Gold Mine and Mill Explore - A California Mine Explore

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I put two interesting photos of the mine and mill taken in 1941 under the community tab on our homepage.

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

Thank you! That's what it's all about. Seeing our history during this chapter in American development. People may not like what they did to the landscape and environment but remeber, it's those raw materials that helped build just about everything. I think most of the concrete was made on site using the limestone and other materials to build the sight up. Thanks again guys! Great video!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You're correct. Some people complain about the mess mining makes, but at the same time they enjoy driving cars on pavement and riding in airplanes. Like you said the raw materials that are mined are necessary to "build just about everything".

[@dyllan6303]

You two really live an adventurous life..

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

We try to do a few things while we can. We're retired so have some extra time. Thanks for the comment, Dyllan!

[@danielfmyers]

Those little ax5 transmissions don’t like bouncing. Good call on not pushing the Jeep further. 🙂

[@Jennralize]

So many faces in this mine! Literally faces, like the rock was carved into portraits! Wonderful! Hell of a drive in, too! Thanks, both, these videos bring me much relief from the city grind!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I know what you mean about faces. When I'm editing these videos I often see things like that. In real life there are usually too many things going on to notice. Glad that you enjoyed it, Jenna!

[@philrosasco5411]

Never ceased to b AMAZED @The work and logistics that went into mining infrastructure. Lots of concrete up there, nice workmanship too. U guys r the best!!!!!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

It is amazing at the work that goes into the mines. Just to get a road up there is a task. Hauling all that concrete up there? Crazy. Thanks for watching and for the kind words, Phil!

[@SagebrushRebel]

I explored this mine on October 5, 1983. At that time I only saw the foundations and the shafts, never knew there was a long crosscut adit that intersected the shafts. Thanks again for excellent videos.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Just curious, how old were you in 1983? Of course you don't have to answer that if you don't want to. Glad that you had the chance to visit this place. Thanks for the kind words.

[@SagebrushRebel]

@@TomandJulieMineExploring I was almost 22 at that time, exploring mines all over the west.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I bet you saw a lot of nice artifacts back then.

[@seanbatiz6620]

@ 1:40-ish, when yr little Jeep was climbing what it could, in shade, couldn’t help but see it smiling! That shade mixed with license plate location & headlights, gave it a little ‘face’, like a happy frog or something along them lines. Great video as normal from you two’s adventures!!! Liked BEFORE watching!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I looked back at the beginning of the video as we were climbing the hill and I get what you are saying about the face on the Jeep. The guy I bought this from didn't take it off the pavement so I like to think it's smiling when we're off road. Not taking a Jeep off road is like keeping a dog in a kennel all it's life and not letting it run. Glad that you enjoy our adventures and thanks for the nice comment, Sean!

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Tom & Julie, that was a huge old mill site, it was really cool to see as there are not that many left anymore. Thank you for sharing, much love. xx 💖

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hi Sue. Good to hear from you and thanks for watching!

[@michaelrietz9220]

Hello Tom and Julie my good friends that was beautiful and peaceful place l like the you was playing when you got out of the mine

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hello Michael my friend. Yes, it's a nice place and we had a fun hike down the beautiful canyon. Thank you for watching.

[@CujoHyer]

Thanks for making these. Been going through some terrible health issues for the past 4 months. High Blood Pressure has devestated my vision. Apparently it isn't in my eye, it's in my brain. I'm riding an exercie bike listening to these to try and help lower my BP. The relaxing nature of these videos helps, I think.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Sorry to hear that you are having health problems. Sending good thoughts and hoping you get well soon. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@WesternMineDetective]

Looked like a nice trek to get to this one! Loved seeing the various artifacts the higher up you got. Keep up the great work Tom and Julie.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks, Jerith. Appreciate you checking out the video!

[@scottsladeadventures1102]

Been there many times.. was a challenge to get there in the late 90's too... never did go inside... Thanks for this

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Don't believe everything you see on the internet, Scott.

[@Jake-yx7ct]

Tom that goat trail of a road was just gonna beat your jeep into scrap!! Be safe and thanks for sharing your adventure .

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I know, but I always have to try. I'm making a few modifications now on the Jeep for next season. Thanks for watching, Jacob!

[@stevetabor4447]

Well sorry I’m late lol very cool mine pretty big production be nice to see when it was running, the owl was awesome love owls have one by the house here now for 4-5 years amazing animals great stuff Tom/Julie as always be safe 👍👍👍

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yes, this was a big production back in the 1940's. Did you see the photos of the buildings here that I posted on my community tab? I wish that they were still there. The owl was cool, although he didn't care too much for us being there. Thanks for watching, Steve!

[@davidsnider1703]

Great look at the owl. Thanks for sharing.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

It flew right by my head when we were hiking. Glad that you enjoyed seeing it.

[@ronniecardy]

Fantastic big Owl 🦉 that was a beautiful one didn't know they wouldn't live close to tree's. Like you said sure was a lot of concrete around that mine

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I think that owl was mad at me and tried to run me off. I think this is this particular owl's winter range. Yes, loads of concrete. Thanks, Ronnie.

[@timlanglois5643]

Was the coyote chasing the road runner lol great job guys

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hah yes, it was. Meep meep, or is it beep beep? The debate continues. Thanks, Tim!

[@thomasschafer846]

Very cool video. Enjoy the still shots. Fantastic owl video.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Glad that you liked the video and stills, Thomas. The owl was fun to see. Thanks for watching!

[@georgesmith8113]

Great video! Love the rock walls. 👍👍😎

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I like those rock walls, too. Kind of a lost art I'm afraid. Thanks, George!

[@duanekaulen421]

As always very interesting. Great hike up after leaving the jeep. Wow you guys sure love to explore old places and mines. There was stuff strewn all over the area. Keep up the great videos. Take care and stay safe!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

It seems like always end up hiking, which is a good thing. Yes, we enjoy poking around these old sites and exploring underground. Thanks for watching, Duane!

[@joeschraidt6747]

Another great video thanks Tom and Julie

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You're welcome, Joe, and thanks for the nice comment!

[@gunny8978]

Cool video, yes thats a lot tailings thats washed down through the mountain, and there were some serious tall shafts, and that horned owl was not a happy camper 🤣🤣 ya'll be safe and take care

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I couldn't believe how completely those tailings washed down the mountain. There was barely a speck of them left up by the mill site. That owl was fun to see, but a little grumpy. Thanks, Gunny!

[@PumpkinVillage]

Another outstanding video with some wildlife too. That was a a big site. Take care and stay safe, Al

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Definitely a big operation at one time. Glad that you liked it, Al!

[@xofcenter5576]

Tom and Julie: absolutely the nicest, most pleasant people in the mine exploration biz! I’m curious, do you guys ever get all the way up to an adit only to find someone else there?

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

First of all thanks for the kind words. I just try to not be obnoxious, and everyone likes Julie, on video and in real life. We try to go to the less popular mining areas so as to not run into a lot of people. One big danger is people throwing rocks down vertical shafts. If we happen to be down a shaft and a rock comes down it could be ugly. If we are in a popular area, and down a shaft, I usually leave a note at the top stating that people are in the mine. The only places I can think of that we have seen people at a mine we are going to is around Tecopa. The Gunsight, Columbia, War Eagle and Noonday mines are all very popular and there seem to be people there quite often. Thanks again!

[@mineadventures7938]

X of Center, I have had the amazing opportunity to meet Tom and Julie, and indeed, they are both kind and welcoming and made me feel like we were long time friends. They are the most nicest and pleasant people indeed....

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

@@mineadventures7938 Thanks, Ken and right back at ya!

[@mineadventures7938]

The hike down the canyon looked rugged and looked amazing. The rat looked pretty beefy, must be good eats around them parts. The small rock slide looked interesting, the large size and colors of the rock, that was unusual, usually the slides are the same color and rather small materials. Thanks for sharing guys, as usual love your team work, looking forward to more to come.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I love scrsmbling down those rocky washes. That rat was staring me down with a threatening look so I moved along. That owl tried to run me off, too. Not sure where the slide came from. Too many stopes to figure it all out. There must be an opening higher up. Thanks for watching, Ken!

[@mineadventures7938]

@@TomandJulieMineExploring i loved that rocky wash too, was that area near where we were? Looks kinda like it

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

@@mineadventures7938 Yes, very close. Take a right on the way in instead of a left where we went.

[@thomasb188]

I always enjoy your videos !!!!!! Have a great day !!!!! :)

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks, Thomas! Hope you day is great as well.

[@joelhaas8273]

The rock work is amazing.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

There are some really cool walls. Thanks for watching, Joel!

[@Epifania646]

that you so much for sharing the experience with us viewers.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You're welcome and thanks for the comment, Epifania!

[@frankgaletzka8477]

Hello Julie hello Tom Thsnk you for the Video This minesight must be very big as it was in Operation But dont beat your Jeep so hatd II is great pain to see what you do with him Thanks for the adventure and the great Fotos Take care Yours Frank Galetzka

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hi Frank. This big site must have been something to see when all the equipment was here. I put the little Jeep through a good test again. Thanks for watching and hope all is well in Germany.

[@frankgaletzka8477]

@@TomandJulieMineExploring Thank you for yoz reply Here in Germany it is very restriktet The goverment dont open up the live to normal They want to vaccine everybody and now the children too We Made a petition to the goverment with 600000 subscribers

[@frankgaletzka8477]

@@TomandJulieMineExploring bit nothing the still want to Do it It is a crime the press and the TV write and send what the goverment want to And the Maincourt juge is a buddy of our Bunderkanzlerin What that mean is clear So it is now a totalitär goverment that rules Germany But everything has an end and it is not for ever The people woke up and ask questions and the Resistenze grow every day Take care have a good week and all the best Yours Frank Galetzka

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

@@frankgaletzka8477 Good luck with the political situation there. Hopefully things will get back to normal as soon as possible.

[@TheShornak]

Hello Tom and Julie. That was some serious rock crawling with your jeep. It always amazes me how some of these operations is so involved with concert and all, in the middle of nowhere. Great video you two. Take care always.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I knew we weren't going to make it much farther up that road in our little Jeep. It's fun to try anyway. There's enough concrete up there to make a stretch of four lane freeway. I think it's easier to get to that area from the opposite direction that we came from. Thanks, Stephen!

[@diggindiggenit6540]

Very cool footage and adventure always fun to watch

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Glad that you enjoyed it. Thanks!

[@billperkins3698]

Great video, thanks for sharing it with us.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks, Bill. Hope you enjoyed it!

[@TheRockgremlin]

Wow, so much wildlife in this one. And what a strange mine -- what the heck was going on at 11:42?! I thought it was backfill at first because of the random jumbled-like appearance of blocks, but I don't think so. Maybe it's just a small, fractured section of limestone? Weird....Anyway, always a pleasure to watch your videos, thanks again!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

A good sampling of wildlife with the coyote, rats and bats, and the owl. That's always fun. I'm not sure where all that rock was coming from. There might be something higher up that it came down from. Glad that you liked the video and good to hear from you!

[@ralphpatrick3071]

Thoroughly enjoy you, Julie and your adventures. Thank you!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You're welcome and we're so happy that you enjoy our trips. Thanks, Ralph!

[@garymckee8857]

I was just thinking about that little ground owl that was in a previous video and you run into a larger mean one. Thanks

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

That friendly little guy was a burrowing owl. This long-eared owl was a little testy. Thanks for the comment, Gary!

[@HikeCamp]

Was the coyote chasing the roadrunner? I agree much more to see on foot... Looks like they invested quite a bit in the surface so there must have been substantial gold... Big mine, tunnels all over... Interesting surface exploring... fantastic view from up there... Loved the hike in and out!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Haha, that coyote looked pretty old in person. You know we like to hike, Max. That's always more fun than bouncing around in a vehicle. Yes, big mine and mill. Thanks for the comment!

[@jimmystockdale7555]

That looked to be a big operation in it's day. I enjoyed the shots of the owl, it looked like it was protecting it's home. Until next time may God bless you both.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yes, it was a big operation. That owl came out of nowhere and almost hit me in the head. Maybe it was protecting it's turf and trying to run me off. Thanks for the nice comment, Jimmy!

[@jdean1851]

Great Trip!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks for commenting, J!👌👍

[@markattardo]

👍👍😎Cool stuff!!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Alright, Mark, thanks!👍

[@tednisbeth3088]

loved it !

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

That's great, Ted!👌😁

[@jasonweekley1859]

I've been there a few times, found a short horizontal shaft that I had to dig the entrance out to get into, but was only went back about 20ft or so. This was to the left of the deep vertical shaft. But still have not found the entrance you guys use. Awesome adventures by the way!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hi Jason. I know the short drift to the left of the shaft that you are talking about. I would love to rappel down the big shaft, but there is so much loose rock that a rope would probably dislodge a lot of rocks, making it quite dangerous. I have to say that occasionally, I will combine underground footage from different mines in order to make an interesting video. So, everything you see in a video might not really exist the way it is presented. 👍😉

[@jasonweekley1859]

@TomandJulieMineExploring Thank you for the info. I Live in Yucca Valley and have been exploring out in Old Dale for quite awhile now. May I ask what mine the footage may be from? Thank you.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

@jasonweekley1859 I looked at it and really don't recall where that footage is from. Sorry for misleading you. Generally, if I do that type of thing, I won't name the mine so as to avoid this type of situation. If you've been around that area, I'm guessing that you've been to the Carlysle Mine. The Star Mine is a fun one with good ladders and a few drift levels. The Iron Chief is another fun one, although it's a long way out to it. Then, you need to find the portal, which is much lower than the top of the waste pile. Ivanhoe has a couple fun places mostly roping in. Brooklyn, although again, I'm guessing that you've been there. Are you friends with Ken at the 'Mine Adventure' channel? He is in that area a lot. I think he has a place in Joshua Tree that he spends time at.

[@jasonweekley1859]

@TomandJulieMineExploring Thank you for the Reply and Information, I Really enjoy the adventures Julie and yourself go on. Have Fun and Stay Safe!

[@starman10548]

Enjoyed sites.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks Rebel Dawg!

[@ronstanek2851]

Hello Tom and Julie , you impress me with your videos again. Such a nice hiking and mining adventure, that owl looks like he meant business. Such a large operation this was, any idea what period this was operating? Anyway stay safe and Tom don't slip on those rocks! Bless you in your journeys,Ron

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I think that owl was giving me the look.😠 I think it was in full swing in the 1940's. There are some photos online that I've seen from that era. I almost took the quick way down the hill again. Thanks for watching and commenting, Ron!

[@tomheater6149]

Thanks T&J, or J&T you two are mavelous!....... Did you say you were in gold country maybe meaning Northern Cal.? if so sorry i missed you, Coloma, Ca

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks for the nice comment, Tom. This area is in what is now named the Virginia Dale Mining District near Joshua Tree National Park. In fact this district was at one time part of Joshua Tree Park. I know this is not what is called the Mother Lode Country. We spend some time in this area each year.

[@DVolvoguy777-x7o]

This mine has all kinds of cool stuff to check out. That one ladder situation looked way sketch. Did you go up and check it out up there? Seems a lot of backfill in some of the drifts. Thanks for sharing the video! Mr Horned owl was being really puffy. Must have had a brood close by.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yeah, it's kind of a different layout in this one. We went up the ladders into a stope that had a weird drift and another ladder that went down lower into the stope that we didn't take. We see a lot of backfill in mines. The miners didn’t want to haul out more waste than they had to. Thanks, Jeremy!

[@DVolvoguy777-x7o]

@@TomandJulieMineExploring can’t wait to see your next adventure! Rock on!

[@lincolnstovall9471]

Wind coming in from the shafts? They working a fault? Where’s the vane, I didn’t see it? Thanks, you always find interesting places.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yes, that breeze must have gone up through a shaft or open stope. I'm guessing they cleaned out the vein. Thanks, Lincoln!

[@seanbatiz6620]

Would’ve been something else to have been wealthy enough back in about 1960, when a lot of these older mines were already ‘abandoned’ BUT, 99% of the equipment was all still fully intact.. to have been able to afford going around to all of them to fully document & inventory what all was at each location, with the best camera gear of the day, for comparative value now

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

That would have been fun. It's too bad that most of the artifacts seem to walk off over time. This one had numerous buildings and pieces of equipment in the photos I posted from 1941. Those photos are under the 'community' tab on our homepage if you haven't seen them.

[@seanbatiz6620]

@@TomandJulieMineExploring Haven’t checked those pic’s out yet but will now…

[@laurieabrams7046]

Could you possibly get one of those "mufflers" for your microfone? It would get rid of all that WIND sound! Thanks, really enjoy your adventures.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I already have windscreens on my cameras. The smal type I use will never be 100% effective. I suppose I could use a different camera setup for video taken outside, with a big fluffy muffler style windscreen, but that would be just another bunch of gear to haul around. That would not be fun to carry when climbing ladders underground. So, this is a good compromise for my setup. Glad that you enjoy our adventures. Thanks for the comment, Mike - Mama!

[@kismet19]

Hello T & J would we presume that someone drove all those cement trucks up there to pour all that concrete that seems like quite a feat

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yes, that would have been the case. There is road access from the opposite side that we hiked in from. The road is not in great shape these days but would have been better when the mill and other foundations were poured. Thanks for the comment!👍😄

[@maxstephens815]

love the Chinese music from your old tenor guitar! where are you guys?

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hey, Max, good to hear from you! We're back home in Oregon. Stop in if you are going by.

[@DFDuck55]

I play slide on an old tenor guitar. A 1963 Harmony Stella H929.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I've never tried a slide on a tenor. have a Harmony tenor F-62 T, I think it is. I might be wrong about the numbers. I also have a 1940 something Harmony Patrician that is still fun to play. Not very good action but a cool sound. The few notes in this video were actually played on a mandolin. I forgot to tell Max that.

[@DFDuck55]

I got a really good deal on my old Stella because the neck is warped and it's out of intonation. Which makes no difference when you're playing slide, and actually helps because the action is high on it. I don't use any kind of standard tenor or slide tuning. I tune to EAEA. Which is upside down from an obscure alternate slide tuning AEAE. Most my standard guitars I removed both E strings and tune the remaining 4 strings to EAEA.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

@@DFDuck55That sounds interesting. I've never tried that tuning.

[@robertr.2103]

Yeah you don't wanna tear up your vehicle why do the mines seem to be a mile from driving area did the miners have to hike in there?

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Our Jeep is always getting beat up. Some of the older mines used burros to deliver supplies to the mines and haul ore out. Other times the roads haven't been maintained for many years. Thanks for the comment, Robert!

[@lesbendo6363]

Tom at the 3:30 mark what is the white in the valley? Salt? 🇨🇦

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hi, Les. Yes, that is a dry lake bed with salt that was left when the water evaporated. Thanks for commenting!👌😄

[@rdamp2374]

The Owl making him self big that says don"t try to mess with me or you will be sorry. What was the music you put in the video.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I think you are correct about the owl. It just about got me in the head and then just hung around being a tough guy. Those are a few notes I played on a mandolin. Thanks!

[@MrInfield420]

Just need a lift and some 35"s on the old YJ and she'll be good to go!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I was thinking some lockers to start with. I just yanked off the torsion bar and track bars last week hoping to get a little more out of the suspension. It was so stiff that it didn't take much to get a wheel off the ground and with no lockers that's the end of the climb.

[@MrInfield420]

@@TomandJulieMineExploring Yep lockers will make a world of difference.....I've got a JKU with 2.5 lift and 35's... Lockers are next for me...

[@DFDuck55]

That was not a very hospitable road. Would be interesting to see what kind of vehicles they had that went up and down it. There was really nothing in the mine that looked all that rich, but with the size of the mill workings they have been doing alright there.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I think that the vertical shafts were maybe the biggest producers here. There are several good sized shafts here with no ladders so we didn't go down them. There is another road that comes in from the opposite direction as the road we came in on and that might have been the way trucks came to this mine. Thanks for the comment, Duck!

[@1949ala]

Where did all that cement come from. .?

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

The concrete was the infrastructure for a large mill that was there. There is nothing left but the concrete foundations. There is a photo in this newspaper that shows the headframe and mill. www.desertsun.com/picture-gallery/life/2019/03/21/strike-gold-property-for-sale-995-000/3228614002/

[@zerofox7347]

Interesting that the bats are hidden behind the ribs to anyone walking in and you only see then as you turn around to walk out, that would give them a chance to escape if they deem you a threat.... Maybe 🤔

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yeah, I didn't see them at all on the way in. Maybe that is their strategy. Thanks for the comment!

[@jamiemauger5790]

Hey just wondering where u went n at

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Don't bother looking for what you see in the video because you won't find it there, Jamie.

[@jeffreyhoekenga2829]

That was one fat Owl,very rugged area for a mine.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I think he was puffing himself up trying to intimidate us so we would leave. It's definitely a rugged area. It seems like that's standard procedure for mine locations. Thanks for the comment, Jeffrey!

[@danielfmyers]

Whooooooo dares enter my gully? 😂

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Haha, that's about it. That owl flew right at my head. Thanks for watching, Daniel!

[@General_Confusion]

You don't need to worry about Coyote's or Rat's or Bat's or even Bobcat's Tom. They always attack Girls first.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

That just means I have to protect Julie and myself. Just like the old saying about outrunning a bear. You just have to be faster than the slowest one in your group.