Sunflower Mine

[SVanHerpen]

I have posted a few select photos from the Sunflower Mine trip on my Webshots account:

http://community.webshots.com/album/535070596VPgUZe

Trip was a great trip - fine weather, great folks. Marred only by what happened to the organizer - his Dodge truck broke a front diff (I have a few shots of the Dodge Recovery team in action!) After removing the pinion and the broken bits, he was strapped or winched over the worst bits, and he drove out most of it himself. Ah, the power of V8! Followed him home as far as we could, he made it home OK.

[FrenchChili]

Cool trip...Did some of you visit the mines?

[SVanHerpen]

I believe that some members were interested in exploring the mines, and may have done so while the rest of us ate lunch. I have been too long a believer that abandoned mines should be left that way. I don't want to promote the behavior in others. On the other hand, I have nothing bad to say about those that choose to go ahead and look, and must admit that I have wandered down a few in my younger days. Eventually you figure out that its a dark hole in the rock - usually a hole in which some clod has dropped a load or two...

I also think the danger to a properly prepared explorer is acceptable. In the past I have been a rock climber and I have gone spelunking too. I went with a group in all cases, and went with a lot of equipment to ensure everyone's safety. Sounds like a Jeep club, eh?

A flashlight or lantern in a dark hole doesn't qualify (especially since I'm 6' 4" tall!). Here's a photo of my spouse, explaining all this to me...

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3617&stc=1&d=1136314934