Patsy's Mine: Family Hike #10

This Farmington hike was high on adventure, danger, novelty, and whining. WE WILL NEVER AGAIN DRIVE UP THAT ROAD IN A MINIVAN WITH ALL OF OUR CHILDREN! It was really scary. Too scary. But since we all survived, we'll call it an adventure in hindsight. But let the record reflect, it will never happen again. We'll hike a couple extra miles to the trailhead instead.

It was really pretty on the way up, but also hot, and the young ladies did not appreciate it. And I did not appreciate their lack of appreciation. So it was a pretty grumpy affair on the way up. Once we found the mineshaft, however, all was forgiven. It's crazy that you can actually go inside and explore an old abandoned mine. Kind of creepy too. Thanks to the coolness of the destination, and also dum dum suckers, the trip down was much happier.

The drive up.

Finally found the mine!

We got to cheer Leah and Daddy on while they finished the trek to the mine opening.

Whew! Made it!

"Ooh, a spooky mineshaft to explore!"

Inside the mine. It was so blessedly cool in there. A much-needed break from the hot sun outside. It was actually pretty long. And it got real dark real quick. Nate packed the headlamps, and the kids thought it was cool to use them. It branched off in a couple places, and we were able to peek just about everywhere, I think.

 

A cavern at the end of a branch. It was pitch black without the flash and headlamps.

What a view! We lost one of Asa's shoes on the way up, and managed to recover it on the way back, which is a miracle.

Sooo tired. But he couldn't stop eating the sucker.