Hexagon Pool - Breichat HaMeshushim EarthCache
Hidden : 4/19/2012
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works
Looking for a different adventure?

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:


This Earthcache is located inside the Yehudiya Forest Nature Reserve. Please check current opening hours and entrance fees here.



The Yehudiya Forest Nature Reserve

The Meshushim Stream is located within the boundaries of the Yehudiya Forest Nature Reserve, the largest reserve in the Golan. The reserve stretches over 134 square kilometers, and the landscape is characterized by deep streambeds, through which water flows all year. The terrain slopes from about 600 meters above sea level to about 200 meters below sea level. This significant difference in elevation caused the formation of the high waterfalls that are typical for the reserve’s streams.

The contrast between the flat plateau and stream canyons crossing it, is a major feature of the landscape. Another feature is the park-forest, covering about a quarter of the reserve.

Five streams flow through the Yehudiya Forest Reserve. In order from north to south: the Meshushim, the Zavitan, the Yehudiya, the Batra and the Daliyot streams and their tributaries.


The Meshushim Pool (a.k.a. Hexagon Pool)

The Meshushim Pool is a spectacular place. Here, the Meshushim Stream cascades gently into a large pool, located at the foot of an upright basalt cliff made of numerous basalt columns. Most columns have six equal sides, hence the name of the pool and the stream (meshushim is Hebrew for hexagon).

Basalt is formed from hot lava that erupts from the depths of the earth. When the hot lava flow is exposed to open air it cools, shrinks, and consequently cracks. These cracks continue to grow perpendicular to the surface of the lava flow, thus creating columns. This process is known as columnar jointing.
Basalt columns are predominantly hexagonal. This is because the hexagon is one of the few shapes that can be used to cover a flat surface without leaving any gaps. The triangle and rectangle are also possible shapes, but the hexagon is closer to the circular shape of the liquid lava molecules, and therefore requires less energy to form. So when lava cools and solidifies, it will more likely form hexagons than other shapes.

At the Meshushim Pool most columns are indeed hexagonal, although there are also some columns with four, five, and seven sides. Even nature has its problems…

Source: Meshushim Stream Nature Reserve brochure, Israel Nature and Parks Authority


The EarthCache

The entrance to the reserve is from road 888 along an unpaved road north of the community of Had-Nes. From the parking lot, you have two options to reach the EarthCache coordinates at the Meshushim Pool:
1. The Pool Trail (2 km; about 20 minutes down the slope to the pool and about 30 minutes back up to the parking lot);
2. The Stream Trail (3 km; about 45 minutes to the pool and about 30 minutes back up).
You'll receive a brochure with a map and trail route descriptions at the visitors centre.

To log this EarthCache, you need to fulfill the following tasks:
1) A closer look at the columns reveals that they are bent. Explain how this happened.
2) Describe the (compass) direction of the lava flow and explain this.
3) Estimate the height of the basalt cliff, measured from the water surface to the top.
4) Measure the altitude difference between the parking lot and the pool.
5) Optional: Take a photo of you and your gps at the pool and upload it with your log.

Do not post the answers in your log, but send them to me via my GC profile. You don't have to wait for permission to log your found. I'll contact you, if there is a problem. Logs without the corresponding correct answers will be deleted.

Enjoy the EarthCache!


Please obey the following reserve rules:
  • Carry 3 liters of water per person per day. Do not depend on natural water sources for drinking (do not drink stream water). Wear good walking shoes and a hat.
  • Walk only on marked trails, and use caution even on these trails.
  • Motor vehicles and bicycles are allowed only on the road along the western bank of the Meshushim Stream (marked in green and red).
  • Do not harm flora, fauna or inanimate objects. No fishing!
  • Do not start fires, including barbecues.
  • Leashed dogs only are allowed in the reserve.
  • No rappelling or cliff-climbing.
  • The water in the pool is cold and deep. Swim at your own risk. Do not jump into the water!
  • Plan your visit so that it ends before closing time.

Many thanks to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority for their assistance and permission.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



Advertising with Us