Old Mine
We don't know how old this mine was, but there were a couple of abandoned flathead engines- so probably the first half of the 20th century. The large tumbling drums (with the large gears, mounted on the pedestals) were curious, but the rock crusher is what identified the equipment as being a gold mine- at least to Ted's untrained eye.
The mine entrance is to the left in some of the pictures- it's been blasted shut, but the entrance timbers are still visible (even though most of it is buried in tailings).
New Mine
The new mine is a large pit mine. A dam has been erected, and the original stream was rerouted along the edge of the valley, so it doesn't drain into the pit. Ken figures the diesel pump is pushing water up to the open mine on the hill.
It's hard to get a sense of scale here- the switchbacks visible in the mine are large enough for the huge offroad dump trucks.
Water and Waterfalls
The 20 mile trip up to Salmon Glacier spans several valleys, and sits right against the mountains. So there are plenty of waterfalls and glacial streams.
Scenery
Beautiful mountain peaks, rock outcroppings. Need I say more?
