I have been mine exploring for a long time, but there is one mine that is quite special to me; Delamar Nevada. Through the years I have accumulated literally weeks of underground exploring time. In that time my exploring friends and I have located and opened up areas that are now a regular part of everyone's explore. The mine is reported to have had 16 levels and over 60 miles of workings! It is truly massive.
It is no surprise that there are areas that have been "lost" through the years. Those areas intrigue me and we are always looking to see if we can find ways into them. In the last few years my friend Tony and I have found sections of two levels that have been lost for many years. They are in untouched condition and I have posted videos of those areas.
The entire Level 9 of the mine has been lost as long as anyone can remember. Quite a few explorers have unsuccessfully looked for it. My exploring buddy, Tony, is from England and is one of the top explorers there. He is well known for his technical rope skills as well as his complete lack of fear. This past week we went on a mission to check every possible way into the lost Level 9. Sure enough we found a way! The level is untouched and strewn with artifacts. Although it is one of the most difficult explores I've ever done, it is the high point of my exploring career.
This old mine building is the most well known feature of the ghost town of Delamar. It is truly majestic with its beautiful view of the valley.
Tony contemplating his next move as we hunt for a way into the lost level.
Once we found ourselves in the lost level, we were stunned at all of the artifacts.
These are boxes of high grade ore stacked in an upper level of square set.
This was quite an adventure. We are going to go back in the future to see if we can find any more lost connections from this level back up into some of the upper levels. Who knows if we will find even more unexplored areas?
Abby Normal