Saturday, October 25, 2014

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.

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