Rappelling 300 Ft Down An Abandoned Mineshaft
This week, I take on a mine exploration I've been planning for nearly a year - the Newtown Mine. This part of the mine is only accessible by a 300 ft vertical shaft and hasn't been explored in a century. I've never been one for heights so the thought of lowering myself down a rope 300 ft prevented me from exploring this sooner.
I finally decided to face my fears and headed down this week! It was the scariest exploration I've done to date, but did leave me much more comfortable for future adventures.
There are TONS of great videos coming up. A lot has been happening around Cerro Gordo recently, so if you aren't already, I hope you'll subscribe to the channel! It's free and that way you can see all the progress going on up here.
If you're interested in some more photos from around town, you can check out my Instagram: / brentwunderwood
Cerro Gordo T-Shirts and more: store.cerrogordomines.com/
Mailing Address: PO Box 490, Lone Pine, CA 93545
Thank you all so much!!
Thank you all so much for checking out the video! I really really hope you subscribe because I have some amazing videos coming up! I've never been so excited to share what has been going on up here the past few weeks! Hint: the American Hotel is beginning, never before opened mines, moving old cabins, and a lot more. Thank you all so much for the support! What are your favorite types of videos on the channel?
It wont let me watch it yet
Exploring creepy abandoned mines. Especially when Johnny disappears off down holes that look way too small for a human. And anything where you talk about the history of the town, the mines, or the area.
I love to see the history of those old mines and towns. It is quite fascinating to imagine that way of life. I really like your hiking/biking adventures looking for old abandoned sites and artifacts. Go get them Levi’s!
All of them. But especially the exploration ones.
I love all of your vids!!!
Hey dude, i am an IRATA tech (industrial rope access tech) I’d highly suggest rope protectors, a backup line with a petzl ASAP and an absorbica at the minimum. It could save your life! Also attach a foot loop to your ascender handles. Use your legs to ascend, your chest ascender will keep you in place as you slide your ascender handles up. Please up vote this everyone! I want Brent to be safe!
I hope he sees this, im scared that his luck will run out if he doesn't use better equipment
Thanks! I'll experiment with backup lines. I was using foot loops the whole ascent. Still kicked my ass! Appreciate the note! I'll check out those other items too.
@@GhostTownLiving Yeah that's a rough ascend even if you are in good shape.
send him some gear to help support
@@jonny-on-the-spot I would never send gear to anyone, because how do they know it is new or used along with the fact Brent needs to understand how to use the gear and what it does. Sending someone gear that they have never used before can be just as dangerous as not using the gear. If I lived in the USA id spend a few days with Brent and teach him.
The cat chasing it's tail on the pool table while he's talking seriously🤣 so cute!
Sure was! Photo bomber! 😹
Playing with ghosts.
The cat was great. It had me laughing and I had to rewatch so I could listen to Brent.
Yep. Agree! I was watching the cat!!
So cute...
Brother, I work on ropes everyday, I have done for 30 years. You need to take a course in how to rig safely. Not any course, go do a SPRAT (not NFPA) course since you're in the US. Learn how to rig basic systems, how to protect those edges that you let your ropes run over with no protection at all. Learn to use a secondary rope for a back up. Better guys than you have died through poor rigging choices. Learn to pass knots since you don't have ropes long enough. Learn to ascend efficiently..work smart, not hard. If you don't do this, you only have so much luck....
And ideally you save the luck for when you run out of skill, you're not supposed to depend entirely on luck.
@@ianjohnston8057 well said.
You are so dame right! If would do this on a job side… I would be lucky if the only thing I lost would be my job
Amen! Thank you my oilfield brother. I'm 70 years old, retired US Army engineers. Watching him go down, into all of that with no training and no equipment, sheer youth! I thought he was going to die. My cringe factor was off the charts. I've gone down in old mines. They can kill or seriously injure you in a heartbeat! Listen to this man's advise please young man. Also the comments about pushing ones luck all the time are spot on. I've come close to death a number of times. But I learned the 7 P's early. Proper, prior, planning, prevents, piss, poor, performance. Also, it was not very cool to leave your surface man hanging when the radio went out. You just kept going down. At the 11:00 mark, I hoped you'd turn back and not go on. It was all cool man. You made it, you survived. I'm freaking amazed!!! I'm probably going to have intrusive thoughts about this video for awhile. You even voiced the facts about the dangers. I like your videos, I like your sense of adventure. I'd like to watch more of them. Go get some top notch training and knowledge. Get good gear and learn how to use it all. Take care young blood. Good luck to you too.
@Agrajag68 nah, he replied to a different person's advice on this vid about how to do it safer.
I couldn’t imagine working in a old mine like this back in the day.
Did you know the roof of a mine underground is called the back, why? I asked the question and we think it’s because as you can see the men’s backs would’ve been touch the roof of the tunnel a lot of the time - crawling through mostly! 😱
@@devinb5937 😂
@@NatashaW1 its very much worse then u think
@@Villle89 well ye. I’ve been in mines before. 1 was about to collapse. We weren’t allowed far in tho because it was all cornered off but it was fun. Until I was over heating. 😃
@@NatashaW1 I thought u meant working there lol
PS! Make sure to watch to the last 20 seconds for a sneak peek of next week!
Ok
How exciting!!!
I did. I hung unto (no pun intended) every word you said.
Wait is it concrete time for the American hotel?
Can't wait to see how things are going with the American Hotel! Do you have enough recovered lumber on hand to build a significant portion of the building with it or will it be mostly new lumber? Anyway, cheers - and be well, my dude!
The best thing about these videos is it means he made it another week without getting trapped in a mine! 👌🙏
Exactly! 🤣
OMG! IKR?! I find myself holding my breath without knowing it! All of a sudden I'm gasping for air because I feel like if I breathe it'll start collapsing all around him! 😱😳🤯🙃
I don’t mind that sometimes Brent goes a week or so without a video but it’s scary as shit when we don’t hear from him at all for that long!
@@L.J.W.98 so true
@@TFord910 I know, me too!
Brent: 'better not trust a 100 year old ladder' Also Brent: **climbs up 100 year old ladder**
Brent, please get more careful exploring these old mines. don’t just trust hundred year old ladders without a plan B.
Rope protectors could be a good idea on edges. When you climb up (or bounce any other way) ropes tend to move a bit. It will rub when over an edge like at the top where there is an angle. At least some kind of carpet between any angled surface is always a good idea. When climbing without a backup rope (like industrial workers always do) it is even more important to protect rope on any possible rubbing points.
really good point here.... As a past rock climber, it was always recommended to put a protective layer of carpet or similar material between sharp edges and the rope
Definitely seems like a good idea to me
I've been thinking the same for a while now.
my first thought every time i saw the rope on the wood edge, but when you're really there in the moment, small things are easily over looked.
This is so important that it can't be understated. I used to work at a safety equipment company so I'll try to remember as best as I can. There different types of rope. The type you have is meant for rappelling so it has strong tensile strength, but it has VERY BAD resistance to friction, and will snap if it rubs. You have to protect the contact points of your rope. Also, I'd strongly recommend you take a class on rappelling that includes details on rope types etc. It might not come in handy, but if it ever does - you'll be real thankful when you realize you're still safe.
Brother, please use some relief on those lifeline ropes over the edge with a heavy durable soft material of some kind...heavy duty multi-layer nylon bags work great. From experience, try to keep the rope from touching the edge of the wood or rock in case you need to swing with your full weight and/or shifting while using the ascenders. The rope will fray and cut under your weight and friction. Take care, be safe, blessings to you my friend. The small details make the difference all day, everyday. 👍🏼
@Miles we are all god in the flesh, just jesus remembered, the ones who wrote the bible were the ones who killed him. so your religion was built on deceit
@Miles ; my lord and savior is Jesus Christ. Thanks for the reminder, and the blessings. In all things thank and give glory to God. Psalms 91, remember the covenant, he has prepared all things under his wings and love for you. With him all things are possible, without him, all things are a struggle... blessings.
@Miles something thats supposed to real shouldnt be edited and re written like 12 times . The plan was to kill god and reinvent him he never died on a cross and went to live in Tibet . Aint pay no homage to the Tablets of Thoth , Tibetan Book ect and the pantheons of gods that came before .
Great advice, not really sure what the other comments here are all about lol
@@chriswhiting2926 in order to be open minded in all things, each person has their opinion and beliefs, so my reply. I also am not sure why or where these folks are driving... thanks for the comments. 😀
Your arms were tired rappelling because you were doing it wrong. Don’t use upper body strength when you rappel, use your feet. Wrap the rope around your dominant foot and use your other foot to control by stepping on your dominant foot with the rope in between. . To ascend, bring knees up and step on the rope using your two feet. Think caterpillar. When descending, simply control the looseness of the rope between your feet. If done right, you can “stand” for hours on the rope and not be tired. This is how I was taught in the Marines.
You need a load of glow sticks ready to throw down those shafts. What an interesting town you’ve bought.
Yep, might as well litter in these historical sites too
@@B3Band Safety beats all other concerns.
@@B3Band On one hand, I understand wanting to preserve the past, but sometimes you have to think pragmatically. Old mines like these collapse eventually and are rarely explored. This could be the last anyone sees of these shafts. Some glow sticks aren’t going to ruin anything.
@@B3Band I know these places are over a hundred year old BUT they are very dangerous to access and it's not like there is much tourists down there so everything is just unsafe,if you have to trowh some glowsticks and break a few wood planks then so be it
This channel holds more entertainment and reality than any cable TV could ever provide
Ditto
👏 yes
Totally agree
The Production companies could never afford the insurance that would be required for Brents exploits.
It was fun to read all of the responses on this one. I was scared too and told myself he posted it so he’s ok. I love how cared for you are too. Nobody wants you to get hurt. We admire you and enjoy watching you living your very interesting dream. ☺️
The fact that you’re alive is a miracle
A group of overly attractive college students must have already went exploring.
just stay alive, that would be enough
I'm a college student and I'm learning game development. What you do would be an awesome game! Having a Ghost town that you slowly repair and exploring long-lost mines would make a really good game!
I love this idea!!
If you make it lmk I’d play it on release day
That would be really cool!
you speak about the core principle of "discover" but there is nothing more. could work but it needs a setting worth to explore and maybe a advanced gameplay. I'm a software developer, do you mind sharing me what you learn? is there anything i can not come up with by myself, it's it worth because they share more than basic foundation?
That's already practically stardew valley ;)
If you ever do decide to repel again without a ladder, attach foot loops to the ascenders to allow you to use your leg muscles to do all of the work. By the way, I really love your videos. I've been a high-level quadriplegic for almost 20 years after I broke my neck and I really love being able to take part in all of your adventures vicariously through your camera. Thank you for enriching my life!
Thank you! I had foot loops on the ascender. That is what got caught up earlier in the video when I was crawling through the really tight spot in the mine. Even with those, the 300 ft climb was no joke! Appreciate you checking out the videos! And thanks for the note!!
He definitely had them you can’t climb a rope without them😂
@@GhostTownLiving Dude do check these mines for gases before you go in or at least have a warning monitor on you? Mineshaft's can easily accumulate gases over the years and some gases will form pockets in the lower levels instead of venting out. Everyone's giving advice on ropes, but that ain't going to do a damn thing if you can't breathe. You're ballsy as hell either way.
@@devinb5937 It is true. it's physics you utter muppet. abandonedmines . gov/staying-safe deq. wyoming. gov/aml/dangers-of-abandoned-mines/ howden. com/en-gb/articles/mining/the-most-dangerous-gases-in-mining apnews. com/article/352af6d649231150df2ea93ae7549538
@@devinb5937 So you believe everyone is lying? Mining companies? Mining unions? Historical restoration groups? NGO's? GO's? firefighters? Explorers? You're full of shit Devin, this hobby comes with risk's and people should be aware of the risks so they can make informed decisions regarding those risks.
A climber here: This isn't even dangerous it's just straight up incredibly stupid and asking for an injury in the very very best case. It's the same as going skiing in the winter, off-piste without knowing if there ist an avalanche warning. No real training with the rope, no safety on the rope! For example, it ist way safer and way more chilled to just simply rappell down the hole rope and just having your feet against the ladder/wall than to grab onto the ladder and make your way down this way. Also no rope-protection around the sharp fencing/the hard wood edge is a big no fucking go. You aaaalways put a rope protection on sharp edges and hard, non-smooth material. Rappelling induces a lot of rubbing and friction between the rope and the edge and under the stress of your body it sooner or later will brake, ending up with you falling down a 300 (or 900ft) shaft with very little chance of survival. Also, tie a knot into the end of the rope so you can't fall off the rope, also also please stop using the knotted rope, it also has a very good chance of killing yourself. I f you want to ease up the ascent, get yourself a pulley, some screw-carabiners and a good sling (80cm is a good length) where you can put in your foot and use the energy of your foot to go up the rope (works even when hanging straight from a tree without anything to grab onto). And most importantly, don't do anything alone/without contact to the upper world. They won't be able to rescue you if they don't know where exactly you are/if you still are alive. At least watch some climbing basics, watch some treeclimbing and cutting youtubers and learn their technique. Otherwise you are simply asking to die in an abandoned mine all by yourself.
1:56 I like how your cat is just chasing it's own tail in the background while you're talking
We came up last weekend and met Brent and his crew. Brent, you were super cool and welcoming. Thank you! What an awesome place. The volunteers were prepping the foundation of the hotel for rebar. The concrete was supposed to have arrived last Tuesday. I can’t wait to see how that went down. The road up there is tight in spots but not too bad. I dont know how they will get that concrete up there. Keep up the great work!
Thanks! Nice to meet you. Glad you made it up.
@@GhostTownLiving I can’t wait to hear about the concrete transportation extravaganza! On the way down the road, i kept thinking “No Way.” But you guys always seem to figure it out. If you ever want to make some 3D maps of Cerro Gordo and the mines, let me know - that’s something i can do. :) keep rocking ghost town living!
@@POVLA I hope he takes you up on that! That would be so cool
It’s weird to think that like 100 years ago they were people the had to go down there to make a living
All climbing ladders without rope tie-ins as well.
People think lifes hard these days. If thats the case 100 years ago life was impossible lol
Facts
@@Jacobtheunwise then again, maybe life's just as hard now as it was then, just in a different way, you know? I hear lots of old-timers reminiscing about how simple it was back then.
@@tommymiles966 It seems easier but that's only because you know what to do. Things seem hard because we stumble along the way.
When you were like “so now I have to either go back, or go on down without a rope and with no radio contact”, I was like: yeah that’s a shame, now you have to go back. But then you WENT DOWN and I was like WHAT? NO! Go back! But then you just kept going :(
Of all the mine videos I watch, this guy and another younger couple take the most unnecessary risks
Don't get me wrong, I love these vids. I just want this guy to be safe.
I feel like if the men that dug these mines could talk to brent. They would question his sanity.
Yup
One word coolest show ever I meam u tub I like sarra gordo some day and hotel good luck on building it cools mines too
@@markzawistowski3775 one word ???
Me the entire time: “Brent what are you doing.”
Me..."TURN BACK" lol
This channel reminds me of Bald & Bankrupt's channel when you are glad to see an upload because it means they're still alive.
This. Allllll this. Man oh man hr risking it hard in this one. Stay safe Brent ffs
@@jtbwilliams But having said that "Bald and bankrupt" hasn't posted recently !!
@@john3Lee @baldandbankrupt is probably dead.
man, get yourself something you can put over the edge so the rope is not rubbing against that sharp corner, that made me the most nervous
Yea. Don't want it on the ground, at all. Gets sand and dirt in the actual rope and will cause a rope to fail early, too. Need to keep 'em clean as possible.
I hope he's chocking the wheels on his anchor. Ideally he'd be tying off to something more solid, or at least tying off with the vehicle perpendicular to the mineshaft.
Yes! Please do.
And have a headlamp on so your not repelling in the dark maybe?
@@ericyoung7049 Also, what if the ATV was needed to go get help while he was dangling on the rope.
As if descending that rope wasn't crazy enough, you also went down on those 100 year old ladders in those crazy claustrophobic and prone to collapse spaces. I sincerely think you cross some safety boundaries that should not be crossed. I know and I can feel this is true passion which I really appreciate because this amount of passion, and perseverence can very rarely be found on KZhead. I can't wait for your videos to be available every week BUT please, don't be overtaken by it. Don't risk your life like this... Of course it is entertaining for us to watch and exciting for you but in the same time safety should be respected because when you do the slightest mistake, the mine will have no mercy. Please take care man! I would rather see you take care of the surface stuff and maybe mines that are not so dangerous. I know you arleady know all these but please, take care! God bless!
Tell us your expert opinion on the lifespan of bone dry wood . oh wait you're an armchair commentator.
I'm really worried about you! I love what you are doing (and why you're doing it), but you are becoming so brave in these incredibly dangerous situations. I am very afraid that any of these videos may end up being your last, and that your Cerro Gordo dreams may come to an end. I have been on KZhead for years, but your channel is the first (and only) that I have subscribed to. You are an inspiration to me and your messaging has directed me to living a better life! Thank you for everything! Please keep doing what you're doing, but I beg of you, do it safely! Respectfully, Matt
When rappelling, remember to tie a knot at the end of the rope so you can't rappel off the end of your rope.
😂
That would suck so bad
I had a carabiner tied about 5 ft before the end of the rope. Justttt in case.
I was thinking the same thing and I’ve never dangled from a rope. lol
@@GhostTownLiving just tie stopper knots. I'm starting to get worried for you lol :P what's your rescue plan?
GET SOME SLINGS, PUT THEM THROUGH YOUR ASCENDERS AND USE THEM AS FOOT STIRRUPS. You'll save your arms next time because you can step up rather than pull up.
Or just make a big webbing loop- for sure.
He just needs to practice jugging the line a bit, practice technique and he will find something that works for him
Hoo wee! I agree. Even for tree climbing operations, I use foot ascenders now. Before that, footlocked the rope with my feet. Heck with that simply using your arms! Yikes!
My question exactly. Why pull up with your arms when you can rig differently and use your leg strength?
I was saying “what in the world is he doing? Why is he pulling with both of his arms instead of one arm one leg then the other!! If you get rigged right you will be much more comfortable ascending!
Crazy MoFo! Please listen to all the great advice in the comments and do take care of yourself. It would be a tragedy to Cerro Gordo and all your fans if we lost you. Keep up the great work and videos. Stoked to see the next Heavy D and your video. What a great group effort to keep on keepin on. You are Blessed and earned every bit of it just being yourself. True and Real A.F.
I just binge watched his entire playlist within 3 days. Such an amazing experience.
how the f..,k did the miners dig these mines it's unreal. maximum respect.
Blood, sweat and dynamite I guess
has to be the annunaki
Agree totally, how did they do it, must of had melon size balls👍
You should look into some edge protection for your rope. So it’s not rubbing against the wood or rock as it bends down the shaft. Added safety. Love your videos.
Good idea! I've often wondered about that?
Bumping this comment so it gets seen.
I was thinking the same thing. Of course, I’m at the point where he’s going down the ladders and I think I’ve counted a few things that he’s not taking any safety measures into consideration. Oh well, he falls? He falls.
I came here to say the same thing👍
Absolutely, thank you!
I find myself in a state of panic every time I watch one of his mine videos, I even catch myself closing my eyes. I'm so afraid for him when he goes down into these tunnels by himself.
Adding an extension for your belay device with a dyneema sling so it’s higher up and out of the way makes it much more manageable for long rappels. Make sure your anchor is redundant and equalized. Prusik knot backups always weather ascending or descending regardless what type of device you’re using.
Brent! You should bring some sidewalk chalk with you when you explore mines. You can use it to mark your way out, and write notes of where tunnels go. I was going to send you some but couldn't figure out where to send it.
His address is posted above with all of his other info.
Great idea! I'll add it to my Kit! Here is the Mailing Address: PO Box 490 Lone Pine, CA 93545
Use a piece of garden hose around your rope when it goes over the edge. It will keep it from shearing if it catches a sharp spot. Ropes under load slice relatively easily.
The thought of that happening to him scares the pooey out of me!!
It just amazes me how the miners knew their way around the mine with no more than a candle
Man, KZhead is such an amazing platform, where we can watch things like this!
I can't believe that Cerro Gordo already has "table dancers" 1:54
He doesn't really need to worry about fixing up the brothel he has his own "cat house" lol awesome comment by the way that got a chuckle out of me
😅
😂😂😂
When all is said and done, I think you should write a book with the most comprehensive history of Cerro Gordo! 💪🏻👏🏼👍
Yes!!
You got stones!!!!!! I've repelled a bit in my day but ain't gonna find me in there! Thanks for taking us ! Been watching Heavy D help you out!!!! Great times!
I visited a lot of abandonned mine but never went as far as rapeling down, and I never think I could be able to lift myself up for that long let alone overpassing the fear of falling. A lot of mine are flooded here so anything below surface level is just water, sometimes clear sometimes brown/greenish from copper oxydation. A close one to me is 7416 foot deep/long on it's main shaft but it's all flooded except the first level. The water gets cloudy as soon as you move it so diving into it would be quite the experience. The actual shaft bottom is well below the surface of a big lake, so that mine had pump working 24/24 to keep water from getting in. It closed in 1939 but we can still acess part of it if we drain the main horizontal shaft. Haven't been inside for 2-3 years but watching your video just make me want to go exploring it once again!
Must be a real challenge getting up and down those ladders with balls that big! Stay safe Brent
Pretty sure they're made of steel. If you listening closely, you can hear them clanking, lol.
@@digitalSixer lol
So funny hahahaa
YAAY Brent survived another week, cheers lad!
I feared he gets lost in that maze of tunnels.
*No doubt Telans. Brent you need to read this:* ascentionism.com/learn-this-rappelling-with-two-ropes/
Your making this 67 year old heart pump. So glad your at the top and over came your fear. God Bless
1:55 The cat chasing it's tail on the pool table while he's talking, seriously adorable! Can't concentrate on him when that cutie is dancing back there 🤣😂
The thing I hate most about Ghost town living is .... the End! Thanks for sharing Brent! Is it next week yet!!!
👍
Ghosts aren’t real.
Fun fact, the dude that first said Fortune favors the bold said so as he was going toward Pompeii. Let's just say neither Fortune nor Mt. Vesuvius favored him. That being said, I'm happy nothing went wrong in the mine ^^ mine exploration is my favorite part of this channel, I can't get enough of it 💜 it's so fascinating!!
Plinny the elder was a big talker 😂 but in the end ... a soft head *badum tssh*
I dont think you have your history correct haha
@@wiredspider the soft cushion on the head to lessen the volcanic rocks falling is one of my favourite facts, dont take this away from me hahah
@@wiredspider this _is_ correct! It was said by Pliny the Elder and reported by his nephew Pliny the Younger. "Fortes inquit fortuna iuvat: Pomponianum pete." or "Fortune favours the brave: head for Pompei". He died due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Pompei in 79 AD, the same that buried the city.
In perspective, Brent went down about as far as the Statue of Liberty is tall…yikes!
Wow sometimes i am just amazed by your videos! Pure aaaaaaaw 😍😍
Every time I watch these I can’t help but think of the miners who went down there every day 100+ years ago... It’s stressful to watch someone doing it in modern times, I can’t even fathom what it was like in those days.
Everything after the radio cuts off is a dream.
Nightmare!!
Brent, Please be careful. I don't know if this has been mentioned, I didn't read all 2000+ comments... You may want to get a CO2 sensor. "Bad Air" tends to accumulate at the bottom of shafts. If you encounter some, you may not have time to even realize you are in trouble. I was exploring a mine in the El Paso Mtns near Ridgecrest once and got into a pocket of bad air, it smelled kind of sweet, it was quite strange, luckily I had time to get out after a few seconds, it wasn't all total C02. Just be careful and try not to die before we get up there to meet you in person and try to help out! :-) I also second that you invest in some edge protection device for your rope, the up and down motion when ascending, even on wood, will saw through the rope (or the wood) eventually.
I'm a highrise window cleaner and I'm on ropes all day,I would love to be there!
Brett, it’s always good to put something as a buffer between the rocks or whatever your rope is going over, specially at sharp turns to prevent fraying! ⛑ I used to rappel out of helicopters for many years. Rope care is just one of many safety concerns you need to address to “walk away from the day.” Great Channel !!!
Yes!please do.
he's a newbie to rapelling this high. He should get pointers from experts before engaging in more dangerous mine explorations
@@mamshie888 unfortunately the days you don't see Brett upload anymore for months on end will probably mean he met his maker
@@FunkySpunky91 omg hopefully that day will not come. it may be this adrenaline rush exploring the unknowns of the mines but he should really take the advice to consult with the experts and always buddy up down there or wherever he goes. this is not a practice session. there’s no take 2 and luck won’t always be on his side. and always invest in the best equipment. if the radio ain’t working down there it’s time to stop and rethink what else he can do for his safety. he cannot compromise his safety to rush on things.
@@mamshie888 you're right. If he parishes, all of the rebuilding etc. for Cerra Gordo will go in vein. What I don't get is how he has all the time in the world to do research etc. but does not do his research about going in mines... it is not if, but when something bad happens.
These videos are never long enough. I could watch for hours! Can’t wait for the next one to come. Stay safe 💜
yea I agree i just was getting into the action then stop lol
My 10 year old son and I are absolutely loving your channel and videos. Thank you for sharing!
You're an animal dude! Well done. I would have loved to do what you did but 50 years ago. I'm 78 now and I got tired just watching your video. Great work Sir. I admire you!
Johnny being the voice of reason is just crazy to me. Always love to see the mine explorations, and it's comforting to know that if I'm seeing it, you've made it back safely. With practice, you can use your drone to reconnoiter a shaft down to find ledges and the like, as long as you're not also trying to go out of transmission range. Can't wait for the next episode, and all the ones to come.
13:58 was so nerve-wracking. leaves ascender on a pile of loose sliding rocks to walk an 1800s cracking plank. Please buy more ropes and use chalk to mark your way. I love your content and I want you to keep living so I can see you and your beautiful town someday!
I used to climb cell towers and he makes me so nervous. He's improving but still has a ways to go. Probably should get some formal training
@@tarajoe07 yes!!! For the love of god, take a climbing course!!! Geez.
Lol not gonna lie that moment blew my mind as well.
Seems like you’re starting to push your luck with exploring these mines. Good luck out there
Just listening to you at the end going up the rope was hard..... you can tell it took everything to get back up and could hear just how determined you were to get out. Stay Safe Brent!
Guardian angel takes a BIG swig of Gordo Whiskey after this decent.
🤣
The angel was probably chain smoking the whole time he was on the rope also.
"Fortune favors the bold" - me thinking - "or, curiosity killed the cat"
And satisfaction brought it back!
Just gotta use one of ur nine lives
This is my favorite episode so far... Thank you for sharing, and god speed!
I applaud you for being so brave. I am afraid of heights as well and have a hard time watching you go into some of these mines but your desire to learn and explore prevails which is so inspiring!
when you go into mines like this you should leave tape or mark things with a paint marker of sorts kinds like bread crumbs so you know exactly wich way you came in and went out both so you don't get lost and for future exploration
He usually drops chem lights.
@@wildcraftone but chem lights wear out
@@sarahbethsstitching9937 I agree completely! I'm just staying what he does haha.
Yeah, like getting confused from lack of good air down there.
He also has a map.........................
The round wooden thing with the crossed handles on either end is a reel for cord.
Yup, being a retired sparky, l have seen them before. Was also used in earlier times as a poor man's garden hose reel.
You are inspiring. I was hooked from the very first video I saw. The way you push your fears to the side and press forward. You will put Cerro Gordo back on the map I have no doubts.
Hello, Brent! I've been loving your channel lately, and I hope the best for you! Keep making videos, keep being strong! And, I will always be here watching your videos! Love from Greece!
The cat playing on the pool table..brilliant
Terrifying is an understatement, like count Floyd says, really scary boys.
That cracked me up! That was hilarious buddy. SCTV 🇨🇦 lives forever. Cheers from B.C.
Great job sir! You mastered your fear and that is AWESOME! Be smart and be safe and keep on pushing yourself to new heights or in your case, depths! Really amazing strength and courage you displayed in this video. Thank you for being so upfront and real about your fears and I congratulate you on overcoming them! Great Video!
The thing that fascinates me is how these men would navigate underground, guided by different rock formations, looking for where gold would accumulate.
My Saturday highlight! As an old, risky adventure dude, I can't quite get my bod to do all the fun things anymore, so I delight in each and every video you post. Just stay safe while exploring and have a blast!
I know, same here.
👍
Real intense moment when the video goes black while he repels....truly
Tomorrow Tommy. Yeh. I thought it was my TV at first acting up. Also when the guy up top did not respond a few times. That was scary. Especially if something bad happened.
RAPPELLS, not "repels". You make the same mistake that everyone else does and it bugs the crap out of me, almost as bad as someone describing a famous science fiction television show as "Star Track". Sheeeesh!!
@@s.marcus3669 Well, he IS "repelling" gravity, right? RIGHT? (Yeah, it bugs the hell out of me, also).
@@s.marcus3669 dont try arguing with an idiot😂😂😂😂 I never gradguated for a reason bud. Sorry for the Inconvenience
I love your videos so much, I’m watching this right now during a power outage using data. And something about that is just adds to the ambience of the video. Making me feel like I’m with you down there with all the darkness and silence around
I bet it’s hard to breath down there as well. I have loved watching your videos. And how the town is looking with all your hard work. Please keep making videos I can’t wait to see more of the town and mines
BRENT! Foot slings for sure bud. MY arms were tired after that assent! I'm coming to see you and bringing help. I'll be in touch! Be careful cause we love ya man!
This is like watching a horror movie right at the point where they say 'we should split up'.
Very cool. Thank you for putting your life on the line to share this footage with the world.
Brent, I am so happy for you finally getting to start on the Hotel. I am a adventurer at heart. However now I do it vicariously through you and others. I love your videos and story. Just wish I could experience Cerro Gordo myself. Thank you.
pls be carefull and focused down there, this is crazy dangerous and we all want you to be safe:)
careful or you'll get a bunch of fans dogpiling on you that he can do whatever he want and if something happened, then at least he'd go out doing what he loved.
@Travis Field Sadly they do exist. some 2 or 3 videos ago i suggested He might want to get some other youtubers in who know about how to explore mines (gly from abandoned and forgotten places for example) and how to recognzie valuable minerals so he might be able to sell them online and maybe get some additional exposure for Cerro Gordo. had two or three ppl comment that it wasn't my business what he was doing and stuff like that.
@@KaySan666 yup you are right
@@KaySan666 Problem Is He Is Going To Get Other People Hurt Or Killed With Him Or Searching For Him
@@JohnMontero-Nevaden Brent? i know. thats why i had suggested he might want to ask Gly for some pointes or some training on how to assess dangerous mine parts I nearly slid of my chair when he (in one of th earlier videos) mentioned that the wood looked burnt and that there was probably a fire. but there were no other burn marks on the stone and rotting wood can look like burnt wood.
Anyone else worried he's gonna end up on Mrballens channel. Awesome content but it's not worth dying for. Stay safe.
That’s going to be an awesome video
Deffo wouldn't surprise me after seeing this
I'm sure MrBallen can start writing that scrip now. We all know how the story ends.
@@trevorparker4899 with a strange dark & mysterious twist haha
I just love the way some people are so giddy and excited for what they love to do.
I’ve never had so much anxiety !!!! You did an amazing job getting back up !!!!!
Meanwhile, Brent's cat has no idea of the gravity of the situation and proceeds to destroy the furniture...Brent, I love your videos, even though I'm terrified for you every time I watch you go underground. (Even as I know you obviously survived to edit and upload...) Thank you for taking me on adventures I could never experience!
I'm even more impressed that you are exploring these mines now that I know you are afraid of heights and get claustrophobic. That's an impressive level of bravery. Stay safe and keep growing :)
Kudos to you for facing your fear. I love heights, but to many, it is an unsurmountable obstacle. You are doing well and deserve a lot of praise.
Please be safe Brent! We need you to continue this journey!
Anyone else feel relieved when Brent uploads a new video? It means he’s survived another crazy exploration 😳😱❤️
FYI Antennas send and receive signal best perpendicular to the direction of their antennas. So pointing your antenna straight up the shaft gives you the worst signal.
So @Brent hold the device so that the antenna is horizontal, then you should have the most signal in the up down, direction. Maybe even a directional antenna would be a good idea.
Thanks for the extra explanations. I'm not always the best at getting my point across.
#suggestion Consider using a series of radio repeaters to extend the range of your handheld unit. Asking a little handheld radio to transmit through rock isn't going to happen, but you might be able to transmit to another radio repeater at the entrance to the mine which could then transmit out of the mine, in order to maintain communication as you get deeper and deeper into the mines. Good luck!
Wow that was a scary one, so glad you got to check it out and made it through ok. Held my breath a few times telling myself he made it or I wouldn’t be seeing this video. 😊 Thank you fir sharing your life and your journey as you restore this town with us. Praying one day I figure out how to come up there to see it myself. Stay safe and God bless
Oof that flickering flashlight is making it really hard to watch these mine exploration scenes. You should get some more camera-friendly flashlights for the future! Or maybe you can adjust the frame rate of your camera to match the flicker? (I don’t know whether that’s something you can do on a GoPro or whatever though)
I was thinking the same thing, kind of hurt my eyes to watch some of the more flickery parts
The flickering lights bother me, too!
You are getting HD footage of a dude doing the coolest shit ever projecting from a glas screen you're holding in your hands... And you're complaining about a couple of frames with a flickering flashlight. Ffs.
I mean, it hurts my eyes. Seems like you don’t have that issue, which I am envious of
@@JValentineV I agree. And bonus...its free. I can watch all of these entertaining, well thought out, creative videos on KZhead without paying for a service. A lot of creators do videos just out of love of doing something they enjoy and then they share with us. Some people will never be happy with anything though.
This guy is brave af.
I can't believe you weren't tied off while removing the debris! I want to continue to watch this channel. Taking risks like that isn't worth it especially when you already have the ropes and harnesses there.
Brent your awesome, didn't think you would do that so quick, meaning this last week. Wow... thank you.