This was our fourth trip out to the Union Mine, and it may very well be our last. This complex has kept us busy over the past few years, but we think we've finally been defeated. Please enjoy our final attempts to continue further into this enormous underground mine from the 1800s. Our first objective is to reach the 500 Level with hopes of continuing on to the 600 and so on. This is easier said than done, and we quickly find no shortage of bad ground in the 500 Level.
Before we continue, make sure to check out Justin's (TVR Exploring) video here: czcams.com/video/HYRBJk9FHHQ/video.html
The 500 Level contains one of our most remarkable discoveries to date - a mule stable from the 1800s. Before the days of powered locomotives, ore cars were hauled by mules who spent their lives deep underground in the darkness. Not a life I would enjoy, but certainly fascinating to see. In my 12 years exploring mines, this was a first for me and Justin too.
The maps indicated a few possible connections from the 500 to deeper levels, but these did not pan out for us. We were eventually forced to backtrack and head to an area that we had explored previously. After miles of walking, several descents, and crawls, we found ourselves running out of options. We found several ways down, but they were all too dangerous to pursue.
It's good to know your limits and to be mindful of complacency. We found our limit in this mine. In conclusion of our explorations, we have spent approximately 60 hours underground in this mine, but we have only seen about 10% of the entire complex; an unbelievable statistic that will continue to keep me up at night...
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