Many people in the Manhattan area are familiar with Pilsbury Crossing. I created this Earthcache because of its interesting features. The coordinates are centered between areas I would like you to explore.
Aside from being an historical low water crossing and popular destination for college aged wild life, Pilsbury Crossing has some unique features that make it beautiful and interesting.
The predominant rock types in Kansas are limestone, sandstone, flint, and shale. These rock types tend to be in layers, with sandstone types being closer to the surface. You can learn the different types of rocks by the way it looks after being subjected to erosion. Dr Tambra L. Eifert, in the article, "Geology of Kansas", states "Shale tends to break into thin, angular pieces, while limestone tends to break into hard blocks" after high moisture erosion. It was this article that finally answered a question about this wonderful place for many years.
Deep Creek is the waterway that flows through Pilsbury Crossing. Water is a powerful mechinsim for erosion. Deep Creek is the reason why Pilsbury Crossing is the way it is.
You may drive your vehicle as close to the coordinates as you feel comfortable doing so.
Once you are in the crossing area, please explore. To complete the cache, send me an email [not a message] answering the following questions:
1: What is the difference between the water depths immediately upstream from the crossing and at the crossing itself? [Describe it, don't measure.]
2: Looking downstream from the top of the waterfall [be careful, the rocks can be slick], what type of rock immediately surrounds the creek? Why? Is the waterfall itself curved or angular? Why?
3. What type of rock do you believe the "crossing slab" is?
4. How deep do you think the cavern underneath the waterfall is?
5: OPTIONAL: Post a picture of your favorite aspect of Pilsbury Crossing.
Happy Caching!
Permission granted by Tom from the Kansas Department of Parks and Tourism [785.260.3870]. He also requests that geocachers refrain from swimming, as that is against regulations and to otherwise enjoy the area and, as with any cache, please practice .CITO