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UER Forum > US: Pacific Southwest > Heading deep into the Widowmaker mine (Viewed 768 times)
Abby Normal 


Location: Las Vegas
Gender: Female
Total Likes: 843 likes




 |  |  | Mine Explorer
Heading deep into the Widowmaker mine
< on 8/3/2020 4:09 AM >
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Posted on Forum: UER Forum
A couple of weekends ago we headed north to the Delamar mine. This time we started heading down through all kinds of little squeezes until we got to the bottom. At least as far down as anyone has been able to explore. This video probably gives the best feel for what it's really like to get serious about underground exploring.

I know that some folks frown on YouTube videos, but it's what I have from this trip. We got to some pretty neat places that most of the mine explorers that got there just never make it to.

Hope you enjoy it!





"Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem." Ronald Reagan
OnlyFootprints 


Total Likes: 130 likes




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Re: Heading deep into the Widowmaker mine
< Reply # 1 on 8/3/2020 8:59 PM >
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Posted on Forum: UER Forum
Looks like a good exploration. Mine's are super fascinating. Reminds me of going to Mammoth Cave as a kid.

Sadly, I can't work up the nerve to go mine diving myself since my uncle lost a bunch of friends in a coal mine collapse in the 80s. They were assessing the stability of a closed tunnel and one of the supports from the main chamber got knocked loose by a mine vehicle. It took them about a month to recover the bodies.

My only negative comment is naming the actual location. But other than that I'm glad you're out and about.




Abby Normal 


Location: Las Vegas
Gender: Female
Total Likes: 843 likes




 |  |  | Mine Explorer
Re: Heading deep into the Widowmaker mine
< Reply # 2 on 8/4/2020 2:25 AM >
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Posted on Forum: UER Forum
Posted by OnlyFootprints
Looks like a good exploration. Mine's are super fascinating. Reminds me of going to Mammoth Cave as a kid.

Sadly, I can't work up the nerve to go mine diving myself since my uncle lost a bunch of friends in a coal mine collapse in the 80s. They were assessing the stability of a closed tunnel and one of the supports from the main chamber got knocked loose by a mine vehicle. It took them about a month to recover the bodies.

My only negative comment is naming the actual location. But other than that I'm glad you're out and about.


I certainly understand about having a personal experience like your uncle putting you off of exploring. The only time I took my daughter, she was done after about 10 minutes. She's never gone underground again. It's not right for everyone and each person has their own comfort level. I never push people who don't want to go.

With regard to the mine name, this particular mine is a state historical site and all over the internet. I have other mines that I will only show the insides of. And a couple that I'll never share publicly.

Thanks for taking time to watch and give me some feedback. I really appreciate it!

Abby




"Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem." Ronald Reagan
plight 


Location: Bay Area, CA
Total Likes: 108 likes




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Re: Heading deep into the Widowmaker mine
< Reply # 3 on 8/5/2020 3:32 AM >
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Posted on Forum: UER Forum
This looks very fun. What kind of ropes are you using? I just ordered a SMC Micro rack with double hyperbars. I'm excited to take it out and practice with it only problem is I don't have a caving style harness with a mallion main point. Any recommendations for a cheap harness? I don't think its going to be too smooth on my climbing harness. Nice video I'll keep an eye out for more.




Abby Normal 


Location: Las Vegas
Gender: Female
Total Likes: 843 likes




 |  |  | Mine Explorer
Re: Heading deep into the Widowmaker mine
< Reply # 4 on 8/5/2020 8:34 PM >
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Posted by plight
This looks very fun. What kind of ropes are you using? I just ordered a SMC Micro rack with double hyperbars. I'm excited to take it out and practice with it only problem is I don't have a caving style harness with a mallion main point. Any recommendations for a cheap harness? I don't think its going to be too smooth on my climbing harness. Nice video I'll keep an eye out for more.



Plight,

I actually use the SMC Micro with dual hyperbars myself. I really like it. A bit old-school compared to the newer devices, but lots of cavers still use them.

Here's the company I recommend for a caving style harness: Gonzo Guano Gear I have an old version of this harness and really like it. The price is right too.

If you are going to be solely using your rope for rappelling or rope climbing, then you want a "static" rope. They have just a couple of percent stretch. DO NOT use this rope for climbing. If you want a dual-use rope, then buy a climbing rope. You can still use it to rappel and rope-climb, you just won't be as efficient while you are bouncing up and down.

If you want stiff and rugged rope, then PMI pit rope is a great choice. I use a softer New England rope in 11mm (7/16). I buy my gear from Karstsports since they specialize in caving gear.

Thanks for watching the video! I have another in the editing process right now. I got to visit and explore one of the richest gold mines in history. (Up to 2,700 ounces of gold per ton!!) It's the Florence Mine in Goldfield NV. It was a pretty amazing mine!

Abby Normal




"Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem." Ronald Reagan
UER Forum > US: Pacific Southwest > Heading deep into the Widowmaker mine (Viewed 768 times)


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