A School Tour of the English Tunnel and The Carissa Mine and Mill

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Photograph of the Entrance to the English Tunnel

 We had a short staff meeting this morning, mostly routine stuff: scheduling, upcoming events, review of a few site policies, etc. We also learned that one of the full-time staff had been ill following a tick bite- Rocky Mountain spotted fever. 

After the meeting, we busied ourselves with various activities until a little after 9:30 when students from a summer school class from Riverton arrived to tour the English Tunnel (entrance shown above) and the Carissa.These tours are two of the big attractions at SPC. Before leaving for the tour, there was a lot of bug spraying going on!

Joe led the two tours, The hike to the tunnel is about a mile long and climbs 100 ft or so.  Once we got to the tunnel, Joe discussed its history and we entered. The tunnel goes back about 150 ft and then branches to the left and right, with both leads (drifts) going about 75 ft. Its a neat place, but I have to stoop really low to avoid hitting my head- have done that and don't recommend it- and always leave with a tired back. After exiting the tunnel, we hiked back into town and took about an hour for lunch.

After lunch we rode up to the Carissa and Joe led the tour though the hoist house, shaft house, and the mill, with Joe presenting the tour information. I've given the tour several times, so most of this was a refresher. Connie and others new to volunteering or working at SPC busily scribbled notes.

I worked a bit in the archives until 4 and then we walked home. Connie and I ended up with over 9,000 steps just going through the two tours. 

We drove over the the Rock Shop and had a couple drinks and then decided to go to the Miner's Grubstake in Atlantic City, 5 to 6 miles away, for dinner and a couple of beers. A great end to a tiring day.
 

 

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