So secret even I dont know where it is ???? – but I have a picture !!!!
12, originally uploaded by Mic2006.
In terms of secrets this one certainly tops the list – situated somewhere in Ontario the cave is simply dripping with beautiful stone deposits. Several years ago cavers of the SQS discovered this shaft and the accompanying speleothems and in the interests of science Parks Canada closed the feature to the public.
Those who know the cave’s whereabouts call this “Root Cave”. From what I can remember hearing about the cave, there was – or is – some kind of study that considers the effects of bacteria on plant roots and their role in speleothem formation. These pictures were taken by Corneile on the initial day of discovery before the cave was closed and for those of us non-scientists – it is all we will ever see of that fantastic spot.
I will post a couple of other pictures in the next few days to give a better understanding of the caves incredible beauty. It is discoveries such as these that keep us looking – I am sure there is lots yet to be found.
Oh, BTW, if anyone wants to contribute to the site feel free to send me your caving or rock related pictures of Ontario.
I read about this cave while studying the geology of the Bruce peninsula where I have a summer cottage. Just yesterday I sought permission from Parks Canada to enter the cave and was denied. It seems unfair to keep one of Ontario’s most decorated caves from any public access. I agree entirely with their decision to keep the cave locked, but it seems they should permit supervised visits by enthusiasts on a limited basis. By the way, the Parks Canada people at Tobermory were the most unwelcoming park officials I have ever encountered. All they were interested in is collecting fees and keeping everyone on the trails.
The best chance you will have, if any at all, is to join a local caving group like the TCG or Rockreations. If anyone at all would be allowed on occasion to enter the cave, it would be caving groups and researchers getting special permission; certainly not the general public.
I experienced the same frustration, and I hear researchers have even been denied permission. Who knows how access to such a closely guarded resource is decided. There are other options though. My advice is to find your own caves and thus dull the pain of Roots.
Where there’s one nicely decorated cave, there’s a very high probability theres another one just like it in the same area to be found. The subject begs the question should cave groups and clubs even inform the parks/goverment when a spectacular find is made? If ones reward for his or hers blood, sweat, tears and long hours of looking for cave leads is to have a grate thrown over the entrance and be denied access, I would be so inclined as to keep it to myself and the club… :/
Sure – you might notice how cagey I am about location.
Just a quick question, does the source of the above image have any others they would like to share? Since so many people will never get to see the inside of Root in all it’s glory, it would be nice to have a well documented image library of the cave…
The above cave is part of the river cave. The largest and best in Ontario. There are many ways in…We pay taxes in canada it is ours…
River Cave? I wonder if you have the location right? Tell me about river cave, I am interested to know.
Hi Mick,
The picture of Root cave above that Corneile D. took when in the cave with Fred U. for the first time, was when she was still living in Ontario. I believe she and Fred were the first ever past the sump.
Root Cave is not “the river cave” that Caveman speaks of.
Caveman, if you have another nice cave you know of and would like to share, please e-mail Mick about it. I’m sure he will be discrete.
If you have seen the trashed Hope Bay cave and other’s you would understand why I let the National Park know quickly that they had this gem, that was in need of protecting. Not that I wanted to keep people out, only the vandals. And there are the bats that use this cave that didn’t need to be disturbed in winter. Hope Bay must have been very beautiful at one time. It’s a sham it wasn’t given some protection also. If it had we could all see the pictures of what must have been very nice Formations.
Parks Canada is not a Conservation area. Park Canada first mandate is to protect natural features not supply recreation, though they do when appropriate. As I understand it.
There are a few cave scientist that are and have done some work in Root Cave. If others have some usefull study that could be done they may also get the OK to enter.
I would agree that there is still hope that other caves may one day be found that are also very pretty. Keep looking and you can be there first! Remember the biggest; longest, deepest caves of the world and Canada are still not discovered yet!!! Unlike the tallest mountains.
Good to hear from you Greg. I’ve been out of the loop lately, work is all-consuming. Hopefully this summer I can make a better effort caving.
hey…make a post !!!
Found the following link to the study that was completed on this cave.
“http://www.mndm.gov.on.ca/mines/ogs/ims/pub/sfw/sfwpdf/6226-35.pdf”
Thank you Peter. I will check the link out right now. I am presently involved with a friend on searching out numerous caves and sinkholes in an area of Ontario that was previously somewhat unknown to cavers. Hope that brings some luck – it looks promising.