Today's goal consisted of three sites in the southeast regions of Hampshire County. With an option, if time permitted, to wander up a bit north into Worcester County. In the end I had one success to show, from the primary three, before time ran out. However, it was a worthy find and the other two will be ongoing projects.
The initial stop took me into an area south of the Quabbin Reservoir, and west of the Swift River, in search of a small cave with 1800s initials carved into its walls. Besides the historical aspect, I've been interested in looking at small, weathered-formed cave formations in central Massachusetts. The purpose being to see if any similarities between them might exist. This was my second attempt in the area to locate this particular site, and again, it was not to be. But hopefully , through a process of elimination, a future visit will indeed bring me to its location.
On the way farther east to do a bit of a long hike into a 'better located' cave, I made a pass by an area I suspected might be the site of a cascade shown on several old postcards. The road was narrow and dangerous. Parking nonexistent. And looked pretty much like private lands. So without additional information, it was decided to pass on attempting a hike into these woods.
Finally, I arrived at what I hoped to be a worthy exploration: aA moderately long - entirely hot and buggy walk - up hill into the wilds of the Hampshire-Worcester County border. My final destination - Boy Scout Cave - was indeed located! It exceeded what I had expected! Not a weathered cave formation but the result of fractured bedrock and the dislocation of some of its sections. The cave could have potentially made a nifty Native American camp at 20 feet long and around 8 high. it is south facing and has a stream almost at its doorstep.
All-in-all, I think the general area leaves a lot to explore!
