Rough Visit To A Mine Not Even Supposed To Exist - Part 1 of 2
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- I often use old topographic maps out in the field when scouting abandoned mines to explore… As you know, I’ve been doing this for many years and (until this mine) whenever I have come across a mine marked “Inactive” on a historical topo map, it has never been accessible. To be marked “Inactive” on a topographic map that can be a century or more old means that the mine has been abandoned for a very long time! Therefore, whenever we have visited such mines in the past, they have always been eroded shut or completely caved. Often, there hasn’t even been much of interest on the surface anymore either given the amount of time that has passed since the mine was last worked. Not so with this abandoned mine!
To further reinforce the idea in our minds that this mine almost certainly did not exist anymore was the fact that the conditions in the area were not at all conducive to the mine being open… Specifically, I am referring to an abundance of brush in the area as well as a heavy accumulation of topsoil. The dirt or topsoil is far more prone to caving in on itself or in eroding a mine shut. So, we generally have low expectations in such terrain, but there are enough exceptions to keep us checking. However, with the dirt conditions AND the “Inactive” status on the topo map, we knew beyond any doubt that this mine would be gone.
Well, you saw the reality…
Having learned our lesson, we returned to the site in Part 2 with all of our gear. So, the production quality is higher with the second part as I had the stabilizer and other such gear for the second visit. And, of course, for there to be a Part 2, you can rest assured that we found some good stuff on the return visit!
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You can see the full TVR Exploring playlist of abandoned mines here: goo.gl/TEKq9L
You can see the gear that I use for mine exploring here: bit.ly/2wqcBDD and here: bit.ly/2p6Jip6
Several kind viewers have asked about donating to help cover some of the many expenses associated with exploring these abandoned mines. Inspired by their generosity, I set up a Patreon account. So, if anyone would care to chip in, I’m under TVR Exploring on Patreon.
Thanks for watching!
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Growing up in California’s “Gold Rush Country” made it easy to take all of the history around us for granted. However, abandoned mine sites have a lot working against them - nature, vandals, scrappers and various government agencies… The old prospectors and miners that used to roam our lonely mountains and toil away deep underground are disappearing quickly as well.
These losses finally caught our attention and we felt compelled to make an effort to document as many of the ghost towns and abandoned mines that we could before that colorful niche of our history is gone forever.
I hope you’ll join us on these adventures!
#ExploringAbandonedMines
#MineExploring
#AbandonedMines
#UndergroundMineExploring
VERY cool that you likley found the actual hammer that was used on those actual bits. I dont recall EVER seeing that before in a mine. Once in a lifetime find!
Yep, often an old shovel, even a few broke wheel barrels, but..
You see that shape in old Welsh mines in the U.K., they're called coffin levels due to the shape. I wonder if these miners were from Wales? And I really like your technique of turning around and showing where you've been, adds context.
I just came down to the comments to say the same thing, this is very reminiscent of hand-picked mines from 17th and 18th century UK mines.
Yes, was going to comment the same thing.
I was thinking the same, though this mine doesn't taper narrower towards the bottom like a true Coffin Level would.
That was the first thing I thought of, coffin levels. If also caused me to think of the miserable conditions before compressed air, electric lights, black powder and eventually dynamite.
oh I just posted this too lol
Thats a hand dug level for sure
I've heard British explorers call these "coffin levels" because they are ⚰ shaped
Gotta remember, those guys were like 4'9"😂
wow! impressive that you not only found this mine, but took the effort to seek in out and explore :) nice!
I definitely tip my hat to Justin for going basically barefoot in a flooded 150 year old mine and giving us a view. Awesome as always! Thanks man...
This mine is pretty cool.....even the mushrooms are excited. :)
Dick,weeds
I wonder Jeff Williams watches this channel and drools 🤤 over all the beautiful veins of quartz you pass by in your videos
This old mine looked like it had some of the best stuff I’ve seen in a video
Someone else was scratching at all the quartz veins they could in there
Thanks for another great video tvr⛏️✨
Thanks very much for the pain and chilling condition's to bring this one to us , very KOOL one indeed ! 👍😎☠️
I think that mine was certainly worth the effort ... pick marks, tools, changes in rock .. very interesting!!!
Hand picked mines are my favorite... it is so incredibly humbling to think about how hard these guys worked to try and earn a dollar. Every pick mark is another drop of sweat ...
Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦
This has not been visited since they walked away. You have braved such miserable conditions in such a remote location nobody else had the grit to persevere to the end. Those relics in situ are priceless but taken out of context would just be meaningless souvenirs. My guess is the 1860's or 1870's. That was truly sporting.
The math is certainly there for Justin to be the first since the miners left.
Maybe it was Chinese miners who worked this mine. The were generally smaller people at the time.
Looks like what they call in England a Coffin mine - hand dug. - maybe?
Nice explore of a nasty old mine, way to hang in there. The tools all over, kind of brought the old timers to life again. I could imagine them working there in those tight conditions. Looking forward to part 2. take care and stay safe and maybe get a hot shower or two after all that yuk.⛏⚒⛏
Someone was working that mine and planned on coming back. Thats why all the tools were left behind!
What a super nice collection of assorted antique tools down there. Thanks for toughing it out in there !
Dude!
@@577buttfan SUP man !
Who knew there is a market for steel toed water socks? Maybe a market of 1 - but nonetheless a market... lol
Had anyone else been down there in that cold water, they would've looked in the distance and convinced themselves that it was caved to get out of the cold water. Thanks for continuing on and showing us some awfully cool artifacts!
Those mushrooms @ the beginning look exactly like a kind that would GREATLY enhance the underground experience..... 🍄
ABOVE & BEYOND dedication doing the recon considering your footwear situation at the time.
Hey that was some funky mud some bactine is need after a hot shower!!!
That's definitely one to be meticulously documented! I've never seen a tool pile like that ever! That's exactly wheŕe they left off. Obviously, something must have happened. They wouldn't have just walked away and left their tools behind like that. If any mine deserves to be researched, it's that one. Could you imagine actually putting names to men who used those tools to dig out the countless tons of rock making that mine.
I can't wait to see part two. I usually spend most of the time looking at the mineralization and structure of the rock when watching any mine exploration videos. But this place is just so historically intact. It deserves to be documented with everything in situe. Im really glad that didn't move anything from where it was placed. If only people would have that same thought of preservation exploring mines would be more like visiting a museum. Amazing video! Thank you for not turning back. You really took one for the team. But damn did you ever score!
Only know of a couple mines here in AZ very similar but near 6k' and no longer accessible by vehicle. Good explore!
@11:44 I got Hypothermia just watching this..... Great work. Thank you.
Talk about “taking one for the team.” RESPECT. 💪🏼 Looking forward to part 2
What a find! A time capsule for sure. The tools close to the face waiting for the next days work that didn't yet happen. For some reason, the tools sitting there put chills up my spine. A mystery as to why they weren't removed. This one has me going! Thanks Justin!
Bigfoot ate them
I'm inclined to think that there was some type of accident. Weather it was at the face or after the day was finished. Miners wouldn't leave expensive tools like that. Justin did an amazing job of holding back and not touching anything. It's not often anyone sees a mine exactly how it was the moment the digging stopped. It's by far top on the list of historical mines. Could you imagine if everyone had that presence of thought with all the mines. We would have a whole lot of museums to actively look at.
@@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756 This is exactly why chills ran up my spine.
I wouldn't like walking through that very cold water.
Why was a mine like this abandoned? Played out?
Apart from that one raise (Justin was of the opinion it didn't go anywhere, and who am I to argue differently), it doesn't look like there was anything there to get excited about. Maybe Part 2 will show the miners got a bit luckier, or not.
Nice coffin mine!
My dad used to say;
Stick your nose outside.
If it’s raining, bring an umbrella.
If it’s not, bring one anyways.
Great explore!
Thank you 🙏
They set their tools down after finishing for the day and never returned ?😮
@9:00 Coffin Levels ( RUclips: Lost Mines ): This very closely resembles the coffin levels found in Welsh, Roman and other pre-1850 mines that were hand worked/single jack+gun powder, transported by ore sacks/wheelbarrows/mules, etc. Impressively hard won, back breaking accomplishments.
well done sir! Thank you!
I don't know if you filmed the entrance before or after you went inside but your first shots of it looked to be that some person or animal (of at least some size) had been going in and out of there. The normal pile of dirt filling up the portal had a nice rounded groove in it at the peak of it like something was sliding over the himp to get in. Definitely looked larger than a pack rat or other small creature. Maybe something WAS grabbing your leg. LOL.
I bought some almost disposable hip waders that you have to wear shoes over for $30 at Wall Mart, I carry them in my pack after I encountered a flooded Adit and had to return the following week!
Without the waders my legs went numb in 3 minuets.
I'm sorry but I can feel the cold. You are one of a kind 👍👍👍
My back ached just watching this.
Absolutely remarkable on more than one level. The effort put forth to single jack, double jack, pick, and then haul all of the waste rock and then decades later have a guy with a flashlight. Little blue booties, and a camera make his way through deep muck and low back causing a hurtin' back so we get to see it. The manner in which the tools were left make if easy to imagine the miners were relieved to have a foreman tell them, "That's it, we're done". Waiting for Number Twi, Thanks
Awesome too see the hand tool, the adits are similar to ours over here very wet and low
Unexpected adventures reveal something rare… in all the mine exploring channels and videos ive watched over the years, i cant say ive ever seen a hammer for the jacking bits. And sooooo many bits…that kind of hammer… is a treasure. who cares about the carpenter hammers…i wonder if some of the mineral zone there is laminites or is it just surface seep clay?
I wonder what was floating on the water and clinging to some rocks. The color suggests a high sulfur content. I see there is something called a large sulfur bacterium. Is it that or something else?
you are MENTAL and i love you for it!
That’s Justin! Taking one for the team. Thanks, buddy!
That's Thors hammer😂
Dam I'm freezing my ass off just watching you going through the cold ass water 😂
I had to get a sweater on while watching this! I can imagine the temperature - BRRR!
The things you do for us!
Che bei colori.
I truly admire and appreciate your sense of adventure.
This is the very definition of "rather you than me"
Savage determination
This is documenting history! So beautiful to see the tools! Incredible! Keep it secret, keep it safe.
Love it dude!Love seeing your mines over there!
When you say "exploratory" is it likely that there was something on the surface that was encouraging or did they just "lets dig a cramped, watery, manual labor only tunnel and maybe we'll get lucky and bump into some gold/silver rich ore"?
My bet is they found something at the surface initially, though, it's possible there is more exploratory adits in the area by the looks of this(and the mineralization on the rock).
There may have been successful mines in the area. Or an encouraging outcrop on the surface. Or who knows. There was a much bigger element of luck back in those days. Maybe Part 2 will show the miners had better luck.
@@daveg2104 When I lived in the county outside of Boulder Colorado I would spend my days looking at topographic maps of the nearby front range and then I would go exploring those areas. It was very common to find multiple small piles of dirt next to small holes. I would look at them and wonder two things: why did someone dig that hole and why did they stop? Probably quartz on the surface but who knows?
Very cool find!!!
Given the size, tools, evidentiary marks on ribs, would a guess of mid to late 1800s be accurate??
Kudos for roughing that out, I sure as hell couldn't have!
If a mine is picked out by hand, might the rock be more stable, having not been bounced around by an explosion?
Hard to imagine the labor in volved digging that mine just using picks and handheld drills.... surprised you didn't find a wheelbarrow...
Aaaack what a NIGHTMARE!! I don't know how you did THIS one . I kept wishing you would turn back. It certainly was interesting tho. Ty
Exploring this audit just proves how much you enjoy doing mine exploration. Definitely have some tough feet and must be up on all your vaccinations walking through that water
Also if I may add, beautiful coloring....
If you'd had all the gear and your pack, then you'd have even less ceiling clearance, so maybe this was sorta better.
Graffiti & Tallow Candles: In mines of this age, you may see hand drawn inscriptions/graffiti, as well as markings from tallow candles often affixed to the wall using clay found within the mine. Very difficult to spot both of these, but very rewarding if/when you do. Very much looking forward to part 2 (such a great find!).
Hi Justin, the things you put yourself through for us lol, you are a braver person than I that's for sure.
I'm looking forward to pt 2, thank you for sharing, much love. xx ❤
Aesome video TVR. Brave as usual. Take alook at 13:48 look close to orange in the water there is a face in it. Creepy but cool. Thank you sir.
Thank you for showing all these wonderful mines, You make excellent videos!
That is the first time I have seen a sledgehammer left in a mine! You must have been the first to go back that far since the mine was abandoned! Anyone one else would have taken that stuff!
Looks like they had a good load of muck ready to haul out, then decided to drop their tools and call it a day.
That one must have been painful to explore!
I’ve fallen into the same trap before, thinking you’ll not need kit then you end up kicking yourself when you get there ;). We were in a hand dug mine today (video Saturday), always amazes me the commitment and sheer amount of work required. I don’t envy you in that kit, it was snowing outside the mine we were in and even with wet socks, took ages for my feet to warm up afterwards.
It does not look like anyone has been in there in over a hundred years.
I don't believe that anyone has.
Wow! You really trudged through the muck on this one! Thank you. Fascinating to see all the early mining artifacts laid out like they were returning the next day. Must be mid to late 1800’s right? Bravo! You probably just entered a mine untouched for 130 years!! Crazy!! The trust the miner had to have in the other miner swinging the hammer! Looks to be around 8 pounds!
Yes, 1800s is correct. Absolutely, you're right. It was pretty awesome to walk into a "time capsule" mine like that and see the tools laid out as you described... Haha, and, yeah, I cannot imagine ever being comfortable being on a double jack crew!
Thanks Justin for braving the cold,tight drift forvus,what a unique explore 😊
The area and even the entrance gave me heavy deja vu for a set of mines I found earlier this summer, but I was not as lucky with drift access. Very cool to have found so many of the tools still waiting inside for workers who would never return. Pretty sketchy sections in that drift to have solo explored. Major props, my friend.
100%
man, that sledgehammer was big. reading 3 comments while it says 0 comments
One of your most interesting videos, thanks for going through that for us.
I can't believe the effort you put in to do this one for us, J. That water...cold as heck, no waders, then the stoop over...what a task. It was very interesting to say the least. Staring at those pic marks, thinking about the men who labored to do that work, stooped over in near darkness, working their tails off, convinced the payoff was there..
Looking forward to part 2.
Man you had me holding my breath on this one.
" why do people do this " lool
hope you scrubbed down after if there was rat piss in there its dangerous..
I need a drink after watching that. And my feet feel frozen!
I agree. Coffin level
Like trudging thru sewage
thankas for all your work stay safe
wow you are in the mine of the dwarfs.
I've been watching you for years and never realized you went in these things barefoot! That mud seems like pudding, how do you know dangerous gas bubbles won't pop when you disturb it? I'd be worried about stepping on a rusty spike too! Good bye feet! Excited for part 2 nonetheless!
I don't normally go into mines barefoot. However, we "knew" this mine wouldn't exist anymore and were already tired from a long day. So, we left all of our gear behind at the truck to hike out to this one.
@TVRExploring Gotta love those types of secret mines! Looking forward to part two!
Ooo cool
0:41 you should always bring 3 sources of light when going underground. Learned that I. Spelunking class as a boyscout
thanks
Trooper
Good afternoon from Southeast South Dakota
Note to self always take your pack. Lol great looking mine. Only other comment I have is..... We have shrinkage.
It boggles my mind , to try to visualize the lengths those Old miners went to in order to hand pick & jack out all that material in this particular section here in your video. And also what you went through personally to video this. Finding those tools just left there kinda makes you wonder what happened?? Did they get to that face & realize winter was upon them & they needed to abort & return in spring only to maybe have trouble returning? Or money to continue run out ? Or……. ? ? Hopefully they made enough money from what WAS mined to live on in whatever time frame period that was . You got some big balls Justin making your way that far into what sure to me looked like a “ Death -trap” mine , what with all the muck & ground-fall and water . Maybe that brownish gooey mess was the decomposition of the guy or guys before you ….😬😏😆. Thanks as usual for your narrative & lengths you go through to bring us this kind of content. Be safe man…. & looking forward to part 2 😎👍
Kurde, ludzie nie macie zwykłych kaloszów?
Wonderful explore……you are one very impressive explorer…….thanks for effort.
You sir, are a legend : ) Thanks for taking one for the team. Really cool old mine. I think that is the first time I have seen the hammers. Imagine how many times that thing got swung : o
Holy shit man, this one was incredible and one of my favorites of yours so far. I've never seen a hand steel cache like that anywhere, but one including picks AND a hammer (for drilling)?! Just doesn't happen anymore. Your devotion paid off in spades here. I laughed way too hard at the "why do people do this?" comment, only because it was too relatable and I've asked myself the very same question numerous times in eerily similar self inflicted predicaments, lol.
Haha, yes, I thought a few people in the audience would be able to relate to that question! And, yes, walking up on that stash of hand steel and tools blew my mind. Like you said, that just doesn't happen anymore!
I can't imagine the amount of pick and shovel work needed to make a mine like this!
Every day's progress must have been measure in just a foot or two of tunnel!
I live in Norcal and I was wondering what you use to find these mines! Thank you!
In English mining terms, that's a "Coffin Level" due to it being the perfect shape for across the shoulders width and height.
The whole video up to the part where you get freaked out tracking through the sludge made a great horror video. Finding a mine in a place you wouldnt expect starting off as tight but a comfortable enough fit, finding strange black steak on the walls tightening passage and water deepening culminating in horrible sludge above your ankles. great stuff
That mud reminded me of a fella that was drilling a water well, they hit water about 150 feet down and while drilling down for a resevior punched into a mine shaft. That became his septic tank.
Have you ever dropped your camera into that muck that you have to wade through in some of these mines? Particularly like this one when you don't have your waders to fight off the freezing water?