Flag Rock

This season looks close to winding down. But still nice enough weather to take on another goal: Flag Rock. This prominent outlook lies on the 'back' (west) side of Monument Mountain. The area was also said to hold some interesting geology as well.

Giant talus and cave formation

The trip did not disappoint. Ascending from the south, Gary and myself eventually found ourselves in an expansive ravine, that more and more showed massive blocks of talus. As we closed in on Flag Rock, an area contained three of the largest pierces of talus I have seen in Massachusetts. Indeed, a couple even boasted cave-like formations underneath. Walls of the ravine contained other cave formations and a free standing pinnacle somewhat reminiscent of the Devil's Pulpit over near the Monument Mountain summit.

Finally arriving at Flag Rock, we enjoyed breathtaking views of Housatonic and the mountain ranges beyond. We then began a steep descent only to turnoff to take in an unnamed cave. I had twice visited this geologic curiosity about six years prior.

Into the Great South Berkshires

Another journey into the southern regions of The Berkshires. Joining with Gary, from the Great Barrington Historical Society, once again, we journeyed to a far off corner of the aforementioned Town.

Icy Gorge Cave

The Ice Gulch - or Gorge - is a rugged piece of landscape not to be taken lightly. It use to be somewhat remote, as far as access goes, until the 1980's when the present Appalachian Trail location brought it within reach. Nonetheless, climbing through this cliff-lined, craggy formation, strewn with large boulders, is not for the beginning outdoors-man. On this particular day, Gary and myself were content to visit the first couple hundred yards, and peer down beyond into a virtual no man's land of geologic wonder.

The old dam

Glacial boulder with plaque

The remainder of this day proved to be more of a pleasant persuasion. Up the road a ways, we saw a minor karst system with tiny caves and much evidence of underground water activity. And up the road from here was a wonderful old dam and glacial erratic.

Continuing our journey, we dropped in on the local Indian cave, and a park that boasted old mill sites and a small set of falls.

The day was finished up exploring an old mention of a balanced rock being on the back side (west) of Monument Mountain. We did not come up with a solid lead, but within days, Gary and fellow historical society member Bernie, had located a likely site. A beautiful big old boulder but not really worthy of being in the class of balanced rocks.

North - in the Berkshires

Once again I got the opportunity to travel with fine company. Mr. Mike was in the Berkshires for the week, so after putting our heads together, we decided on a north Berkshire route. This would put us in a position to see caves that Mike had on his list and a few others out that way.

First up, right in the Heart of the Berkshires, was a stop over at a perennial favorite: Wizard's Glen. Mike got his thrill pulling himself through a couple rugged talus caves.

Mary Constance Todd visiting Wizard's Glen. Circa early 1920's.

Rolling up the eastern side of North Berkshire, first stops were at what I label 'historic caves', in the vicinity of Brodie, due their inclusion in the book(s) of author Clay Perry. The name has since been passed on to a cave of more recent discovery (1960's).

The 'historic' cave (overhanging shelter) described by Clay Perry

Next was the northwest most part of Berkshire County, as well as that of Massachusetts. In order, visits were made to McMaster's and Carmelite Caverns. These were fairly routine explorations with McMaster's proving itself as a major mud hole. Carmelite are somewhat shallow caves but Mike managed to wiggle in to a bit of a new discovery within the system.

Entrance to the largest of the Carmelite Caverns

Traveling over the northern regions of the County, next was an overview of a branch of the Hoosic River with two caves along its bank. Then up to the Natural Bridge where once again the historic vs modern use of a cave name presented itself.

On the way back south, it was fitting that our last stop was to the final resting place of Clay Perry himself. A man who inspired many and will continue to do so for generations to come.

Nutmeg

Hanging Rock

Columbus Day brought me back to the northwest corner of Connecticut. Its been some years since my last visit, that being a one time shot at finding Baldwin's Cave. This visit brought Gary, from the Great Barrington Historical Society, once again out with me into the wilds. Our first stop in Salisbury was the ominous Hanging Rock. Indeed, it does just 'hang' there, precariously perched above the Village, on a sloping hillside.

Historic view of Hanging Rock. Early 1900's postcard

The Double boulder above Great Falls. Early 1900's postcard

Next: a quick drive by of a former cave site that has been filled in in recent years. A quick look to see if we might access (easily) the local Indian Cave (not successful) followed, before heading on down to Falls Village. Here, we looked up Lost Brook, where a possible karst area may exist. Then it was on to the Great Falls itself, which is pretty impressive even at low water levels. A small cave in the area was explored.

Then on to The Land of Goshen (literally) where we hoped the historic Tipping Rock might be located. An initial wrong turn landed us near Rock House, where we later learned a possible Indian cave may exist. Correcting our direction of travel, a neat old cemetery was explored before making our way to the location to begin our hike.

A bit of a walk, and a bit of a search, did eventually bring us to the 'long lost' Tipping Rock. Other features of interest in the area, were old cellar holes and one gigantic boulder, big enough to camp under.

The historic view of Tipping Rock. Circa 1890's.

From there, it was only to roll on north. Back into the friendly confines of the Berkshires. That which we call home.

Central Berkshire Rocks

Two day trips occupied me during the last couple weeks. First to Centennial Rock in the Northern Berkshires, then late last week to a foothill of Mount Greylock's: Rounds Rock.

Hard to believe that eight years have already passed since my last visit to Centennial Rock. This 'sister rock' to better known Brown's Boulder, was tough to read on that last visit. Now, not much remains of the inscription. I imagine Brown's has fared no better, as it's been probably over a dozen years since my previous visit, and at time it was well on its way to being illegible. Both are the work of Captain John Brown from Cheshire. One to commemorate the American Centennial, the other: a poem of unrequited love for Susan Baker, owner of the Baker's Quarry Cave and surroundings.

Rounds Rock is an interesting little 'hillock' that offers a relatively short circuit trail to the summit and back. Around the early 1960's, a regional caving publication had a list of caves, with a reported "Rounds Rock Cave' and that being just a man-sized pothole. There is a slab near one of the summit overlooks and one could fit an adult into it. Looks to be another reference lost to time.

But getting 'lost' on the return allowed me to check out some prominent ledges with porkie dens, and one big slab of rock that had peeled off a nearby, second ledge. A couple other pieces of talus were scattered about and probably a few more porkie 'caves' in there.

From the Lake to the Ocean

This trip was dedicated (or suppose to be) to Rhode Island. However, more and more in recent times, I've learned a valuable lesson: do not rely on conditions being favorable for kayaking.

The first day started pretty much as planned, dropping into the Massachusetts side of Wallum Lake. First on the list was to scout out a "snake ledge" first showed to me years ago by an employee at the Douglas State Forest. This area encompasses some of the territory covered in the old book "The Wallum Pond Estates", a subject I've revisited time and again over the years.

A bit of hiking eventually brought me to the supposed site of the snake ledge. Closer inspection showed it to be an old granite quarry. Indeed, further exploration in the area turned up a number of these old quarrying sites. Conditions on the Lake proved too windy, so I thought I'd move to the southern end (in Rhode Island) where a small put-in would allow me to access that end. It was here I expected to find Patitents (sic) Rock from an old postcard. There are several postcards (including a corrected spelling) showing this same rock. But wind conditions at the southern end were even worse than at the northern.

"Patitents' Rock at Wallum Lake

So I took to the road, a bit farther, hitting Forger's (one of many names for this cave) Cave before spending the night in the area. Early morning brought favorable conditions to go out and explore Wallum Lake. A multitude of erattics lined the shore as well as its bottom. Patitents Rock was located, the lake fully explored, and I moved on to the Newport area.

The Rock at Wallum Lake

Next morning brought disappointment in small craft advisories out on the ocean. So the time was filled visiting an old favorite, Purgatory, exploring Third Beach, then doing a significant portion of the Cliff Walk (something only slightly looked at in the past) while being buffeted by heavy winds coming off the ocean. The afternoon saw Pirates Caves and a close up of the geologic makeup of the area. Although it is primarily know for its colorful shale, there is limestone present.

Green and red shale @ the Pirate Cave coastline

Rains were forecast to move into coastal areas on the fourth day, so I decided to pull the plug on this trip to Newport a day earlier than planned. I headed inland to southwestern Worcester County (Massachusetts) for my first ever look at some Indian caves. This hillside is primarily broken talus that could take the better part of the day to explore. A number of large erratics, balanced/perched boulders, and a modest sized overhang are also present. At present, I'll be looking over my information and correlate it with that already existing, to see exactly which are considered the Indian Cave(s).

The Indian Cave overhang

A Tale of Two Days

Two very interesting days: The first saw Gary Leveille, from the Great Barrington Historical Society - and myself, take on two sites in southern Berkshire County. The first was the Bear's Den. One of many cave formations to 'bear' that name. The next stop took us to the Tipping Rock. As an added 'bonus', stops were made at a nearby cemetery whose entrance-way contained a giant erratic. Another local cemetery provided a pastoral setting with gravestones set into the side of two large elevated mounds. These were actually a kame.

Passage within the Bear's Den.

On the next day, I rejoined Gary for a talk at a cemetery in North Egremont. Following a break, we both joined another member of the Great Barring Historical Society: local author Bernard Drew. Bernie provided a program on a tract of conservation land that also contained an old marble quarry and marble sawmill dating back to 1829.

The old Levenworth quarry

This time around, it was six days out. Primarily stationed on Cape Ann, but per usual, visits along the way in - and out - took place.

Entrance to the old mine.

First up was a very old silver mine up in Middlesex County. Upon arrival, I quickly discovered exploration would require more equipment than I usually carry. However, the entrance area was photographed before moving on and leaving it for a future visit.

Day Two saw kayaking out of Lanes Cove and down (south) the coast, reaching my goal of Lobster Cove right about high tide. An interesting area, which is more of a long and relatively narrow inlet. But a good chance to check out the exposed granites along the shoreline, as well as a few large erratics. Off shore winds that persisted during my stay, made for choppy going on the water, therefore this was the only opportunity I had to use the kayak on this trip. Later in the day towards low tide, I was able to make my way out to Salt Island plus visit a small sea cave along the Gloucester mainland.

Small sea cave (sea spout) along the Gloucester shore

The next three days involved a pretty extensive exploration of some the area's prime woodlands and hiking areas. Days three and four covered sections of a trail network near the Essex - Manchester town lines. First time out was an old mill site, Pulpit Rock (and a near by marginal cave), the Bishop's Grave, and finally the Bear's Den. The next day covered an extensive area I had not seen before: southern parts of the old Manchester to Essex Road, Baby Rock, and Ship Rock. Along the way a generous number of glacial erratics, perched boulders, and towering outcrops of granite, showed themselves.

Baby Rock

The fifth day took me back in to Dogtown to explore a section of woods not previously seen. This trail ran along a high ridge with numerous glacial erratics before turning more inland, where I eventually ended my journey at Racoon Rocks. Later on, I trucked up to Rockport in an effort to find trail access to it's central woodland sections. Although, this proved unsuccessful, I did stumble upon a huge deposit of glacial boulders, somewhat reminiscent of Racoon Rocks.

My final day on the road saw me cover a site in Middlesex County on an old postcard displaying a large boulder in a local cemetery. Then on to Estabrook Woods in Concord to look over an old lime mining site, the dilapidated remains of an old kiln, and Indian Rock. The Rock has a pretty impressive circumference of 60 feet with heights averaging 5 to 7 feet.

Dropping down to Route 2 allowed me to travel the good old Mohawk Trail all the way west to Shelbune before turning south for the last leg of my journey home.

Down in Old Hampden.

Another "lead" - another trip! A buddy, from the last several years, clued me in to where a possible cave - or caves - might be found down in central Hampden County. I had several other sites in the area to visit, so they all went together nicely to fill out a day.

A rock outcrop at Goat Rock

The 'caves' proved to be more myth than legend, but nice ledges and a bit of a fine view. Next, I finally got to hike up to Goat Rock in Hampden. The front of the ledge has fractured, and the dislocation of blocks of rock, provided a couple 'caves' - sort of.

Roasting Rock

Down in Town, I visited Roasting Rock, moved some years ago to the local historical society. And on the way out of town, one of those painted rock 'formations': this one of a dog. A quick spin through Monson to check into access for a local point of interest, then off to Ware.

Reservoir Park with rock - early 1900s postcard

Ware is the site located on an old postcard labeled "Rock. Reservoir Park" My hypothesis was it might be Grenville Park. No match was found, but towards the end of my visit, a trail through the park's interior yield a good half dozen, modest sized, erratics.

Then on home to start packing for the next adventure!

This & That: Gleanings from the past week.

Entrance to the Rock.

(8/24) Finally! With further information provided, I located a HUGE rock with it's own 'cave'. Located in central Berkshires, it is so large - Google Earth can pick it up! One significant piece fractured, and dislocated, provides an entrance-way and a passage. The ceiling/roof is made up of three different sections of stone fractured from the main boulder, and shifted forward. Great bushwhacking on a muggy, buggy, summer day.

Passage within the Rock.

(8/26) A ten year absence, but a return to another old gem: a small cave in the "Marble Heart of The Berkshires". First an ascent to the overgrown hilltop, from which the cave gets its name. Then a descent down it's side to explore the netherworld. Much of this hill lies in quartzite, but more southern regions are marble. This cave is not far from the proverbial contact zone.

One of two entrances.

(8/29)An accidental encounter with Wikipedia's entry on the Pittsfield Cemetery brought something interesting to light. It claims the largest piece of red granite in the world might be none other than the Allen monument, a 42 foot obelisk within the cemetery. Seeing that the historic old cemetery is an old 'haunt' of mine, I could not resist. Where else can one find themselves surrounded by such artistic pieces of stone. The massive spire was quickly located and photographed amongst an unrelenting onslaught of mosquitoes.

42 feet of red granite.

The Mohawk Trail ... and beyond!

No use in wasting time now that Life has offered me the opportunity to turn my attention more fully to the Massachusetts and Rhode Island landscape. So for two days I set out to see what might be found.

Starting out in Franklin County, I attempted a long overdue return to Camp Rock, first seen MANY years ago. Unfortunately most of the roads leading in are closed off. I tried a different approach on this day, only to find myself once again blocked by a DCR gate. Eventually, I may have to hike some distance to get in, but I have one more approach to try.

Next up was Pelham Brook, which I found very flooded on my visit there in late April. I finally set about to further work the postcards of the Profile Rock/Stone Face. Some years ago, I made a very iffy call that it was one particular boulder in the edge of the stream. Reviewing my photography over the past winter, had me doubting that 'conclusion'. Another boulder in a series of photos taken, seemed to have some slight, definitive, signs of that profile on the postcard. Albeit that the rock had been beaten up from almost a century of laying in a stream that is prone to regular, heavy flooding.

So, much was gathered on both the theorized site and the previously one, including some better, more definitive, locations. And then it was time to move on.

It was over the Connecticut River, then down to more fully explore the area surrounding the Rattlesnake Gutter. This included a 'mystery' left to us regarding a small cave(s) from the old WPA Depression era book: Massachusetts Guide. Nothing much for 'new' caves was found although someone from the local area mentioned there might be. This only sets the stage for a future investigation.

A cave entrance!

Camping in a local State Forest, was followed the next morning by a look at the nearby Indian Kettles. Then time to head over to the east side of the Quabbin Reservoir to begin a look into reported Indian caves. Some tough hiking at two locations (one previously visited eight years ago) did not yield the caves. This is something that will be worked later when it's cooler, less buggy, and visibility is greatly enhanced. However, the highlight of the day was making two new contacts from the local town.

An 'Indian Kettle'.

Some things old ... and something new!

Time to once again head out to Essex County, eventually landing on Cape Ann. This was both an unusual - and special - trip as well. Unusual in that a light agenda was planned. This was meant to be more for rest and relaxation. Special, in that it is a new direction in my life - retirement!

The old Everett Tomb

As is often the case, one or two sites are taken in as I make my way across Massachusetts. On this, the first day, it would find me just south of the Mohawk Trail at Redemption Rock. In its vicinity lies an old - now unused - tomb once containing the remains of at least two members of the Everett Family. Although I first visited this site a number of years ago, much to my chagrin, I was unable to find in again several years ago. This visit went well and I quickly found the old burial chamber.

Cave Rock

Landing in West Gloucester gave me a chance to look up an old postcard of the Fishermen's Rest memorial located in a local cemetery. Not surprising, things have changed a bit since the days when the picture was taken for the old postcard - approximately 80 years ago.

The next several days were spent visiting my usual favorite site up at Pigeon Cove, kayaking rivers on the west side of Cape Ann, hiking out to 'Cave Rock', and revisiting Merlin's Cave - first seen on my late April trip.

The Two Brothers (or in this early 1900s postcard: Brother) Rocks

When day five rolled around, a receding tide prompted me to move on Middlesex County. Here, I returned (via river) to the Two Brother Rocks, some of the earliest land boundary/landmarks for Massachusetts. Their history can be traced back to the 1630's. Upon returning to the put-in, a thunderstorm (with weather service warning) was moving in. So the time had come to roll on to Rt 495, and home via the Mohawk Trail.

The Two Brothers: present day

Aquidneck ... and vicinity.

Four days of pretty good weather were to be had on the latest vacation. So this took me down to the Narragansett Bay of Rhode Island, primarily visiting - and staying over - on Aquidneck Island.

The journey in, landed me first in Middletown where the kayak was immediately pout into use looking over a large section of coastline along the Sakonnet River. A few 'cave-like formations' showed themselves as well as the isolated pillar Woods Castle.

Woods Castle

The second day brought me over to Conanicut Island for the further exploration of a very small sea cave spotted there on my visit of September last year. I had intended to cross the Bay to Newport and do a bit of that coastline. But high surf advisory mad journeying out beyond the coves very treacherous.

The awaiting sea cave

View out of the cave

A few of the more outstanding geologic sites on Aquideneck were visited the third day. These included the Cliff Walk (portions closed for repair), Purgatory and its sand lenses, and the Pirate Cave at Newport.

On the way out, day four took me over to Tiverton to visit Fort Barton where I hoped to match an old postcard of a ledge simply marked "The Fort". No luck but a good section of ledge does exist with much overgrowth. The last stop before home was in Massachusetts where some of my favorite Dighton Conglomerate formations exist. These include Wildcat Rock, Abram's Rock, and Lion Rock.

Abram's Bedroom @ Abram's Rock

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

A couple very interesting pieces of old photography surfaced a few years back: Prospect Rock in Becket, and a view from Prospect Rock, towards Blandford. Both were somewhat poorly scanned images intended for an internet auction. One hypothesized location might be near the old Becket quarry. Since I was already interested in further explorations of that property, I set out in search of rocks!

My goal was to hike the trails on the perimeter of the old quarry preserve. Maps indicated several features worth looking at, and I'd keep a look out for Prospect Rock along the way. Ultimately, Prospect Rock did not show itself. But the geologic features marked on the quarry's trail map - and one that was not -proved worthwhile.

Prospect Rock - from an early era stereoview image

These included a large deposit of glacial boulders with very small caves/dens. This was perhaps the largest accumulation I've seen in Berkshire County. Now if this was Essex County, in particular Cape Ann it would be considered very minor. A couple other boulders were marked on the trail map. Both were located, one being quite large but fractured in several places along its length. The other was of minor interest, being quite 'average' and not even very large. But near this one was a slightly larger rock with a large metal ring attached. Likely associated with one of the 'motions' (small quarries) right in that vicinity.

Upon completion of the quarry circuit, a small pink granite quarry was visited about a mile and two-thirds away. Some remnants of a cutting/finishing shed, and equipment, remain.

Two birds with one stone.

Down in the southern Berkshires lies a most beautiful lake. It had been my goal for a couple years to kayak on across its waters as part of a small project. On this lake, numerous postcards portray a "Bull Head Rock". And the impressive Indian Cave Lodge can also be found along the shore.

Bull Head Rock from an early 1900's postcard

So on a sunny, but sometimes very windy Sunday, the lake was accessed. The Lodge was sighted from the water and Bull Head Rock visited twice. Once on the way to the lake's end, and once on the return. It does appear to be a marble boulder. Not terribly surprising considering this is an area of marble, generally highly calcitic, and the home to a more inspiring local landmark: Elephant Rock.

Bull Head Rock - present day

Always interesting to see how a trip unfolds. The Spring vacation plans had me eventually ending on Cape Ann. One thing was clear from the beginning: it would once again be overshadowed by the prospect of lousy weather.

But the adventure began by reaching the Mohawk Trail and making a quick jaunt up to the Town of Rowe. In going over photographs of boulders taken in 2008, something significant caught my attention. A possible, more likely prospect, for the Profile Rock from that town. The effort to gain additional information was mostly thwarted by high water levels in Pelham Brook so this will warrant a return visit.

On to Worcester County, for verification of some unidentified antique photographic material. One image I had already identified from my own records as the Pulpit Rock/Devil's Pulpit. But the second necessitated a personal visit. It also turned out to be the very same rock, but photographed from a distance, probably over 125 years ago. While in the area, a stop was made to Half House (Rock).

The Devil's Pulpit - from an antique stereoview image.

Moving on to Cape Ann, I made a brief visit to the ocean at Pigeon Cove before settling in for the evening.

By the second day, the threat of inclement weather was already a real possibility. So keeping things short - and local - I looked into a 'sliding rock'. This is one of those old local sites from people's childhood memories where as youngsters they would slide down an inclined rock surface. The interesting part is the 'smoothing out' of the rock after years of use. Then a warm up hike was made to Goose Cove after checking out the water level at the Goose Cove Reservoir. Here a couple of Babson's marked cellar holes can be found.

A hike followed into the outer perimeter of Dogtown where a nifty cave was located. A bit more hiking brought more boulders and the possibility of future explorations. This is a section of Dogtown I had barely touched upon in past visits. On the way back to HQ, I returned to a perched boulder formation first discovered in October 2013.

Perched boulder at Gloucester

Uncle Andrews - or Spiritual Power - Rock at Dogtown

The third and fourth days were basically devoted to working around the rain. I decided early on to use the time to extend my explorations of Dogtown into areas I had never seen. The third day ended with the discovery of another cave, while combing through an area of significant boulders. The fourth, saw a visit to an old quarry within the perimeter of Dogtown, and a quick searh through 'Joppa' for it's Old Man formation.

The 'lost' Old Man of Joppa formation

Before leaving town on day five, I took my guide, from earlier in the week, back into Dogtown to see my own modest cave discovery. Then over to the "dead pirate boulders" before saying goodbye. Heading home, I made a final stop into Fitchburg to look over geologic features (apparently there may be some I missed) including old Moses Rock.

Moses Rock

Spring ... and Recon: Part 2

It may be safe to say Spring has finally arrived. For this individual, it now comes the time to get into shape after a prolonged Winter layoff. Although nothing of significance has been taken on as of present, an upcoming vacation (with the cooperation of the weather) should prove a chance to 'dive in' head first. Although it hopefully won't be literally.

The last couple of weeks have finally cleared the lakes of ice so the kayak can be brought out. This is one of my favorite forms of exercise and recreation. As far as the other side of my outdoor pursuits (hiking and possible research) a couple small time items so far. I looked into a hunch that 1880's photograph "Devil's Fish Rock" might lay up at Balance Rock State Park. This did not pan out.

An old postcard of a cascade (presumably small) on the Murray Crane Estate has been investigated a couple times in past years. There is very little for waterways on the old estate, and it seemed to come down to the exit of a roadside pond. That water flows through a culvert to a much lower elevation. But as it exits the pond, it drops into (what is now) a cement encasement leading to the culvert. This seems to be a likely possibility but nothing at this time actually confirms this.

And finally a return to the reconnaissance work started late last year when it was attempted to find out the fate of a small cave in an area of significant housing development. This completed coverage of a large track of land in and around that development without the cave showing itself. I will presume it has been covered over or outright destroyed. Hopefully at some future point, I may be proven wrong.

Land of the Lost

Unfortunately - history does get 'lost'. Perhaps one of my fondest goals is to somehow bring that knowledge back to the present day. Let us examine one such case. And perhaps someone out there just might have that lost bit of knowledge.

About ten years ago a set of postcards surfaced. They portray a group of Boy Scouts on a outing. Certain information is written upon the cards including landmarks as Halls Peak, Johnson Mtn, Halls Bee Hive Cave, Hyde Park Mass, the Stony Brook Woods, and the Blue Hills. They also identify themselves as Troop 13 from the Tabernacle Church. Also of interest is the mention of a "doner" [sic] that was presenting the estate to the Hyde Park Boy Scouts.

Certainly all clues would point to a BSA troop from the Boston suburbs. But NO information has ever surfaced on any such troop - or any such land - ever being part of the Boy Scouts.

A Tale of Two Pulpits

Imagine my surprise some years ago when I arrived at Purgatory Chasm in Sutton, MA: armed with my usual bunch of antique image printouts, I began to scour the rocky rift for sites that carried a name from long ago. At that time, the Park had put up several signs, signs that that have since mostly disappeared, to mark features within the Chasm.

I was successful in locating a little know formation known as the Devil's Stairway but when it came to my image of the Devil's Pulpit - I was not so successful. Oh - there was a section of rock wall marked with a sign called Devil's Pulpit, but not the large, isolated boulder that my postcard portrayed.

Well, on a subsequent visit I did finally locate that boulder. And notice that the Park sign for 'their' Devil's Pulpit had disappeared from the rock wall. More of a surprise was that eventually another postcard of Devil's Pulpit in Purgatory Chasm came into my possession. And this one showed the site that the Park had originally marked with a sign!