Lost Worlds Project: A Grand Finale

This is almost certainly our last video on this epic mine complex. That’s a bittersweet feeling after several years and many visits of mine exploring on this one as we would love to have continued pushing deeper underground. However, at the same time, there is a certain satisfaction in completing such an ambitious project in this this incredible abandoned mine.
Graham of the Mines of the West channel was with us on every one of these expeditions and this final one was no exception. Check out his video of the visit here: • Our Biggest Mine Explo... Everyone has different takes on the same event and I think it is interesting to see how these look. We’re also doing an experiment to see what KZbin’s fickle algorithm does with a simultaneous release of the videos of this final visit.
I keenly wanted to keep following the guys from the 1930s down as far as they went in this abandoned mine (which was abandoned when they visited as well). There are many, many levels still below where we were forced to stop and there were supposed to be some tremendous features deeper underground (giant caves, massive hoist stations, etc.). However, the mine that the men from the 1930s encountered almost a century ago was undoubtedly in far better shape.
Perhaps this entire site will be open pitted some day? If so, those digging down will uncover some wonders and I am envious of what they will see.
*****
You can see the full TVR Exploring playlist of abandoned mines here: goo.gl/TEKq9L
You can see the gear that I use for mine exploring here: bit.ly/2wqcBDD and here: bit.ly/2p6Jip6
Several kind viewers have asked about donating to help cover some of the many expenses associated with exploring these abandoned mines. Inspired by their generosity, I set up a Patreon account. So, if anyone would care to chip in, I’m under TVR Exploring on Patreon.
Thanks for watching!
*****
Growing up in California’s “Gold Rush Country” made it easy to take all of the history around us for granted. However, abandoned mine sites have a lot working against them - nature, vandals, scrappers and various government agencies… The old prospectors and miners that used to roam our lonely mountains and toil away deep underground are disappearing quickly as well.
These losses finally caught our attention and we felt compelled to make an effort to document as many of the ghost towns and abandoned mines that we could before that colorful niche of our history is gone forever.
I hope you’ll join us on these adventures!
#ExploringAbandonedMines
#MineExploring
#AbandonedMines
#UndergroundMineExploring

[@archstanton9206]

That was nothing short of amazing. The carbide lamp, the stable, I can imagine your disbelief when coming across them. What a treat. Seeing footprints left 90ish years ago...amazing. Running this one out must bring s sense of satisfaction. 12 plus hours underground would gas anyone. I suspect you all slept well that night. This one I will watch several times. Thank you, Justin.

[@user-ud3nn9dt7s]

Carbide in water emits acetylene gas. The tube allows the gas to travel up to the opening in the reflector. Move too fast and flame goes out, which is why there was usually a striker right in the reflector.

[@mikep9032]

Not exactly. I'm a spelunking from the 70's. The carbide rocks did sit in the lower camber. Above that was a water tank (chamber) of several ounces. On top of the water tank was a lever, which in fact was a valve, which controlled the amount of water dropped into the carbide. This allowed the flame to be adjusted - more water, more acetylene gas - shorter burn time.

[@davec3459]

Tenacious exploring. Amazing mine(s) and artefacts. Thank you all for taking us along!

[@jilbertb]

Yea! A full length MOVIE! (I knew there had to be a part 5!!) That was definitely spectacular! THANKS!!!🎉

[@kipsircely7432]

Once again thank you for an absolutely great adventure. Your detailed information on the history is very appreciated. You have gained to new viewers who you have sitting on the edge of their seats. I introduced your channel to my 8 and 6 year old nephews. They can't wait for your next videos. They now have a sparked interest in geology and adventure. Your videos also are now being used to teach these two young gentlemen what life was like over a hundred years ago in an understanding of how hard it was for people to earn a living. Thank you again for another great video and please be safe in all of your adventures.

[@bryanlong1363]

Thanks!

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you very much, Bryan. Looking forward to seeing you this weekend!

[@bmh67wa]

Out of all of the mining channels that I've watched over the years not once has any of them ever shown a horse pen area inside of one nor would I have ever expected there to be one that deep within a mine. An awesome find! Thank you for sharing this exploration with us. Such a wonderful mine.

[@CoryWipke]

I couldn't even imagine having a horse or mule down there. I can't imagine it enjoying it much either.

[@silasakron4692]

That's probably because they're beyond rare; this may be one of the very first ever filmed in the Western US hardrock underground. Most of the mines that retained their livery infrastructure have long since caved.

[@-r-495]

this. and they also played it safe.

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Justin, Graham & Jeremy, wow that mine just kept on giving but the best part for me was the huge cave and the stable area with the leather and old trough, that is such a rare find because I watch a few abandoned mine channels and have never seen an underground stable. This has to be your best explore to date. Dang what Jeremy did to get across that scary pit and back again, falling along the way was so ballsy, respect Jeremy, RESPECT my man. Jeez you guys all deserve big respect for the amount of effort you put into this mine. Thank you all so much for going above and beyond in this mine, it has been one fascinating adventure as you said over many years, much love to all of you. xxx🥰🙏🙏❤

[@herbertboelk7545]

All my respect! For considering safety and life matters first. There is no cowardice in doing that. No sensation, or cool clip, or scoop is worth a life, be it own life or an other person's one. Not everyone seems to understand this.

[@tubbyfleck3641]

I've been waiting literal years to know what's down in the Anti-Union Chamber. It's amazing you guys got it on video before it's gone forever given the condition of the mine. Thank you, guys. Yes yes, the other mine intersecting this one, the newspaper and candles in the lunch break cave, and the cool mule stable and all, but the most important thing is the Anti-Union Chamber!

[@The_Cultural_Historian_DrRGST]

F. P. Cutting Company was one of the earliest canners in California. Started in 1859 by Francis Cutting, the cannery on Main Street in San Francisco packed fruit, jams, jellies, tomatoes, and other products. Cutting was canning pears, peaches, and apricots by 1863. Others had been canning in California previously - D. Provost repacked pickles and jams shipped from the east coast, and Erzgarber and Gotzen packed jams and jellies. However, Cutting was the first canning local fruit[. By 1872, Cutting could pack 22,000 cans in a single day - wikipedia 😎

[@terrystewart2070]

As always, huge kudos to the intrepid explorers! Justin, Jeremy and Graham....what a crew! Thanks for many hours of tagging along, seeing stuff that Is way beyond my ability to access at my age. On this one, the most incredible part (to me anyway) was the stable. Never before seen, most likely never see one again.

[@terrystewart2070]

Hey Justin: Just a minor nit pick to start the vid. The carbide lamp doesn't burn the carbide. The carbide is in the bottom. The top half of the lamp is a water container. There is a dial or other mechanism on the top that drips the water into the carbide, which make acetylene gas, which is burned for light (just like a small acetylene torch). Many of them also had a serrated wheel and flint (much like a Zippo lighter) to fire them. In the 50's when I was a kid, these were around and we played with them. The bigger issue was finding the carbide. Anyway, I love your work.....carry on my brother!

[@million_heir5298]

Simply your best upload yet. What an incredible mine. The stable blew my mind. Thanks for uploading!

[@bartcalder2791]

Fantastic finale! Fantastic job Guys!

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

It took a long time to get through it all. But it was definitely worth every moment. Thanks for enduring this one to the very end. Great explore.

[@MrShotlighter]

The black powder/cartridge paper at 59:22 was possibly "Bobbinite" or similar. This was compressed black powder pressed into the shape of a bobbin & with a tapered hole through the center. The hole allowed a fuse to be threaded through and the end doubled back, which trapped & secured itself against the taper. Wrapped in wax paper for protection, it was a common mining explosive in the UK from the late 1800's and into the 20th C. & no doubt used world wide.

[@jeffreybail353]

amazing hidden stuff fromthe old world

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

Thank you very much for this mine serial, lots of hard work shooting it, then trying to edit all the footage and finally uploading it. That looks like a huge mine, thanks again

[@mfree80286]

Calcium carbide is interesting stuff if you're into the chemistry. It "steals" the oxygen atom from water and replaces it with carbon, which makes the acetylene gas that's used in lamps. But the other part is CaO (quicklime), and since there's water present it hydrolyzes to Ca(OH)2, or slaked lime. Yes, same stuff for construction or the garden, that's ALMOST the fluffy white powder you're seeing in the containers. Why almost? Because it USED to be slaked lime... over time it actually absorbs CO2 and turns into calcium carbonate, so the waste from the lamp will actually scrub a little CO2 out of the air. Plus, as it's making gas the chemical process is exothermic... the mixing container will get warm, so if it's cold you can just hold it and give your fingers a treat.

[@Kevin-mw9yl]

Amazing old mine. CUDOS to you guys, for sticking with it, and showing, what would have to be, one othe best ever abandoned mines, left in America.That stable find? The find of a lifetime. Congrats gents.

[@beyond_civilization]

You spoiled us with so many rare finds on this episode. 🤯 The only problem is you've set the bar so high now for the future. 😅😝 Keep up the great work, bro.

[@ifixphns]

Awesome explore. That stable was quite a find, probably not too many of those documented recently. Thanks for taking us along!

[@loucatozzi7656]

"Carbide lamp - none of you have ever seen one? No!" OMG, am I really that old? Carbide lamps were the light source of choice for mine and cave exploring during my younger years (70's, 80's and 90's) only being replaced when cheap and reliable LED headlamps became available. BTW - there is water in the upper part and calcium carbide in the lower. The tube drips water into the carbide to produce acety­lene gas which you light with the flint striker near the outlet nozzle in the center of a polished stainless steel reflector. One load of water and carbide is good for 1-2 hours depending on how bright of a flame you need.

[@martinr1834]

On the ground next to the collapsed section with buried rail near shaft was I think a discarded bridle, would make sense being near the stable. What a stunning mine to explore.

[@hanscakestealer8546]

The star on that persons name and the swaztika really show the influence of that time

[@frankgaletzka8477]

Thank you all three for these wonderfull Video and the dangerous work you all do to get the pictures. Greetings from Germany Yours Frank Galetzka

[@bigstick6332]

Awesome, over an hour of TVR.

[@ericcorse]

My dad smoked half and half pipe tobacco (half burley and half bright leaf) This was after they merged with the American Tobacco Co. I had no idea how big the cave was till Jeremy went into it. Y'all showed your big brass ones on this video more than usual.

[@lennardperry5184]

I've watched this channel almost since you started. its better every video. well done and as always thanks for the effort.

[@richardwarnock2789]

That was quite the Ride Gentlemen Well Played!!!; )

[@MinesoftheWest]

That was a great day underground! Nice job with the video Justin.

[@joshuajackson6442]

While living on GuLangYu, XiaMen, Fujian Province, PROC in the early 1980’s, we used carbide lamps as our emergency backup light. Believe it or not, candles and batteries cost much more money. My Father used carbide lamps while mining Uranium around Tomsich Butte, in Emery County, in The San Rafael Swell of Utah, USA in the 1950’s. Been trying to wrack my memory for the name of the mine. But, there were so many mines in that area.

[@ralphpatrick3071]

That stable was Awesome! Hay, water and oats? What a great explore. Thanks, Justin!

[@Shiloh7377]

I've watched almost every video there is of you guys exploring and others, and I've never seen where horses were kept, like a stable, that's awsome.

[@myhrebache-wiig459]

You guys are amazing at what you do. Thank you for sharing it with us!!!

[@bigstick6332]

Every time I say one of your videos is just amazing and one of the best, you find a way to top it. Great work.

[@paulcooper9135]

Absolutely spectacular! That Stable was incredible .. closest I've seen (on video) is the remains of a horse powered winch from the guys in the UK ... but an actual stable with feed and tack is almost mythical. Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[@bernardgonzales4195]

A perfect orb at 29:03, an old miner maybe? Great to see an over 1 hour video, thanks guys.

[@stuarthobart6844]

Man you guys are fearless ‼️

[@olivei2484]

Liked the stable. The leather piece hanging on nail was most likely a tug or trace. The spare chain you found would be a heal chain. Runs from the end of tug to a single tree which would be connected to ore car(s). The other leather strap hanging by its snap is probably a lead. The mules probably had minimal harness since the work would be flat. Rivits were used to repair, however they degrade the leather, but are fast to fix. Probably in the early 1900s. Looked like a massive operation, great explore!

[@izaakrosov1199]

This is incredible

[@Berserk_Loon]

That stable was amazing!

[@davidnelson2951]

Amazing find. Thank you for reveling such ancient history for us your viewers

[@my81shovelhead]

Unreal mine thanks for sharing .

[@gingerbread6614]

You guys are great. Thank you

[@mattwells4613]

Awesome explore! Thank you! I would have said Nope long before and never seen that awesomeness! That is exactly why you go where everyone else said Nope! Well Done!

[@G1966TK]

Great Video, Jeremy should get a raise !👍

[@CollectiveSoftware]

Amazing work. Glad you noped those super sketch descents so everyone stayed safe and made it out :)

[@no_name4aday]

Part 42 🤗thought it was over that was a cool mine top 5 you done good job sir

[@brianvalley5223]

There's all kinds of things to check out in that mine. Damn.

[@dennistennyson8856]

Love the perspective views.

[@TroyDowVanZandt]

Wow! When you see underground stables, you're approaching something on the scale of the Copper Queen in Bisbee. Big-Time Professional Mining! Ahhhh! [Rips shirt off.]

[@casedoumasr656]

Hello Justin and and the rest of the explorers after watching this and seeing Jeremy going into BIG CAVE and sliding down and seeing him way out the far side i had to go back and marvel how big that cave really is 😟. And going back to what i call the barn donkey stable and seeing what was found and the list goes onnnn thank you and the rest of the explores for fliming .and top safey to all ⛏️🏆

[@djspatrick]

Never mind the bullshit cave, this is a tremendous document. The mule stable was so unexpected. Love your narrative and determination of your team. Great stuff ❤

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

Incredible series!

[@DavidHuber63]

I am glad to see you're all still adit

[@stevenhigby3512]

That mine is huge, never ending great explore.

[@NewArcadian]

Fantastic series and documentation, thanks. 44:03 - head of a golem.

[@I.Live4oldcars.prospecting]

Awesome video guys. Thats a interesting mine. I love the stable. How cool is that.

[@VikingExploration60]

what a find the Stable, very rare.

[@98grand5point9]

Amazing!

[@freequest]

Do find it incredible how much work must have been put into digging out all the ores.

[@The_Cultural_Historian_DrRGST]

Fantastic video. . . . one of the best😎

[@seanpeterson2296]

Awesome Episode! Good work!

[@coerydouglas1924]

HOLY SHIT BATMAN ITS UNDERGROUND!!! just wow, and thank you!

[@milwaukeeroadjim9253]

Carbide lights work by dripping water into the carbide rocks. acetylene gas is released and exits the nozzle and is burning using the flint striker to start the fire. Used carbide looks like what you showed in the video (white ash), Flame is adjusted by the lever on top that increased flow of water into the carbide. I used one back in the 70s while exploring mines and caves.

[@StirlingLighthouse]

Very nice explore! Thanks very much 🙏

[@poodwood]

If you say it’s too sporty I most definitely believe it.

[@VikingExploration60]

The carbide doesn't burn, in the top of the lamp there a reservoir of water which via a control valve is slowly dripping into the carbide chamber, this then produces acetylene gas which is then burnt at the nozzle to provide the light, that's why you see piles of spent carbide scattered around the mines, once it's done producing the gas it is basically useless.

[@moonbear6220]

i knew that slide with jeremy was coming and still thought oh shit when it did happen glad no injurys,that man as admantium balls....the can you found it had the city name but was rusted up top was cut open in small triangles, i have done this to use the can as a pan and kettle holder for a small fuel burner in the past so maybe that was its use..epic journey all told..

[@josephsnow8156]

We used carbide lamps in my early teens till the late 1980`s early 1990`s hunting at night.

[@rolfsinkgraven]

A very nice big natural cave wow, and a big collapse, a nice mine with everything you wanna see including a stable wow that is a first, great explore Justin, that sliding rock can become Russian roulette, no fun. Still one too remember.

[@samuelgilbert9734]

What a crazy mine! If you guys are calling some passages too "sporty", it means they are bloody dangerous! 😉

[@tscherer7542]

i’ve used carbide lamps for caving, bout 30 yrs ago. water+ Carbide = acetylene gas + Ca(OH)2 the white powder you see is the calcium hydroxide, acetylene gas is burned (to provide a durable intense flame) or dissipated over time

[@markhooper5824]

Ace job guys. It's not very often when you all say nope, so that must have been real dodgy.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@joebenigni1074]

Wow kick ass that’s awesome

[@HellNoMoreBiden]

Awesome Jeremy, slamming into stuff Forgot Whiskey in there. I'm seeing the Buckingham and Velvet tobacco is still made today. They had mules in the mine? Poor mule I hope they rolled him a smoke

[@kerzwhile]

AWESOME Video!! ❤

[@tony-1254]

Awesome 😊

[@kaboom4679]

The pointy thing is the water dropper , controlled by the lever on the top .

[@davidtrapp7877]

You guys have to go back and try to find some other way to get into the other mine...just think what could be in there!

[@davidsnider1703]

Cool explore. Wow the stables was beyond cool

[@AdmiralJT]

If the 45 degree rock slide and the rock shaft at the end is too sporty even for Jeremy, then its 100% a nope

[@diggindiggenit6540]

You guys should leave a signature date in those mines you explore for future explorers will know when the last person was there, modern history unless modern history doesn't count via gil

[@edwardmckenzie3402]

Holy Shit! If you say something is too sporty, it must be terrifying! I've watched you go into places that i wouldn't attempt on a bet!

[@janddmaurer7334]

If you say it's 'too sporty', it's REALLY too sporty since you usually pass my 'sporty' level usually withing the first 10 minutes of your videos...still wish I could do what you all do on a regular basis, but I haven't been able to find anyone else who thought going into an old mine was a good idea.

[@streaky81]

"checking that out" is TVR code for "taking a piss". 27:15 - is it possible they skirted the cave and the side of it collapsed at some point? Looking at the color of the rock it looks a little like there was a drift along the wall, which might explain the direction it was mined.

[@179joshua]

Could that black powder be a decomposed battery? I have seen them in mines look like that before

[@sierrashere6957]

Safety first ! But awesome finds

[@beardy4831]

Pretty wild that passages you took once had since collapsed, and that in other places rock was presently on the move.

[@mysterycrumble]

if you say it's too sporty, i definitely believe you.

[@mysterycrumble]

and Jeremy... good call!

[@Dwendele]

Commenting early...its gonna take a pretty big cave to beat that one silver mine yall got into! That was actually the first time I'd heard you cuss on camera 😂 "Holy shit!!"

[@alexduran6742]

Good stuff.

[@TheSlimej]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOH!

[@CoryWipke]

When you guys first dropped down, at 4:33 there was some miner's graphitti on the lower part of the junction that read "518A" "...MW" "to" "...900C" "om" or "on". What was that?

[@hrbailey379xhd]

The black powder you refer to were small beads or pellets

[@-r-495]

WOW

[@-r-495]

On a level hundreds of feet underground, there was a manger..

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

Ever feel like your walking on eggshells?

[@The_Cultural_Historian_DrRGST]

What a fantastic find. . . if you had just found a horse - lol. . .😎