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Last October, I went camping with my friends Donna & Ed. Well, it wasn't really camping. We stayed at Harmony Ridge Campground in a mobile home - in the forest!! Pretty cool. The reason for the trip was a watercolor class, but in the meantime we did a lot of other things, like go to the Empire Mine located in Grass Valley.
The mine is one of the oldest, largest, deepest, longest and richest gold mines in California and has been in existence for more than 100 years. I remember the guide said that if you put the length of the mine in a single line, it would take you all the way to Magic Mountain in southern California! That flabbergasts me still. The guided tour took us through the mine, the mine's buildings and the owner's home and gardens. They also perform weddings in the lush gardens. In fact, a wedding was in progress when we were there. For more information on the Empire Mine, visit www.cal-parks.ca.gov.
Click on the pictures for a closer view ...
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Empire Mine #1
This was the Compressor Building that powered the man cars on the tracks, carrying the miners down into the mine every day. |
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Empire Mine #2
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Empire Mine #3
This particular building was where they had a "live" blacksmith on hand. Again, it was all about light! |
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Elm Tree
This tree which I believe is an elm tree was on the grounds of the Empire Mine. The sun was shining from behind, lighting up the yellowed Fall leaves. |
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Blacksmith Shop
Okay, just for fun, here's the blacksmith. He was actually pounding away at a hot piece of iron - making some sort of replacement hardware for use at the mine. |
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Machine Shop
While the tour guide was talking, I turned around and saw the light streaming in through the glass panes of the office and reflecting back on the various gears hanging on the wall. |
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Refinery Room #1
Again, I waited for people to leave so I could take these two shots … I can't make up my mind as to which one I like best! |
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Refinery Room #2
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Garden Stairway
This is the stairway that leads from the main home to the hot house. As I mentioned, there was a wedding in progress. It's not that distinguishable at this size, however, at the top of the stairs there is a little girl dressed in white running across the stairs. In the 11x14 enlargement she shows up a lot better. This is my personal favorite for two reasons: 1) the ghost-like image of the little girl; and 2) the antiquity and mystery of the stairway. |
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BACK TO THE GALLERY HOMEPAGE - |
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