The cache
This is an Earth Cache, i.e. it is virtual. Don't look for a cache
container, but send a picture of you and answer the questions
below.
The coordinates will bring you to the centre of Melnik - it's
easy to get there by car or by bus and it is a good starting point
to explore the pyramids around the town.
If you prefer a real hike, I highly recommend the eco-trail
Rozhen-Melnik (4km long), which will bring you to the heart of
the natural site. Rozhen village is accessible by public transport.
Start from Rozhen Monastery, because going down will allow you to
enjoy better the panorama. In the valley the path changes to an
unusual sand-river with green river banks. The trail is well
maintained, but after pouring rain it might be muddy and slippery.
It is kids frendly with caution!
If you miss the traditional cache hunting, try to find the
bonus treasure in the woods above Melnik - see pictures below.
Follow the signs to the remains of St. Nicolas church (in the
direction of Slav Despot fortress).
Melnik pyramids
Melnik is the smallest town in Bulgaria. Its name comes from the
Slavonic word "mel", which means "chalk". No surprises, because it
is surrounded by breath-taking Melnik sand pyramids, which are
among the most remarkable natural phenomena in Bulgaria. They are
included in the list of natural sites protected by the Bulgarian
state and are located in the south-western part of the UNESCO
protected Pirin National Park.
Over an area of about 50 square kilometres the erosion has
created a truly unearthly world. It is up to the visitor’s
imagination to distinguish obelisks, swards, ancient towers,
pyramids, and giant mushrooms among the various forms of erosion.
Some of earth pyramids reach a height of up to 100 m.
|
GEOLOGY BACKGROUND
I will use some geological terms during our journey back in time.
Don't worry though, the terms are linked to pages with easy to
understand pictures.
Melnik pyramids developed in Sandanski graben situated between
Pirin and Ograzden horsts . The
water is the main designer of these impressive rock formations. It
is resposible for the sedimentary
deposition as well as for its erosion.
SEDIMENTATION
The fluviolacustrine
system (rivers and lakes) concentrated in Sandanski graben
thick layers of sedimentation. Lacustrine sedimentation occured on
the bottom of the lakes, which remained after the disparition of
the shallow Paratethys sea. The
rivers are responsible for matter transportation to/inside the
valley of Struma. Hence the Sandanski Formation consists mainly of
sandstones, interbedded with some clays and coal clays. Graded bedding
and cross
bedding are often observed. Mass presence of well-rounded
pebbles coming from the Palaeogene granitoids relates big changes
in Pontian times. The Pirin horst (today its surface is 62%
granite) has undergone an intense high-velocity uplift with partial
destruction of the Maeotian oroplain, and formation of a rim of
alluvial
fans within the surrounding grabens.
EROSION
Melnik sand pyramids have been formed by erosion caused by mountain
springs, wind and rainfalls which cut through the sediments of
different mineral composition.
|
IN ORDER TO LOG YOUR FIND, PLEASE:
1. Attach a picture of yourself with sandstone pyramids in
background anywhere in the natural site or a photo of the screen of
your GPS at the posted coordinates.
2. Email me what is the prevalent color of Melnik pyramids.
3. Email me the name of the village near Melnik where the highest
pyramids in the area are.
Don't wait for my Logpermission, just send me your answers. If
something is wrong, I will contact you.
Check the site Geocaching in Bulgaria