Please use caution when exploring the area as there are open
caves and cliff edges falling away to the river.
The coordinates given are for the parking lot on Scuttleholes
Road. Please follow the well marked path to answer the questions to
log this earthcache.
Enjoy but please use caution with kids near the river during the
spring runoff & at all other times due to several visible
collapsed sinkholes.
This area is considered to be an outstanding example of a karst
development which is only uncommonly found throughout Ontario. The
Moira Karst site extends from Latta in the south to Chisholm's Mill
in the north.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has deemed the area to be
ANSI (Area of Natural & Scientific Interest) & is
geologically & ecologically sensitive.
As such, please respect the area immediately surrounding the given
coordinates.
Unique geological features have been created in the limestone
bedrock by the dissolving action of water erosion. Features range
from sinkholes, collapsed caverns, underground channels, limestone
islands to blind channels in the river's course. Sections of the
river actually disappear underground only to resurface further
downstream.
While many of the geological formations are on private property
(such as the Moira Cave with its 1000 meters of passageways) &
not available to the public, a good example of a scuttlehole can be
seen at: N44 19.107 W077 19.761.
It is approximately 3 m high, 10 m long & 5 m wide & can be
entered cautiously during snow-free months. Please use caution
& discretion as it requires a short but steep 3 m climb down a
limestone formation.
To Log this Earth Cache, Please email us through geocaching.com
with the following information:
1. Email the waypoints as to where you feel a portion of the river
disappears underground and resurfaces again. An approximation of 5
m is fine as we do not want you to get too close to the edge of the
river. Please use discretion. If possible but not necessary, please
provide pictures.
2. What is the measured distance between these two points? Are
there any other places where the river emerges in the immediate
vicinity?
3. Briefly tell us in your own words why you think the river
disappears underground.
Congratulations to guardian 14 & pooky 14 on the FTF
!