Post by SteveHolmes on May 31, 2009 23:12:21 GMT -5
Been a while since I shared a field trip report...so here goes another one. Lots of pics and I hope you find it enjoyable. The Lucky Star Mine is located in Cache County, Utah...up a little canyon called Left-Hand Fork. Beautiful mountains, steep rocky terrain, and a perfect little stream to fly fish and catch a Brown or Brookie.
On the way up you pass a natural spring called Gray Cliff Spring. This water comes right out of the mountain and it has to be some of the coldest and best drinking water around. We always stop here on the way home and quench our thirst and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Lucky Star Mine started in the late 1880's. It was known as the Nelson Brothers Mine for some time and changed names probably several times. This area was prospected when the rush to LaPlata began...a nearby placer silver bonanza. This mine was also mined for silver. I don't know if any ore was shipped out of this one in particular but it was worked off and on until 1917.
This is the hike up to the mine. Steep but not a very long hike.
Upper Entrance on our hike up.
This mine has 2 entrances...an upper and lower. This is the lower entrance.
Heading in!
Once in...we encounter several things.
Tracks....which are wooden except for the turns where they used steel. The wooden tracks can indicate an old mine.(note the bat on the ceiling)
Another encounter of a different kind...BATS! I think he heard we was coming up today; he has an ear down waiting...but we didn't want to wake him.
I would guesstimate that each level goes back 1,000'....with many side cuts, exploratory tunnels and even a shaft. Beyond where my Friend (Dave) is sitting there is a stope that goes up about 30'. Probably a vein they found and worked it.
Here's looking down the shaft in the lower section. No ropes to go down. Probably a 30' drop.
When you reach close to the end of the lower entrance there's a ladder to access the upper area.
On the upper level there are several upper cuts as well as some really cool timbers shoring up the walls.
You will find some cool stuff within the mine too. Lots of Quartz Crystals, and some Malachite and Azurite.
Whew....we made it to the end with no cave-ins! I am more scared of bat and rat attacks though to tell you the truth!
I took this picture because I think it's pretty neat how the entrance is arched.
Looking down the tailings....STEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP! Watch your step....could be a long slide down!
There is also another small tunnel and two prospect holes nearby. As well as another shaft that goes down 30 or so feet.
Some findings on the tailings....neat crystal plate. (it's still there)
One of the neatest finds I thought...this embossed can.
HK Fairbank & Co. Lard Compound Note the pig profile...and it even has a toothy grin. (still there as well) I like finding this sort of item as it helps date the area.
I hope you enjoyed it as much as My friend and I did. Cool little mine to visit.
Steve
On the way up you pass a natural spring called Gray Cliff Spring. This water comes right out of the mountain and it has to be some of the coldest and best drinking water around. We always stop here on the way home and quench our thirst and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Lucky Star Mine started in the late 1880's. It was known as the Nelson Brothers Mine for some time and changed names probably several times. This area was prospected when the rush to LaPlata began...a nearby placer silver bonanza. This mine was also mined for silver. I don't know if any ore was shipped out of this one in particular but it was worked off and on until 1917.
This is the hike up to the mine. Steep but not a very long hike.
Upper Entrance on our hike up.
This mine has 2 entrances...an upper and lower. This is the lower entrance.
Heading in!
Once in...we encounter several things.
Tracks....which are wooden except for the turns where they used steel. The wooden tracks can indicate an old mine.(note the bat on the ceiling)
Another encounter of a different kind...BATS! I think he heard we was coming up today; he has an ear down waiting...but we didn't want to wake him.
I would guesstimate that each level goes back 1,000'....with many side cuts, exploratory tunnels and even a shaft. Beyond where my Friend (Dave) is sitting there is a stope that goes up about 30'. Probably a vein they found and worked it.
Here's looking down the shaft in the lower section. No ropes to go down. Probably a 30' drop.
When you reach close to the end of the lower entrance there's a ladder to access the upper area.
On the upper level there are several upper cuts as well as some really cool timbers shoring up the walls.
You will find some cool stuff within the mine too. Lots of Quartz Crystals, and some Malachite and Azurite.
Whew....we made it to the end with no cave-ins! I am more scared of bat and rat attacks though to tell you the truth!
I took this picture because I think it's pretty neat how the entrance is arched.
Looking down the tailings....STEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP! Watch your step....could be a long slide down!
There is also another small tunnel and two prospect holes nearby. As well as another shaft that goes down 30 or so feet.
Some findings on the tailings....neat crystal plate. (it's still there)
One of the neatest finds I thought...this embossed can.
HK Fairbank & Co. Lard Compound Note the pig profile...and it even has a toothy grin. (still there as well) I like finding this sort of item as it helps date the area.
I hope you enjoyed it as much as My friend and I did. Cool little mine to visit.
Steve