MONTE CRISTO MINE

II had received a personal invitation for a tour of the Monte Cristo Mine from Lars the current owner. 

Last Saturday me, Ed, Jeff, Dima & Matt met Lars at the locked gate by the Monte Cristo campground. 
 
We followed him in two cars. I've walked this road many times but driving on it was quite a different experience. I was in my friends Jeep and it was so much fun. 
 
We drove past the fork in the road that leads up to Rabbit peak. Finally, we arrived at the entrance to the private property where Lars resides in a trailer a few days a week. He has a care taker that guards the area and carries a gun. 
 
Anyways, Lars was a very gracious host. He showed us everything on his property. He explained how his mining operation worked. He shared information on how he samples certain types of rocks to find Gold and some of his secrets on chemicals/solutions used in the process. He also showed us his secret small lab (that's what I call it) where he actually had a crucible and glass beakers. 
 
He had old equipment & other interesting things. 
 
After the lecture/stories on mining operations we hiked up the road to the entrance of the mine. 
 
It was really cool to get a personal tour that we all enjoyed. Lars is both an Engineer and Chemist and maybe even a geologist. I just think he was very knowledgeable. A pretty smart man. 
 
After the tour we hiked up to the top of the mine. 
 
Lars also shared info on other mines in the area like the Spanish Mine, Mariposa Mine and if course the Black Cargo mine. 
 
After more shared stories and conversations he showed us his dynamite storage stash hidden off trail. 
 
Overall, a great day spending a few hours with Lars.