Finding Dynamite and a Hidden Level in the Helter-Skelter Mine (Follow-Up Exploration)

As promised, I returned to the Helter-Skelter Mine to explore the two interior tunnels that I skipped over during my initial visit a couple months ago. Paul joined me for this follow-up exploration. We found that one tunnel led to a dead-end with loose sticks of dynamite everywhere and the other tunnel led to an inclined shaft which dropped into a lower, hidden level! This follow-up exploration concludes our exploration of the Helter-Skelter Mine.
#ExploringAbandonedMines
#AbandonedMines
#MineExploring
#UndergroundExploration
#Dynamite

[@nickl.6808]

I love how he's just casually smoking a cigarette down in the mine, trying not to slide down the chute. Really, really, really interesting videos, I don't think I've ever been more intrigued by a YT channel or videos since using the site. Keep up the awesome work!

[@Sig229DAK]

Well lit, good quality picture, no boring prattle and a history lesson all together.

[@emersonaz]

Helter-Skelter definitely fits. The plan for this mine (or lack there of) is certainly off the wall. Old sweaty dynamite, Oh Boy, scary stuff. It's not like it's going to go off if you look at it wrong.....just don't look at it wrong. I'm sure glad you found it before it found you.

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Emerson V I agree with everything you said in your comment. Thanks for commenting and taking the time to watch the vid.

[@AlaskaMike72]

Interesting that the dynamite didn't have nitro leeched out and crystallized on the surface of the sticks after all those years. Of course it's great for you that it didn't! Fascinating find--thanks so much for posting these!

[@jonfence7582]

YES!!!! I finally out of prison and I can sit back and enjoy these videos again.

[@clockworktardis3103]

Why were you in prison, if you don't mind me asking?

[@jonfence7582]

got ran up on the dark web with some drugs

[@clockworktardis3103]

+jon fence Welp

[@koiiyhonze9148]

@@jonfence7582 oh that's chill

[@tanuki4games]

@@jonfence7582Wild 💀

[@azdesertdog]

Congrats on the growth of your channel. Always well done and informative.

[@AbandonedMines11]

+azdesertdog Right on, brother! Thank you for your comment. Much appreciated on this end. I'm enjoying your channel, too. Thanks!

[@kcirrednosrednad3596]

+Exploring Abandoned Mines I'm curious. about how old are these mines? how long have a majority of them been abandoned? very interesting exploring.

[@Porty1119]

Most of them have been abandoned between 40 and 90 years, some more and some less.

[@FLODDI100]

I love this name! Helter-Skelter Mine should be a game

[@AbandonedMines11]

I agree! Thanks, bruh, for taking a look at the video.

[@LegitoTV]

It's a band, Heltah Skeltah

[@Marshcar]

Exploring Abandoned Mines lol I can imagine you saying "bruh" in your voice

[@LegitoTV]

:O

[@JamesSmith-gn9ou]

Yep.

[@RobFarrowATV]

Dynamite...yikes! That lower level must haul out somewhere if everything was dumped down there, another portal somewhere on the mountain side! Sketchy tunnels as usual, stay safe Frank and thanks for posting the video!

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Rob Farrow Hey, Rob! Thanks for commenting. We were quite confused as to why that inclined shaft led downward to a lower level. The collapses on the lower level must've been blocking access to another portal, as you suggested. I think the Helter-Skelter Mine certainly lives up to its name!

[@Big_John_C]

Thanks guys, that's the kind of stuff I like to find. Take care

[@AbandonedMines11]

+roguesquatcher I haven't found dynamite in an old mine for about four years now. Finding these few sticks was a surprise. Glad it turned out as well as it did with nobody being blown up. Thanks for taking a look at the video and commenting!

[@Big_John_C]

Always a pleasure to watch, take care fellas

[@kerrykrishna]

I absolutely love your stuff. It seems to me you know your limits and only do what is comfortable. I hope you continue doing that too! Thanks for all this exciting stuff!

[@AbandonedMines11]

+kerry krishna Thanks for your comment! Yeah, it's important to know what limits one has. These mines are very dangerous places, and we are always very careful before entering and while inside. I can't begin to tell you how much research I do before actually trekking out to one of these abandoned mines.

[@Dranzerk8908]

You should totally do a VR episode. That would be pretty cool. :D

[@munkycheeeeeez]

i dont even have vr and that sounds cool lol

[@realrickharrison3103]

To hard person man

[@GarryStebbings]

Thanks Frank and Paul, interesting video, sticks of dynamite,are quite dangerous when unstable, not sure when the mine was worked, but it would be advisable to treat it as such and keep clear. The rest of the exploration was very cramped at times, if an ore pass empties into it, there must be some method of extracting the ore to the surface by means of a shaft or haulage tunnel. Anyway usual well produced video thanks again.

[@olknoxlo]

Isn't it a bit ballsy of Paul to have a lit cigarette in a mine with old dynamite in it? ( 4:13 )

[@illduitmyself]

eh. not really. if your handling it and playing with it far dif story

[@gamelard1963]

unless its a coal mine this its alright.

[@Sypaka]

What would happen, if you smoke in a coal mine? Some Silent Hill stuff, where the Weather forecast is "ash"?

[@Sypaka]

@70 Roadrunner That's good to know, in any case I ever happen to get stuck in one. For whatever stupid reason.

[@Summernightsandneonlights]

@@gamelard1963 in the museum of science and industry in Chicago they have a mock coal mine and they demonstrate how the dust and fumes can ignite . it's cool

[@LordMacragge77]

Whatever you do, do not punch that tnt! You need to find some redstone to set it off safely!

[@Summernightsandneonlights]

What's redstone ? Could he of shot it with a gun ? Lol

[@adrienperie6119]

This is terrifying. I envy your courage if it is courage and not thrill unconscious thrillseeking !

[@billyz97]

Steve Johnson or the whole mine collapsing

[@johnbrownlee7623]

Glad that was you in there and not ME!!!!!...........Thanks........

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for checking out the video, John!

[@jameshenry2457]

Man!...That is one rickety mine. You can imagine how loud it was to work in there, with the metal chutes. So they dug an ore bin (the pit) ? Chute down in the bottom means a lower level haulage level...but to where? Is there an undiscovered portal? Is there another incline to the surface? I guess we'll never know. Helter-skelter is a very appropriate (working) name for this mine. Glad your keeping your eyes peeled while climbing or walking around in there. To think you could of put your whole weight on that stick (could've been bad).

[@AbandonedMines11]

+James Henry I agree, James! We're always on high alert for dangerous situations while in these old, abandoned mines. Helter-Skelter IS a fitting name for this confusing, multi-level mine. We are done exploring it, though. Tied up all the loose ends with this second and final visit, so there is nothing more to see there. We're going to let that old dynamite rest in peace. More videos coming very soon (next Friday the 16th!).

[@stevehitman]

This channel is too cool, I love this kind of stuff. I just wish I could join in on the exploration :D

[@77cuti]

thanks for bringing me along for the ride. I've always wanted to do this.

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Michael Mindak No problem, Michael! Glad to have you along. It's viewers like you who make doing all of this crazy exploring worth it in the end.

[@slingnink13]

Another epic vid like always keep the great work man! Congrats with the views & the growth of your channel I know I've been a subscriber for a couple years now have enjoyed every vid you put out thanks again man!

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Joshua Johnson Thanks, Josh! I appreciate you being a loyal subscriber for the last couple of years. Glad to have you along! Thanks for taking the time to watch the vids and commenting.

[@dezhead3529]

I can relate to what you do I explore mines also I have found a full case of dynamite on two different occasions in another mine I found a box of blasting caps thanks for the videos it's awesome

[@AbandonedMines11]

+dezhead Sounds like you've been finding some awesome stuff! Be careful with those explosives! Thank you for taking the time to watch this video and to write a comment.

[@elliottdavis4945]

Nice video and editing. Really enjoyable watching history of mining thru your camera. Thank you

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Elliott Davis Thanks, Elliot! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Glad to hear you are enjoying the historical aspect of these abandoned mines. Thank you!

[@Zapruderfilm1963]

Excellent as usual Frank!!! Thank you!!

[@spidermcgavenport8767]

Thank you very much, amazing what you might find.

[@Jeannero18]

Oh men, I'veen all night long watching your videos. I'm not a native english speaker, sorry about that.

[@stevegauth30]

So glad to have found your chanel. Some of the coolest, most interesting videos ive seen

[@AbandonedMines11]

Always glad to hear from viewers like you, Steve! Thanks for watching the video and taking the time to comment. I appreciate your support.

[@3DWhispers]

Congratulations on the success of your channel! I always enjoy watching your videos, great stuff!

[@AbandonedMines11]

+3DWhispers Thanks, man! I appreciate your support and interest. Another video coming out this Friday morning (October 16th)!

[@haroldsmith8698]

HANDLING OLD DYAMITE IS DANGERIOUS

[@AustinBryant718]

But they weren't handling the dynamite. They were looking at it.

[@Tom-cy5em]

Hi guys another great video, Frank good eye seeing the dynamite before going down that dead end tunnel . That old stuff is so dangerous one wrong move it could go off. Great catch. Your videos are so cool you guys should be on the history channel. Regards Tom

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Tom! The History Channel would certainly be a nice venue for these videos. However, I am more than happy to continue posting them here for all to enjoy. Yes, that old dynamite could've been a bad situation. I am glad I saw it when I did and retreated. As long as you and other viewers enjoy these videos, I will enjoy making them. Thanks again for all of your support over the last few years.

[@turbomanmechachrist]

Never had much interest in Mines / Caverns, but your videos changed this, love watching them. Keep it up :)

[@mineadventures7938]

Hi Frank, so i seen your Silver Reef Video, the mine in Nevada, i stumbled into that one. Where you didnt go up, was blocked, so couldnt get to any upper levels, the one by the small hoist, thats flooded about 100 feet down and the other by the seat, thats a natural cave, got so narrow, backed out, but it kept going down with ladders. The supplies are long gone. The other ladder with the air vent, Hmm, i dont remember where that was, LOL. Of course me and Tom, seen something, you know about it, we removed it, pissed me off seeing it. Peace Frank, Ken

[@kamandalu]

this seems to be a "brutal" mine, i mean it's a tough mine to work in,narrow tunnels,even without the colapse!very nice vid thx again and congratulations with the vieuws,you earned it,bringing out this great vid's to the world from places that people can't reach or see that easy and to take your time to explane all the artifacts and the history of those mines! belgian greetings ;)

[@normanchristensen9907]

Wow! very interesting videos, what a cool adventure. Be careful guys

[@TruAnRksT]

A friend of mine detonated a quarter stick in a tree next to his house. It basically shifted his house off it's foundation. Yes police were involved.

[@thepupils209]

+TruAnRksT A M-1000 (quarter stick of dynamite) can NOT shift a house off it's foundation. Unless your friend lived in some mud and brick hut in Haiti.

[@TruAnRksT]

It was gelignite, not dynamite, not sure what the difference is but the house was a tiny rental built during WWII. It may not have had much of a foundation, and I'm not sure how much he actually used. He went away for a long time.

[@psychedelicmonkey55]

gelignite is safer than dynamite as it does not suffer from leaking nitroglycerin

[@psychedelicmonkey55]

an m-1000 is not dynamite... it is either blackpowder or flash powder

[@IKS-Exploration]

Fantastic follow up :)

[@AbandonedMines11]

+IKS Production (Real History) Thanks, man!

[@PotatoGunsRule]

Dynamite is not that big of a deal, although it starts to leak nitro quickly if left unkept. Dynamite used to be sold at hardware stores and coal mines were pretty loose with it. Mines in the area where I live used to let workers take extra home for their own blasting purposes and lots of guys did. It's pretty stable, it's the blasting caps that are shock sensitive. My neighbor when I was little had a lot of it badly stored in his barns and outbuildings. I have actually played catch with a stick of dynamite when I was kid. He left the blasting caps lying around too, but I was smart enough to be careful when handling those.

[@jayjonstone2507]

No lie. A friend of mine burried those (actually 2 cases) of dynamite there in the early 1980's. He found them in one of the lower levels of the mine and was going to retrieve them later. We convinced him to leave it where it was! We've also found other mines with cases of dynamite in lower levels of the mine. To my knowledge they remain there.

[@CrayvenCarnage]

Good decision for those that don't know; dynamite is basically just nitroglycerin suspended in material to make it more stable. After a while it starts to settle and "sweats" out of it and as nearly everyone knows nitroglycerin (in its liquid form) will basically go off if you simply look at it wrong.

[@CrayvenCarnage]

***** Well that's good to know. Thanks.

[@stevew270]

Subscribed a few days ago, great vids, I'm addicted!

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Steve W Thank you for subscribing, Steve, and welcome aboard! If you've binged-watched all the videos here on my channel and need more, drop by next Friday the 16th when I'll be uploading another new and exciting video of a recent exploration. Thanks again for your support -- really, really appreciate it on this end!

[@stevew270]

Thanks, Frank, I'll certainly be checking it out.

[@KaliKomrade]

Jimmie Walker says that was Dyn-O-Mite... Another good one...

[@AbandonedMines11]

+KaliKomrade Thanks! Always nice to hear when a viewer enjoys a certain video.

[@HarkonnenDufaux]

Hi. I've watched a few of your videos today. Very interesting and exciting. I just had a few suggestions. I think you and Paul should invest in respirators. At least wear and N-95 if not a P-100 respirator. It's important to protect your lungs from all of the airborne particles as well as mold that may be on those old timbers. Just a thought. Oh, and another thing, gloves? Maybe. Thanks for the videos.

[@Rhythmicons]

Is it just me or did these videos appear in your feed a few days ago? I can't stop watching them.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I often wear a dust mask. Didn't have any for this trip, though. Keeping it in perspective, though, I think a one-time exposure to the dusty air is not such a big deal. The miners who worked in these mines five days a week for 12 hour shifts were breathing it constantly, and for them it was a serious liability.

[@ericbradley6769]

Really enjoy the video,, the history is awesome.. you guys should tell NOT to touch or move the dynamite due to unstable intro-pack etc..but love the history lesson..

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Eric Bradley Thank you, Eric! The historical aspect of these videos is an important part for me. This method of mining is a lost art form for the most part. Nowadays, mining companies dig huge, open-pit mines. No more tunneling, no more timbering, and no more ore cart tracks, ore carts, and ore chutes. Documenting all of these historical things is a high priority for me, and I love hearing when viewers like yourself enjoy them. Thanks again for your comment.

[@Lalunabreeze]

This looks somewhat unsafe with all those rocks. Great video, enjoyed it. Ty

[@AbandonedMines11]

The homemade chute made out of barrel halves was kind of interesting to find. This mine along with the Wicked Wash Mine are probably my two favorite ones. Thanks again for all of your support and comments, Sarah!

[@bucki58]

Glad you guys explore these mines....so I don't have too:)

[@AbandonedMines11]

+bucki58 Thanks, man! I'm glad you watch these videos...so I'm motivated to make more! haha

[@goldmining12345]

Great video Frank, as always! I would really hate to fall down into that ten foot pit - just think, if someone inexperienced were to slide down that chute and suddenly fall into it, there would be no way up! The thought makes one want to panic.

[@AbandonedMines11]

+goldmining12345 Thanks, Ben! It might be possible to climb out of that pit if one were to fall into it. However, there didn't seem to be a lot of places to put hands and feet. I wouldn't want to be in that situation in the first place!

[@rotorcats]

Hey Frank! Another awesome video! I need to catch up on a lot of you video's, I don't think I've commented in a while. But I see you have been doing a lot of exploring!

[@AbandonedMines11]

+rotorcats I was back in your neck of the woods in early September for a week. First time there since 2011! Glad to hear from you. I had been wondering if you were still around.... Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@rotorcats]

Exploring Abandoned Mines in CA, NV, and AZ You're welcome Frank, yes I'm still around just busy. Next time you come out let me know and maybe we can meet up.

[@AbandonedMines11]

+rotorcats Sounds like a plan!

[@brotherseamus165]

been a sub for a while this is my first comment. Can't believe how fast your channel is growing! ! love all your vids. One question you probably get asked a lot but would you ever go back to that haunted mine? Houghton mine was it called, with a few people this time. Anyway keep up the good work mate. Can't wait for your next video.

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Dominic Saul Thanks for dropping a comment, Dominic! Always a pleasure to hear from a fan like yourself. Regarding your question, I think you were referring to the Horton Mine in Nevada. No, I have no plans on returning to that particular mine. I thoroughly explored its wet and muddy interior during those two visits and have no desire to return. You won't have to wait long for my next video -- check back next Friday the 16th for a new upload! Thanks again for watching and commenting. I appreciate your support.

[@otgexploring]

i dont know how i never came across your channel before until recently

[@Bobbybeb]

Very cool. I definitely would not have gone that far down. Didn't look very safe lol. The dynamite was a very cool discovery, not really something to keep in a museum but it's an artifact.

[@The20thCenturyLimited]

I would be taking it home lol

[@The20thCenturyLimited]

+DjResR oh well ill be careful lol

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Bobby0345 Thanks, Bobby, for commenting. Yes, I agree this mine isn't the safest one to explore. But we did it anyway. Had to find out what was at the end of those two skipped tunnels. Thanks for watching! A new, exciting video will be uploaded next Friday the 16th at 4:00 AM. Stay tuned!

[@homefront3162]

We used to bring vinyl rolls of colored tape to mark the path out of big mines

[@welcometoorefuge]

I don't think smoking in an underground mine is the best Idea in the world, Especially if you're not a smoker, too. You and your buddy Paul both have stones that go clankety, ,clank. BTW...the dynamite box you filmed in the Silver Dyke mine...I got it, matching serial #'s! I filled it with what I thought was gold, took it to an assayer the next day and he laughed at me.

[@Mountaingiant69]

Heh, interesting spot to dump dynamite. Maybe the rodents are gonna blast out some more real estate.

[@raytru3191]

i love your video i love exploring to if i wasnt in an other contry i sure would like to go with you you do a great job making it greately interesting i hope you will have more looking forward to it thank you

[@AbandonedMines11]

+ray tru If you ever find yourself over here and are itching to explore an abandoned mine, let me know. It might be your best summer vacation ever! Thanks for watching, Ray!

[@gagelayman2605]

Wow, I never thought that you could still find dynamite in the mines. Out of all the mine explorations, which one was the outright scariest and which one was the worst deathtrap youve seen?

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Gage Layman For the WORST deathtrap of a mine I've explored, check out this video of the Nikolaus Eureka Mine (a.k.a. the "Christmas Surprise Mine): kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3qanGOobKisbM0 We descended an inclined shaft 300 feet underground to three different levels of talc hell. The entire mine is one giant, slow-motion collapse in progress. I had never seen such a dangerous mine. Got some great footage of huge timbers we passed under that are bent like the letter "S" due to the crushing weight of the talc. That was one very sketchy mine!

[@astr0al3x]

Ive seen a number of Yiyr exploration videos Frank and U was wondering if you'd run across old sticks of dynamite. Old Dynamite is very dangerous. I knew yiu wouldn't pick it up. U know yiu guys don't take foolish risks. Hate to loose you guys and yiyr amazing videos. I think your channel id Growing because there are many guys like me seeking real adventure outdoors and society likes to outlaw anything remotely risky. Glad you haven't given in to just video game adventured. Actual reality is pretty amazing. if you can escape civilization.

[@AbandonedMines11]

+astr0al3x I like your theory regarding this channel's growth. I think you're on to something there! Glad to hear that you enjoy the videos from the safety of your desktop computer. Thank your for being a loyal fan and commenting often. I haven't come across dynamite in a couple years now, so finding these sticks of dynamite was a bit of a surprise. Nothing detonated, though, and Paul and I made it back to the surface alive and intact.

[@astr0al3x]

Frank. Sorry about the typos on my initial post. I wast typing on my phones keypad which is difficult to do with such small keys and big fingers.

[@AbandonedMines11]

astr0al3x No problem! Those keyboards can be kind of small and hard to see on a cell phone's screen.

[@raytru3191]

i sure will thank you the mine i visited are very diff from the one you explore very wet and no timbering but there was wooden ore track and was very hight in the british columbia canada was abandon since 1850

[@AbandonedMines11]

+ray tru Thanks, Ray! Sounds like you have been in some really old, wet workings. Most of the mines in the deserts of California, Nevada, and Arizona are pretty dry. Once in a while there will be water or a flooded lower level. Not often, though. Hey, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@matthewmillar3804]

You didn't seem too concerned about that old dynamite. Isn't old dynamite very unstable and dangerous?

[@colinsphoneemail]

yes.. it sweats.. can be very unstable. the nitroglycerin can go bang if it's hit or disturbed.. "reason that dynamite was in a box with grass" lol

[@Dbeattie299]

yes it is but that tnt did not look like it was leaking nitroglycerin but it takes a fair amount of shock to set it off. nitroglycerin and dynamite are kind of diffent dynamite does not go off as easy as nitro cause dynamite is mixed with a fosil puddy which makes it more stably. which in there case thay are LUCY! LOL

[@PiranahKill]

Never met an explosives expert who refers to dynamite as TNT...

[@koolaidman007]

Because they're not the same thing.

[@damiancaling1239]

PiranahKill dynamite is nitro glycerin TNT is tri nitro toluene

[@Moeledon]

thank for the exploring cave bro keep me on the edge of my seat man. intences. don't forget to take bottle of whisky,spill some for the spirits . good luck Subscribers

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Moe ledon Right on, Moe! Thanks for the whiskey advice. Duly noted.

[@Moeledon]

Ok bro keep it safe as much possible. THANK for videos . 👍🍺🍺

[@jimmyg.5307]

Is it still dangerous? I figured dynamite would have deteriorated after exposure to such elements over the years... Also, i just had an idea for you. Bring a bright green laser for when you come up to some of these big stopes or vertical shafts and your flashlights can't reach the bottom. You'd be surprised how much a laser can illuminate in total darkness.

[@jimmyg.5307]

I like the range finger idea, but I mentioned the light because it would be rather exciting to be able to see deeper. Thanks for the chemistry though, really.

[@mainal.2131]

I am watching this video right now and I feel bad ! There's no much space in this abandonned mine !

[@AbandonedMines11]

Hi, Maina! Yes, this mine had a lot of cramped tunnels, low ceilings, and a meandering layout that was...confusing. Thank you very much for viewing the vid and dropping a comment. Much appreciated!

[@ADITADDICTS]

Paul's thumbs up at the end, epic! lol finds dynamite=Throw a rock at it!! When you were on the ore chute frank, when you got to the bottom did you go back to the top of the slide? If so, did you stope and turn and go for a ride, till you got to the bottom and paul saw you again? lmao great job man, I'm really glad you got to go back and finish this one out!

[@AbandonedMines11]

+THE SLAKJAWMCGRAW What's your mailing address? I have a stick of dynamite I'd like to send you. LOL

[@ADITADDICTS]

+z Abandoned Mines in CA, NV, and AZ 5.4.3.2.1. duck! St. the nearest cross St. is boom boom Blvd. :D

[@buddylight2191]

That dynamite is good for getting rid of tree stumps.

[@AbandonedMines11]

+BUDDY LIGHT And a lot of other things, too! haha Thanks, man, for watching the vid.

[@tomwagner1764]

This video has led me to discover my incipient claustrophobia.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for commenting, Tom! Going down that chute to the lower levels was a bit tight in some spots. I'm just glad the dynamite we found was most likely inert.

[@zippolighter0177]

I bet you could take clips from all your awesome videos and make some really good horror movie stuff haha cause everytime I watch one of your videos I expect a jumpscare!

[@tkcl6484]

You just never know when you'll find a squatter 6:46... those dudes will go anywhere man

[@seanjacobs665]

that's paul, you silly goose

[@RockerRed]

This is very cool. So far my favorite video of yours. Love every second of it. At 4:01, you turn and look back and there's a can of some kind and something red also. I'm curious what that was.

[@W7DSY]

Frank: Glad you didn't bring that dynamite home.

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Stan Jefferson Thanks, Stan!

[@laexpress]

Frank & Paul, Love your guys video's. But you are out your damn minds going into places like these. Just one question. Are you guys not afraid of cave in ? That would suck to be buried alive. And OMG holy hell, Low ceilings, No freaking way you would catch my tailing crawling in spaces where I cant RUN. Some times when I watch your videos, My bones get goose bumps and I start to hyperventilate. The nerves you two have. Brave brave brave !! Out your minds !! Keep up the good work and you 2 boys be safe in them caves !!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for your comment! Exploring abandoned mines isn’t for everybody, that’s for sure. The reasons you mentioned are good ones. Like anything, it’s a calculated risk. I’m glad that you can vicariously experience the abandoned mines by watching my videos. Thanks, man!

[@RJM1011]

Amazing to see thank you for your video. :)

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Richard Maunder Glad you enjoyed the vid. Thank you for watching, Richard!

[@Renhorable]

great videos ! Subscribed

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Renhorable Thanks for subscribing! Welcome aboard! If abandoned mine exploration is your thing, you're in the right place. New videos coming out next Friday the 17th, so stay tuned for that!

[@magscooper1297]

Just enjoying your vlogs fascinating what you are discovering. We have noticed something could be a rock formation but also could be a ghost - pause the video at 6.02, look where the two wooden poles are coming down to the ground and look to the gap at the back, it looks like a resting/sleeping miner, peeking out the gap, you can see his miners hat pulled over his eyes, you can see a moustache and beard. Spooky!

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Mags Cooper Wow! You have some good eyes there to see something like that! I definitely see what you are talking about - the helmet, the face, the mustache. However, I think it's just a rock formation. Or at least that's what I hope it was! Hey, thanks for watching and commenting. I love it! And I also appreciate your support and interest. Thank you.

[@docmccoy1928]

That dynamite is a disaster waiting to happen. As a hard rock miner with some experience with the stuff it doesn't take long to leak nitro to the bottom side. Touch it and besides the headache of a lifetime it can off without a primary charge to ignite it. I don't think digging those collapses would be a good idea Frank. Looks very lose and sketchy as someone else said. Be safe bro.

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Doc McCoy Thanks, Doc, for your insightful comment. Yes, that old dynamite is definitely dangerous to a certain degree. I was surprised to suddenly see that initial stick about a foot or so away from my face when I climbed up in there. Glad I saw it when I did! On an unrelated note, I'm assuming that your recovery is going well from this past summer? I hope so! Thanks again for watching this latest vid and commenting. I always appreciate your remarks.

[@docmccoy1928]

Yeah getting better by the day thanks for the kind words

[@MrRedeyedJedi]

DO NOT mess with old dynamite if you find it, the nitroglycerine sweats out of the sticks and crystallises making it highly unstable. You look at that shit wrong and you will lose a hand or worse.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for your comment!

[@MartyParty2809]

Cool

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Martin Ruddy Thanks, Martin!

[@cylentstoner]

Keep up the safe, good work!

[@2ndcousin100]

Hey Paul....maybe now is not the best time to light up a budge with sticks of dynamite lying around.

[@alchemyphilosophersstone2634]

awesome!

[@KowboyUSA]

Congrats on the 3M+ views.

[@AbandonedMines11]

+John Ratko Thanks, John!

[@clockguy2]

I wonder if old dynamite is pressure sensitive? If a piece was under a rock where you are crawling, I suppose you could blow yourself up?

[@AbandonedMines11]

+clockguy2 Yes, that is a real possibility. After getting the rushed footage of the dynamite, I quickly and calmly backed out of there.

[@2810Mad]

Awesome as every other video

[@AbandonedMines11]

+ExTaCi Thanks, man! The dynamite cache in this video was certainly a surprising find. Glad to hear you enjoyed the video. More coming next Friday the 17th!

[@2810Mad]

+Exploring Abandoned Mines in CA, NV, and AZ Ohh yeahh.I can't wait!

[@ethandubya21]

Just had a few of questions...what camera do you use while exploring, and how do you know the locations of these mines? Also, do you ever use a GoPro? I've taken my hand-held HD camcorder in mines many times, but its quite difficult having only one free hand most of the time. I just recently bought a GoPro for exploration, but have yet to use it! Absolutely love your videos, very addicting. My kids are always huddled around the computer with me when I watch your stuff!

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Ethan Wall Hey, Ethan! Thanks for being a loyal subscriber here. I appreciate the support. I currently use a Panasonic Full HD HC-X920 viceo camera. It's my second Panasonic. The older one finally gave up the ghost over the summer. These Panasonics take a LOT of abuse while I'm carrying it around underground, but they seem to be very durable by how long my last one held out. Highly recommended. They were also rated one of the best video cameras for low-light situations, too. I do a lot of research on these mines by studying old topographic maps, buying and reading old mining reports, and other things. Lots of research -- but it pays off in the end with all the videos you see here. I have seen those GoPro cams but think mounting one on my helmet would be a bad idea. I often hit my head hard on overhanging rocks while underground, and I don't think a GoPro cam mounted up there would tolerate too many hits like that. Also, with the GoPro cams, one cannot see what one is filming. I wouldn't like that. Always glad to hear when viewers are enthusiastic about these crazy videos of mine as you are. I appreciate the sentiment. Glad that you and your kids are enjoying the vids and learning some mining history in the process! Thanks, Ethan!

[@ethandubya21]

+Exploring Abandoned Mines in CA, NV, and AZ The Camcorder I use is also a Panasonic HD, that I've had for a few years, but works great! And I agree, the GoPro would make it hard to film anything in particular (no zoom). I see in a lot of your videos, you seem to be alone most of the time. As it is hard to get people to go with me as well, I've gone through many deep mines alone. Everyone thinks I'm extremely crazy and maybe even stupid, but I am strangely drawn to these mines, and love going through them. And I do take extreme precautions, with safety equipment, spare lights, water etc. Not to mention, the wife knows where I went. Keep the awesome videos coming, and be safe!!!

[@ethandubya21]

+Exploring Abandoned Mines in CA, NV, and AZ If you ever make it out to Utah, go check this mine out! Has an old tram house, with three levels of workings. Been in this mine over a dozen times, and I still haven't found the end. Keep discovering new areas. Still lots of old equipment inside, including some ore carts and wheel barrels. mojaveunderground.com/photogallery/index.php/Utah/JacobCity/htbuckhorn/buckhorn/Buckhorn_170

[@jmsmaxwell]

Congratulation on being a Tunnel Rat, I have no doubt that you have found many interesting things during your exploration. from what I have seen of your videos I wonder why you have not take a robot crawler to explore some of the more interesting thing where you cannot go. Is it a weight/Battery life thing?

[@AbandonedMines11]

+James Maxwell Hey, James! I don't have any kind of robotic device to begin with. Also, I would think something like that would be heavy to lug up and down the mountains and through the mines. Great idea, though! Thanks for mentioning it!

[@leeshaver7825]

me and my buddy many years ago found gelonite made by the Hercules powder company in the reward mine in California it was from 1942

[@W7DSY]

+Lee Shaver I bet you didn't bring that stuff home.

[@leeshaver7825]

+Stan Jefferson nope but when we found we were lucky we didn't blow ourselves sky high there were 5 sticks in a burlap sack my buddy banged it against a bench that was sitting there he opened the sack and there it was both of looked at each other ooooOH SHIT! needless to say we left that section of the mine

[@loopymoomoo1]

+Lee Shaver Isn't gelignite rather stable? even old gelignite would go off if you dropped it, or sat on it.

[@jackiej7158]

I like your friend frank he seems funny like seeing him in your videos! New to your channel btw

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thank you, Jackie! Welcome aboard! Actually, I am Frank and this is my channel. Paul is one of my fellow abandoned mine exploration buddies. We both are pretty funny, so if you stay tuned and continue to watch my videos, I think you will enjoy yourself. Thank you very much for taking the time to write a comment.

[@jackiej7158]

Oops I was confused for a second, well in that case you're really funny made me laugh in a couple of videos that I have seen and keep up with the good vids! (Thanks for replying back to me Btw)

[@oakstream6041]

The hills have eyes. ;)

[@kardro1]

I've been binge watching your videos! They are great!

[@Rockman7532]

You guys are the real deal, I'd never have the heart to be able to go into these old mines, too spooky for me. I'd much rather watch through the monitor :) cheers! P.S have you guys ever found any vagrants or human remains in any of your explorations?

[@AbandonedMines11]

+antonio banderas We found the cremated remains of a person in the Monarch-Rand Mine a few years ago. If you search for that mine's name here on KZbin, my video of that should pop up. Regarding vagrants, haven't found any of those although we have found belongings of vagrants who lived in the mines at one time or another. Thanks for watching, and thanks for your comment.

[@SlapNFap]

Yay! Conratz! d:

[@AbandonedMines11]

+SlapNFap Right on, brother! I appreciate your enthusiasm and support. Thank you.

[@suddenrushsarge]

Wow, that area looks really sketchy!! Good vid though! You are braver than I am. lol

[@stevenkirby6967]

Did you find BIG JOHN? hah

[@MartinRusts]

they sealed that mine tho

[@luke.thedrifter2281]

Man Dan and placed a marble stand in front of it. At the bottom of this mine lies a big, big man, big John hahah

[@devinpetersen2387]

No, he found a Cajun queen.

[@realrickharrison3103]

He find Charles Manson

[@brianmunyon5669]

Great video. What material was mined from this one?

[@lengthluther484]

Did u ever have any scares of things starting to collapse or get scared you were going to get stuck there

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Daniel Roth No. This mine seemed pretty solid overall. Some of those tunnels were a bit tight, but nothing that wasn't manageable. Traversing down that inclined shaft was difficult because there wasn't a lot of headroom. We had to come back up it, too, at the end.

[@kevinbabcock7870]

I like your movies Do you explore any in Colorado ? If so could I get a list ? I live in the heart of gold country would like to do more exploring myself don't have anyone to go with. Look forward to hearing back

[@richm1171]

man I love your videos. I've always been fascinated with mines. We have extensive mining out here in the desert where I live but I've never been brave enough to explore them,maybe now I will. Any advice?

[@homefront3162]

JJ Walker: "Dynoooomite"!!!!!!!!!!

[@KieraBey]

Holy fuck, that looks cramped... Just watching your video had me claustrophobic

[@AbandonedMines11]

+Katherine Devonshire Thanks for watching, Katherine! I hope you didn't get too claustrophobic while watching. haha Yes, sometimes these mines have very cramped, very tight passageways. One never knows what the tunnels will be like in a mine until one gets into them. Thanks again for taking a look at the vid and leaving a comment. Much appreciated!

[@KieraBey]

+Exploring Abandoned Mines You're welcome! Know this is a tad late, and on my second viewing. Not overly bad on the claustrophobic feeling.

[@HappyQuailsLC]

What did they mine in there and do you know when it was put out of use? Can you carry an ordinary household carbon monoxide detector to protect yourselves from pockets of the gas? It is amazing that you didn't get lost!

[@Porty1119]

Carbon MONoxide is rarely a threat in an abandoned mine, as almost only occurs as a byproduct of a mine fire. Hydrogen sulfide or simple low oxygen content are your primary gas hazards in a hard-rock mine- low O2 can generally be detected by physiological symptoms with no ill effects, while hydrogen sulfide has a very distinctive smell. Two-year consumable hydrogen sulfide detectors with a self-contained power supply sell online for just over a hundred bucks, and are a smart addition to your mine kit if you know or suspect H2S may be present. The detector will let you know when you hit the 10ppm TLV that MSHA and OSHA restrict active mines to. I think some physiological symptoms (gas eye) can occur below that TLV, but won't kill you.

[@KoDKingVegeta]

Cool finds, u guys gonna try an check out the lower level in the pit?

[@AbandonedMines11]

+KoDKingVegeta Both ends of that lower level ended in major collapses. As mentioned in the video, they might be worth digging out someday, but I suspect I won't be doing that anytime soon. We are done exploring the Helter-Skelter Mine and consider this one to be "case closed." We'll let the dynamite down there rest in peace. haha Thanks for watching the video and commenting!

[@KoDKingVegeta]

O! For some reason I thought the lower level u found near the pit was separate from the other lower level u found

[@pdj116]

Better (far, far better) than Minecraft!

[@olivertoeknuckle4664]

Mr explorer sir, please buy Paul a pair of boots.

[@letssled]

In the area where the dynamite was located. Was that the end of the room/tunnel or did it keep going?

[@AbandonedMines11]

+letssled While I didn't see all the way around the corner for obvious reasons, I would bet that the tunnel ended there. There was a large rodent's next in and near the box of dynamite that was back there, and they tend to build their nests at the ends of tunnels like that.

[@letssled]

Awesome, thanks for responding, love your vids :-)