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Green Eyed Monster
Mine and Cave Exploration
Mine and Cave Exploration
Last Saturday, Mojave Underground led an expedition into the Green Eyed Monster, a natural cave located within a mine high on the north side of Ophir Canyon. Located at 40°22'44.42"N 112°14'43.88"W, approximately 600' above the Jim Fisk mine, the Green Eyed Monster provides a challenge for all who attempt to climb up to it. We all gathered at the mouth of that canyon at 9am; after filling paperwork and reviewing maps, we began our steep climb up in two groups. Stuart led the first group, while I led the last.
Entering the mine requires sliding down a steep, cold, muddy culvert and into a very tight squeeze. Mud had to be dug out in order to allow many explorers access into the mine. We followed the adit for approximately 1/5 of a mile and turned right, crawling through a little crawl space and into the medusa room. The miners blasted right through this room and continued past. From here, a small room in the ceiling takes you into the big room, a large natural void filled with amazing green flowstone and brilliant helicites.
The group explored every little nook and cranny that would allow a body to travel through. Crystal and Kassia found the pool room, but none of us were brave enough to dive into its depths. We continued back the route we came, dropping holes and photographing anything we could find.
The climb back out the culvert was not an easy one. The angle required to get out made it difficult for many to squeeze their bodies through. A hand line was dropped to simplify the extraction. With the culvert so muddy, it was hard getting traction to climb back out.
Overall, the GEM was a real adventure, and quite a treat for all. Thanks everybody for coming.
Photos can be viewed here:
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