New Year's Eve party in the Ophir Hill

[RedRockXJ]

What time wednesday? I don't think we'll spend the night.

[Crystal]

I am going to try and make it out there by 7pm at least. Not sure when everyone else is heading out.

[Mike]

Lets plan on meeting there at 7. That will give us some time to explore before the festivities.

[RedRockXJ]

10-4!

[RockRacer]

Are newbies that don't know anyone allowed to come out? I have some equipment/gear, but what mine specific stuff should one make sure I bring, besides the obvious? I heard that you have to get permission to visit Ophir. Who are the individuals that you have to speak with? I will do some more research, but are there any pics or directions?

[Mike]

We are the people to get permission from. And you and yours and anybody else is invited. Coordinates to the area are 40°22'12.52"N 112°15'27.35"W. As far as photos are concerned, view our Gallery! We have tons of photos of Ophir.

For equipment, you'll need your standard gear (helmet, lights, batteries, etc), and remember, we'll be spending the night this time, so you'll need extra batteries for sure. Bring water, food, and camping gear.

[Mikezauner]

I just hurt my back today getting rid of ice in my parking spot at home, and if it's not better by new years I won't be going out there with you.

[Stuart]

Are newbies that don't know anyone allowed to come out? I have some equipment/gear, but what mine specific stuff should one make sure I bring, besides the obvious? I heard that you have to get permission to visit Ophir. Who are the individuals that you have to speak with? I will do some more research, but are there any pics or directions?

I think you will find quite a collection of pictures and research right here on MU. Don't worry about the directions to the mine once you get to town, one of us will head up early and put up DisposaCones.

I just hurt my back today getting rid of ice in my parking spot at home, and if it's not better by new years I won't be going out there with you.

Well that's no fun! I hope it gets feeling better soon, you still have three days to recover.

[RedRockXJ]

Well, just found out I will be working the night of the 31st. So we will not be able to make this trip.

[Stuart]

Well, just found out I will be working the night of the 31st. So we will not be able to make this trip.

That sucks! I have to work until nine that night, so I will be heading out late and by myself. If you want to meet us out there on Thursday you can do some pretty sweet exploring with us in an older relatively remote section of the mine.

[RockRacer]

We are the people to get permission from. And you and yours and anybody else is invited. Coordinates to the area are 40°22'12.52"N 112°15'27.35"W. As far as photos are concerned, view our Gallery! We have tons of photos of Ophir.

For equipment, you'll need your standard gear (helmet, lights, batteries, etc), and remember, we'll be spending the night this time, so you'll need extra batteries for sure. Bring water, food, and camping gear.

Thanks Mike and Stuart for your responses. So are the owners of the Ophir Hill Mine associated with you guys or on this site, or is this a one time permission thing that the owners are allowing and going to be keeping an eye on? I just found out that my wife's Grandmother passed away and we will probably be driving to California for the funeral on Wednesday. Don't get me wrong, I feel bad about her passing, but I am hoping that we don't leave until Thursday so I can get to know some of you and of course I am stoked about the mine. Because of this possibility, is the reason I am trying to figure out how rare an opportunity like this is. I believe I read that the film was made 3500 feet into the mine. How big is this mine? Are people pitching tents?

Tobin Gardner

[Mike]

The owners are the Ault family. We perform service and extraction work for them, and in return, they grant us access to their mines. If you can't make it this week, we'll likely be in next week. A rare opportunity for those outside the group, but quite a common one for those inside the group. Since we have never explored the Ophir Hill Mine without finding something new, we go in as often as we can. The place is absolutely huge!

[Stuart]

pitch a tent?

How big is this mine? Are people pitching tents?

The Ophir Hill has over 20+ miles of tunnels, stopes, raises, shafts, inclines, underground lakes, amazing natural formations, historical structures and equipment. Some of us have spent well over 100 hours exploring the mine and have not even come close to seeing everything above the water table.

No, there is not really a need to pitch a tent inside the mine. In the big/blue room where we will be sleeping it is a comfortable 52 degrees with no wind or precipitation to worry about. Something exciting about this trip is that you will be able to sleep under the stars and still be completely warm and comfortable Some of you already know the trick, but the rest will have to wait until Wednesday.

I kinda do want to pitch my brand new tent though, just to show it off.

[Mikezauner]

I 'm thinking that although my back is much better I really don't want to push my luck. I'll head out there in the morning and join you guys for some exploration though. What time are you guys planning on getting up/when should I show up?

Plus since I work nights I'd be up all night bored out of my skull and I really don't want to drive you guys batty like that.

[Jeff]

I will be there Thursday morning as well like Mikezauner said just need to know what time you'll be open for bidness.