Weird rock on lovely walk

[CaverGroupie]

Here is a picture of a rock we saw on our Sunday hike in N. AL. It's not a fossil. Lots of the limestone around here looks like it semi-melted in the rain and was left with round holes or stuff like this rock. Anyone out there know anything in particular about them?

I also included a couple of shots of the forest in the album just because it's beautiful. ALBUM HERE

 

[Snuggles]

It sure does look like a fossil. At any rate, there are some strange findings in them "thar" hills. I once found a cluster of perfectly formed clear quartz crystals. I thought I had found a diamond. Alas, it was only quartz.

 

[Marlowe]

Great photos, Caver. It does look like a fossil but I have seen some strange rock formations caused by water. I've been a rock hound all my life and I'm always looking for that special fossil or semiprecious stone in the rough. Thanks for sharing your find.

 

[Grandpa]

Nice pics Caver, love those fall trees. I know nothing of rocks but if I was to make a guess, erosion caused by either wind or water. I bet at one time it was a part of a bigger rock standing exposed to one of the above. Much like the sandstone hoodoos in the red sandstone country.

 

[ppine]

Limestone erodes into all kinds of shapes due to chemical weathering. Calcium carbonate dissolves in the presence of rain water in wet climates.

 

[CaverGroupie]

Thanks everyone who weighed in. It's so wonderful to have a community of people to ask questions of, and get possible answers! I wanted to bring the rock home, but none of my minions would carry it, and it was too heavy for me to go far with.