What lives inside an abandoned mine? Many creatures both dangerous and docile make their homes inside deep, dark, abandoned mines. Some of the more elusive ones are the ring-tailed cats which are sometimes called miners’ cats. I finally came across a ring-tailed cat during a recent exploration of the abandoned Crystal Palace Mine with Justin from the Southern New Mexico Explorer channel (now titled “Abandoned/Underground”). The ring-tailed cat got pretty close to both Justin and me as it made its way past us, so it almost seemed somewhat tame. Or, as Justin pointed out, maybe it had never seen a human being before and therefore had no reference to go on.
The Crystal Palace Mine was a zinc and lead mine that was probably last worked in the 1970s or earlier. The main haulage tunnel presumably intersects a vertical shaft that is higher on the hillside. Justin and I found this connection while exploring and documenting the haulage tunnel. During our exploration we came across a strange symbol emblazoned on the tunnel wall, large rooms that were quite impressive, dangerous false floors, discarded miners’ furniture, and other things related to the mine. I hope you enjoy this exploration of the Crystal Palace Mine!
Justin’s video of this mine is here: https://youtu.be/WqF30i-bjKA
Justin’s channel is here if you haven’t yet subscribed and checked out his videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPkhh9gS5c4-4ycC1Bkz2Cw
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36 Comments
Excellent Video of the Mine Cat, probably the best I have ever seen. Usually they are just a flash in the shadows.
Frank thanks again for another excellent video! I've seen a ringtail cat only once , that was 40 years ago in the Fortuna Mine in Yuma county Arizona.
Glad your back bet the shack has more miles on it that your car 🚗 lol
I love your explores
interesting video. Wonder if the mine cat you captured on film has a family tucked away somewhere in that mine. Hope it does. I love animals of all kinds. Bat upsidedown on the ceiling was cute too.I would have thought there would have been a few more. I enjoyed your video, it was fun. Thank you for letting me tag along.👍😁
The symbol looks kinda like a hobo symbol for safe camp
Didn't you encounter a ring-tailed cat once before years ago? He was hiding in some woodwork like a chute IIRC. Or maybe that was another channel….
Good to see you back Frank. I've missed your interesting videos.
Always happy to find a new Frank Mine Exploration. Thanks for your efforts and bringing us with you!
Good to see you again, been awhile. Neat mine, I guess if get tired walking around u could use that mattrrss and take a nap.
What were they mining?
Sweet! Love seeing you back on my iPhone screen!
Back on track 😎 🇵🇭🇺🇸
This wonderful Tunnel Adventure thank you for sharing❤
Hello how are you 🌹❤️
This is very beautiful and wonderful 💯💯❤️❤️
Good to watch you still exploring, Frank. Going into mines is the only thing I miss about California. Be safe out there.
So very cool to see that cat! I love the name that you gave this mine. Another great video Frank!👍👍Thank you! Thank you!👍👍💙💚💙💚
I haven't seen in Ring Tail cat in 30 years..
That insulators called an insulating "Knob" in a form of wearing known as Knob and Tubing wiring (you still fighting in some old houses especially those built prior to to WWII), this was before Romex was used for electrical wiring.
welcome back Frank I've missed you
Why is it called Crystal Mine
Oh my goodness I was panicking but I’m glad you’re back.
I really love your videos man , you know I always thought that you where doing all this by your self jaja .
But its better to have a friend near by just un case.
Keep the nice work it's amazing you are really brave.
GOD bless and protect you guys down in those mines.
Hey Frank. Great to see you upload more vids again. You fell off for 3 months. Hope you're doing ok. Take care…
How’s your Corolla doing
That's a great perspective of that ringtail! Quite the surprise for an overlooked place with all of the surprises in there! Thanks for getting out there with me, Frank! I had a blast!
That symbol would mean Hydraulic Valve. Water Valve.
me justan las minas de cueros y de cerro
I found your channel from mr ballet
Love watching your videos. Greetings from Cebu Philippines
I got a timber design book if you want it.
Thank you for the Video.
A little Mine and a scary looking Trailer and Interieur in the mine.
I imagine what people lived here and were did they disapear .
What happens to them.
Take care
Yours Frank Galetzka
You sound exactly like John Cusack
Symbol seen on rib is a diagram symbol for a valve…likely on the above pipe.
This one comes equipped with it's own living room set, bed and cat, no lap kitty but a feline, nonetheless. I wonder, who would haul all that heavy, poofy furniture to the middle of nowhere, and THEN halfway down an abandoned mine adit to set up shop? You just never can tell.