estimate the height of the Bluff at its
highest point to the water. (this will vary based on the water
level) 2) The width of the rock from the farthest edge seen to the
other. 3) What is the difference between sandstone and limestone?
How can you tell the difference? 4) Post a picture of you in front
of Painted Bluff.
Please email answers within 24 hours after you post your find.
Also include the #4 with your log.