This Earthcache is accessible via boat, PWC, kayak, or canoe. While the area is beautiful it can be quite dangerous. Always pay attention to wind and weather patterns before heading out and make sure you have all of the appropriate safety equipment with you at all times. There are many private launches along Carter Road and Barcovan Beach Road, however the recommended free parking is located at the end of Aylea Rd - follow the channel markers through the channel or leave your kayak on the east side of the island and walk over to the west side to answer the questions.
Have you ever noticed that rocks can be different and very vibrant colours, such as pink, orange, green, yellow, brown, and red? These colors can give us clues about what the rock is composed of, and possibly even what type of environment it formed in, or what is happening to the rock in its current environment. For this Earthcache, you will be asked to look around you for examples of red rocks.
RED ROCKS
Sandstone and granite are two common stones with a red hue. Red sandstones have various shades of red caused by iron oxide. Feldspar is a dominant mineral in granite. Red granite contains an abundance of pink potassium feldspar where the feldspar takes on a redder than pinker color.
STAINING
Red staining is the result of iron oxide or hematite within the rocks. Exposure to the elements will cause iron minerals to oxidize or “rust,” resulting in red, orange, and brown-colored rocks.
ORGANICS
Many nonvascular plants are reddish in color. In addition, these plants emit acids as part of their life processes causing red staining. Any weathering as a result of plants is called biological weathering.
The posted coordinates will bring you to a large breakwall of large rocks, jetting out into Lake Ontario from Bald Head. In order to log this Earthcache, you must send a message or email (see profile for email) to Pasha88 with answers to the following questions:
1. Find an example of at least two different types of red rocks at or within a small radius of GZ. Describe what you are seeing and how the rocks came to be red, based on the information provided in the text above.
2. Based on your observations at GZ, do you think that more rock will become red over time, or do you think this area is as red as it's going to get? Please explain your answer.
3. Have a look at the rocks at GZ - what other colours do you see nearby?
4. What percentage of rocks are currently red? Based on your answer for Question #2, what percentage of rocks do you think will be red in 10 years? 100 years?
5. Standing at the posted coordinates, what is the most common form of red at GZ.
6. Post a photo of yourself, your signature item, your GPS, at or near the posted coordinates. You do not need to show your face if you are shy. You may include this photo in your log, or send it with your answers but it must be provided as proof that you visited the area.
This Earthcache was placed by a Proud Platinum Earthcache Master.