Thank you all so much for following along for the adventure! I'm planning on going all the way to the bottom of the Jefferson Chimney here soon. If you aren't already, I hope you'll subscribe! Let me know below what other videos you'd like to see in the future!
That single-strand rope draped across the rocks at 10:46 was scary. When I was a teenager our group got into rappelling and we found out pretty quick how dangerous a single-strand of rope rubbing on sharp surfaces can be. One of the guys' rope snapped from rubbing on the rocks. Luckily for him he had descended most of the way and the injury was only a broken arm, but it could have been much, much worse. A humble suggestion would be to invite one of the mountaineering/exploring clubs out to explore some of your site. The amount of information (technique and safety) you can pick up from a group like this would be invaluable and they would be thankful for the rare experience.
Ropes these days are much stronger and resistant against slicing, I’m assuming they’re using the same ropes we use when sheeting tall buildings, these ropes can run against sharp tin all day and not fray a bit
@@jcsc2001 Well they did and the rope held up fine. The ropes weren't even pushed close to their limits. Manufacturers have ratings this ain't no guessing game
@@thewafen763 the more you use the rope, the less stable they are, and trusting a single rope rappelling is never a good idea, for the same reason that simul rappelling or anything like that is dangerous, always have a backup
I’d say yes, go deeper. However, from what I’ve watched, you really need to learn how to utilize multiple anchor points (rebelays and deviations) to reduce the risk of rub points and ultimately protect your ropes and life.
Hey ! Maybe a nice thing to input for viewers would be to put a "map" of the Mine (schematic) and as you explore it a red dot or something move on the map, so we can better figure out where you are ?! It's more work for sure but more comprehension for us
@@GhostTownLiving not only would it help us as viewers but it will help you keep track of where you have been and potentially help you be even more effective with uncovering other locations you are looking for
@@GhostTownLiving Really should take a GPS with you, that tracks your movements so you can document/label all the shafts you have traversed, Also, if you come into a dangerous situation, could potentially find a faster way out.
Watching the slow, meticulous climb down all that descent, passing by countless ladders and some platforms, made me really think about the massive human undertaking of the miners building the way down there as they mined further and further.
dang its crazy thinking about people that were down there 100 years ago, like the newspaper was from 1913, one year before war war 1, and one year after the titanic sank. its quite interesting and fascinating.
Hey Brent, I'm a retied California State Ranger. I have a cabin on Lone Pine Creek, and Visit Cerro Gordo a lot. I volunteer as a guide at Bodie State Park and come from a Eastern Sierra mining family. Love to hear one of your history talks. Thank you for taking the long view and sharing why you do.
Yeah. Rub points, rebelays, etc. I love this channel but even from a UK potholder's perspective the ropework scares me. I've been in some dodgy old mines and I'd rig these holes very differently. But hey that's just me 😁
@@W4iteFlame I think so. Lots of loose stuff but seems like there's plenty of rock on the walls that would take anchors. The rub points they quite happily descend on and jumar back up over make me wince. They'll most likely be fine but it only takes one cut rope for a very different outcome. These mines are old, loose, deep and rescue is a long way away should they ever need it...
@@exploringabandonedmines Cordless rotary hammer drill. Worth it especially if you're going to use this route often. Can be safely rigged and ropes left in place for many descents. It's more initial faff but cheaper and safer in the long run
Johnny is as passionate and committed like Brent in exploring the Cerro Gordo mines. He is just silent in the background but you can see how skillful and confident he is going underground.
When your not using the platform lift, secure a rope that goes down the shaft, so if you ever take an alternate route like this again and can't get back up it, you can clip into and ascend that way instead. leave some MRE's and water down there, too! Really cool exploration
in some of the videos you can see an old ladder in the shaft and it looks like there is possibly enough space to climb past the cage, just not sure if there is an opening at the top of the hoist house. I'm guessing the cage is in the way since he has not gone down that way
I loved when you said: "I know where we are" and you just started running! I would have loved to see your face at that moment. Even though it is not the easiest way in, I'm happy you finally found your way in the Union Mine. Can't wait to see more of your exploration, but stay safe!!
So glad you finally found your way into the Union Mine, Brent. I know you're of course going to go deeper... but I wonder if you would consider doing something to protect your lungs from all that dust we see flying around. It can't be healthy to be breathing in all of that.
now that is some good old rappelling .......we know the feeling of getting something pulled into your descender .....that will wake you up in the morning ....surprised you did not bring two way radios ...... it's always a nice feeling knowing that you made the connection to another section of mine that you were looking for and an easier way out the ascending straight up ....but you guys did it .....congrats my friend ....I know that tired look too ....of course you have to go deeper .....you own it.
Radio waves (of the usual 2 way portable radios) don't propagate underground. You can only use them in something like the hoist shaft, because there's no rock inbetween the receiver and the transmitter. There are expensive VLF or LF systems available that work with high power levels and electrodes you stick into the earth but that's highly specialized, expensive stuff. It would be worth the effort to drop some telephone/intercom cables so you can actually make a connection, if you're not standing directly in the shaft.
HAY JEFF TODAY WAS A GOOD DAY BOTH A VIDEO FROM YOU AND THE GORDO MINE I STILL THINK YOU SHOULD NAME YOUR POLARIS THE CLAIM JUMPER & THE NEW SHAFT ORO WEY... PEACE TO ALL...
As a lover of history I get goose bumps when you find something that no one has seen or touched for so long. Really appreciate your exploration to find the history not to extort it but to share it with everyone. Well done.
Hey. I love to follow your channel and explorations, but I’m also scared sometimes when I look at how you handle your ropes when going down. I have done a lot of rappelling in mines and we have always use anchors to pull the rope away from ledges and sharp stone overhangs. If the rope is forces to hang over an sharp edge we always use some protective patch or sleeve. Try string up a rope and try to cut it when under tension you will se how little force is needed from sharp objects to cut off the rope. I also have a few ascending tips if you like. Best regards from Norway
28:50 when you've been playing Minecraft for like 2 hours exploring a cave system, have absolutely no idea where you are anymore, and then finally see that double torch marker leading you back home.
Hey, I know you lol. Were you pigeon420? I just thought of that guy when I was watching one of your videos the other day... You guys sound similar and have a similar video style...
they're the Here Be Dragons of geological cross sections. where does this fault terminate? is this unit present on the other side? oh well, better ???? than sorry 😁
I can't imagine the miners building all of this... It stresses me out so much seeing things falling all around you, seeing you taking breath around all that dust.... What a different time.
Me too bro! I was just having a look at the comments to see if anyone else was feeling that too. its a game ender if a decent chunk falls on your head or god forbid a complete collapse!
He is hilarious. He's always ready to charge ahead. There's more than one video where Brent's all: "Are you sure?" and Johnnys like "yeah, let's go!". I like him. That onetime they were exploring some mine and the air alarms they carry went off. Brent was (quite sensibly) ready to bail, Johnny simply distrusted the sensor and (as it turned out) the air was fine.
Once again, I'm left scared and breathless, and have to remind myself he got out...he got out, he's uploaded the video!!! You scare me my friend, but I love that you take us with you. These are not places that I would ever go...you rock man!
Thank God he films the intro to the video AFTER the hair-raising adventure so we all know we're not about to watch a vibrant man in the prime of his life die.
I would put money on a miner knowing it was his last shift in the powder room section of the mine and it would likely never been seen for many years. So he put the perfect box on display with a newspaper date to be found in the future. Amazing
Hey Brent so happy you finally found anothet way into Union Mine!!!🎉 absolutely go deeper see if you could get to 900 thru that way lol. U are by far my favorite youtuber!!! Stay safe you & Johnny!!
I dont even want to be 6 feet below let alone a thousand feet you guys went deeper than 99.9 percent of what most people will ever go so thanks for sharing your adventure with us you tubers .
Of course you’ll go deeper… When you’re down there, you clearly have a good awareness of direction etc but do you use a mechanism to keep track of which tunnel you turned down etc? Flags on one wall or anything? Would love you to do an episode on your logic to how you explore, and how you research everything.
The most incredible thing about all of this is that you're capturing it impressively on video...thank you for all your efforts and congratulations on all your discoveries!
@@EveryDayJacker in all honesty he gets to live his dream because he was fortunate enough to have a high paying job. Not to rain on your parade but we don't all get the same limit to our dreams ya know?
Thanks for the exciting adventures into the mine! Exciting to see all the artifacts no one has seen in over 100 years! I'm not usually claustrophobic but I extremely would be in those tunnels!
I think you all would really benefit from reading a book called: Alpine Caving Techniques. If you switched to a frog ascending system and used rebelayes it would greatly improve your efficiency and safety on rope. I really enjoy your videos btw 😀
I am glued to every video. When you’re in the mines I feel anxiety and have to remind myself you are alive since you are describing what had happened. For a guy with no experience making videos, you are truly awesome! Keep em comin and stay safe!!!
I can’t believe people like them are able to keep that anxiety at bay to stay hopeful & confident. Just by observing I have so many thoughts of “what if they get injured, what if they get lost or stuck” or even “what if something finally collapses?” Fun to watch though 🤷🏽♂️
guys, please take a course on caving. I really want to see more videos, but I would wait if you stopped to take one. You are exposing yourselves a lot there.
Hey there, I recently came into possession of some interesting mining artifacts from your area. Namely, some patent examples of TH Proske's inventions, specializing in the creation of drill heads and all kinds of mining equipment. He was a prolific inventor based out of Denver. A lot of sources seem to infer that his designs were stolen. I have the original casting that was submitted to the patent office back when a physical example was required. It's a very cool art object, but I think it has a lot more value in its original context in something like a museum setting. Is this something you would be interested in? From what I've read, he was very active in Cerro Gordo early on.
I can attest to it being a wonderful coat rack, which is all I've ever used it for. I got curious and went down Wikipedia hole reading about proske and immediately thought of you
Definitely go deeper. As an arborist I would like to offer climbing advice. Use rope savers of some sort over the areas of contact between the rope and the rock where you go off an edge. Great video and well done!
don't even need to buy rope savers, go to a fire station and see if they have any hose that's past it's service life, then cut it into section the filet it open
Brent, I don’t know how you’re able to traverse these mines while hauling around a gigantic set of balls. This channel is by far the most adventurous on UA-cam since you’re taking REAL risks. Please stay safe. 🙏🏻
My comment was going to be, "How do They squeeze through those tight holes when they have to carry Their Nuts with A Wheelbarrow?" But I scrolled and here You are. I agree with You a 100%. They have big Nuts and A loose Screw. Lol.
when abseiling PLEASE use something to backup your hand on the dead rope, one rock fall could knock you unconscious then your hand goes loose on dead rope and you're dead. Literally just a prussic under the ATC is enough, its a pain to manage but watching @19:53 is just giving me shivers.
@@zteaxon7787 I'm not sure what you are implying but I don't think working in those mines White or otherwise was a privilege. It was a job and surly not a privilege to work that hard under those conditions for I can only guess very little money.
I love what you do man, but I've got to let you know that you should absolutely not disturb a box of dynamite with residue or event complete sticks still in it. Nitroglycerin is incredible unstable when it is old and crusted over (kind of like a caramel/candy like substance). The smallest amount of friction can cause it to detonate. Especially after 100 years.
Do you really thing he doesn't know this? I have never been in a mine in my life and I have known this since I was a kid (prob from mining shows on TV) so I can't imagine he doesn't know the same.
Very exciting (and claustrophobic in parts!) Some interesting things I noticed -- an A&W Rootbeer can (22:04), an empty plastic water bottle (23:05), and what looks to be a wrapper from a set of 12 sparklers (23:41). I guess with the vertical nature of the shaft, all sorts of modern debris could fall into it.
100% agree. If you want to explore a mine this big in one trip, you will need to be prepared to spend a night or two I think... It is exhausting watching them go down for part of a day and still have more to explore each time!
This is a video you see, and *while* clicking the very first time, you already know 4-24 hours is about to pass and you’re SO down with it. Just found the channel, amazing work!!
Johnny Reckless...hes what this is all about, love that guy. Wheres my Johnny Reckless shirt, Brent? Gotta have one of those, cuz every Ghost town needs an outlaw, and Cerro Gordo has its in him. \\m// \\m//
You are bringing back so many good memories. I used to go explore abandoned mines and Victorian era sewer systems in my 20s. Get a foot ascender to save arm on arm stamina, and get some rope sleeves or some sort of cushioning on contact areas to protect your rope's integrity.
Yes definitely go all the way to 900’ and beyond. I love watching YOU guys doing it! No way in he’ll I would! I caved a lot when I was younger but those days are long gone.
Should get pretzl foot ascended. You have more strength in your legs then arms and is easier to climb rope using them. BTW; you should have a good multitool to cut clothes or repair other stuff if things get caught on stuff. Plus a backup ascender is good if yours break you want to go back up to get out. I'd also get maybe 20ft of 550 cord & know knot trying incase you need it (main rope gets cut - you could use it to reattached. Be safe!
We used to just attach a sling to one of the hand ascenders to use as a foot stirrup.
3 роки тому+1
@@mfx1 Yeah, I usually did both. I'd have a foot stirrup for one foot, and an ascender on my other foot. Then you have two ascenders in your hands, one connected to the stirrup, the other a short sling to your harness (they should both be connected to your harness, though). That way you can literally walk up the line, moving 1arm+foot at a time, and you'd be able to use your whole body to climb up the rope that way. Way easier on the arms. As an additional comfort thing, you can get an ascender to attach to your chest, which would allow you to relax your back a lot more when hanging still and resting. Depends how much you're willing to spend on gear, of course, but since he regularly climbs on rope, I'd invest in more comfort. Also, more points attached to the rope is better for peace of mind.
@ Never really liked the idea of foot ascenders particularly is tight places in case it somehow jams and you can't reach it to free it up. I always used a cheat ascender as well
Although this is an older video, this exact video at 33:35- I felt like I would love to just take a whole day and re-binge watch everything from the start until present time.. I think just the pure innocent excitement that is totally wanting to be shared all around as possible with all the folks you knew and even now the everday new folks that are just now tuning in, into that exact enjoyment of the present time in those videos is in my mind PURE GOLD SIR!!! The silver and mostly lead galena projects are just a bonus really.. I really really really love this once in this current lifetime now in the present endeavor you've been on and how it's gained attention and even had major contributions for the Hotel that burned down and even using equipment to open up past hillside mines that have collapsed probably due to land slides or stopes just adjusting some until the supports were put in over 90 - 120+ years from even other fellow major UA-camrs like the Diesel Brothers ‐ Dave Sparks and his big family of a UA-cam team and the other events you have with the metal detection and rebuilding of past dreams that by now has either whither'd away a good bit but still visible but others are totally collapsed by now and then we also gotta think about the then kittens that are now grown cats and I absolutely love all of the alpacas and I think a few chickens and headbutting baby goats I'm not sure yet as far as this has gone in this video in this point in time now but I'm slowly but sure re-watching some of these videos simply for my own enjoyment of seeing you , yes, all you man, with you're newly formed online friends volunteering for this and that . To me it's s like a new mission every weekend after the week-long working to get everything done as much as possible to get it slowly but surely back to fully functioning so that those volunteers can maybe mine a tiny bit of galena for fun and take some home for keepsake to say they went soo many feet underground at some ghost town to personally mine some memorabilia chunks to take home.. that would be awesome to see too.. hell, I might even try to move out closer to that way to also help volunteer some personal time for some of the enjoyments of everyone attending all the time to have some exploring of the old stuff buried only to be rediscovered and displayed in the museum which is awesome too..
Have you ever thought about bringing Glow sticks and dropping them down when you can't see the bottom? Or dropping a camera with a light on a rope down it?
If the sticks can't be retrieved they might affect some of the old chemicals already down in the mine shafts. Also since it's officially California there might b littering laws that prohibit stuff like that from being used. On a more realistic side the sticks could fall beyond the shaft that they r decending to, making them pointless. A few other possibilities occur but that's all I'll include
I can't believe I missed this video while still watching you fairly regularly! This was such great content man! I really hope to come visit you one day
Cracking content as usual. Glad I found the channel in the early days and am here to watch this grow into something magnificent. Can't wait to see the greatness your future holds. Great work, mate. 👍
When you enter your first adit you are hooked. Mine exploring. Cerro Gordo, Gold Hill, the Virginia Comstock, Grass Valley....unbelievable adventure in youth. So dangerous it is amazing. The wood is so old, the mine ready to collapse at any time.......and on we would go trying to find artifacts and levels no one else was crazy enough to go into. It is SO addictive, and wondering if the next mother lode(or left over unstable dynamite) is two inches behind any of the surfaces you climb by and over. The wonder of the absolutely intense labor and time it took to burrow deep into the earth and effort it takes to mine. Huff in tons of timber, rail, vent pipes, tools....That rock could collapse at any time and no one would ever find you..
@@StillAliveAndKicking_ The ladders and platforms would have been in much better condition with wood not rotted out. Still takes a lot of balls knowing one slip and that could be it
Good sir, if I can make a suggestion. With all that dust and everything down there in the mine, I would considering investing in some mask. The stuff you are breathing in down there can't be to good for your lungs. I know it would be a pain in the butt to breath with them on while climbing. But would hate to see a video of you come on here saying well after all the mine exploring I started getting this bad cough and I went to the Doctor and I have a lung issue now due to all the dust I was breathing in. Love the videos and I know you love exploring, but I want you to be able to keep exploring. Like I said, just a suggestion.
I'm normally not claustrophobic, but watching you guys repelling down into Jefferson Chimney definitely gave me the chills. Exciting though. Would love to see you reach the 1100' level at one time. Great video!
Its refreshing to see someone bringing life back to a place that seemed hopeless... a place that looked so unliveable. To bring light in even the darkest caves, all the respect to you my friend.
Stay safe and don’t let your subscribers hype you up to go again, it’s on your own risk and you should take all the decision with consciousness. Take care buddy.
Every time you go down into an unexplored shaft, I lose a year off my life just watching ! Stay Safe and Thank You for taking us on your adventures !!! Love this content.
Thank you all so much for following along for the adventure! I'm planning on going all the way to the bottom of the Jefferson Chimney here soon. If you aren't already, I hope you'll subscribe! Let me know below what other videos you'd like to see in the future!
just be safe!
Just remember to be safe :)
Yes go deeper much deeper
Please be careful brother!
Keep up the good work Brent! These videos keep getting better and I cant wait for the next.
definitely go deeper bro stay safe
Lil Peep legend
Weird seeing you here, but at the same time... you are a man of CULTURE, so I shouldn't be surprised. Bless you!
That's what she said.
Whaat Astari
Astari, Atari or Mata Hari?
I just can’t believe people mined all this rock out, it’s huge
yeah and with much less safety stuff than today.
you should see some of the hydro mined mountain sides on the surface. the caverns left behind are disorientingly massive just to look at.
@@scubaguy5389 no safety stuff
I worked at the Dome Gold mine in Timmins Canada that operated for 115 years and finally closed about 5 years ago, it's bottom was around 5, 480'.
@@twocentproductions5326 wow, you'd think that would have some sort of safety helmet - amazing
You know it's gonna be a intense video when Jonny shows up !
yeah
Johnny is indeed quite the fearless adventurer . The ultimate battle-buddy.
I call him Johny Quest.
in chuck taylors no less
yEP!
That single-strand rope draped across the rocks at 10:46 was scary. When I was a teenager our group got into rappelling and we found out pretty quick how dangerous a single-strand of rope rubbing on sharp surfaces can be. One of the guys' rope snapped from rubbing on the rocks. Luckily for him he had descended most of the way and the injury was only a broken arm, but it could have been much, much worse. A humble suggestion would be to invite one of the mountaineering/exploring clubs out to explore some of your site. The amount of information (technique and safety) you can pick up from a group like this would be invaluable and they would be thankful for the rare experience.
Ropes these days are much stronger and resistant against slicing, I’m assuming they’re using the same ropes we use when sheeting tall buildings, these ropes can run against sharp tin all day and not fray a bit
@@stephaniecoomey2356 I literally wouldn't trust my strongest rope on a hard corner like that.
@@jcsc2001 Well they did and the rope held up fine. The ropes weren't even pushed close to their limits. Manufacturers have ratings this ain't no guessing game
@@thewafen763 don’t get your thong pulled too far up your ass he just giving his personal experience
@@thewafen763 the more you use the rope, the less stable they are, and trusting a single rope rappelling is never a good idea, for the same reason that simul rappelling or anything like that is dangerous, always have a backup
Dude you guys got massive balls doing this, my hands are sweating from just watching.
Ha I also watch ur vids
Balls deep!
Cheah!
CHEAH
Huh.?????
I’d say yes, go deeper. However, from what I’ve watched, you really need to learn how to utilize multiple anchor points (rebelays and deviations) to reduce the risk of rub points and ultimately protect your ropes and life.
yup or at least wrap the rub points if doin it dirty.
Hey ! Maybe a nice thing to input for viewers would be to put a "map" of the Mine (schematic) and as you explore it a red dot or something move on the map, so we can better figure out where you are ?!
It's more work for sure but more comprehension for us
That would be awesome because sometimes I’m totally lost as to where they are.
Good note! I'll try to do that!
@@GhostTownLiving not only would it help us as viewers but it will help you keep track of where you have been and potentially help you be even more effective with uncovering other locations you are looking for
@@GhostTownLiving No pressure ^^
@@GhostTownLiving Really should take a GPS with you, that tracks your movements so you can document/label all the shafts you have traversed, Also, if you come into a dangerous situation, could potentially find a faster way out.
Watching the slow, meticulous climb down all that descent, passing by countless ladders and some platforms, made me really think about the massive human undertaking of the miners building the way down there as they mined further and further.
go deeper but definitely camp. going up is going to take a lot of energy
or arrange for the lift to be waiting for them at bottom
@@xClaudiaOctaviax great idea.
Are there electric motor ascenders? Seems like something that they should look into.
@@kevin3434343434 they do exist. such as Ronin Lift battery powered ascender.
@@kevin3434343434 They exist. windmill technicians use them
dang its crazy thinking about people that were down there 100 years ago, like the newspaper was from 1913, one year before war war 1, and one year after the titanic sank. its quite interesting and fascinating.
War war 1
And those guys didn't have the quality of lights these guys have now. Tough life and a heck of a way to make a living !!
With candles no less...
Yeah.. I should stop complaining about working from home behind a cumputer 🙂
@@Turkentorque yea you should lol but I’m sure it has its own struggles in its own way.
Hey Brent, I'm a retied California State Ranger. I have a cabin on Lone Pine Creek, and Visit Cerro Gordo a lot. I volunteer as a guide at Bodie State Park and come from a Eastern Sierra mining family. Love to hear one of your history talks. Thank you for taking the long view and sharing why you do.
These updates are what make my weekends extra sweet
minecraft irl
It's my Sunday morning ritual now 🤣
The "Dude I know where we are!" moment was great and a long time coming.
When he said that I was thinking, I don't even know which way is up.
You could feel his excitement. That was awesome.
when you go down into mines like this bring a cordless hammer drill then you can set really good rope anchors which will make your accent far easier
Yeah. Rub points, rebelays, etc.
I love this channel but even from a UK potholder's perspective the ropework scares me.
I've been in some dodgy old mines and I'd rig these holes very differently. But hey that's just me 😁
@@W4iteFlame I think so. Lots of loose stuff but seems like there's plenty of rock on the walls that would take anchors. The rub points they quite happily descend on and jumar back up over make me wince.
They'll most likely be fine but it only takes one cut rope for a very different outcome. These mines are old, loose, deep and rescue is a long way away should they ever need it...
Ascent* :)
@@exploringabandonedmines Cordless rotary hammer drill. Worth it especially if you're going to use this route often. Can be safely rigged and ropes left in place for many descents. It's more initial faff but cheaper and safer in the long run
@@exploringabandonedmines you need an sds drill
Johnny is as passionate and committed like Brent in exploring the
Cerro Gordo mines. He is just silent in the background but you can see how skillful and confident he is going underground.
When your not using the platform lift, secure a rope that goes down the shaft, so if you ever take an alternate route like this again and can't get back up it, you can clip into and ascend that way instead.
leave some MRE's and water down there, too! Really cool exploration
this is a good suggestion.
Doesnt the cage block the entrance to the shaft ?
@@korosensei4384 would probably get phone reception there though
I dont think he cares for the mre's 😆 eeeewwww.
in some of the videos you can see an old ladder in the shaft and it looks like there is possibly enough space to climb past the cage, just not sure if there is an opening at the top of the hoist house. I'm guessing the cage is in the way since he has not gone down that way
I loved when you said: "I know where we are" and you just started running! I would have loved to see your face at that moment. Even though it is not the easiest way in, I'm happy you finally found your way in the Union Mine. Can't wait to see more of your exploration, but stay safe!!
Right! That was a splendid moment. His excitement was palpable lol
So glad you finally found your way into the Union Mine, Brent. I know you're of course going to go deeper... but I wonder if you would consider doing something to protect your lungs from all that dust we see flying around. It can't be healthy to be breathing in all of that.
That and a gas meter.
@@rowanthefirst148 and a geiger counter
And a miners helmet.
That's absolutely awesome, I've never seen anything like that. Guys you are very brave!
Brent: brings everything
Johnny: chucks and a hoodie
Johnny is a true miner lol, can guarantee I'd wear chucks underground if I could
Well yeah, if someone else brings all the stuff, what else is there to take?
I prefer to call it The Onion mine, it's got lots of layers :)
bruh
All right, calm down now Shrek.
that's a huge Onion
I dunno, this one does really feel more like parfait
Bruh....
now that is some good old rappelling .......we know the feeling of getting something pulled into your descender .....that will wake you up in the morning ....surprised you did not bring two way radios ...... it's always a nice feeling knowing that you made the connection to another section of mine that you were looking for and an easier way out the ascending straight up ....but you guys did it .....congrats my friend ....I know that tired look too ....of course you have to go deeper .....you own it.
Two way radios seem so obvious that I just assumed they didn't have them because they wouldn't work through all the rock.
Radio waves (of the usual 2 way portable radios) don't propagate underground. You can only use them in something like the hoist shaft, because there's no rock inbetween the receiver and the transmitter.
There are expensive VLF or LF systems available that work with high power levels and electrodes you stick into the earth but that's highly specialized, expensive stuff.
It would be worth the effort to drop some telephone/intercom cables so you can actually make a connection, if you're not standing directly in the shaft.
you know what i'm bout to say!! so come on letss gooo
HAY JEFF TODAY WAS A GOOD DAY BOTH A VIDEO FROM YOU AND THE GORDO MINE I STILL THINK YOU SHOULD NAME YOUR POLARIS THE CLAIM JUMPER & THE NEW SHAFT ORO WEY... PEACE TO ALL...
Would love to see you do a video at Cerro Gordo, Jeff!
As a lover of history I get goose bumps when you find something that no one has seen or touched for so long. Really appreciate your exploration to find the history not to extort it but to share it with everyone. Well done.
“Dude, I know where we are!” Such a great moment!
Hey. I love to follow your channel and explorations, but I’m also scared sometimes when I look at how you handle your ropes when going down. I have done a lot of rappelling in mines and we have always use anchors to pull the rope away from ledges and sharp stone overhangs. If the rope is forces to hang over an sharp edge we always use some protective patch or sleeve. Try string up a rope and try to cut it when under tension you will se how little force is needed from sharp objects to cut off the rope. I also have a few ascending tips if you like. Best regards from Norway
The craziest thing about all of this is that there were people working in these mines with MUCH less effective safety equipment and lighting.
Usually none, just wooden ladders. Gnarly.
that's what i was thinking the whole time watching the exploration. How did they do it and still survived.
@@zeehexjuh Well, they didnt lol. Wasnt too uncommon with accidents resulting in death in mines, if im not completely wrong.
People died all the time there, if not in mining accidents, then in gunfights with some thug.
@@kanqquperze sure yeah those damn mining thugs. Killing miners left and right
Watch this from time to time, its monumental how andd when you went down and found it. Amazing thanks for sharing
28:50 when you've been playing Minecraft for like 2 hours exploring a cave system, have absolutely no idea where you are anymore, and then finally see that double torch marker leading you back home.
Cant wait to see the 900 level attempt! Stay safe!
Hey, I know you lol. Were you pigeon420? I just thought of that guy when I was watching one of your videos the other day... You guys sound similar and have a similar video style...
nevermind. I went and listened to one of his videos, its not you...
i love how the bottom of the chimney on the map just has question marks
also, that was stressful af
you guys are madlads
I was thinking the same thing about those question marks!
There were lots of strangers round those parts...
Because no one knows how deep it goes exactly
Spooky
they're the Here Be Dragons of geological cross sections. where does this fault terminate? is this unit present on the other side? oh well, better ???? than sorry 😁
I can't imagine the miners building all of this... It stresses me out so much seeing things falling all around you, seeing you taking breath around all that dust.... What a different time.
Me too bro! I was just having a look at the comments to see if anyone else was feeling that too.
its a game ender if a decent chunk falls on your head or god forbid a complete collapse!
Johnny is hilarious, he seems like a great companion for something like this.
He is hilarious. He's always ready to charge ahead. There's more than one video where Brent's all: "Are you sure?" and Johnnys like "yeah, let's go!". I like him. That onetime they were exploring some mine and the air alarms they carry went off. Brent was (quite sensibly) ready to bail, Johnny simply distrusted the sensor and (as it turned out) the air was fine.
Once again, I'm left scared and breathless, and have to remind myself he got out...he got out, he's uploaded the video!!! You scare me my friend, but I love that you take us with you. These are not places that I would ever go...you rock man!
Thank God he films the intro to the video AFTER the hair-raising adventure so we all know we're not about to watch a vibrant man in the prime of his life die.
I would put money on a miner knowing it was his last shift in the powder room section of the mine and it would likely never been seen for many years. So he put the perfect box on display with a newspaper date to be found in the future. Amazing
and now it is gone.
@@Acecool Well he does own all this land/mines and everything in them
More likely just some previous explorers placed it there. Several others came before Brent. Soda cans spotted, modern trash, etc.
Hey Brent so happy you finally found anothet way into Union Mine!!!🎉 absolutely go deeper see if you could get to 900 thru that way lol. U are by far my favorite youtuber!!! Stay safe you & Johnny!!
I dont even want to be 6 feet below let alone a thousand feet you guys went deeper than 99.9 percent of what most people will ever go so thanks for sharing your adventure with us you tubers .
Of course you’ll go deeper…
When you’re down there, you clearly have a good awareness of direction etc but do you use a mechanism to keep track of which tunnel you turned down etc? Flags on one wall or anything? Would love you to do an episode on your logic to how you explore, and how you research everything.
That feeling when you know exactly where you are, that's incredible!
Now that you can get down to the 86 union shaft, can't you just take that shaft to the other levels too? That's incredible!
It was a great feeling!
Yea, tell your buddy to climb out and send the elevator down to you when he gets topside. Lol
@@rillip3
ua-cam.com/video/zFXtb9jBaBM/v-deo.html
The most incredible thing about all of this is that you're capturing it impressively on video...thank you for all your efforts and congratulations on all your discoveries!
True
And like we always say, "If He Uploaded..."
Everyone: "He Survived!"
im seriusly scared for this guy, i hope he stops doing crazy things, hes a nice guy and is too valuable for the ghost town future
@@hobens1 I'm trying to understand what you're saying.. zero calculation in the risks?
I think he meant to say zero calories in a Brisk 😆
@@hobens1 oh man Thank you for response..
He has a camera man anyway. Unless the cameraman kills him like in the movies
Man, this would be so fascinating and such an adventure to explore, but I’d also be terrified 😅
I am so happy for him. He is able to live his dream life.
Im happy as well, but doesn't this give you some passion to want to live your own dream life as well?
@@EveryDayJacker in all honesty he gets to live his dream because he was fortunate enough to have a high paying job. Not to rain on your parade but we don't all get the same limit to our dreams ya know?
I'm happy to c him come out..
@@BoolyK you could go to school and get a high paying job
@@realredditstories420 sure but not everyone has that opportunity, maybe the people in your bubble and that's a really lucky thing for you!
Thanks for the exciting adventures into the mine! Exciting to see all the artifacts no one has seen in over 100 years! I'm not usually claustrophobic but I extremely would be in those tunnels!
I think you all would really benefit from reading a book called: Alpine Caving Techniques. If you switched to a frog ascending system and used rebelayes it would greatly improve your efficiency and safety on rope. I really enjoy your videos btw 😀
I am glued to every video. When you’re in the mines I feel anxiety and have to remind myself you are alive since you are describing what had happened.
For a guy with no experience making videos, you are truly awesome! Keep em comin and stay safe!!!
I can’t believe people like them are able to keep that anxiety at bay to stay hopeful & confident. Just by observing I have so many thoughts of “what if they get injured, what if they get lost or stuck” or even “what if something finally collapses?” Fun to watch though 🤷🏽♂️
He should still take caving classes though, they're doing some incredibly unsafe things
guys, please take a course on caving. I really want to see more videos, but I would wait if you stopped to take one. You are exposing yourselves a lot there.
They are professionals
@@wild1246 Are they? Couldn't tell.
@@wild1246 have you been caving before? The devices they use and the way they handle the rope is NOT professional in the slightest.
Plain STUPIDITY
@@wild1246 yes professional IDOOTS!
you guys have some BIG balls, no way I could do, exciting to watch. great job
This is the happiest I've been for you since I starting watching over a year ago!
Hey there, I recently came into possession of some interesting mining artifacts from your area. Namely, some patent examples of TH Proske's inventions, specializing in the creation of drill heads and all kinds of mining equipment. He was a prolific inventor based out of Denver. A lot of sources seem to infer that his designs were stolen. I have the original casting that was submitted to the patent office back when a physical example was required. It's a very cool art object, but I think it has a lot more value in its original context in something like a museum setting. Is this something you would be interested in? From what I've read, he was very active in Cerro Gordo early on.
I can attest to it being a wonderful coat rack, which is all I've ever used it for. I got curious and went down Wikipedia hole reading about proske and immediately thought of you
Not sure he will see this here, so be sure to email him and also post the full information along with pictures somewhere on a related forum.
Email him
email him
He cannot keep up with all the comments so probably will miss your message.
Definitely go deeper. As an arborist I would like to offer climbing advice. Use rope savers of some sort over the areas of contact between the rope and the rock where you go off an edge. Great video and well done!
This is what I thought great advice
bro i thought you just said abortionist
And rebelays
don't even need to buy rope savers, go to a fire station and see if they have any hose that's past it's service life, then cut it into section the filet it open
Those are for noobs
Obviously, You Have to take us to the bottom. Keep it up! Most Awesome.
I'm convinced Johnie needs his own spin off series ASAP!
Hahaha
This is how I know I’m fully invested in your journey: when you showed the shaft me and my dog cheered
Brent, I don’t know how you’re able to traverse these mines while hauling around a gigantic set of balls. This channel is by far the most adventurous on UA-cam since you’re taking REAL risks. Please stay safe. 🙏🏻
Bald and Bankrupt: *am I a joke to you?*
@@topiheimola69 yes...
My comment was going to be, "How do They squeeze through those tight holes when they have to carry Their Nuts with A Wheelbarrow?" But I scrolled and here You are. I agree with You a 100%. They have big Nuts and A loose Screw. Lol.
@@topiheimola69 Gotta love mr bald
This grandmother loved the adventure with you boys but I do have to say you scared me a few times. I'm definitely keeping you boys in my prayers.
when abseiling PLEASE use something to backup your hand on the dead rope, one rock fall could knock you unconscious then your hand goes loose on dead rope and you're dead. Literally just a prussic under the ATC is enough, its a pain to manage but watching @19:53 is just giving me shivers.
i had the exact same thought !
Archimedes: "Eureka!"
Brent: "Dude, I know where we are!"
Hey, I live in Eureka!!!
Glad Johnny was with you. Seems like a guy you’d want with you if the shtf!
haha
What can a person say but WOW. You and Johnny are amazing. That was crazy adventure thanks Brent and Johnny enjoyed every minute
That was fascinating to watch! Thanks for posting for those of us who will never have the opportunity to do it ourselves! 👍
Cant imagine all the work that went into the digging of this mine.
You mean the White privilege?
@@zteaxon7787 what?
@@zteaxon7787 I'm not sure what you are implying but I don't think working in those mines White or otherwise was a privilege. It was a job and surly not a privilege to work that hard under those conditions for I can only guess very little money.
@@zteaxon7787 you mean your woke sheep privilege
@@zteaxon7787 The... Fuck?
This gives me "A Journey to the Centre of the Earth" vibes.
Waiting for the 1100 ft level!!
Absolutely 100 % GO DEEPER!!!!!!
I'm so impressed he remembers the way back. I would panic lol.
I wouldn't panic, because I wouldn't be that DUMB in the 1st place. It's not like there's a cure for cancer down there.
@@dexterthompson1809 my thoughts exactly! this is insanity!
@@hotwireman49 thank you madam
@@dexterthompson1809 never explore things, stay in your sterile little comfort box like a good little boy!
@@hotwireman49 and you're a coward
I love what you do man, but I've got to let you know that you should absolutely not disturb a box of dynamite with residue or event complete sticks still in it. Nitroglycerin is incredible unstable when it is old and crusted over (kind of like a caramel/candy like substance). The smallest amount of friction can cause it to detonate. Especially after 100 years.
Thanks mom.
Do you really thing he doesn't know this? I have never been in a mine in my life and I have known this since I was a kid (prob from mining shows on TV) so I can't imagine he doesn't know the same.
This is honestly some of the coolest shit on youtube
Go for more, you need to get more of the history of those miners brought to light. Thank you and your friends for your efforts so far.
Very exciting (and claustrophobic in parts!) Some interesting things I noticed -- an A&W Rootbeer can (22:04), an empty plastic water bottle (23:05), and what looks to be a wrapper from a set of 12 sparklers (23:41). I guess with the vertical nature of the shaft, all sorts of modern debris could fall into it.
23:41 looked like a wrapper for glow sticks.
Wtf is a plastic bottle doing there lmfao
@@video_camera bro what was going on in 1897😂
Looks like you need an exploration party, with supplies to stay in the mine for a few days, with an emergency rescue team on standby
100% agree. If you want to explore a mine this big in one trip, you will need to be prepared to spend a night or two I think... It is exhausting watching them go down for part of a day and still have more to explore each time!
Those janky wood platforms above the pit of despair are insane
*Makes my stomach drop just watching from the couch.*
Of course you got to go to the bottom you got to see what you can find awesome show
This is a video you see, and *while* clicking the very first time, you already know 4-24 hours is about to pass and you’re SO down with it. Just found the channel, amazing work!!
Great thumbnail picture
Love Johnny's attitude lmfao... "You wanted an EASIER way in, not a HARDER way"
Johnny Reckless...hes what this is all about, love that guy. Wheres my Johnny Reckless shirt, Brent? Gotta have one of those, cuz every Ghost town needs an outlaw, and Cerro Gordo has its in him. \\m// \\m//
Who is Johnny Reckless?
Why's he gotta be an outlaw? That guy's awesome. Totally gung ho.
@@timbeaux7678 I tried googling it and a DJ pops up
Jonny reckless Tshirt definitely in climbing gear with rope bandellaros
@@timbeaux7678 I have a feeling Johnny is smack dab in the middle of those two! hahah Hes awesome, Fks given = zero
You guys are nuts, but I do admire your courage, and the level of fitness it takes to do this sort of thing.
This is the most realistic modpack i've seen for Minecraft yet.
That was awesome. We got so excited when Brent said "I know where we are!"
Even Johnny had a big fat smile on his face.
You are bringing back so many good memories. I used to go explore abandoned mines and Victorian era sewer systems in my 20s.
Get a foot ascender to save arm on arm stamina, and get some rope sleeves or some sort of cushioning on contact areas to protect your rope's integrity.
All you need is webbing with a foot loop hanging off your ascender. Then all you have to do is stand up, sit in your harness and then stand up again.
Yes definitely go all the way to 900’ and beyond. I love watching YOU guys doing it! No way in he’ll I would! I caved a lot when I was younger but those days are long gone.
Much love and respect for Johnny, what a dependable dude.
My heart was in my throat the whole time while I was watching this
Should get pretzl foot ascended. You have more strength in your legs then arms and is easier to climb rope using them. BTW; you should have a good multitool to cut clothes or repair other stuff if things get caught on stuff. Plus a backup ascender is good if yours break you want to go back up to get out. I'd also get maybe 20ft of 550 cord & know knot trying incase you need it (main rope gets cut - you could use it to reattached. Be safe!
Additional: Go with proper footwear, not chucks. But at least Jonny always wears his helmet
Yes a pretzel foot ascender you can ascend the line and have a snack at the same time
We used to just attach a sling to one of the hand ascenders to use as a foot stirrup.
@@mfx1 Yeah, I usually did both. I'd have a foot stirrup for one foot, and an ascender on my other foot. Then you have two ascenders in your hands, one connected to the stirrup, the other a short sling to your harness (they should both be connected to your harness, though). That way you can literally walk up the line, moving 1arm+foot at a time, and you'd be able to use your whole body to climb up the rope that way. Way easier on the arms. As an additional comfort thing, you can get an ascender to attach to your chest, which would allow you to relax your back a lot more when hanging still and resting. Depends how much you're willing to spend on gear, of course, but since he regularly climbs on rope, I'd invest in more comfort. Also, more points attached to the rope is better for peace of mind.
@ Never really liked the idea of foot ascenders particularly is tight places in case it somehow jams and you can't reach it to free it up. I always used a cheat ascender as well
Although this is an older video, this exact video at 33:35- I felt like I would love to just take a whole day and re-binge watch everything from the start until present time.. I think just the pure innocent excitement that is totally wanting to be shared all around as possible with all the folks you knew and even now the everday new folks that are just now tuning in, into that exact enjoyment of the present time in those videos is in my mind PURE GOLD SIR!!! The silver and mostly lead galena projects are just a bonus really.. I really really really love this once in this current lifetime now in the present endeavor you've been on and how it's gained attention and even had major contributions for the Hotel that burned down and even using equipment to open up past hillside mines that have collapsed probably due to land slides or stopes just adjusting some until the supports were put in over 90 - 120+ years from even other fellow major UA-camrs like the Diesel Brothers ‐ Dave Sparks and his big family of a UA-cam team and the other events you have with the metal detection and rebuilding of past dreams that by now has either whither'd away a good bit but still visible but others are totally collapsed by now and then we also gotta think about the then kittens that are now grown cats and I absolutely love all of the alpacas and I think a few chickens and headbutting baby goats I'm not sure yet as far as this has gone in this video in this point in time now but I'm slowly but sure re-watching some of these videos simply for my own enjoyment of seeing you , yes, all you man, with you're newly formed online friends volunteering for this and that . To me it's s like a new mission every weekend after the week-long working to get everything done as much as possible to get it slowly but surely back to fully functioning so that those volunteers can maybe mine a tiny bit of galena for fun and take some home for keepsake to say they went soo many feet underground at some ghost town to personally mine some memorabilia chunks to take home.. that would be awesome to see too.. hell, I might even try to move out closer to that way to also help volunteer some personal time for some of the enjoyments of everyone attending all the time to have some exploring of the old stuff buried only to be rediscovered and displayed in the museum which is awesome too..
Have you ever thought about bringing Glow sticks and dropping them down when you can't see the bottom? Or dropping a camera with a light on a rope down it?
If the sticks can't be retrieved they might affect some of the old chemicals already down in the mine shafts. Also since it's officially California there might b littering laws that prohibit stuff like that from being used. On a more realistic side the sticks could fall beyond the shaft that they r decending to, making them pointless. A few other possibilities occur but that's all I'll include
Last year someone sent him glow sticks. I don't remember the date but I do remember how thrilled he was to get them.
@@JS-wc4xs that wont be considered littering lol
@23:40 bag of old glue sticks
By far the best content on UA-cam. Hands down the most genuine guy and I haven’t even met you. Keep up the work! I love it
Thank you!
I can't believe I missed this video while still watching you fairly regularly! This was such great content man! I really hope to come visit you one day
Cracking content as usual. Glad I found the channel in the early days and am here to watch this grow into something magnificent. Can't wait to see the greatness your future holds. Great work, mate. 👍
When you enter your first adit you are hooked. Mine exploring. Cerro Gordo, Gold Hill, the Virginia Comstock, Grass Valley....unbelievable adventure in youth. So dangerous it is amazing. The wood is so old, the mine ready to collapse at any time.......and on we would go trying to find artifacts and levels no one else was crazy enough to go into. It is SO addictive, and wondering if the next mother lode(or left over unstable dynamite) is two inches behind any of the surfaces you climb by and over. The wonder of the absolutely intense labor and time it took to burrow deep into the earth and effort it takes to mine. Huff in tons of timber, rail, vent pipes, tools....That rock could collapse at any time and no one would ever find you..
Been here since month 1 and it’s amazing to see how far we’ve all come. Love this place and all the adventures you continue to give us, Brent.
I just started watching this channel, and I love it. (Discovered this yesterday)
It's insane to think that the old miners were all crawling through that insanely layered mine!!
Did they use ropes, or just the ladders?
@@StillAliveAndKicking_ pretty sure they only used the ladders back then
@@sotis1756 Yikes!
@@StillAliveAndKicking_ The ladders and platforms would have been in much better condition with wood not rotted out. Still takes a lot of balls knowing one slip and that could be it
@@StillAliveAndKicking_ yep, they were a different breed back then haha
Good sir, if I can make a suggestion. With all that dust and everything down there in the mine, I would considering investing in some mask. The stuff you are breathing in down there can't be to good for your lungs. I know it would be a pain in the butt to breath with them on while climbing. But would hate to see a video of you come on here saying well after all the mine exploring I started getting this bad cough and I went to the Doctor and I have a lung issue now due to all the dust I was breathing in.
Love the videos and I know you love exploring, but I want you to be able to keep exploring. Like I said, just a suggestion.
Definitely a smart suggestion...
I'm normally not claustrophobic, but watching you guys repelling down into Jefferson Chimney definitely gave me the chills. Exciting though. Would love to see you reach the 1100' level at one time. Great video!
That was absolutely incredible! The best part is knowing that you are OK because you were able to edit and show us this most chilling episode yet!
Have you thought about getting Lidar equipment and scanning everything so you can see all the tunnels in 3d on your computer.
Its refreshing to see someone bringing life back to a place that seemed hopeless... a place that looked so unliveable. To bring light in even the darkest caves, all the respect to you my friend.
I have spent several weeks in Cerro Gordo and it has a lot of history and places to explore.
I'm glad you have Johnny. He's young, eager, and always has a smile on his face. good companion for all these adventures!
Stay safe and don’t let your subscribers hype you up to go again, it’s on your own risk and you should take all the decision with consciousness. Take care buddy.
Every time you go down into an unexplored shaft, I lose a year off my life just watching ! Stay Safe and Thank You for taking us on your adventures !!! Love this content.
I'm really digin this cerro Gordo mine..wish I lived closer to it