Bedrock Tool
By Jim Foley

Hi Folks, just sitting here reflecting on the past summer and planning for next summer. Trying to think how to make things easier--better and thought I would pass this along. I am working in shale/schist bedrock; it is deteriorated and comes up in sheets. The best tool I have found for prying up the sheets of bedrock is called a "Wonder Bar". It is a carpenter's tool for prying and pulling nails. It is stout enough to really bear down on and small enough to be handled easily. This tool is for those flat, thin sheets, you would have to go to something larger for bedrock that is harder and bigger. I first tried tying it to my arm so it would not get away from me, but I didn't like that so I simply painted it fluorescent orange. This way I can just lay it down and know where it is at a glance. This is a great feature for working underwater. They can be purchased at any hardware store or lumber supply. It looks like the number 7 with a curved back.

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