The word”cairn” is derived from the Scottish Gaelic meaning stone man. It can invoke images of purpose, faith, and the spiritual journey. In the backcountry, cairn-making is a trend and it’s simple to understand why people are attracted by these sweet little stones that are shaped like children’s building blocks. With shoulders hurting and flies that are black buzzing in ears, a hiker will look over the stones in front of her and attempt to select one that has the right amount of tilt and flatness in depth, breadth and width. After a http://cairnspotter.com/here-are-some-interesting-facts-about-cairns few missed opportunities (one too bulgy, one too small) The solitary will select the stone which is perfect to fit. The second layer of the Cairn is complete.
Many people are unaware that cairn construction can cause environmental harm particularly when it is constructed near water sources. When rocks are removed from the edges of an ocean, a lake or pond, they disrupt the ecosystem and eliminate the habitat for microorganisms which help to support the entire food chain. These rocks may also be carried away from the edges of a pond or lake through erosion and end up in places that could pose a threat to wildlife or humans.
Cairn building should be avoided in areas that have rare or endangered mammals, reptiles amphibians, flowers, or reptiles or in areas where the moisture is locked under the rocks. And if you build an cairn on private property, it may violate federal and state regulations that protect the natural resources of the land and could result in fines or even arrest.