Thursday, June 17, 2010 SUNNYSIDE MINE via EUREKA GULCH TRAIL

We tried to get to Sunnyside Mine out of Eureka today, but as has often been the case this year, we were blocked from the final destination by a snowdrift.  This is one of our favorite rock-hounding places.  I will write more about the mine once we make it to the top!

Second time we have run into a government official.  This one told us that several of the local mines are unable to clean up their "super-fund" sites, so the mining companies are offering some of their mines in this area in exchange so the feds are here inspecting the mines for contamination.

We are hoping this does not lead to closure of some of our favorite trails!

Some big critter's ribcage:

 

End of the road for this trip up.  Had there not been a wash-out on the ledge side in the narrow part of the road, we may have been able to get past.

One happy dog -- so much to sniff.

Part of the old tram system that hauled the goods:

 Headed to one of the mills below the mine:

More old tram relics

 

We took a side road only to find that our route was blocked by a water hazard. 

Jim checking it out to see if it is passable.

We wisely decided to not cross (sharp rocks & fast water) so we headed for another trail.

We saw this house the first time we came out here.  The next year it had been demolished by a snowslide.  Last year it was re-built and made it thru another winter.  Someone told us they thought the owners had a gold mine on the property and wanted to be close to it to protect it.

Skeleton of the second Sunnyside Mill still in what was the town of Eureka.