Hi. We had a cabin there (near the far end of Crystal Lake road) since 1961. The mine was closed then , since 1956 or 57, but still one could walk in as far as the mine went, it was kind of a t shape. The old carts were all over the place outside, and the rail tracks were still in place. Dad was quite a rockhound, and we used to lead small trips for people from the Uni. of Waterloo , Brock and different rock and mineral societies, we had over 60 of them camping around the cabin one summer weekend. If you were to go in with a black light you would have quite a show, the place just lit right up. people could find lots of crystals in the mine dumps along the creek. Beautiful country there, and good bass fishing about 100 metres or so down the creek from where you were!
been in that mine tons of times (to drink at night haha) but now that i can look for such a beautiful feldspar i definitely have to go back sober this time lol
OMG! Lol "Mom didn't fit down here, she kept kicking about and thrashing, I couldn't fit her in"! Funniest part ever! Your mom was a joy to watch! And, she picked prettier samples than you! Thanks for sharing!
We find small pieces of this that came down to Indiana on the glaciers. Not all of it is Blue. I find Silver, Gold, Blue, and Green schiller. I think it is laborite. Has the right Specific Gravity and scratch test. A cave of this OMG I want to be in there.
awesome to see your mom out and about !! I really wish I could go hounding in ontario. I live in manitoba. But I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia and the pain really takes the fun out of going into nature. i'm only 21 so it bums me out pretty bad, I do plan on buying your books in the future ! maybe one day i can make it down to ontario for a hike
I am so delighted to see your mom! She is the best gem ever! Such a beautiful and witty woman, really, I mean beautiful as a real truth, not just throwing words around. She seems like someone I would find it a rare privilege to meet. Thanks for including her.
I've got to get to Canada. Looks like a land of wonderful adventure. Btw... is the uranium type material in the cave dangerous... obviously not dangerous enough to keep you out... but is there a certain exposure threshold you want to work within?
i have a 5lb piece of that yellowish style bubbly rock in a solid black piece. ita heavier than jasper. possible metallic at its weight. could it be radioactive?
Hello, have you brought a gieger counter in there to see what the background radiation level is with all that Uranophane? I have a dime sized sample from another mine that gives me a reading of 2200 cpm not a big deal unless unless you eat or breath it in.
Thx for the vid Mike! Have yet to visit that mine, on the list for vacation in July!! And boy, does your Mum still have the posh accent!! LOL! Cheers, Andrew..
Your Mom is wonderful. and that Peristitite is one beautiful rock! Thanks for another great spot to visit, but I think I'll leave the caving to you. Cheers!
I'd love to see that, I had plans to go there some years ago with the wife (Magok. It would fufill my two great life passions (aside from family) - caving and gems.
I have a friend who is in Burma right now, gathering specimens for his gem and mineral business. I doubt I will ever get over there but at least I can see photos!
