Explorations at Coles Brook

It was a return to the backwoods with the Hilltown Hikers for more explorations of old historic sites in Middlefield. We focused on an abandoned road that would lead down and across Coles Brook. Coles Brook lends its name in old-time geology to a formation of 'limestone'.

The old Kent Cemetery

First stop was the desolate Kent Cemetery. Far off the beaten path for sure, it is said to contain 8 burials. Nearby, we sought out the boundary marker for three towns. Then working our back back to the abandoned road we finally arrived at Coles Brook. Old abutments existed but nothing tested positive for limestone. On the way back, one of our dog hiking comrades tangled with a porcupine. She was sent off with Mom to the vet once arriving at the cars.

Boundary stone for Washington, Becket, and Middlefield

Three of us made the trip around to access the other section of road that had lain across Coles Brook. Another neat cellar hole was explored and the area on that farther side of the Brook.

Chester on Track

The highlight of the year for the Town of Chester: Chester on Track! A celebration of its history with special emphasis of its railroad heritage. A chance to socialize, eat food, and hang with the people and dogs that make up the Hilltown Hikers!

My first chance at seeing the great stone cutting saw that once figured prominently to their burgeoning granite industry.

The saw

Middlefield cellar

The more usual Friday with the Hilltown Hikers. This round takes us down into Middlefield. Much history can be found along old Factory Brook whose reservoirs and mills once held thriving manufacturing operations. Old cellar holes marking homes can still be found. Our LIDAR aficionados gave us a route along a long ago abandoned road down through the woods and across that Factory Brook! Although the route was severely eroded in places, we located the site of the former Smith Home. A couple of wells and a splendidly intact foundation and chimney could be found. A nice barn could be traced out as well.

Smith cellar

Afterwards, we mapped out future plans to access other remote areas in town.

The destination was Lee MA this time around with the Hilltown Hikers. Two sites: one of which I have never seen and one, I was quite familiar with. I did not know until after the fact there was some bit of a geologic connection between these two beautiful tracts.

First on the agenda was my first look at the Golden Hill Town Forest. There is some nice hiking along it's lower (in elevation) portions that include rocky ledges and large trees. One tree being named the Mother tree. The ledges included a handful of 'cave-like' formations but nothing close to the real thing. Towards the end, we ascended steeply to the Pinnacle. A few good views were to be had before descending back to our cars via an informal path.

Fern Cliff from the Picturesque Berkshire series of books. 1890s

Then onward, very close to the Town center, and Fern Cliff. An area I started exploring with my own Father over 55 years ago. Fern Cliff is a bit of a hidden gem containing Peter's Cave, Union Rock, and the latter day named Coydog Cave. There are a number of Victorian Age references and photographs of the area, especially showing prominent views from its lofty ledges. Of course there's the story of Peter Wilcox, and an associate escapee from jail for partaking in Shay's Rebellion, hiding in his namesake cave. A cave that is occasionally referenced as going clear through the hillside!

Peter's Cave circa early 1900s postcard

Peter's Cave late 1990s

Geologically, it appears both prominences are the result of fault uplifting. It seems a synform runs through the two of them although Golden Age geologist BK Emerson lists it as a fault. Surrounding their bases is carbonate rock (marble) but their uplifted portions are basically Dalton Formation. I wonder at this point, if the intersection of the two may be an explanation for erosion formed caves. Nearby Kane's Ledge (explored eons ago) seems to offer a similar genesis.

Tekoa

The namesake 'Bent Birch' marking cave territory

Taking advantage of what little I know of on caves on Tekoa Mountain, along with a Steve H. article from last summer's Northeaster Caver, the Hilltown Hikers set out on a mission. We wanted to cover as much as possible of the lower Tekoa caves. Between trip leader Liz's trail knowledge and my old GPS coordinates, we soon made our way to an area known as Bent Birch. It pretty much 'fit the bill' as far as fractured ledge and talus cave formations go. Of course with the landmark bent birch hanging by the entrance.

Just a bit 'around the corner' (east) we came upon the talus pile I have know for years. Here is where I found my first caves of Tekoa probably close to 25 years ago. Frustrating is two them seem to have disappeared in recent times. Possible disintegration of the talus?

The mighty Westfield River and closed bridge

Returning to our cars, some took off while a couple of us went to examine the nearby kayak put in for a rather lengthy portage from upstream. Also we looked at two sections of falls displaying some impressive rocks, one included potholes. The water was remarkably high and would be well worth the effort of a return trip once a low water situation is available.