User:Mark Henderson

I'm a project engineer, working primarily with small hydroelectric plants. I've always loved old west history, and ever since our family visited Calico Ghost town when I was like 10, I've especially enjoyed mining history (and steam engines/locomotives!). When I was going to Oregon State, my college buddy introduced me to exploring the mines of the small Quartzville mining district. After that we'd often go four-wheelin in search of Caves in the Central Oregon desert, and small mines in SE Oregon. Then I joined the Willamette Valley Grotto - a local club of the National Speleological Society. There I was introduced to SRT work in caves. My brother and I began to acquire our gear and experience to safely explore vertical caves. One of the best trips was a nine hour trip to explore much of the vertical lava tube (formed on a fault), "Dynamited Cave". Later, I got the chance to spend 5 hours underground at the working pocket gold mine "Original Sixteen to One", located near Nevada City, CA - a true trip of a lifetime. All along, I've always believed there was no better way to complete a day of exploring mines or caves than finding a soakable hot springs! There is still a lot of history in the hills, you just have to know where to look!