This rock came from about 1280' elevation (the point of leveling out, though the ridge does eventually reach 1340 in this area it is a very gradual incline from 1280 to there). This type of rock is common around this elevation and appears to be replacing the classic Reeds Spring/Elsey dark, mottled, brecciated chert. In addition to its common occurrence at this elevation, the relative weathering of this type compared to the rocks of lower and upper elevations lead me to believe it is truly representative of the general elevation. I believe the Pierson/Reeds Spring transition is exposed along road here at 1130', putting this about 150' above that. In Jane (the closest measured column) the distance from the Pierson/Reeds Spring to the Elsey/Burlington is roughly 200'. About the fossil, it is hard to say for sure, but I think it is the typical type pelecypod around here - though this would be an early occurrence (as far as I can tell). On a side note, the distance from the Norhview to Burlington in Mt. Vernon is only 65' and in House Springs 47'.

basal Elsey? as high an exposure as is exposed in this area, just a few feet above the linked observations (near backpack). chert pictured is a few feet below. Rock is becoming chalky white at level of this brachiopod, but dark below.

lower Keokuk is best guess, looking for outcroppings at one of the highest locations I have access to. these sharp, angular red chert rocks were abundant. Could be wrong about this, but maybe basal Keokuk as opposed to the whiter more weathered chert so common on the ridge. intent is to return/uncollected. From draw just above these observations - https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/146610639

I can't understand why the fossiliferous chert that is so common in TH vicinity should be so rare here. The same sequence of rock occurs. The only think I can imagine is that it remained more preserved as limestone and has all eroded away. Interestingly a limestone hash of this same type of brachiopod was also encountered today (see link) - does that make this chert Elsey? or at least the oldest Burlington?

I think this is the halloween gastropod but may not be. hash, in descending order of abundance - crinoids (two calyx), bryo (flat zooecia type and others)=brach, two separate and different burrows (both with nice details of tubes), amplexus coral, blastoid, gastropods (platyceras and halloween?), trilobite.

hash, in descending order of abundance - crinoids (two calyx), bryo (flat zooecia type and others)=brach, two separate and different burrows (both with nice details of tubes), amplexus coral, blastoid, gastropods (platyceras and halloween?), trilobite.