Mud runs deep during the spring thaw.
The Ten Point Lakes, 1100 feet above sea level, are located in the Madawaska Highlands of Ontario. Situated southeast of Algonquin Park, local high point, Buck Mountain, rises 550 feet above the lakes.
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Mud runs deep during the spring thaw. |
The land is primarily forested over the exposed precambrian bedrock. The Grenville rocks were deformed and changed by intruding magmas about a billion years ago which left the region rich in minerals. The current human inhabitation of the area began about 16,000 years ago as the glaciers of the last ice age retreated.
The local town was a booming mining town in the 1920-30s. The wealth attracted the unsavoury such as Al Capone who lived his final years close to here, from 1944-47, after being released from prison. The cabin he lived in is still standing.
Minerals typical of the region are Beryl, a gem mineral group that includes emeralds and aquamarine, Rose Quartz, Feldspar and Mica.
Rose quartz is often used in jewelery and small indoor fountains. The Geological Gardens at the University of Waterloo, ON feature rose quartz that was mined in our area.
Minerals and gemstones can still be found locally. Regional geological attractions include the Princess Sodalite Quarry near Bancroft and the Bonnechere Caves (613-628-2283) near Eganville. Register (for a nominal fee) at Kaufeldt's Store in Quadeville (613-758-1083) to visit and collect from the Aqua Rose Gems & Minerals BERYL PIT.