Ah, the old mines of Jumal. Does have a bit Tolkienesque alliteration, doesn't it.
Mindat.org lists a number of historic mines in the area, some as gold prospects. But for those looking for shinny nuggets, well, this isn't that kind of place.
I also crawlled in those holes several years ago. Found mostly exploratory holes - with little evidence of pay streaks or production. What can be found is some ores, which might contain contain trace AU (associated with arsenopyrite). But the best grab samples I found were not in the tunnels, but on the ridge line. All I found in the holes was dust, bees, a sleeping rattlesnake, and the rest your dead packrat's family.
On the way out of the last hole, did find a guy in his late 60's with his daughter greeting me. Seem when the guy was a mere lad, he and his mates would play in those same holes. They were told the miners were looking for silver, but had long abandoned the effort decade before.
One this is for sure... in spite of the legends, when the history is lost about a mine, it is because it was a bust.
— January 21, 2013 1:43 p.m.
Jamul: the legends, lies, and mines of Mt. McGinty
Err...Jamul. And here is the link: http://www.mindat.org/maps.php?id=91413— January 21, 2013 5:32 p.m.
Jamul: the legends, lies, and mines of Mt. McGinty
Ah, the old mines of Jumal. Does have a bit Tolkienesque alliteration, doesn't it. Mindat.org lists a number of historic mines in the area, some as gold prospects. But for those looking for shinny nuggets, well, this isn't that kind of place. I also crawlled in those holes several years ago. Found mostly exploratory holes - with little evidence of pay streaks or production. What can be found is some ores, which might contain contain trace AU (associated with arsenopyrite). But the best grab samples I found were not in the tunnels, but on the ridge line. All I found in the holes was dust, bees, a sleeping rattlesnake, and the rest your dead packrat's family. On the way out of the last hole, did find a guy in his late 60's with his daughter greeting me. Seem when the guy was a mere lad, he and his mates would play in those same holes. They were told the miners were looking for silver, but had long abandoned the effort decade before. One this is for sure... in spite of the legends, when the history is lost about a mine, it is because it was a bust.— January 21, 2013 1:43 p.m.