The thing about Mine Exploring vs Caves is that whilst caves are naturally strong, Mines are always in a state of decay. Trip on some not level ground and you could be headed to hospital.
Without having a paddy and this in mind, Sahil, Judith and me cautiously entered the mystery mine.
Well prepared with surveys, the route finding was surprisingly straightforward at first. We came to the chasm, and attached our cowstails to a fantastic fixed aid cable. This wouldn’t be the place to find yourself without harness and cowstails.
As we headed onwards, we visited a massive chamber – this was a stope – a place that valuable ore had been removed from the ground.
All around were reminders why helmet wearing is a good idea – things that had previously been above, were now below our feet.
We headed onwards and took a stroll past the rails to nowhere to a long walk leading to a pretty pool.
Returning, we passed part of the mine where a horse had walked in circles in a circular chamber pulling mine carts along a cable system.
Bypassing some wise-to-avoid chasms, we passed through some applause-worthy contemporary engineering works, finding the bottom of the through trip before heading on see the far reaches.
A fantastic trip to do with good people who are well equipped and experienced enough to understand the constant risks and artifacts that need to be conserved.
I felt lucky not be exploring with idiots but with a very thoughtful pair who were interested, respectful and well equipped.
I have lots of love for this place and the people who’ve given so much to make it the place it is. Eager to return and see it through and through!
Originally posted on this post on Instagram
