Rough Visit To A Mine Not Even Supposed To Exist - Part 1 of 2
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
Пікірлер: 194
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!
@putteslaintxtbks5166
7 ай бұрын
Yep, often an old shovel, even a few broke wheel barrels, but..
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. :)
@robertlyman9789
7 ай бұрын
Dick,weeds
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.
@williamwintemberg
7 ай бұрын
The math is certainly there for Justin to be the first since the miners left.
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.
@PissBoys
7 ай бұрын
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.
@otagogold2236
7 ай бұрын
Yes, was going to comment the same thing.
@paulcooper9135
7 ай бұрын
I was thinking the same, though this mine doesn't taper narrower towards the bottom like a true Coffin Level would.
@davebeckley2584
7 ай бұрын
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.
@TalRohan
7 ай бұрын
oh I just posted this too lol
wow! impressive that you not only found this mine, but took the effort to seek in out and explore :) nice!
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 🇨🇦
What a super nice collection of assorted antique tools down there. Thanks for toughing it out in there !
@577buttfan
7 ай бұрын
Dude!
@milemarker_oscar_mike
7 ай бұрын
@@577buttfan SUP man !
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⛏️✨
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 🙏
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!
That’s Justin! Taking one for the team. Thanks, buddy!
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!
@JohnnyDanger36963
7 ай бұрын
Bigfoot ate them
@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756
7 ай бұрын
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.
@williamwintemberg
7 ай бұрын
@@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756 This is exactly why chills ran up my spine.
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
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.⛏⚒⛏
Thanks very much for the pain and chilling condition's to bring this one to us , very KOOL one indeed ! 👍😎☠️
@11:44 I got Hypothermia just watching this..... Great work. Thank you.
I'm sorry but I can feel the cold. You are one of a kind 👍👍👍
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!
Talk about “taking one for the team.” RESPECT. 💪🏼 Looking forward to part 2
Only know of a couple mines here in AZ very similar but near 6k' and no longer accessible by vehicle. Good explore!
Those mushrooms @ the beginning look exactly like a kind that would GREATLY enhance the underground experience..... 🍄
My back ached just watching this.
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"😂
Love it dude!Love seeing your mines over there!
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.
This is documenting history! So beautiful to see the tools! Incredible! Keep it secret, keep it safe.
you are MENTAL and i love you for it!
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!
@TVRExploring
7 ай бұрын
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!
well done sir! Thank you!
Someone was working that mine and planned on coming back. Thats why all the tools were left behind!
Thanks Justin for braving the cold,tight drift forvus,what a unique explore 😊
I had to get a sweater on while watching this! I can imagine the temperature - BRRR!
I truly admire and appreciate your sense of adventure.
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.
The things you do for us!
This is the very definition of "rather you than me"
Awesome too see the hand tool, the adits are similar to ours over here very wet and low
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
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 ❤
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.
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!).
You are truly doing the work! Loved this one!
One of your most interesting videos, thanks for going through that for us.
@9:00 Coffin Levels ( KZread: 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.
ABOVE & BEYOND dedication doing the recon considering your footwear situation at the time.
Thank you for showing all these wonderful mines, You make excellent videos!
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
I wouldn't like walking through that very cold water.
awesome work dude, the effort you go to is above and beyond.. its amazing those drills and picks are still sitting there like the boys left them after their shift, cant wait to see part 2
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
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!
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
Nice. That's one of the coolest explorations I've seen in a while. I know it was difficult, but I really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing. Safe travels
Savage determination
thankas for all your work stay safe
Incredible artifacts! Your determination is admirable as always👍👍
Man you had me holding my breath on this one.
Wonderful explore……you are one very impressive explorer…….thanks for effort.
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.
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.
A interesting old mine, a small dug out one, and one too get cold feet in lol literally, nice hand tools aswel, not much blasting going on in there, Looking forward to part 2, thnx Justin.
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.
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.
@TVRExploring
7 ай бұрын
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!
That was amazing! I love the tools, especially seeing the hammer. That's definitely a first for me. Great job, Tiny Phallic Mushroom man!
Impressive with all those antique mining tools in there! Looking forward to the next video!
Pretty cool! That mud would freak me out, without even stepping in it!
Nice tour of the mine
Absolute golden episode! Hahaha. You went from one of the coolest underground views ever at 6:36 to absolute misery. Sensational effort. There were some pretty sinister looking bacterial blooms just as you found that "crust" I hope you had no cuts or abrasions. Top job. Ebenezer.
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!
Wading through the mine without boots. You da man!
I follow you for a while but this mine is definitiv the oldest you walk in. This drift looks like early 1700 when not older the pickmarks and the profile absolut amazing. It looks like they startet picking and than they startet blasting absolut amazing . Thanks for your effords to bring this beautifull Video to us. Glück Auf and all the best yours Frank Galetzka
@zaboomafoo409
6 ай бұрын
Oh Franke it sounds like you’re starting to recover from the stroke but just so you know that was no mining in this part of California in the early 1700s
Awesome artifacts! Those miners were the real men of steel. I can’t even imagine how much work that had to be.
Dam I'm freezing my ass off just watching you going through the cold ass water 😂
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?
Hard to imagine the labor in volved digging that mine just using picks and handheld drills.... surprised you didn't find a wheelbarrow...
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!
Looks like what they call in England a Coffin mine - hand dug. - maybe?
Maybe it was Chinese miners who worked this mine. The were generally smaller people at the time.
I need a drink after watching that. And my feet feel frozen!
That one must have been painful to explore!
Well done! Freaking hardcore going in rubber sox! I imagine that hump in there musta been the determining factor.
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?
old of a mine is probably because back then the normal man was not tall as today. thank you for all your effort and success for all of to discover with you. many people would love to be there, but do to health reasons could only dream about.
@TVRExploring
7 ай бұрын
Well, another factor is that they were clearing everything out by hand. So, they were pretty motivated for the adit to be as small as they could get away with.
U earned that one bud.
Video Gold once again.
Hey that was some funky mud some bactine is need after a hot shower!!!
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 😎👍
I was glad for you when you got to the end
Also if I may add, beautiful coloring....
That's Thors hammer😂
What a great find well done thanks for sharing all those hand borers and old picks no jackhammers in there matey this is very old we call them coffin levels in Derbyshire they cut the trail levels small to find the vein
You are absolutely crazy, the best kind of crazy.
Good afternoon from Southeast South Dakota
That was brave!
Looks like they had a good load of muck ready to haul out, then decided to drop their tools and call it a day.
If a mine is picked out by hand, might the rock be more stable, having not been bounced around by an explosion?
I like the blue and purple minerals , is beautiful
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.
thanks