Sunday, March 30, 2008

Good Enough Mine tour in Tombstone is a winner



We had friends (a grad school buddy and his family) visiting over the weekend and went to Tombstone on Saturday, not realizing it was Miner's Days in town. Lots of activities and lots of people. The group of us took the tour of the Good Enough Mine, a major silver mine, re-opened just about a year ago for tours. The ore body was discovered by Ed Schieffelin, the founder of Tombstone.

Even the non-geologists in the group agreed it was one of the more interesting and entertaining tours we've dragged them along on. Remnants of the silver veins are clearly exposed in the mine roof and walls. The spot-lighting and new light vents, offered good views of the original mine workings and mineral exposures. Our guide, Cary, clearly enjoyed what he was doing and made sure the shorter kids got good views at the various stops underground.

The mine owners, Tombstone Consolidated Mining, are working on a major expansion with a half-mile-long underground path that sounds like it will be challenging and exciting.