Upana Caves EarthCache
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The Upana Caves are located about 16km from the Village of Gold River along the Head Bay Forest Service Road. A sign at the junction of branch road H-72 indicates the turnoff to the parking area.
An access trail to the caves starts about 25 metres beyond the parking area. The trail meanders in and out of an old growth forest and a 1970’s second growth plantation. The posted co-ordinates is actually a waypoint along the trail. It was very tough (impossible) for me to get an accurate reading at the entrance to the “Main Cave”, which is located approximately 100 metres along the trail from this waypoint. (if someone with another GPS unit can get an accurate reading at the entrance to the “Main Cave” please let me know)
These caves were first discovered in 1971 by forestry engineers laying out nearby roads and cutblocks. In 1975, the Upana Cave systems were explored and mapped by recreational cavers, and named for the river that runs through the system. The caves have since attracted thousands of visitors, and provided the underground sequences for the TV series Huckleberry Finn and his Friends.
The interior of the cave system remains in a relatively wild and undeveloped state. The system is comprised of several caves with about fifteen known entrances within the system. The access trail leads to several of these entrances and allow spelunkers (those who explore caves) to visit the caves safely. The caves vary in size from single rooms to branching passages of considerable length.
Upana Caves are situated on what geologists classify as “Karst topography”, which is made up of layers of carbonate rock such as limestone. Caves and sinkholes are common features in karst topography. This is due to the action of water seeping into the limestone rock and combining with carbon dioxide to produce a weak carbonic acid solution. The acid slowly acts to dissolve the limestone to form underground caves and passageways and other formations including stalactites and stalagmites, (icicle-like rock forms). The Upana Cave system is a result of this natural chemical reaction, and to date contains nearly 450 metres of passages.
At a viewpoint about 30 metres past the “Main Cave” entrance, you will see the Upana River disappear underground. If you follow the trail to the end you will see the river reappear at the “Resurgence Cave”.
While exploring these caves please respect the environment and adhere to the following code of conduct:
- keep to the established trails and underground routes
- do not litter or mark the caves
- do not disturb any forms of cave life
- do not touch delicate cave formations
- refrain from smoking and lighting fires
In addition please be prepared by:
- Bringing a good light. A reliable light source will help you to see the cave features and to watch your footing on uneven floors.
- Wearing a sweater or jacket (the temperature inside the caves is about 8 degrees C year round),
- Watching for low ceilings & slippery ground conditions
- Wearing a hard hat and sturdy boots.
To get credit for this Earthcache:
1). Post a photo of you with your GPS at your favourite spot along the trail or inside one of the caves.
2). Do the following and email me the answers to the following questions (do not post the answers with your log):
a). Follow the trail until you come to the “Main Cave”. This cave is identified by a “keyhole” feature at the entrance. Go through the keyhole and follow the stone steps to the bottom. How many stone steps are there to the bottom?
b).From the bottom of the steps at the “Main Cave” you will see a smaller cave entrance to your left. Go inside about 3 metres and tell me how far above the ground the ceiling is. Go another 15 metres and tell me how far above the ground the ceiling is.
c). After exploring the Main Cave, return to the trail, and follow it to the “Resurgence Cave” (at the end of the trail). Tell me what unique feature you see near the entrance to this cave.
I hope you enjoy your time exploring the area. It is one of my favourite places.
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