Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Tubal Cain Mine, Washinton

10/13/13: The temperature seems nice and warm, so we decide to take a hike up to the Tubal Cain Mine to check out the caves. We start a bit late, getting our stuff ready, picking up a couple of sandwiches at Safeway, and getting on Hwy 101 toward Sequim. What we have not counted on is that after leaving the highway, the long drive of almost 15 miles to the trail head on the pot-holed forest roads takes more than an hour. After crossing the Dungeness River, we arrive at the trail head parking just after noon. 
As soon as we step out of the car, we put on added layers of clothing as the chilling cold air welcomes us. This trail is mainly in the shade and we realize that we won't have much of a chance to warm up in the sun. CC's toes and fingers are cold immediately. 

Crossing Silver Creek on a log bridge. Rexplorer wears a bright orange vest for high visibility. The Fish and Game officer has informed us that hunting season has begun yesterday, and it is advisable to wear orange vest to avoid being mistaken for a bear or deer and get shot.

After entering the Buckhorn Wilderness, we begin an easy walk into the dense forest. The temperature remains cold, cold, cold, and we can see our breath. There are so many mushrooms of different sizes and colors. We have to be selective in stopping to look and take photos.

The trail is on the eastern side of a big canyon, and remains in the shadow and shade of big trees. We walk past moss draping branches, like waterfalls.

Help! My hands are frozen!

Finally finding a sunny spot, we stop for some snack and rest. CC holding up the tree with her frozen fingers, and standing on frozen and unfeeling toes. Despite the sunny looking trail, we are mostly in the shadow, watching our own breath.

They look like two pieces of liver.

One of several creeks we have to cross

Cup shape mushroom holding morning's rain water, nestling in a bed of mossy undergrowth.

After three miles, we come across this abandoned copper mining cave. These caves are not for entering and exploring. We bring flashlight to look only. 

A singing brook along the trail.

A steep rocky slope leads to the Tubal Cain Mine. Rexplorer on his way to the site.

Another hiker couple follow Rexplorer up to the cave on the left. 

The mine shaft is actually under water and no one is supposed to enter it. Tubal Cain Mine is actually privately owned. Rexplorer waits for his turn.

Interior of the mine shaft. It goes on for a long distance. 

Leftover item from the mining operation, near the camp ground.

On our way back, we take a short hike up on the trail to Toll Canyon, a steep climb. This is another abandoned mine shaft.

We meet two hikers from Olympia, and their dog who carries his own water, water dish and food. We find out that the hike up is very steep and difficult. With limited daylight, we decide to save this part of the hike for a future adventure.

On the long trek back to the car, we meet two gun-toting hunters. They are pleased that we have bright color coverings - Rexplorer has his orange vest, and CC has a neon yellow Camelback cover - as they explains that if we didn't have the high visibility covering. our black jackets could be mistaken for black bears, even when we are walking on a trail.  We are quite surprised to hear that, but glad to have taken the precaution.  We are near the end of our trip back to the parking. By now, the sun is almost down and the air is bitterly cold. We jump in the car and turn on the heat. Although we have been able to hike in the park, we have finally found out the effect of the Federal government shutdown. On our way past the next trail head, we stop to use the bathroom, only to find a notice on the door that it is closed due to the shutdown. Fortunately we are able to drive another ten miles to the nearest native American owned grocery store that has an excellent restroom. 


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