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2005.08.27 - Bat Cave (Talus Rocks Loop) |
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Hike Summary: This hike can be done as an out and
back, or a loop, which is how we did it. Talus rocks are a result
of weathering, usually due to freeze/thaw activity. There is a lot
of ground water in the region, which lends itself to frost wedging,
which fractures the rock, forming the talus. In amongst the rocks
lies a protected bat cave, which supports an active bat colony.
Type: Loop
Distance: 3.5 total miles
Elevation
Change: 700 feet
Maximum Elevation: 1140 feet
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There's a good number of trails in the Tradition Plateau area, which makes
it a big draw, and since
its very easy to get to, parking is often a premium. We went a bit
later in the day, and on a week day, so it wasn't too bad, but the lot
was still pretty full, as it was. Some days, though... there's a lot of
people on the trails, and parking is difficult. The trails are very well maintained,
especially on the higher-used routes, and they are fairly well signed.
We had no difficulty in figuring out which trail to take.
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It was nice to be out walking on the trails... it had been a while. |
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There were several trail markers along the way, and at most junctions,
ample signs were readily available to ensure that you were going the
correct way. |
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As we got closer to the caves, there were more and more rocks strewn
about, and the canopy seemed to be a bit thicker... making it darker in
the underbrush... it was nice, and quite cool. |
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The sun peeking through the dark canopy of the trees made for some great
picture taking opportunities... |
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We took a break at the talus, and at the bat caves. there's a fence
up to help protect the cave, and to encourage folks to leave the bats
be... I don't think they had returned from their summer home when we
went up there, though, anyway. |
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It was, by far, the rocks that really stole the show... you could get so
you could almost look down into the mouth of the cave itself, but the
entire pile of rocks was very interesting.
It was also interesting to see how the trees had adapted to the
difficult terrain. |
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We hiked down the Nook Trail to get out... just before we headed down into
to the bowl, we were treated with peeks of a view through the trees...
In all, it was a nice hike, and a lot of fun. |
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