Would you look for a cache in here?

[+scorpionkill]

Found a very old (1780's) mine that is about 100 feet long (Horizontal shaft into the side of a hill) the entrance is really small now, you have to go in on your back and you need to squat for the first 20 feet while you get past some debris, but after that it opens up where you can stand up. Bats do live in this mine and I encountered a few while checking this place out. I am thinking of putting a cache in here. Would you enter this for it?

 

[+GoBolts!]

Sweet...I would love to go in!

You are the man!

[+ADKcachers]

You betcha!

[+4BOWS]

Sure would.

 

[+4BOWS]

Sure would.

 

 

Oops: double post, sorry.

Edited September 28, 2006 by 4BOWS

[+DeskJocky]

It is very hard to tell from this picture what type of mine this is. All mines are very dangerous and have a ton of hazards both seen and unseen in them. Everything from black damp to hanging roof falls. A mine this old would have even more. I'm sure the roof supports (if any) are very weak and not doing what they were supposed to when they were put it.

 

Bats are very sensitive this time of year to tempature changes. Any disruptions to them could kill them if not now, in the spring. No one should do anything to disturb bats this time of year.

 

Also, I would highly recommend reading over MSHA's Stay Out - Stay Alive information and you can decide if you want to put a cache here. It can be found at www.msha.gov

 

Would I find a cache there? Probably yes. Inside the mine? Probably no.

[+scorpionkill]

It is very hard to tell from this picture what type of mine this is. All mines are very dangerous and have a ton of hazards both seen and unseen in them. Everything from black damp to hanging roof falls. A mine this old would have even more. I'm sure the roof supports (if any) are very weak and not doing what they were supposed to when they were put it.

 

Bats are very sensitive this time of year to tempature changes. Any disruptions to them could kill them if not now, in the spring. No one should do anything to disturb bats this time of year.

 

Also, I would highly recommend reading over MSHA's Stay Out - Stay Alive information and you can decide if you want to put a cache here. It can be found at www.msha.gov

 

Would I find a cache there? Probably yes. Inside the mine? Probably no.

 

I have yet to go all the way inside this mine but know some people who have. It is one shaft about 75-100 feet long in solid rock (granite, I beleive). This thing has been around for 200 + years.

 

I am not saying it isn't dangerous, however the mine is pretty narrow and I think given it's age has stood the test of time pretty well. The bat issue is the only thing that bothers me about this mine. I don't want the bat's to be awoken during their hybernation so I may not put the cache in there unless you could limit it to a certain time of year. It is a pretty cool/sppoky place though.

[bogleman]

no way, I don't want to get all dirty . Becareful in "confined spaces" the breathing air may not be all that good. Now with that said I have gone into some areas that had me more concerned about a cave, sounds like a blast and guard your sweet spot well.

[+briansnat]

I went after this cache that was deep inside a mine. It is one of my top 10 favorite caches ever. That's the opening to my right in the photo.

 

Here it is inside looking out. I'm quite claustrobic so it took two trips and some nerve to go after it. You have to crawl on your hands and knees inside because its quite narrow and the cache is about 100 feet back.

 

I also own a cache in a mine, but its a lot more roomy than the above one. In fact its name is Roomy Mine.

Here is the wife entering:

 

At least you can stand in this one.

 

 

So yes, if it was safe to go inside, I certainly would go after a cache in one. It would have to be cut into bedrock like these. A mine supported by 100 year old rotting timbers would not be on my to do list.

 

Actually my main concern would be the bats. Hibernating bats can die if disturbed. I've taken to disabling my mine cache while the bats are hibernating. There aren't many in there, but some are endangered.

Edited September 28, 2006 by briansnat

[+Cpt.Blackbeard]

Would I or could I? Entering an old mine or a cave wouldn't bother me if it was like Brians "Roomy Mine" but I'm much to big to crawl through a little opening like the OP shows Place a full sized gold bar in it and I'll find someone to bring it out though.

[Guyute1210]

I know that I would do one like any of those pics in here. I've done a natural cave one that was most fun, GCH249 Umbrella Rock and is the closest cache to my house.

[+El Diablo]

I'm not as brave as everyone else here. Ain't no way I'm crawling in there! Animals like places like that. Mean animals. I would be to terrified that I might run into a bear or a cougar on his or her way out.

 

El Diablo

[+cache_test_dummies]

I probably would have before, but not after I read the story of Ted the Caver!

 

[+nfa]

I have a Cache Hidden in a Cave, and wish that there were others neabry to try my hand at...

 

Jamie - NFA

[+briansnat]

I'm not as brave as everyone else here. Ain't no way I'm crawling in there! Animals like places like that. Mean animals. I would be to terrified that I might run into a bear or a cougar on his or her way out.

 

El Diablo

 

That's in the back of my mind every time I do a maint visit for my mine cache. I walk very gingerly and shine the light well ahead, but there is a blind corner right at the end. I always stop dead then carefully peak around to make sure mama bear isn't taking a nap in there.

Edited September 28, 2006 by briansnat

[+El Diablo]

I probably would have before, but not after I read the story of Ted the Caver!

 

 

That's a great story! I don't believe it's true...but a great story. It would make a great movie.

 

El Diablo

[+budd-rdc]

I have yet to go all the way inside this mine but know some people who have. It is one shaft about 75-100 feet long in solid rock (granite, I beleive). This thing has been around for 200 + years.

 

I am not saying it isn't dangerous, however the mine is pretty narrow and I think given it's age has stood the test of time pretty well. The bat issue is the only thing that bothers me about this mine. I don't want the bat's to be awoken during their hybernation so I may not put the cache in there unless you could limit it to a certain time of year. It is a pretty cool/sppoky place though.

 

You don't seem like a reckless guy, so after you explore the mine and find a good place to hide a cache, I'll likely go in there. If something happens to me inside, it's my fault for showing up.

[+Kit Fox]

I probably would have before, but not after I read the story of Ted the Caver!

 

 

That's a great story! I don't believe it's true...but a great story. It would make a great movie.

 

El Diablo

 

The real story was written by Thomas Lera in 1987. It was called, "THE TERROR IN HUPMAN’S CAVE."

 

It was definately a great read though.

[+Confucius' Cat]

Would you enter this for it?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

 

But if you can find a hole like that in INDIANA, I'm IN!

[+Cpt.Blackbeard]

I probably would have before, but not after I read the story of Ted the Caver!

 

 

Dang that was long.

[+StarBrand]

If it looked safe enough when I got there - I would go.

 

 

 

(the walls are not closing in .....repeat)

[dunderhead]

I probably would have before, but not after I read the story of Ted the Caver!

 

 

Dang that was long.

 

Not inclined to read the long story but did Ted the Caver end up as Ted the Cadaver?

[+El Diablo]

I probably would have before, but not after I read the story of Ted the Caver!

 

 

Dang that was long.

 

Not inclined to read the long story but did Ted the Caver end up as Ted the Cadaver?

 

You'll have to read to find out.

 

El Diablo

[+Colorado Cacher]

You would be amazed what some of us fools will do to find a cache.

[+Pablo Mac]

This makes Phobias - Black Box #5 look like an LPC.

[+Harry Dolphin]

Sorry. Far too claustrophobic for anything like that. I had a panic attack in an MRI! Roomy Mine, perhaps.

[Luckless]

Nope, I'd be afraid of it being unstable.

[+zanadian]

Cave caches rock! I would thoroughly enjoy searching for a cave cache - go for it

If some people don't like it - then they can ignore it.

[+Cpt.Blackbeard]

I probably would have before, but not after I read the story of Ted the Caver!

 

 

Dang that was long.

 

Not inclined to read the long story but did Ted the Caver end up as Ted the Cadaver?

I must return. If I am ever to exit the overworld and enter the subterranean world of a cave, I must now return. I no longer feel that I have a choice. I MUST return.

 

For my family and friends who are reading this I say, Be at peace. I will conquer this cave. Then I will return and update this web site immediately. I will include any photo's we take in the cave today, and if you stop by the house I will show you the video I will have. I expect to be home later tonight, or tomorrow at the latest.

 

See all of you soon, with a lot of answers! Love, Ted

 

[+hikergps]

I'm not as brave as everyone else here. Ain't no way I'm crawling in there! Animals like places like that. Mean animals. I would be to terrified that I might run into a bear or a cougar on his or her way out.

 

El Diablo

 

Me too, only my fear is worse: I'm on my way out and they are on their way in.

[Iwuzere]

So what happened to Ted the Caver in the end?

That's cruel leaving a story end like that!

[+chuckwagon101]

Man Oh Man! GREAT! A cache and possible TOMB.....all in one!!!

 

What more could a cacher ask for???????!!!

[+James Lobb]

i would but i would bring some form of breathing apparutus like a SCUBA system. as there can be a build up of methane. but knowing my slef i would just go on in with out the preperations

[+OzGuff]

I would definitely attempt it!

 

In western NC there is a cache called Devil's Cauldron, which isn't a cave so much as an opening between a bunch of rocks. But it is fun and relatively accessible to folks of all ages. The link is to the cache's gallery.

Edited September 29, 2006 by OzGuff

[+gotterv]

I was reading the story of Ted the Caver and just as I was getting to the good part, the link broke and I can't find out what happen to poor old Ted. Anyone know where I can find the rest of the story?

 

Thanks!

[+scorpionkill]

I would definitely attempt it!

 

In western NC there is a cache called Devil's Cauldron, which isn't a cave so much as an opening between a bunch of rocks. But it is fun and relatively accessible to folks of all ages. The link is to the cache's gallery.

 

That "Ted" story would be a great pre requisite read before attempting this cave cache I plan to put in this mine. LOl

[+chrisandjanet]

So it's an old mine? Who owns it? I could see some difficulty in getting permission to place a cache there, the owners might not want the liability (especially if it's on public land, the government entity who owns the area would probably freak...)

[+El Diablo]

I was reading the story of Ted the Caver and just as I was getting to the good part, the link broke and I can't find out what happen to poor old Ted. Anyone know where I can find the rest of the story?

 

Thanks!

 

The link is broken on purpose. It's meant to lead you to believe that Ted,B or Joe did not return from the cave on the last trip.

 

El Diablo

[+Cpt.Blackbeard]

I was reading the story of Ted the Caver and just as I was getting to the good part, the link broke and I can't find out what happen to poor old Ted. Anyone know where I can find the rest of the story?

 

Thanks!

 

The link is broken on purpose. It's meant to lead you to believe that Ted,B or Joe did not return from the cave on the last trip.

 

El Diablo

 

What really haapened to Ted is simple, Mystery Cave lies under area 51, with Teds entrance just outside the fence. He broke into their ventilation shaft, they scared him off but he kept returning, so on the final trip they "disappeared" him, and erased the last page from the net, thus the broken link.

 

Now that I've told the real ending I will be next... what's that sound?

[+gotterv]

Aww, Man!

[+DaveA]

I would not enter the mine. Not for mine safety reasons, but for the bats.

 

A couple things to consider. The bat guano (poop) when present in large amounts can be toxic to breath. That isn't my main concern though as everyone knows you cache at your own risk.

 

My main concern is I wouldn't want to disturb the bats. Most caves around me that have a bat population are protected and only researchers are allowed to enter for the purpose of setting up equipment to monitor the health of the population.

 

I don't know about your area, but it *might* be illegal to enter this cave although if it is I would *think* something should be posted somewhere nearby.

 

In any event I wouldn't enter the cave (although I would be sorely tempted to) nor would I put a cache in one because some people wouldn't be able to resist screwing with the bats and I wouldn't want to be responsible for that.

 

So I wouldn't enter the cave. Not because of safety concerns, but for environmental concerns.

Edited September 29, 2006 by DaveA

[+sbell111]

I hope that I would skip a cache like that one.

[ImpalaBob]

I recently went over 2 city blocks underground to find a multi-stage. Waist high to ankle high water. Hard hat, lights, and walkie-talkie to an outside support person. You bet I'm going in! ImpalaBob

[+chizu]

I probably wouldn't but as long as it was highlighted in the text and reflected in the difficulty that this was required I wouldn't mind as I could choose to avoid it.

Edited September 29, 2006 by chizu

[+Kit Fox]

was reading the story of Ted the Caver and just as I was getting to the good part, the link broke and I can't find out what happen to poor old Ted. Anyone know where I can find the rest of the story?

 

Thanks!

 

So what happened to Ted the Caver in the end?

That's cruel leaving a story end like that!

 

It's a fable originally written by Thomas Lera back in 1987.

 

 

Too many people in this thread are confusing Mines with Caves.

Edited September 29, 2006 by Kit Fox

[+scorpionkill]

What about filming a really scary scene in a mine like this and doing something like the Blair witch/ted caver story where the cache is themed around trying to find out what happened to the missing mine explorers. The seeker could go in search of the lost tape/DVD in the mine and have to bring a portable DVD player in the mine to watch "what happened". If done well would really freak some people out.

 

This location would be perfect, with the exception of the bat issue. I really prefer not to endanger these scary looking little buggers. When I crawled into the mine there were a few right there hanging down checking me out. I must admit it does creep you out something heavy.

[+DocDiTTo]

I'd hunt for such a cache. I enjoy underground caches. In fact, I own a cache that's hidden in a cave. The last one I found in a mine, though, would be fine for even the claustrophobic people. Unfortunately it's disabled now, but will hopefully be back online soon. It's one of the best caches in Pennsylvania...

 

Sand Quarry

 

(I'm the guy in the white shirt, and I'm 6' tall, so you can see how completely huge that hole is)

 

[+Confucius' Cat]

Man Oh Man! GREAT! A cache and possible TOMB.....all in one!!!

 

What more could a cacher ask for???????!!!

So after a few cachers die there, does it have to meet the cemetary cache guidelines?

[+Let's Look Over Thayer]

I have no problem going into caves (I've been spelunking on and off for decades) and I've crawled up many a drainpipe to find a cache.

 

Going into a mine to get a cache, though? No Bleeping Way.

 

Where I grew up (northern New Mexico and southern Colorado) going into a mine is a good way to commit suicide. The rock has been under pressure for decades and often quite ready to collapse. Wood and timbers are rotten and may give way with little provocation. Not only that but quite often the atmosphere in the mine consists of high concentrations of methane, carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide (and insufficent quantities of oxygen.)

[+briansnat]

I have no problem going into caves (I've been spelunking on and off for decades) and I've crawled up many a drainpipe to find a cache.

 

Going into a mine to get a cache, though? No Bleeping Way.

 

Where I grew up (northern New Mexico and southern Colorado) going into a mine is a good way to commit suicide. The rock has been under pressure for decades and often quite ready to collapse. Wood and timbers are rotten and may give way with little provocation. Not only that but quite often the atmosphere in the mine consists of high concentrations of methane, carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide (and insufficent quantities of oxygen.)

 

Mines differ in regions. The mines here are cut into solid bedrock, there are no rotten timbers because no timbers are needed or used. They are entered regularly and many are noted on park maps and at least one has park signs pointing to to it with a sign outside that says keep out from 9/1 - 3/31 due to hibernating bats.

 

There is even a book distributed in many local outdoors stores and by local hiking and historical orgainizations that give directions to these mines.

Edited September 30, 2006 by briansnat