The World Museum of Mining

This afternoon, we experienced something unique; Papa took us to the World Museum of Mining.  The best part was going on the underground tour.  The tour guide came from a mining family and he was a minor in his 20s.  At that age, he realized that mining was bad for your health.  He announced that he was going to college in the evenings.  His dad laughed at him, but he did it.  He became a school teacher and took an 80% pay cut in the process.  Lucky for us, those 2 career choices made him an excellent tour guide.  Not only did he know all about mining and the dangers, but he was a charismatic guide.  Lexi found everything he had to say very interesting.  Here he is helping us put on our gear.  

Getting ready to go in

Stepping into the old elevator

Papa helping to demonstrate the oldest way of mining

Listening to sad stories of the ways accidents happened and the hardships experienced

More modern mining using dynomite

Teaching us about "Tap 'er Light" one of the many sayings the miners used to remind each other about safety

Ready to take her gear off

Touring the grounds of the museum

Elevator where 14 men would cram in to go down to work or come back up

Climbing up the headframe (aka tower) - these things are all over Butte

Mining town replica

School

School yard (included an outhouse)

Old time car with bullet holes

Picture of our amazing tour guide

Doll collection

On the way home from the museum, we stopped off near the "M" for Montana Tech.  The kids wanted to hike to it since they had so much fun hiking to the "Y."  This one was a lot easier though.  In fact, we just watched them.  I took a few pictures of the surrounding views.  

View of the World Museum of Mining

View of Butte

 Climbing the the "M" for Montana Tech