One Sunday afternoon, bored and in need of a quest, I loaded up a map of the local mines and set my sites on a fresh spot. This location seemed to be on the same ridge as the really spectacular, cathedral-esque sunk mine. One could draw a straight line and hit both previous pits, as well as this location, so it seemed plausible there could be something of note here. I made my way down the blue trail, past the picturesque, leafy beaver ponds. Those buzzsaw-like bugs were at their loudest, and every so often a horsefly would pay an unwelcome visit. Once I got a little higher out of the swamp and to the nearest trail intersection, I began heading towards the ridge. I didn't realize how much height I'd gained before breaking through the tree line, right on the edge of a cliff. I had to stop a minute and just admire the view. Another pond was spread out below, and every rock was a minty green-blue with lichens. I skirted the cliffs until the blueberry brambles became truly unruly. The map said there was still a few dozen meters until I reached the location. Before I committed to being a true jungle survivalist, I wanted to check Google Earth to see if I could make anything out. The wintertime satellite views aid greatly in finding old structures usually hidden under the trees. Frustratingly, however this time they hadn't. And even more vexing, the pin seemed to be right in the middle of a swamp, great. By this point I had a whole entourage of insect life in tow, and decided to back away and try circling around the swamp, looking in. To my disappointment, there was nothing to suggest mining activity at all. No tailings piles, no remnants of roads, no holes. Looking back on it now, I wonder if the swamp might've been the mine, or the hole contributed to water collecting there. Whatever the outcome of the quest, I enjoyed finding that picturesque little swamp by the cliff and passing the ponds that day. Further, I now have a tantalizing lead for next time. On Google Earth, south of where I was rambling I spotted the familiar pit of another mine. But slightly to the north was another dark shape among the brown pixelated trees. It's in the right direction to be another mine adit, or possibly another entrance. Only exploration will tell...
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