old radio tower on the way up the mountain
jeff changing batteries
So, all around Beaverdell B.C. are these sweet mines. Old ones. That are still open. Over the summer, we made 3 different trips there. It's only about an hour from kelowna, so its an easy day trip. Jeff was the co-pilot and we had a riot. BBQ lunch before suiting up (headlanps, rubber boots, gloves, 12guage, etc) and heading out of the 35 degree heat into the cool dankness. here are pictures...
This is me by this mine that we didnt explore until our 3rd trip. we had been right beside it a few times, but somehow never noticed it. pretty cool inside, some old ladders and tracks and stuff. also, an almost sealed side tunnel that we will return to scope out later.
This is jeff in a big cavern we found. getting into it was a little dangerous, but once inside, it was huge. The green mossymo was neato. There was a small opening at the top and a few small side tunnels that were reachable but short and mostly blasted closed. dig the orange tow-rope look.
this shot is also from the cavern, looking up towards the opening and daylight.
this is the shot from above, looking down into the cavern. The hole was pretty small and very deep. death if you fell in. then eaten by rats.
lights were obvious necessities
tight fit sometimes
yes, we climber this ladder, carefully.
we don't usually know where we are going or what we are looking for, but after 2 trips to this area, we got pretty good at spotting signs of mines. This is a typical mine opening, about 2 or 3 feet high and partially filled with water. rubber boots are a must, and in some mines, hip-waders would be a definite asset.
beaverdell from the mining road up the mountain
so, thats the mine trips to beaverdell. there are a lot more around there. we ventured into about 8 or 9 different mines. anyone up for a return trip, let me know.
