*WARNING: PIC & STORY HEAVY*
My adventure began with a daunting 4.4-mile hike. When I say this trail was steep, I don't mean legs burning kind of steep, I mean there were times when I was totally reliant on my hiking poles to remain upright.
As dawn broke, a beautiful golden blanket illuminated the crown of surrounding mountain peaks. I pressed on steadfast in the brisk morning air. Around 2 hours into the expedition, I rounded a bend and finally caught a glimpse of the Miner's bunkhouse.
Like the Ironman of Urbex, I suited up for my mysterious subterranean adventure. (I pack a plethora of abandoned mine exploration gear - you can never be too careful down in those tunnels!)
A special thanks to everyone in the UER community for being so supportive while I grind towards becoming a user with content worth following.
My journey went as follows.
1.
IMG_E9172 by
Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
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IMG_9199 by
Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
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IMG_E9204 by
Patrick, on Flickr
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IMG_9213 by
Patrick, on Flickr
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IMG_9215 by
Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
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IMG_E9218 by
Patrick, on Flickr
13. The Misty Eye of the Mountain. (My inspiration for the title!)
IMG_E9226 by
Patrick, on Flickr
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IMG_E9227 by
Patrick, on Flickr
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IMG_9232 by
Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
17. This looks to be carbide miner's graffiti from the 40s. The question is, is it 1940, or 1840?!
IMG_9243 by
Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
It was around this time when I got spooked out of my skin. As I was staging this photoshoot, we-woo we-woo! My gas detector's alarm sounded, roaring through the cavern and flashing red! I was getting a steadily declining oxygen reading, indicating bad air. I grabbed my gear and practically flew to the opening portal.
The story doesn't stop there. On approach, I began hearing a very loud alarm coming from outside, one like in Silent Hill. As I neared the exit, it grew louder and louder. I thought that I must've inhaled too much gas and was starting to lose my mind. When I finally made it outside I gathered my bearings and realized it was coming from the town way down in the valley. They were testing their severe weather siren since a huge storm front was on the way! What a wake-up call.
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IMG_9263 by
Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
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Patrick, on Flickr
30. End
IMG_9291 by
Patrick, on Flickr
This adventure is far from over, the day continued and I infiltrated even more remote mining remanence. Since this post is massive I will make a second post to continue my mountainous endeavor. Looking forward to sharing more!