On Thanksgiving we took the boys up to the Cheltenham Badlands. Cathy took us there last year but since Cameron wasn't with us, we decided to go back to show him. Who knew that something like this existed in Ontario? Not me!
I found this on The Greenbelt
I found this on The Greenbelt
Looking distinctly like Martian topography, the Cheltenam Badlands are a bizarre geographical spectacle that lie hidden in the Caledon Hills. "Badlands" is a geological term for an area of soft rock devoid of vegetation and soil cover that has become molded over time into softly undulating hills and gullies. The reddish hue of the Queenston Shale is caused by iron oxide, while narrow greenish bands show where circulating groundwater has transformed the rock from red to green iron oxide. This distinctive geological phenomena is extremely rare in Ontario, and the Cheltenham Badlands are one of the best examples in the province.
It's an amazing place to see. Unfortunately, there isn't much there to control the tourists from climbing all over the hills. We didn't see any signs there telling us to stay off the hills. We, and everyone else, were climbing all over them. Apparently you're not supposed to, according to some reading I did on the internet. Well, at least we'll know for next year.
Wow... beautiful in a strange way. I wonder why some say that we aren't supposed to walk on them... premature erosion?
ReplyDeleteLooks like a cool place. You'll have to take us there sometime.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the prohibition against walking on the rock formation is similar to that for sand dunes. Perhaps they're very delicate structures. I wonder if there is some ecosystem at risk too.
I have been to this area in Cheltenham a number of times over the years. What strikes me in your pictures are the people! Whenever I visited this area, there were no other people around. They were not a well known landform at that time. I remember coming upon them about thirty years ago quite by accident. A number of years later, I organized a class field trip to the Caledon Hills and used this as a brief stop on our excursion.
ReplyDeleteThe photos demonstrate how much the population of Southern Ontario has grown that this "off beat area" is no longer an off beat area.
I never knew about these hills. Interesting indeed. Thank you for the post.
ReplyDeleteThe signs should be up and even some fencing to protect the hills to prevent human traffic from damaging them.
That place looks so cool. I was just reading about it on the weekend - who would know that Ontario could have such a palce.
ReplyDeletewe used to go there for our grade 10 geography trips and i would sometimes pass them when i worked for homecare. they certainly are unique!
ReplyDeleteWow, you're right! I would never expect to see something like that in Ontario. The geography of this province are so diverse... WOW! Looks like you had fun, and yes, I would have been climbing all over those rolling hills too. :S
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that?
ReplyDeleteI love going to the Badlands. They are just 10 minutes from my place. Stephen, usually there is no one around (or next to no one); however, as you know, the Caledon Hills are a prime destination for Autumn picture taking!
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