It's a Trick!

It's a Trick!

This is not the benchmark for Drake Peak. When you get to the top of Light Peak you will find this benchmark that says Drake Peak. You are actually on Light Peak which is not the taller of the two. If you're trying to hit Drake, head East, it's worth it.
Nick Turtura
on Jul 16, 2013 6:56 pm
Image ID: 857027

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ZeeJay

ZeeJay - Jul 16, 2013 11:19 pm - Hasn't voted

Reference mark

I'm not an expert on benchmarks, but that clearly says "reference mark" on it as well as RM 3. Presumably there is also a reference mark 1 and reference mark 2. Reference marks have arrows as this one does pointing to the actual benchmark.

Nick Turtura

Nick Turtura - Aug 25, 2013 12:38 am - Hasn't voted

Re: Reference mark

Correct on both counts, however the arrow is pointing west, while Drake Peak is to the East. This isn't my first rodeo and I was still fooled. I looked for the benchmark that this was referencing and found nothing. Then later when I climb the true Drake, it had no benchmark. No big deal, I just couldn't make sense of it.

hightinerary

hightinerary - Jul 17, 2013 8:46 am - Hasn't voted

Reference Marks

Right, ZeeJay. I have climbed several peaks that have multiple reference marks that point to the benchmark.

Nick Turtura

Nick Turtura - Aug 25, 2013 12:38 am - Hasn't voted

Re: Reference Marks

Correct on both counts, however the arrow is pointing west, while Drake Peak is to the East. This isn't my first rodeo and I was still fooled. I looked for the benchmark that this was referencing and found nothing. Then later when I climb the true Drake, it had no benchmark. No big deal, I just couldn't make sense of it.

hightinerary

hightinerary - Aug 25, 2013 4:10 pm - Hasn't voted

Misdirection

Sounds like a USGS blunder!

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