Been mining since 1970. Finally decided to mine at the source and began hardrocking in 1988. Haven't looked back since
I enjoy the chase the most. It still amazes me that you can go less than a quarter mile from a mine and the circumstances will be completely different as to how and where the gold makes.
Being caved in and trapped for 3 days would be the part I didn't like. Worse part of that was is that I was solo and nobody came to check on me. I actually had no idea it had been 3 days, felt more like 1 long day. Luckily it was only 48' of serpentine on the foot wall that slipped.
At the present time there is no operation at the mine. Can't seem to get a new Plan of Operation approved from the Forest Service as well as all the Water Quality testing, etc. that has to be done prior to permits being issued. They are making life hard, if not impossible, on the small miner.
There are 2 different mines I found that have stamp mills. The one I mentioned and another one that had two 5 stamp mills. One has been partially disassembled while the other is still in tact. At that site there is also an old shaker table still setup but the canvas has for the most part rotted. It amazes how the old timers got some of this equipment to the places I've found it.
Looking to hear from you while you're in the area!
Stan