Loading

Down in the mine

It seems the entire Geevor area (and probably much of Cornwall) is a rabbit warren of old mines and tunnels. Apparently, when the "new" (now closed) mine was operating, the miners found an older and previously unrecorded mine from pre-industrial days. This is now, at least in part, open to visitors who are given covering jackets and helmets for their tour. It does bring a stark realisation of the dangers and hardships faced by the miners, particularly in the early days, when even lifting out diggings was done with a bucket such as this. Here's a musical link. More images in PiPs.
Visible by: Everyone
(more information)

More information

Visible by: Everyone

All rights reserved

Report this photo as inappropriate

36 comments

Xata said:

We can hardly imagine... here mines are open sky ones (mineral). I am claustrophobic, it would be hard on me even just visiting...
Your main picture is my fave.
4 years ago

Malik Raoulda said:

Superbe série sur ces restes de vieilles mines et tunnels +++++
Bonne semaine.
4 years ago ( translate )

Janet Brien said:

Absolutely mesmerizing, George. It's so thought-provoking to look at these images and think about the work entailed in this line of business...it's a hard, hard life. Your pictures are all super and really show us your visit quite well. Each is perfect and shows an important angle. Really neat.

Now, I can add a twist: How about scuba diving in submerged lava-tubes that are filled with a layer of fresh-water and a layer of salt water? Steve and I got the chance to do this on the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico and with our guide, we got to visit cenotes full of bats, birds, and dripping roots in these mind-blowing caves which seem to come from a sci-fi/fantasy movie but they are real! www.google.com/search?q=cenotes&oq=cenotes&aqs=chrome..69i57&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Back to mining...one of the things Steve and I are looking forward to is visiting some of the old gold and silver mines here in Oregon and California. You have certainly piqued my interest! :D
4 years ago

Jaap van 't Veen said:

Simply beautiful.
Thank you for the note George.
4 years ago

Ulrich John said:

Stunning shot, George !
4 years ago

Pam J said:

I WENT ON THAT TOUR MANY YEARS AGO ! ITS FUN WHEN THEY SWITCH THE LIGHTS OUT !

MANY OG YHR MINES ACTUALY PRE-DATE ROMAN TIMES.
4 years ago

Jean said:

What a hard life miners had and still have. The only mine I've been down was a Neolithic flint mine in Norfolk where antlers were used as tools. Not bad as it wasn't that deep.
4 years ago

William Sutherland said:

Excellent shot and PIPs!

Admired in:
www.ipernity.com/group/tolerance
4 years ago

Sarah P. said:

Great shot, scary place
4 years ago ( translate )

Boro said:

Superbe *************
4 years ago ( translate )

Janet Brien said:

Wow, how cool is that? Pam visited this place too! :D

Today's visit:
www.ipernity.com/doc/tiabunna/48580696
4 years ago

Annemarie said:

Beautiful my friend!
Happy new week:)
4 years ago ( translate )

RHH said:

That is not a place I would care to go. Have friends in Wales whose parents and grandparents were miners and the stories they tell are appalling.
4 years ago

AD AD said:

It fits perfect, very nice! :-)
4 years ago

Rosalyn Hilborne said:

Superb shots George. It shows what a hard life it was for them with much danger and little reward.
4 years ago