Upon entering the portal I was greeted with 4 feet of icy cold water. About 25 feet inward, the water receded, and I managed to go a couple hundred feet into the abyss.

It occurred to me that I severely undercut my exploration by not wearing waders. Soaking wet and shivering, I made it about 20 minutes before my negligence forced me back out into the daylight.

This area of the San Juan Mountain Range is littered with old mining ruins and a labyrinth of untapped tunnel systems. Hopefully, before the first heavy snow, I'll make it back up with better equipment.

I did not plan on entering the workings this way. Sometimes though, the only way in, is belly-down in the muck.

Thanks for taking a look!

1.

IMG_7947 by Patrick G, on Flickr
2.
IMG_8993 by Patrick G, on Flickr
3.
IMG_8995 by Patrick G, on Flickr
4.
IMG_7954 by Patrick G, on Flickr
5.
IMG_7957 by Patrick G, on Flickr
6.
IMG_7962 by Patrick G, on Flickr
End. (Interesting color of growth on this piece of old timbering!)
IMG_7963 by Patrick G, on Flickr

That mountain view is breathtaking!

Posted by razzyt That mountain view is breathtaking!

Thank you.

It's a very scenic (and bumpy!) drive up. I regret not capturing more of the mining camp ruins and surroundings.

Awesome pictures man! Can't wait to see more of it.

Posted by Illmatic Awesome pictures man! Can't wait to see more of it.

Thank you for your support.

Now that I've learned how to post full-size pictures, I'll make more of an effort to photograph/upload my adventures.