Wolf Cave EarthCache
offline.cacher: No response from CO
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(not chosen)
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Wolf Cave is on private property but can be viewed
via the public right-of-way of Plumb Alley in Abingdon, VA. While
the Cave is behind a locked door and there is a no trespassing
sign (meaning don't enter the structure and/or the Cave), it
can be seen through the wooden latticework at the edge of the
Alley. There is a sign in front of the Cave House mentioning the
Cave in the rear of the location.
Sign in Front Yard
Since one cacher had a problem with parking, we thought we
would address the obvious. Most cachers will simply park in
Plumb Alley which runs beside the EC. If you encounter
"heavy carriage" traffic or want to linger at the cache, you may
want to park in the perpendicular Whites Alley that is just
south of the building that was built over the Cave. Plese see
DMFlyer's photo of the alley. Thanks to him for the pic.
In 1760, while traveling on an extended hunting trip from
his home in Kentucky, Daniel Boone decided to camp in the area now
known as Abingdon, Va.
Daniel with one of his Dogs
At one point during Daniel Boone’s stay in the area,
a pack of wolves emerged from a near-by cave and attacked the
hunting dogs that were with his party. This attack gave Boone the
idea to give Abingdon its first name: Wolf Hills. The cave entrance
where the pack of wolves emerged is located on the eastern slope of
"Court House Hill", just a few yards from Main Street! It was at
the bottom of Court House Hill where Boone and his fellow hunters
made their camp. The Cave later became known as the Wolf Cave and
runs under what is locally known as the Cave House. Many years ago
explorers were allowed to enter the Cave and it reportedly runs for
many yards under the City of Abingdon. Naturally, it would be
better if we could enter the Cave but the owner’s rights must
be respected. By peering through the slabs of the latticework you
will be treated to a wonderful cave entrance and a view of early
American history.
How are karst area caves
formed?
Limestone caves are formed by erosion. As rainwater falls
through the atmosphere, it absorbs CO2, creating carbonic acid.
This slightly acidic rainwater erodes limestone. Flowing water
above or below the surface, which had become slightly acidic
dissolves the calcium in limestone to form caves. This flow forms
what is known as a solution cave. After the water has
receded (lower water table) pockets and/or rooms are formed. When
the ‘room’ is formed, the rainwater that has percolated
through the ground drips off the roof of the cave, some of the
calcite from the limestone is deposited and this eventually forms a
stalactite. Where it hits the floor of the cave and rises upward,
it becomes a stalagmite.
While the majority of caves are formed, but not
exclusively, from limestone and are referred to as solution
caves there are other types of caves. Sea caves are
formed by the constant action of waves that wear weaker portions of
rocks lining the shores of large lakes and oceans. Glacier
caves are formed by melt water which excavates drainage tunnels
through the ice. Another class of caves formed by frozen water is
commonly referred to as ice caves. These caves may also be
partsolution cave but the ice remains year around. The last
type of cave is what is known as a lava cave. These caves
are volcanic and are tunnels or tubes in the lava that form when
the outer layer of the lava cools and becomes hard. Molten lava may
continue to flow through the tube and finally exits leaving a
hollow tube.
Entrance to the Cave
Caves like the Wolf Cave and others in this area are
definitely solution caves. Parts of southern Virginia and
most of Tennessee are termed karst topographies. The karst
environment is one of mostly limestone above and below the surface.
This limestone is eroded by slightly acidic water and as a result,
sinkholes, sinking creeks and of course caves are formed. Other
rocks such as dolomite and marble can be eroded in the same fashion
but limestone is by far the more common rock found in an karst
topography.
Limestone was originally living sea organisms. The
organisms died, settled, became compacted and over a many million
of years formed this light to dark gray rock. Limestone is
primarily calcium carbonate and is termed a sedimentary rock, which
is one of the three major rock types. The other two are metamorphic
and igneous rocks. Speaking of rocks, be sure to note the
foundation blocks of the building that was erected over the
Cave entrance.
Note: In order for you to claim a find please
complete the following: 1. Post a photo of yourself with
your GPSr pointing to and the Cave in the background. If
there is a reason for not wanting to be in the photo, make sure
your GPSr and the Cave are shown. Obviously, the Cave
is behind the lattice work. 2. Via email only, answer these
questions; A. Estimate the width and height of the
Cave entrance – your guess must be within 10 feet! If
it is a dark day, you may want to bring a strong flashlight!
B. What colors do you observe in the Cave entrance
rocks? C. What type of rock are the building foundation
blocks? While they have mentioned several times above, best guesses
accepted!
This is the Spot!
We sincerely hope you enjoy this little bit of geology and
history. On a quiet night, some tell of still hearing the howl of
wolves coming from deep within the Cave. We don’t
advise making your visit after dark. Besides not being able to see
into the lattice building, you never know what may appear! As old
Daniel would say, “good hunting!”
P.S. We never did learn who won the fight between Daniel
Boone’s dogs and the wolves. Best guess, especially looking
at the below
photo.........………………the
wolves!
Not Very Friendly!
This Earthcache was approved by the
Geological Society of America
| We have earned GSA's highest level: |
 |
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Unir n ubjyvat tbbq gvzr!