Death Valley Treasure: The Gold Mine With All The Artifacts
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- Опубліковано 27 чер 2024
- The challenging hike to this Death Valley mine is very scenic and a big part of the adventure. This abandoned gold mine has more artifacts than any we have ever seen. That's no surprise since making the hike to the mine is quite difficult. It's located high on a steep mountainside, and getting there involves climbing over 2000 feet up through a rugged canyon. When we started to get close to the mine, mining artifacts started showing up in the wash we were going up. First, a barrel, then a truck frame and an engine. Next, an old shovel, a wood spoked truck wheel, and a miners camp. Then we turned a corner, and there it was. Two ore bins, two huge engines, a jaw crusher, and many more smaller items. A ground tram and head frame over an inclined shaft. Another inclined shaft and explosives bunker. A beautiful quartz vein that ran across the mountainside that was visible from far off. We entered the inclined shaft to find a colorful ore vein and extensive stopes, where ore was removed from the mine. We also found an intact windlass over a set of skip rails, a wood dynamite box, two picks, and numerous tools and interesting cans. This mine was operating around 1910.
A big thanks to Chillis for joining us. He's a desert expert and a cool cat. Hete is a link to his channel:
/ @chillislives
We hope you enjoy the video!
Here is a link to another video we think you'll enjoy:
• Once In A Lifetime Fin...
This is a re-edited version of a previously released video.
The Aurora Engine was developed in 1906 by the Holt brothers, the founders of what eventually became Caterpillar in Stockton, Calif. The engine mfg plant was located on Aurora street and used gasoline for fuel. That is quite a historic piece of tractor history, but due to it's location is likely to remain right where it is. This is a great mine explore with all of the mechanical artifacts still in place.
Hi Dave. Thanks for the information on the Aurora engine. Very interesting and a great piece of history. I hope it stays right where it is for a long time. Glad that you enjoyed the video!😄
Nice video! I enjoyed seeing the jaw crusher also, makes me wonder how they ever got those items there.
@@TomandJulieMineExploringEngine clues to look for although scavengers might remove some of these clues.
Gas engines have a carburetor and an ignition comprised of a distributor or magneto, spark plugs and spark plug wires. The carb on this engine was the common (for the time) updraft type and is missing.
Diesel engines will have two pumps. A low pressure pump with one or two often integrated large filter housings. And there will be an injection pump which will have high pressure tubing (identifiable by the threaded fittings and vibration isolating / expansion loops) to the injectors in the cylinder head. Some diesels will also have a small gasoline engine called a pony engine for starting the diesel beast.
whats you talking about Chillis ...hahhahahahaahha spit my coffee out on that one .... I wanted to see him climb that waterfall....would check the bottom for Gold .... beautiful artifacts up there ....that was for flour but we have used them as classifiers in the past ...you imagine hauling that jaw crusher up there ....pretty cool tea kettle ....vein looks pretty good and well defined....was hoping you would drop to the bottom ..... really fun explore....keep'em coming and be safe out there
Hi Jeff. Chillis is a hoot to be around. I wanted to see him on that slickrock, too, but then again, I didn't want to have to drag him back to civilization if he broke his leg. I can't imagine hauling that crusher and other heavy equipment up thete and then wrangling it into place on that steep mountain. Miners are crazy. I might have to go back with rope gear and go down the ladderless shaft. I should have gone to the bottom of the one we were in. It's steeper than it looks on camera. Thanks for the comment!😄
They got me with my drinking water! 🤣
Hello Tom and Julie and chillis. Looks like my two favorite desert rats had to turn into mountain goats to get up to this one. What a neat mine lots of really great antique equipment laying around. looks like it was a really fun explorer, The views from up there were spectacular. Looks like it was a lot of fun, once again I thank you for taking me along with you. And as always keep up the good work please be careful in what you do thanks again for a great trip.
Hi Bob. Yes, this one requires a good hike to get to it. It's worth it, though, because of all the cool stuff that's still there, not to mention the views. Thanks for watching and for the nice comment!😄
So it was very rewarding after such a rough trip to get to this mine, it's great to see so many artifacts both above and below the mine and hope they stay around for a long time yet, now I can relate to the old spoked vehicle wheel as I restored a 1929 Chevy which had the same type of wheel so brought back some sweet memories, well done as usual you two and keep them coming , thank you Cheers
Hi Brian and Mary. Yes, a rewarding experience. I tried to extract that wheel just to see the whole thing, but it was stuck so tight that it was going to come apart unless a lot of rock was moved. It's always fun to see the old artifacts. Thanks for watching!😄
you guys always take the best pics thanks for sharing
Hi Jerry. I appreciate that you like the photos. Something about a few stills that I like to see. You're welcome, and thank you for watching!😄
I really liked the old equipment, I liked all the colors inside the mine. There was a lot of great stuff to see around the outside of the mine and inside also. Y'all are the best, take care and bless you both.
Hi Jimmy. We hope you are doing well. 🙏
Yes, the equipment and colors are great. Glad that you enjoyed them! Thanks for the comment and blessing!😊
Tom looked like a mountain goat! Thanks for another great video!!
Hi Camaro guy. I was starting to feel like a mountain goat. Lol Thanks for the comment!😄
I'm glad people haven't ram sacked that mine it's nice to see all the old stuff still there.
Hi Travis. Yes, it's nice that everything is not gone. Glad that you enjoyed seeing the artifacts. Thanks for watching!😄
Thanks, Tom and Julie, What a fun hike to explore today .👍
Hi Lloyd. The hike was great, and the mine was, too. Thanks for commenting!😄
Hi Julie great mine awesome equipment 😊 love the color of that piller thanks for the great show😊
Hi Gary. We're glad that you liked the equipment and color of the minerals. Thanks for the nice comment!😊
Thank you, Tom & Julie and Chillis! Nice hike up to that silver mine, lots of goodies left behind, great explore, see ya next time!
Hi Jimmi. You're welcome. Yes, lots of stuff still here. Thanks for watching, see ya next time!😄
Thanks guys, that was a cool mine. It has always amazed the tenacity of the old timers who found and mined these places. No roads, no vehicles, no air conditioning. Yet, they went out there and prospected everything. Everywhere I go, I always find some evidence of old-time prospectors who were there before me. It leaves me wondering how they did it. They really were tough old birds with incredible survival skills. I wish I knew half of what they did. Looking forward to your next adventure!
Hi Jim. I'm always amazed as well at what the old miners were able to accomplish. Wandering around these rugged mountains with a canteen full of water and a sack of beef jerky. Slick bottomed leather boots and a simple bedroll, probably gone from base camp for a few days, picking away at rock outcroppings until they find something interesting. Just nuts. Thanks for the comment!😄
So much stuff left behind! Very cool discoveries! Love all the quartz.
Hi Lisa. Lots of cool stuff left here. The mineral vein is beautiful. Glad that you liked the explore. Thanks for watching!😊
Good One kinda a Yummy Vein!!!😊
Hi Richard. That is a cool vein. Glad that you liked it. 👍😊
that was some old workings, lots of great stuff to look at. thank-you for the video, see you next week.
Hi Tony. Yes, lots of stuff to see. You're welcome. Thanks for the comment!😄
As always Tom and Julie, your video is the best on UA-cam! Thank you for sharing and taking me along with you.
Dear Tom&Julie would it be possible of obtaining a ore sample of that vain where it was colored and looked gold through the camera I will probably never get to Death Valley myself but that looked spectacularly special and would be willing to fund the trip or whatever it took????
Hi Bill. Thanks for the nice comment. We appreciate it!😄
Hi Dan. I'll keep your request in mind if we make a return visit. There are some pretty cool minerals in that vein.💰
@@TomandJulieMineExploring Thank you so much I think my great grandfather worked that mine I have toms of black&whites that were taken in 1918 I'm almost positive that it is it????
what a hike up there!! so much stuff at the mine and wow those minerals! fantastic exploration thanks for sharing
Hi Andrew. Yes, a great hike in a rugged area. Lots of cool stuff here. You're welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting!😄
Trail breaking is always fun but I bet you were all thinking about where the heck is the original trail to get in lol. Thanks for all the explores you do!
Thete is an old road that omes in from the opposite direction that we came from. We did finally hook up with it after we got past our shortcut. Thanks for the comment!😄
Love the old motors and equipment
Hi David. Me, too. That Aurora engine is especially great.😄
As always thank you for sharing. Stay safe in your travels.
You're welcome, Chuck. Will do, and thanks for commenting!😊
Best mine channel on UA-cam!
Thanks, Dave!👍😄
Some kind of gem stone in that mine. Really nice views from the top of the mountain.
Hi Steven. I don't know what all was in that mineral vein. Yes, the views are spectacular from up at the mine. Thanks for the comment!😄
Tom & Julie thank you for another great adventure. You make recovery from back surgery bearable. Stay safe in all of your adventures.
Hi Kip. I'm sorry to hear your back needed surgery. Hope it's healing the way it should. We appreciate a comment such as yours because it makes what we do worth it. Thank you for the comment!🙏😊
Agree, I also am recovering from surgery! Watching makes you forget the discomfort, for a little while anyway
Talk about remote! I'll bet it was a "challenge" to get all that equipment and lumber out to the site. Beautiful vein, obviously worth the improvements! Nice to see Chillis along for this explore!
Hi Lesley. I think you're correct about the challenge that the remote location presented. Miners are tough. Chillis is a cool guy. Thanks for the comment!😄
Hello Tom Hello Julie
Thank you for this Video.
The way up is one thing the way down a other .
It is hard work to do it
The mine looks good and may be you return to take a look down the Shaft if it is possible.
Thank you for the fotos .
It is hard to imagine how the build the road and bring all the Equipment up in the Mountains and live their and work .
I wish you a happy Weekend and a great new Week.
Yours Frank Galetzka
Hello Frank. You're welcome. It is very difficult to access this area and to build the road. I can't imagine how hard the work was for the miners. Thanks for the comment. Hope you have a great weekend!😄
Great mine. It must not get many visitors. Lots of artifacts still there! Thanks for taking us along. Take care of each other and stay safe.
Hi Ed. It really is a great place. Not too many people want to hike that far to steal things. You're welcome. Thanks for watching!😄
Always loved them mines that are surrounded by artifacts. They are a barrel of fun.😊
Hi Richard. Yes, the artifacts are fun to see. Thanks for watching!👍
That was one hellva hike but the artifacts, inside and out, were well worth it.
Thanks, T&J!
Hi Ralph. Yes, it's totally worth the hike to this one. Thanks for the comment!😄
While singing I’ll take the hi road, and you take the low road!
Lol. Thanks for the chuckle!😆
Hello to the mine explorer's looks like the power of water sure did a number on this mine road .What you found is all most unbelievable the nice heavey mine equipment.The incline mine made it some what eazier for that in depth explore .But seeing that auger and that rock makes one wonder why.This is a top notch Adventure as allways maybe even more 🇺🇸⛏️Thank you .I will rewind and stop and watch again🏆🤔
Hi Case. The road is very washed out. It is almost unbelievable that all the artifacts are there. I wondered what that auger would be used for, too. Glad that you enjoyed the adventure. Thanks for watching!😄
Stunning find ,brilliantly shown once again
Hi Rob. Glad that you liked it. Thanks for the nice comment!😄
All the artifacts both inside and outside this mine! The size of the outcropping! It appears there has been visitors but not too many. I'm thinking the long hike up to this mine was worth it. Thanks Tom and Julie!
Hi William. Yes, the hike to this one was worth it. That quartz outcropping is really something. This one get very few visitors because of the remoteness of its location. Thanks for commenting!😆
Spectacular site, Tom and Julie. It's a breathtaking open-air museum of historical mining, and I hope it stays that way forever. I'd love to visit it myself someday before I get too old (hah!), but I acknowledge and highly respect that you keep the location secret. It's the right thing to do. You two are my favorite mine explorers by far.
Thanks for the nice comment! I'm glad that you enjoy the site and its natural mine setting. Hopefully, it stays that was as you said.😄
2:52 Mercury Barrel (Heavy central ribs around middle) 11:46 Single jack (meant to be used by one miner, a double jack is where two miners each with a hammer alternately hit on one drill rod.) small drill rods were chosen when dynamite was still used. 14:39 hand pick with the handle upside down, 15:11 Galena? silver/lead, 20:18 Lister? A darn good find!
Thanks for the informative comment. We appreciate your input!😊
I like that mini arch.. Quite the challenge to get up to that one.. All kinds of cool stuff topside..
Hi Max. That is a cool little arch or hole. Yes, a good hike to a fun location full of good junk. Thanks for the comment!😊
Hey T&J, and whatch you talking about Chillis, Lol, great vid, amazing how they got back there! it took all your mountain goat qualities to trek back in there! Nice job, stay safe!
Hi Raiderman. Chillis is a cool guy and a character. It is amazing how they hauled all that equipment up there. Thanks for watching and commenting!😄
Very cool thanks guys. Ever seen gold in the wall? Ever hopeful 😂
Hi John. Glad that you liked this one. We see gold occasionally, although that's not really our goal. I don't want to catch gold fever. Thanks for commenting!💰
Wow *T&J* , that one was quite the extensive operation eh?
From multiple engines to even Prince Albert in a can, no less. 🙂
I always try to imagine what happened the last day anyone worked these mines -
were they told by the owner to skidaddle, did the vein just run out, was there a market
change that instantly made it unprofitable to continue?
Who knows - but these guys sure left a lot of stuff behind like they were planning on
returning.
Thanks as always!
- Ed on the Ridge
Hi Ed. It could be any one of those scenarios as the reason a mine shuts down. Remember, many of these old mines have been worked on and off for several decades and often by different operators. Technology changes, and sometimes, the outdated equipment is left behind. It's nice to see these things still there. Thanks for watching and commenting!😄
What a great site! So much to see above and below. Thanks for this, really interesting as always.
Hi Kernow. Glad that you enjoyed the site. You're welcome, and thank you for watching!😄
Hey Tom, I know it's going to suck, but you better get your feet fixed. Don't get your big toes fused! Get joint replacements. You will be glad you went that direction. If a doctors tells you you can't, see a new doctor. Get another opinion. The longer you wait the harder it's going to be. Winter project? Recovery is better than a new hip, knee, or hand surgery. I have had both feet done and I really appreciate being able to bend my toes. I had to find the right doctor. Research my friend! Say hi to Julie, and if you ever come to Oklahoma, we live on an 8 1/2 lake in a decent peaceful place. Now that this new hip is a year out from being replaced, I might be able to keep up with you, if I pack a lunch. What a place, that climb up leaves me out for now.
My big toe is ready for joint replacement. I was going to see the doctor 5hat I saw last year about it, but he has left the practice with no replacement. I can get along okay until I stub or have to catch myself with my toe and have to bend it back. Yeow! I'll have to keep looking for a solution. Thanks for the comment!😊
@@TomandJulieMineExploring How far can you go from Bend to find a sturgeon? It will be an outpatient procedure (they go in from the top). After the recovery room you will travel to a motel, or home the same day. They will need to see you in about 10 days + or - to put you in a boot where you can learn to ride a knee scooter! Fun times to the bathroom, but not as bad as knees and hips. I can help find the right person if you want. I have Medicare and AARP supplement so the cost is low. What about you?
Tom and Julie, I see that you got there too late, someone already let the Prince out !!
Engines, Engines Tom I want to go to there!
Haha, that's a pretty old one, Mick. You could probably get those engines running in a few days. They are waiting for you!😄
@@TomandJulieMineExploring Tom, that is what I was thinking, waiting for ME and my Kroil!
!!!!! Cool🤙👍
Thanks for commenting, Lincoln!😄
Great hike, awesome mine. Thanks for posting.
Hi Kevin. Glad that you liked the mine. You're welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting!😄
Another great video as usual.
Hi Brian. Thanks, we appreciate the comment!😄
Thanks Tom and Julie! I couldn’t imagine the dedication it took to work on that mountain. Did the workers ride the tramway, horse, or auto on the old road? Maybe they just slept up there. You guys are tough hikers that travel the paths of tough men. May you always stay safe!
Hi Don. Thete was a road to the mine at one time. I'm guessing that trucks were able to make the trip after the road was improved enough. The ground tram would have been mainly for ore but possibly used for men and equipment, too. Thanks for watching and for the nice comment!😊
Some beautiful blue minerals covering that one rock formation in the mine.How were they able to get all the mining equipment up to such a remote area,back in the day.?Thank you for taking us along for such an awesome discovery!
Yes, there is definitely a beautiful mineral vein in this area. There is an old road that was made that goes to the mine, allowing trucks to drive to the lower ore bin. Thanks for the comment!😄
Hey guy's I wanted to say hi and enjoyed video, take care and be safe
@user-hp8oq7yd5n Hi Gary. Thanks for stopping by our channel. Glad that you liked the video!😄
spectacular views on the way to the mine!
Yes, the views are great. Glad that you liked them. Thanks for the comment!😄
Hi Tom and Julie. watch all the time don't say anything.😊
Hi Art. Thanks for watching and commenting. It's good to hear from you!😄
Nice finds. Now I wonder what else might be down in those depths. Rare to see a Union Carbine can with paint still on it. Didn't know that at least some were blue.
Hi Puttsla. I seem to remember thinking that there was not more to the bottom of the shaft that we entered. The other shaft would require roping in to see it. Maybe next winter we can do that. The Union Carbide brand of calcium carbide used blue on their cans. We've seen several with good paint.
Thanks for the comment!😄
I just love your adventures, Tom you and Julie are a great team and Tom you are right, she is beautiful!!By the way does Tillis have his own channel? Thank you for all the mining and hiking adventures...May you, Julie...and Tillis have many more adventures.......Gods speed to all of you. 🙋🐱 Alison [Mine Cat]
Hi Alison. We're glad that you enjoy our adventures. Julie is a great partner for me. Our third person today was nicknamed Chillis, and he does have a UA-cam channel. Thanks for watching. Here is the link:
youtube.com/@chillislives?si=S_ylbT-4tbIVdznO
Thank you for a nice video looking forward to the nest one.
Hi Gary. You're welcome. We're glad that you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!😄
Those old engines are pretty interesting.
Yes, they are. I really like that Aurora. Thanks for the comment!😄
Love your videos. They are fascinating. Thank you again.
I'm glad that you are enjoying our videos. Thanks for watching and commenting!😄
Hi Tom, Julie & Chillis, that was a very hairy part at 2:02, I was so worried. Wow that mine had a lot going on with both outside and the inside, awesome job guys. I loved that windlass, very cool how it was still intact, very rare I would say. Could that black ore be Obsidian ????? Very cool to see that Jaw Crusher just sat there minding it's own business, it still looks in pretty good shape too. What a unique place and with those spectacular views it must have made for a great day.
Thank you for sharing, much love. xx 🥰
Hi Sue. Yes, it was a great day of exploring for the three of us. The views are great, and all the artifacts still there just "minding their own business" are fun to see. Glad that you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!😊❤️
@@TomandJulieMineExploring 🥰💞
I’d love to go exploring with you guys sometime, but I hate snakes and I’d want to keep everything I find 😂
We'd love to have you, except I'd have to check your pockets before we left the mine so you could return everything. Lol Thanks for watching!😆
Lots of really cool artifacts, another awesome video thanks guys!
Hi Daniel. Glad that you liked the artifacts. Thanks for watching!😄
Wow! Nice rock at 15:10 ! What is it? Thanks for the video! Regards from Ody Slim
Hi Ody. That is a really cool area there. I have no idea what it is. Thanks for the comment!😄
I couldn't read the name on the 6 cylinder gas engine that powered the small rock crusher but it didn't look ancient. I understand the government reopened some marginal gold mines during WW2. To find out that newer engine was built in 42 or 43 would not surprise me.
Another good video.
Thanks, Brad. Glad that you liked it!😄
Hello Tom and Julie, The Aurora Engine Company was formed in 1906 to build gasoline engines for Holt tractors as they transitioned from steam to gas. Holt and Best combined in 1925 to form a little-known company called Caterpillar. dave
Hi Dave. That's an interesting bit of history. That engine is in pretty good shape as far as you can tell from looking at it. Thanks for your input!😊
Pretty cool video, thanks I enjoyed it. Quite a bit of copper staining, that black shiny mineral was very interesting. It looked silicated, don't think that is a word but.... I have no idea what it was, at first I thought it was gem quality azurite, it may be such a dark blue that it appears black, should have grabbed a sampled,
It amazes me how much heavy equipment they managed to get there. Old miners were definitely a tough lot, what a bunch of wimps we are today, too long with a cushy existance has destroyed our desire to explore like they use to, today its all in our phones, sad really.
Thank you, great video.
@sfbfriend Hi Daniel. We're glad that you enjoyed the explore. That dark m8neral was pretty fun to see. I'm not sure what it is either. Of course, it's difficult to get a good photo of things like that, especially when you're in a dark mine. This is in a national park, so you're not legally allowed to remove anything. The old miners were definitely a tough bunch. Just to get to some of these places is difficult, more so to do the work once you get there. I agree with you that many people, not all, are so connected to their phones that it's ruining them. Thanks for the comment!😄
@@TomandJulieMineExploring I did not know you were in a National Park, Death Valley?
Hey Tom, are you wearing some sort of gaiters?
Hi Frd and Barb. Yes, I am wearing Dirty Girl lightweight gaiters. Thanks for the comment!
dirtygirlgaiters.com/dfl-white.html
Wonder how many carbide lamps to light up the work area? And why all the lamps disappear?
Hi Robert. I'm not sure how many lamps were used, but small items like that would most likely be taken by the miners to use at another location. Thanks for the comment!😄
Only a little washed out you say😂😂
I think you would need a rope to get out of those ruts if you fell in them. Thanks for watching!😄
Added this one to my list. Now I just need to find it. :)
Hi Doug. Yes, this should be on your 'to find' list. Finding it is half the fun!😄
@@TomandJulieMineExploring I have a feeling it will be much harder than a couple of ore carts. :)
@@TomandJulieMineExploring Found it! That was a tricky one.
looks like one of many mines shut down by ww2
That could be. I think it might have been worked after the war as well. Thanks for the comment!😄
Any idea of the date of the mine? Do you ever take any samples of the ore? That ore would have been nice in a collection. At one point you can see the quarts vein going up the side of the hill in a pretty clearly defined fault. Nice.
Hi Dana. I usually try to include information about the mine in the video description, but about all I could find on this mine was that it was operating around 1910. This is in a national park, so, like all national parks, you are not legally allowed to remove anything. So we didn't take home any samples or anything else. That is a great quartz vein that is visible on the surface for a fairly long way. Thanks for the comment!😄
Where did trucks get around the dry waterfall?
Hi Francis. There is an old road to the mine, although it comes in from a different direction than we did. Since you are only legally allowed to drive on certain roads in DVNP, we took the best hiking route we could. We did intersect the mine road not too far after the dry falls. Thanks for watching!😄
12:40 Prince Albert in a can??!?!?!? WELL YOU BETTER LET HIM OUT!!!!🤣🤣🤣
Haha, you're dating yourself, Larry. Thanks for the laugh!😆
It’s sad seeing all those great finds of mining camps and mines sitting out in the yards of junk stores.
I agree, Robert. Even museums are too numerous to me. There are very few intact mines left in the wild. Thanks for the comment!😄
Umm, Chili’s
Haha, I said the same thing.😆
Location?
Can't give this one out, Robert.