ALWAYS WALK LIGHTLY UPON CEMETERY GROUNDS
SHOWING RESPECT FOR THOSE RESTING HERE
LAKE VIEW CEMETERY
EARTHCACHE REQUIREMENTS
Each cacher must send his/her own answers BEFORE logging a find. ... "Geocachers must complete the tasks before they log the EarthCache as found." (4.3. EarthCache logging tasks)
Enjoy the journey (learning adventure) as well as the destination (smiley earned). Remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. To get credit for this Earthcache, complete the following tasks:
NOTE: Answers via message -and- 2 log signature pictures are required to post a find for this cache.
1. MESSAGE …. a. What is the type of stone used to make this sphere? / b. Compare the sphere at the posted coordinates with the sphere at waypoint 01. / c. What are two differences observable between the two spheres? / d. Explain what caused these differences.
2. MESSAGE …. This shape is unique and rarely seen at cemeteries. / a. What is the type of stone used to make this gravestone? / b. What shape is at waypoint 02? / c. What evidence of weathering do you see here?
3. MESSAGE …. a. What is the type of stone used to make this gravestone? / b. What shape is at waypoint 03? / c. What evidence of weathering do you see here?
4. MESSAGE …. Choose any granite marker within this cemetery. / a. Does it contain spheres or angles or both? / b. Based on the size of the crystals, is it intrusive (fo.rmed deep within the earth) or extrusive (formed on or near the surface
5. LOG …. a. Post a picture of you or your signature item at the granite marker you chose for question #4. / b. Post a picture of you or your signature item at another gravesite showing both spheres (something rounded) and angles (something with corners). These pictures are your log signature.
OPTIONAL - Please respect the time and effort involved in finding and creating this earthcache by adding A B C to your log.
A. Visit a memorial honoring our fallen heroes. Post a picture at the memorial. Label picture with name and location of memorial.
B. JOURNEY OF THE MIND ... Science explains what we observe. Relate (in your own words) something you found interesting in the reading. This adds to your learning adventure and your log.
C. JOURNEY OF THE HEART ... Art shares our personal experience of what we see. Share something special you found on site, and why it is special to you ... prose / story / poem / picture. This is a memorable addition to your log and will make other hearts smile.
Journeys of Heart and Mind ...
Stories to Touch the Heart and Puzzles to Challenge the Mind / Rainbow Tree Story
THANK YOU Cemetery Personnel for permission to share this learning adventure.
GRAVESTONE BALLS
Gravestone spheres/balls are generally made of granite. Granite is an igneous rock formed by cooling of magma. It is hard, non-porous and fairly stable. However, the surface will deteriorate when exposed to weathering agents and pollution. Significant agents of decay affecting granite are sun, wind, pollution, salt contamination, and biological activity.
ORIGIN OF GRANITE
Granite is formed from the cooling of molten lava. Since granite is not native to Chautauqua County, the gravestones were all imported.
COOLING RATE AND CRYSTAL SIZE
The size of crystals in an igneous rock is an indicator of the conditions where the rock formed. An igneous rock with large crystals probably indicates that the rock formed deep within the Earth where it cooled slowly giving time for crystals to grow. An igneous rock with small crystals probably indicates that the rock formed close to the surface where it cooled rapidly and did not allow time for crystals to grow very big. Some magma cools so quickly that no crystals form.
COMMON TYPES OF STONE USED TO MAKE GRAVESTONES
IGNEOUS ROCKS (formed from fiery molten magma)
Igneous rocks are formed from magma, the molten form of the earth’s mantle layer. Igneous rocks can form above ground as lava spewing from volcanoes. Igneous rocks can also form below the surface. Pockets of magma get stuck in layers of the earth. As they get closer and closer to the surface, the magma slowly cools. Granite is an example. Has visible crystals.
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS (formed by weathering)
Sedimentary rocks form from small weathered particles of other rocks or the weathered shells of sea animals. Wind and rain beating on the faces of exposed rock wear off particles that are blown or washed to a new location. When sea creatures die, the shells settle on the bottom of the ocean. As the sediments pile up, they press together to form sedimentary rock. Sandstone is an example. Feels gritty.
METAMORPHIC ROCKS (formed under intense heat and pressure)
Metamorphic rocks form under intense heat and pressure. Metamorphic rocks start out as igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks or other types of metamorphic rocks. Through heat and/or pressure, the rocks change characteristics such as sheen, tightness of grain and hardness. Marble is an example. Has some banding (streaks).
WEATHERING
Weathering is the breaking down of rock into smaller fragments. All rock weathers over time. Grains of sediment fall out. Cracks develop on the surface and deep inside. Weathering causes rocks to fracture, buckle, and crumble into soil and sediment. There are two types of weathering - mechanical and chemical. Mechanical weathering breaks apart rocks without changing their chemical composition. Each fragment and particle weathered away by a mechanical process retains the same characteristics as the original rock. Chemical weathering occurs when water, air, and other substances react with the minerals in rock. In chemical weathering, the composition of the rock changes. Biological weathering can be either mechanical or chemical.
RESOURCES ... Deterioration 1 / Deterioration 2 / Shapes / Granite / Granite / Memorials and Monuments / Most Popular Gravestones
This series is dedicated to my dad who served in World War II.
GOD’S PROMISE …. A MOTHER’S LOVE
Told by my uncle (Joseph) ... And my father (Anthony)
Family was seated around the table on Thanksgiving Day when my uncle related why he and his brother returned home safely from the war.
Unbeknownst to my uncle aboard the carrier transporting him across the Atlantic, his ship was targeted by an underwater submarine. There were flashes in the distance that he later learned was the submarine being destroyed.
While stationed in Europe, his base was targeted by enemy fire. He awoke to the sound of the thundering of bombs exploding and saw the dark sky turn bright as the noonday sun. Men were scrambling for safety, but he remained seated with a peace that passeth all understanding. When the carnage was over, he looked down. There was a piece of shrapnel lodged just above his heart, but had not penetrated through his clothing.
Similarly, unbeknownst to my father aboard the carrier transporting him across the Pacific, his ship was targeted by an underwater submarine. There were flashes in the distance that he later learned was the submarine being destroyed.
My father loved to be amongst nature whenever and wherever. One day he was comfortably seated below a tree in the jungles of Australia. He laid his helmet beside him and was enjoying the peace of the moment. When it was time to leave, he reached for his helmet but was guided to look within before placing it upon his head. There sat a poisonous spider which would have surely been his demise. He dislodged the spider and returned to camp.
One day while on her knees communing with the Creator, my grandmother prayed for her sons to return home safely. She arose from prayer knowing God’s hand was upon her sons and they would return unharmed.
And so it was, many close encounters, but my uncle and my father each made it safely home. It was there the two brothers learned of God’s Promise and their Mother’s Love.