Naica Mine, The Cave of Giant Crystals, Mexico

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The Naica Mine of Chihuahua, Mexico, is a working mine that is known for its extraordinary crystals.
With air temperature of 50C(122F) plus relative humidity of over 90% we get humidex value of 105C (228F) !!! This is one of the most extreme places on the planet.
Naica is a working mine and the only times you can get in is on Sundays and even then only if you know someone working at, or conected to the mines. The days of just suiting up and going in or long gone.

Naica is a lead, zinc and silver mine in which large voids have been found, containing crystals of selenite (gypsum) as large as 4 feet in diameter and 50 feet long. The chamber holding these crystals is known as the Crystal Cave of Giants, and is approximately 1000 feet down in the limestone host rock of the mine.

The crystals were formed by hydrothermal fluids emanating from the magma chambers below. The cavern was discovered while the miners were drilling through the Naica fault, which they were worried would flood the mine. The Cave of Swords is another chamber in the Naica Mine, containing similar large crystals.

The Naica mine was first discovered by early prospectors in 1794 south of Chihuahua City. They struck a vein of silver at the base of a range of hills called Naica by the Tarahumara Indians. From that discovery, until around 1900, the primary interest was silver and gold. Around 1900 large-scale mining began as zinc and lead became more valuable.

The huge mines at Naica have been excavated for years, but in 1975 a massive area was drained so mining operations could take place. When the water disappeared the crystals stopped growing, however, it was more than 25 years before two miners stumbled across the vast Crystal Caves and the incredible collection of gypsum was discovered. The formation of the beams 290 metres below the surface, occurred when super-heated water began cooling and became saturated with gypsum. Over time, crystals formed in the water. One of the major problems still facing scientists wishing to study below the ground at Naica is the heat. A hot spring located close to the Crystal Caves means the temperature is too hot for people to remain in the crystal chamber for longer than ten minutes at a time.

Just before the mine was closed, the famous Cave of Swords was discovered at a depth of 400 feet. Due to the incredible crystals, it was decided to try to preserve this cave. While many of the crystals have been collected, this is still a fascinating cave to visit. In one part there are so many crystals on one of the walls, they appear to be like an underwater reef moving in a gentle undulating motion in an ocean current.

In April 2000, brothers Juan and Pedro Sanchez were drilling a new tunnel when they made a truly spectacular discovery. While Naica miners are accustomed to finding crystals, Juan and Pedro were absolutely amazed by the cavern that they found. The brothers immediately informed the engineer in charge, Roberto Gonzalez. Ing. Gonzalez realized that they had discovered a natural treasure and quickly rerouted the tunnel. During this phase some damage was done as several miners tried to remove pieces of the mega-crystals, so the mining company soon installed an iron door to protect the find. Later, one of the workers, with the intention of stealing crystals, managed to get in through a narrow hole. He tried to take some plastic bags filled with fresh air inside, but the strategy didn’t work. He lost consciousness and later was found thoroughly baked.

Momentarily, the penetrating heat is forgotten as the crystals pop into view on the other side of the “Eye of the Queen”. The entire panorama is now lighted and the cavern has a depth and impressive cathedral-like appearance that was not visible on earlier trips with just our headlamps.
When inside the great cathedral of crystals, the pressure of intense heat create a gamut of emotions and perhaps hallucinations. One can only remain for a short period of time.

Ten years after the amazing discovery, scientists are petitioning the Mexican government to claim for Unesco World Heritage status to protect the unique formations for future generations.

It takes 20 minutes to get to the cave entrance by van through a winding mine shaft. A screen drops from the van’s ceiling and Michael Jackson videos play, a feature designed to entertain visitors as they descend into darkness and heat. In many caves and mines the temperature remains constant and cool, but the Naica mine gets hotter with depth because it lies above an intrusion of magma about a mile below the surface.
It is still incredibly hot in the cave due its proximity to a magma chamber, deep underground. The air temperature is 50C with a relative humidity of over 90%, making the air feel like an unbearable 105C (228F) Entering the cave without special protective suits can be fatal in 15 minutes. I will be entering the cave wearing a special cooling suit with chilling packs inside and a specialized backpack respirator which will allow me to breath chilled air. Even with all this equipment, I will still only be able to stay in the cave for no more than 45 minutes at a time.
In extreme heat, the body begins to lose higher brain functions which made the expedition much more difficult with the risk of falling into deep pits, or being impaled on a sharp crystal. All the camera gear needs to be slowly brought up to temperature beforehand by pre-heating it and most cameras with moving parts and tape mechanisms simply will not work at all.
It is as dangerous as it is beautiful.

Geologists report that these natural crystal formations are incredibly complex, yet so simple. They have a magical or metaphysical personality independent of their chemical structures. There is a magma chamber two to three miles below the mountain and that heat from this compressed lava travels through the faults up into the area of the mine. Super heated fluids carry the minerals the miners are seeking as well as form the crystals. The mine is ventilated; otherwise, it could not be worked. Some parts, however, are not air-conditioned, such as the Cave of the Crystals, and there you feel the heat from the magma deep below. The fluids travel along the Naica fault, enter voids in the bedrock, and then form entirely natural structures that are not easily explained scientifically.

In April 2000, the mining company became confident that the water table on the other side of the fault had been lowered sufficiently to drill. When they did this, it is almost as if a magical veil of reality was breached and an entirely new world was discovered. Two caverns filled with the Earth’s largest crystals were immediately revealed. More discoveries are expected to be made in this magical kingdom of intense natural beauty.

Selenite, the gypsum crystal, named after the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene, due to its soft white light, is said to have many metaphysical and healing benefits. Selenite powder has been used cosmetically for thousands of years to enhance one’s natural beauty. It is believed that this crystal assists with mental focus, growth, luck, immunity, and soothes the emotions.

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10 Best St. Patrick’s Day Festivals in the U.S.

St. Patrick’s Day started out as a religious holiday commemorating the patron saint of Ireland. Today “St. Paddy’s” in America has become a celebration of Irish food, culture, and drink, as well as anything having to do with the color green. Typically observed with loud music, dancing, parades and green beer, St. Patrick’s Day festivities happen everywhere in the country, and they are perfect opportunities for beer enthusiasts everywhere to come together and have their fill.

No matter where in America you live, chances are there’s going to be a festival in a city near you come March 17. Below is a list of what we think are the top 10 St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the U.S.

1. Downtown Chicago

Downtown Chicago hosts one the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country. It begins with the world-famous dyeing of the Chicago River. The huge, vibrant green river flowing through the middle of the city is a must-see sight.

After the dying of the river, people cluster up along Columbus Drive to witness the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, replete with pipe bands, giant floats, Irish dancers and tons of other entertainers commemorating Irish culture. Then it’s on to the nightlife, as the party continues in the many Downtown Chicago bars and nightclubs.

2. Boston

St. Patrick’s Day first came to America in 1737, and the holiday was first celebrated in none other than Boston, Massachusetts. Over 850,000 people show up every year to this Irish bash, many of them from out of state. And with the population of the city being 16% Irish, Boston hosts one of the most enthusiastic St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country.

Boston starts partying a full week before St. Patrick’s Day. This year, the city will host the fourth annual Gaelic Gourmet Gala, featuring top chefs from Ireland and Boston. Throughout the week there will be Irish band concerts as well as beer and food specials at bars and restaurants, like the 75 Chestnut, for those who dress their Irish best. On the 15th, South Boston hosts one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country, with an estimated 600,000 people showing up.

3. Washington D.C.

There are many, many celebratory events and activities throughout the Nation’s capitol come St. Paddy’s Day. The most famous of these is probably the Shamrock Festival at the RFK Stadium. It happens on March 14 and it’s an all-day event showcasing over 50 Irish bands, dancers, games and other activities.

There’s a huge parade the following day, featuring bagpipe players, and Irish folk dancers, as well as the required floats and marching bands.

4. New York City

New York City has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a parade since 1762. They expect well over 1 million people to show up. There are over 150,000 marchers alone. Green beer and the sound of bagpipes will be everywhere in the streets of NYC.

If you get there a few days earlier, take the time to make the pilgrimage to the beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral as well as the many Irish Pubs and Bars scattered throughout the city.

5. St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis is by far the best mid-western city for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. To start, Michelob sponsors a 5 mile run on the 14th. There is then a huge St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown St. Louis, featuring character balloons, Irish dancers, equestrians and large floats.

At night, the celebration crescendos as people head off the many bars and pubs in the area offering festive drinks, plenty of green beer and Irish food.

6. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with parade since 1825. What started out as a modest affair has turned into one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country. Savannah’s parade draws crowds of over 400,000 people.

Dying the city’s fountains green is one of the traditions unique to the city. Seeing the green fountains, as spring starts creeping up on the Georgia city is one of the most enjoyable sights you can witness.

7. San Francisco, California

In the western United States, you won’t find a St. Patrick’s Day celebration that’s bigger or richer in history than the one that takes place in San Francisco. Called one of the most fashionable parades in the country, San Francisco’s St. Patrick’s Day parade follows the city’s iconic trolley tracks.

Afterwards the nightlife gets livelier throughout the city’s many Irish bars and pubs, as the celebration draws thousands of people from all over the state.

8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia has been celebrating the famous Irish holiday since 1771. The city’s annual parade is the second oldest parade in the country, and it is organized by the Saint Patrick’s Observance Association. The parade draws about 500,000 people and this year, it will be held on March 15th. There will be thousands of marchers and CBS will be broadcasting the event live.

9. Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City first held a St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1873. Today the event draws a crowd of about 200,000 spectators. One of the things unique to this particular parade is that the grand prize winner of the procession gets an all-expense paid trip to Ireland, so participants really give it their all.

After the parade, head over to Westport, where you’ll find some of the best post-parade drinking and partying establishments in town.

10. Dublin, Ohio

There are nine cities in the United States named Dublin, but Dublin, Ohio is the one that lives up to its name the most, especially when St. Patrick’s Day comes around. The city hosts a miles-long parade featuring floats, bands and leprechauns. There are plenty of post-parade bashes to attend.

If you are in the mood to explore some of the city’s Irish heritage, you can head over to the Historic District, and enjoy some Irish food and Celtic music.

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Crater Lake National Park, Orego

Overwhelmingly yet sublimely beautiful. Moody.

At times brilliantly blue, ominously somber; at other times buried in a mass of brooding clouds.

The lake is magical, enchanting – a remnant of fiery times, a reflector of its adjacent forested slopes, a product of Nature’s grand design.

Provided by the National Park Service

Few places on earth command overwhelming awe from observers, but Crater Lake, in south central Oregon, certainly does. Even in a region of volcanic wonders, Crater Lake can only be described in superlatives. Stories of the deep blue lake can never prepare visitors for their first breathtaking look from the brink of this 6 mile wide caldera which was created by the eruption and collapse of Mt. Mazama almost 7,000 years ago. Even seasoned travelers gasp at the twenty-mile circle of cliffs, tinted in subtle shades and fringed with hemlock, fir, and pine: all this in a lake of indescribable blue.

Crater Lake National Park is host to a diverse array of activities. While enjoying the natural scenic wonders, park visitors may hike in old growth forests, participate in a variety of interpretive activites, camp out or stay in an historic hotel, or even cross- country ski during the eight month long winters which are experienced here in the high Cascades.

Preserving this environment for the continued use and enjoyment of the public is also a major goal of the National Park Service. Resource managers are invloved in studies on lake ecology, forest ecosystems, geologic processes, even the role of fire in maintaining healthy relationships between the forests and the land. Their work yields valuable data on the natural systems which have created and maintained that which we fondly call Crater Lake National Park.

Crater Lake National Park has been recommended as a wilderness preserve, a place where we may forget ourselves for a time and enjoy a surge of healthy outdoor exploration. Here, we may rediscover ourselves and learn that material things do not necessarily constitute our richest possessions. This blue gem of the Cascades certainly moves us deeply when we imagine the awesome power which created this wonderful place.

Visitors to the park enjoy multiple opportunities to explore the caldera and enjoy all the spectacular view points on the 33 mile long rim drive. A peaceful guided boat tour, hiking trails and interpretive programs are offered in the summer and Ranger lead snowshoe walks and many trails for cross-country skiing in the winter.

Crater Lake is widely known for its intense blue color and spectacular views. During summer, visitors may navigate the Rim Drive around the lake, enjoy boat tours on the lake surface, stay in the historic Crater Lake Lodge, camp at Mazama Village, or hike some of the park’s various trails including Mt. Scott at 8,929 ft. Diverse interpretive programs enhance visitors’ knowledge and appreciation of this national park, 90% of which is managed as wilderness. The winter brings some of the heaviest snowfall in the country, averaging 533 inches per year. Although park facilities mostly close for this snowy season, visitors may view the lake during fair weather, enjoy cross-country skiing, and participate in weekend snowshoe hikes.

Park History

Local Native Americans witnessed the collapse of Mount Mazama and kept the event alive in their legends. One ancient legend of the Klamath people closely parallels the geologic story which emerges from today’s scientific research. The legend tells of two Chiefs, Llao of the Below World and Skell of the Above World, pitted in a battle which ended up in the destruction of Llao’s home, Mt. Mazama. The battle was witnessed in the eruption of Mt. Mazama and the creation of Crater Lake.

The Klamaths revered the lake and the surrounding area, keeping it undiscovered by white explorers until 1853. That year, on June 12, three gold prospectors, John Wesley Hillman, Henry Klippel, and Isaac Skeeters, came upon a long, sloping mountain. Upon reaching its highest point, a huge, awe-inspiring lake was visible. “This is the bluest lake we’ve ever seen,” they reported, and named it Deep Blue Lake. But gold was more on the minds of settlers at the time and the discovery was soon forgotten.

Captain Clarence Dutton was the next man to make a discovery at Crater Lake. Dutton commanded a U.S. Geological Survey party which carried the Cleetwood, a half-ton survey boat, up the steep slopes of the mountain then lowered it to the lake. From the stern of the Cleetwood, a piece of pipe on the end of a spool of piano wire sounded the depth of the lake at 168 differnt points. Dutton’s soundings of 1,996 feet were amazingly close to the sonar readings made in 1959 that established the lake’s deepest point at 1,932 feet.

William Gladstone Steel devoted his life and fortune to the establishment and management of Crater Lake National Park. His preoccupation with the lake began in 1870. In his efforts to bring recognition to the park, he participated in lake surveys that provided scientific support. He named many of the lake’s landmarks, including Wizard Island, Llao Rock, and Skell Head. Steel’s dream was realized on May 22, 1902 when President Theodore Roosevelt signed the bill giving Crater Lake national park status. And because of Steel’s involvement, Crater Lake Lodge was opened in 1915 and the Rim Drive was completed in 1918.

HOW TO FIND CRATER LAKE

From Roseburg – Route 138 east to the park’s north entrance.
From Bend – Route 97 south to route 138 west to the park’s north entrance.
From Medford – Route 62 north and east to the park’s west entrance.
From Klamath Falls – Route 97 north to route 62 north and west to the park’s south entrance.

*The park’s north entrance is typically closed for the winter season from mid-October to mid-June.

DRIVING DISTANCES
Bend, OR – 119 miles
Klamath Falls – 57 miles
Los Angeles – 785 miles
Medford – 77 miles
Portland – 250 miles
San Francisco – 450 miles
Seattle – 422 miles

Did You Know?

Because Crater Lake is filled almost entirely by snowfall, it is one of the clearest lakes anywhere in the world. Scientists using a reflector called a Secchi disk commonly record clarity readings of 120 feet. On June 25, 1997 scientists recorded a record clarity reading of 142 feet.

A small volcanic island, Wizard Island, rises 764 feet above the surface of the lake on its west side. A small crater, 300 feet across and 90 feet deep, rests on the summit.

Crater Lake was named for this beautiful, symmetrical crater by James Sutton, editor of the Oregon Sentinel in Jacksonville, in 1869.

Scientists have identified 157 species of phytoplankton and 12 species of zooplankton in the lake. The density and diversity of these minute life forms is restricted by low concentrations of nitrogen in the lake. Large colonies of moss circle the lake at depths of up to 400 feet. At the bottom of the lake, communities of bacteria grow around at least two areas of hydrothermal activity. Two species of fish, rainbow trout and kokanee salmon, also thrive in the lake, the result of stocking between 1888 and 1942.

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Sinnott Memorial Overlook and Museum

Built in 1930 and 1931, the Sinnott Memorial Overlook is located below the caldera rim at Rim Village. A short but steep path begins near the Rim Visitor Center. The Overlook and its accompany museum are available to visitors as staff is available. Exhibits focus on the history of research on the lake and the geologic history of historic Mt. Mazama. Ranger talks relating the formation of Crater Lake are given from the Overlook daily at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m from June 26 through September 5th.

Boat Tours

The boat tours are accessible only by hiking the one mile Cleetwood Cove trail located on the north side of Crater Lake. It climbs 700 feet in elevation and is recommended only for those in good physical condition. It is not recommended if you have heart, breathing, or leg problems.

Temperatures on the lake may be much cooler than those at the trailhead so bring extra clothing and a hat. There is no water available at Cleetwood Cove. You will need to bring your own. Composting toilets are available at the boat dock. A vault toilet is available at the trailhead.

Tickets are purchased at the top of the trail. No reservations are taken. Allow at least one hour to drive from Rim Village to Cleetwood Cove parking area and to hike down the steep trail.

What can we learn from Crater Lake? Why is it important geologically and ecologically? And when’s the last time you were inside a caldera? This two hour, ranger lead tour is operated by the Xanterra Parks & Resorts in cooperation with the National Park Service to provide visitors with an expanded knowledge of the lake and its resources, whether visible, submerged, or intangible. Boat tours are scheduled to begin in early July – however, inquire at the park visitor centers to insure correct information.

Cost: $20.00 for adults $12.00 for children 11 and under and free for those 24 months and under. Prices Subject to Change.

Wizard Island Options:

Boats stop at Wizard Island. It is possible to stay on the island and take a later boat back. However, your return journey is dependent upon available space on returning boats. You are not guaranteed a ride back until the final tour of the day, possibly arriving at the Cleetwood Dock as late as 6:30 p.m. There are two hiking trails on Wizard Island. There is no camping allowed on the Island. Keep in mind that Wizard Island is a remarkable place: an infant cinder cone with all the expected hazards: extremely rough lava, loose cinder, and dry conditions. Use caution when hiking. A pit toilet is located at the dock area. There are no other facilities provided for the public on Wizard Island.

Hiking and Biking

This national park has over 180,000 acres of which only 11,500 are taken up by the lake. The remaining 93% is land based, most of it backcountry. In fact, portions of the park await designation as wilderness. There are approximately 90 miles of hiking trails in the park — with each one offering the visitor a chance to take a closer look at nature or study a geological feature. You can hike for several days or wander quietly as long as you like. In addition to the many trails that start inside the park, there are several connections with paths in the surrounding National Forests. A good example is the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs all the way from the Mexico to Canada and passes through Crater Lake’s backcountry.

No bicycles are allowed on any park trails. Bicycling is allowed only on paved roads, the Grayback Motor Nature Trail, and the dirt trail entering the park on the east side near the Pinnacles.

Start your trip at the information desk located in the Steel Center in Munson Valley or the Rim Village Information Center. Park staff will also issue free backcountry permits for overnight stays and inform you of the regulations designed to protect these areas.

Bring plenty of food and water. Wear comfortable shoes or boots. If you plan on drinking stream water, you need to treat it with a reliable purification system. You should also be prepared for any extremes of weather. Temperatures can change dramatically in the course of a day. Snow has fallen in all twelve months of the year here. This information should be helpful in planning your trip to Crater Lake. Take time to enjoy the spectacular views of the lake but include time to relax and enjoy the green forests, cool mountain streams, and other magnificent features of Crater Lake’s backcountry.

The following is a partial list of day hikes at Crater Lake National Park. The list is organized according to estimated time length for completing the hike. Please note that steep terrain of Crater Lake means time, length and difficulty are not directly related. Times are given are estimates of how long it will take to complete the trail and return to the trailhead. Trails listed as strenuous should be taken only by people in good physical condition.

▪ Sun Notch View – Time: 20 minutes, Length: 0.25 miles one way, Elevation: 7000 – 7115 ft., Difficulty: moderate, Trailhead: 4 miles east of Park HQ on East Rim Drive, marked by a sign. Feature: Overlook of Crater Lake and Phantom Ship, scattered wildflowers, dry meadow. Use caution near steep edges.

▪ Godfrey Glen – Time: 30 minutes, Length: 1.00 miles, Elevation: 6000 – 6050 ft., Difficulty: easy, Trailhead: 2.4 miles south of Park HQ.

▪ Castle Crest Wildflower Garden – Time: 30-45 minutes, Length: .4 mile loop from Rim Drive, 1 mile loop from Park HQ, Elevation: 6400 – 6500 ft., Difficulty: easy but some uneven ground and rocks, Trailhead: 1) East Rim Drive, 0.5 miles from park HQ, or 2) Across road from Park HQ parking lot. Features: Small brook, lush vegetation, and spectacular blooms of wildflowers in summer months.

▪ The Watchman – Time: 1 hour, Length: 0.7 miles. one way, Elevation: 7400 to 8056 ft, Difficulty: difficult, steep, Trailhead: “The Corrals”, 3.7 miles northwest of Rim Village on West Rim Drive. Features: Panorama of surrounding area, overlook of Wizard Island, a historic fire lookout and an interpretive map of local peaks and landforms.

▪ Annie Creek Canyon – Time – 1 hour and 15 min, Length: 1.7 mile loop, Elevation: 5800 to 6000 ft., Difficulty: moderate, Trailhead: Amphitheater at Mazama Campground. Features: Deep stream cut canyon, creek habitats, wildflowers and occasional animals.

▪ Cleetwood Cove (lake shore trail) – Time – 1 hour, Length: 1.1 miles, one way, Elevation: 6850 to 6176 ft., Difficulty, strenuous, 11% grade, Trailhead: Parking area 4.5 mi. east of North Junction. Features: Access to lake shore and boat landing.

▪ Garfield Peak – Time: 2 to 3 hours, Length: 1.7 miles, one way, Elevation. 7050 to 9060 ft, Difficulty: difficult, Trailhead: Rim Village Parking Lot. Features: Panorama of surrounding area, excellent views of Crater Lake, occasional small animals, wildflowers, and an overhead view of Phantom Ship.

▪ Mt. Scott – Time: – 3 hours, Length: 2.5 miles. one way, Elevation: 7450 to 8929 ft., Difficulty: – strenuous, Trailhead: 14 miles east of Park HQ, across East Rim Drive from road to Cloudcap junction.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Spring at Crater Lake National Park- is a very long season or merely a heartbeat, depending on your perspective. With the disappearance of the several feet of snow that blankets the area until early summer, wildflowers bloom, transitory birds return, trees bud, and animals play in the abundance of summer. The largest park residents are the deer and elk that roam the woods of the park from June until October. A herd of pronghorn antelope also migrate across the Pumice Desert in the northern end of the park in early summer as the snow finally leaves the ground. These ungulates, a word used to describe hoofed animals, indicate that summer is here; that the plants and trees are in the midst of their growing season.

Pine martens, mice, squirrels, and rabbits are just a sampling of winter wildlife who stay active by feeding on pine seeds, hemlock bark and other gifts left by summer’s vegetation. Deer must migrate to lower elevations, sometimes traveling up to thirty miles to the Rogue Valley where a food supply is still available. Deer and elk feed mainly on different types of grasses and lichens, as well as twigs and bark of hemlock, lodgepole pine, and Douglas fir. Carnivores, or meat eaters, don’t suffer the same food loss as deer when plants are snowed in.

Elk are the largest of the park’s animals, with females weighing as much as 700 lbs. and males weighing up to 1100 lbs. They commonly come into the south and western areas of the park as snow allows, usually around mid-June. The species native to the park, Roosevelt Elk, were hunted nearly to extinction in the park by early settlers. To help the population, 15 elk were from Wallowa County, Oregon. Oregon’s first state game warden, William L. Finley, brought in 15 elk from the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in 1912, to live in a protected enclosure at Billy Meadows north of Enterprise. Another 15 were brought in 1913. The Crater Lake elk are descendants of these. The effort was successful; today, more than 160 elk (approx) have been counted within the park in recent summers. Deer winter with elk and generally live in the same regions.

All of these beautiful animals travel in both daylight and during evening hours. Please obey all speed regulations and be very watchful as you travel park roadways for your safety and theirs. Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Perhaps what moves us in winter is some reminiscence of far-off summer. The cold is merely superficial – it is summer still at the core, far, far within.” It is the wakeful summer core that maintains the sleeping winter of Crater Lake. Deer and elk are a welcome indication of this transition.

Camping

There are two developed campgrounds at Crater Lake. Mazama Campground is located near the Annie Springs Entrance Station. Lost Creek Campground is accessed by taking East Rim Drive to the Pinnacles road. Campsites are all on a first come, first served basis. No reservations are taken. Camping opportunities are also available at several locations outside the park.

Mazama Campground – This 198 site campground is operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. Call 541-594-3704 for prices regarding sites per night. Fresh water, flush toilets, a dump station, pay showers, and laundry facilities are available. There are no utility hookups. Fires are permitted in designated fireplaces only. Firewood is available for purchase at the Mazama Store. Campers are allowed to collect only dead and downed wood. Mazama Campground is open from June 11 to October 4, 2004, weather permitting.

Lost Creek Campground – A 16 site tents-only campground is operated by the National Park Service. It normally opens in July and closes for the season in mid-September. Check at the park visitor centers at 541-594-3100 for exact opening and closing dates & rates. Sites are first come-first serve, they do Not Reserve by phone. These sites fill by early afternoon, so campers should select sites upon arriving in the park.

Visitor Services

Food and Beverages – Crater Lake National Park offers three types of dining. The Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room is located in the Crater Lake Lodge and offers fine dining featuring Northwest regional cuisine. The Lodge Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from May 26 to October 17, 2004. The Café is located adjacent to the Gift Shop at Rim Village and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Café is open year-round with decreased hours in the winter. The Watchman Buffet is upstairs from the Café and offers a dinner buffet. Its hours are 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. from June 11 through September 12, 2004.

Lodging – The historic Crater Lake Lodge, perched on the rim of Crater Lake, has 71 rooms and is open from May 26 to October 17, 2004 The Mazama Village Motor Inn is located at Annie Springs, near the Route 62 junction. Two units are designed for wheelchair accessibility. The Motor Inn is open from June 4 to October 4. Check in is at the Mazama Village Store. To reserve rooms in advance, contact 541-594-2255 ext. 3705.

Automotive Needs – Gas is available Seasonally. Unleaded gasoline, oil, and some basic automotive needs are available at the Mazama Village Store. Regular and Diesel fuels are not available. There are no mechanics available in the park. Tow services come from Chemult or Prospect, Oregon.

Mazama Village Store – The store is located at the Annie Springs Entrance near the junction with Route 62. Convenience store items, a coin operated laundry, and shower facilities are available. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from June 4 to June 11; 7:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. from June 11 to September 7; 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from September 7 to closing on October 4, 2004

For more information about Crater Lake please call 541-594-3100 or you can visit this website at www.craterlakelodges.com

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Big Sur, California

The scenery in Big Sur, California cannot be done justice by film or secondhand account. An eclectic populace and cosmic vibe flows through the area and permeates Big Sur hotels, shops and restaurants. A table with a view isn’t hard to come by in Big Sur. Neither is a sense of well-being. Cliffs, rocks, redwoods and effervescent surf create an epic backdrop for recreation, romance and relaxed exploration.

History
Originally inhabited by the Esselen, Salinan and Ohlone Native Americans, Big Sur was first settled by the Spanish in the 1830s, but developed its first large settlements due to the Gold Rush. The lumber industry thrived in the late 1800s in Big Sur, despite the difficulty of reaching the area; the population of Big Sur was greater at that time than it is today. The three-day, dangerous overland journey to Monterey meant most supplies were brought in and goods shipped out by ocean, rather than by road.
The construction of Highway One in the 1930s transformed Big Sur, making its beauty accessible to all rather than just the most intrepid. Residents fought to protect Big Sur against development, preserving its charms and its remote feel. Get a feel for Big Sur’s history by visiting Andrew Molera State Park, home to Big Sur’s oldest building, and that famous Big Sur lighthouse, Point Sur Lighthouse.

Artist’s Haven
Big Sur has provided inspiration to photographers, painters, writers and musicians. Henry Miller and Jack Kerouac chronicled the area in books, and Ansel Adams and Edward Weston captured Big Sur’s rugged beauty on film. Robinson Jeffers described Big Sur in epic verse, which later became the inspiration for the Beach Boys’ album Holland.
Today Big Sur remains a favorite place for local and international artists of every stripe. Galleries located along Highway One exhibit stunning visual art, while venues such as the Henry Miller Library and Fernwood Resort host both cutting-edge acts and big names. For more information on the Big Sur arts scene, see our Big Sur Arts and Culture page.

Big Sur Hiking
Much of Big Sur is under the auspices of the state and federal park systems, and hiking trails permeate Big Sur. The Los Padres National Forest, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Garrapata State Park and Andrew Molera State Park are world-renowned for their stunning scenery, and with good reason. Each park has its own unique atmosphere, and no two hikes are alike.
Big Sur hiking trails range from tranquil walks along a coastal waterfall at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, to miles-long ascents through the redwoods and into the rugged wilderness at the Los Padres National Forest…and everything in between. The sprawling nature of the region makes it possible to hike for hours in solitude. For more information on hiking in Big Sur, see the park links at left. Each page has detailed Big Sur hiking trail information, including descriptions of sample hikes and links to online trail maps.

Big Sur Campsites
Big Sur campsites range from fully equipped RV sites under the shade of redwoods to rustic hike-in tent sites with spectacular ocean views. For the dedicated hiker, use of the Los Padres National Forest’s trail camps allow days of travel on foot without ever having to see civilization. Most of Big Sur’s campsites are located within state and federal parks, and most are first come, first served. Camping reservations for Pfeiffer Big Sur and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Parks can be made through the Reserve America website.
Three privately owned Big Sur campgrounds, Big Sur Campground and Cabins, Fernwood Resort and Riverside Campground and Cabins, are all nestled among the redwoods in the heart of Big Sur. If you want the tent camping experience without the hassle of bringing your own, stay in a Big Sur tent cabin at either Fernwood Resort or Big Sur Campground and Cabins. Contact the properties directly to make Big Sur camping reservations.

Big Sur Hotels
Big Sur lodging options range from luxury resorts perched above the rugged coastline to rustic cabins. All of Big Sur’s accommodations are harmonious with the area, perfect for visitors seeking a retreat from the busy world. They also offer easy access to Big Sur hiking and other outdoor activities. Click here for a full list of Big Sur hotels and resorts.

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Big Sur Beaches

Big Sur’s beaches show off the California coastline at its rugged, unspoiled best. Due to their similar names, two beaches — Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park’s beach and Pfeiffer Beach — are often conflated, but each is separate and has its own unique charms. While some of Big Sur’s wild beaches are accessible by car, visitors should expect to hike to reach most of them.

– Garrapata State Park Beach
Many consider Garrapata State Park’s secluded beach to be the best in Big Sur. While there are no facilities, this sandy, unspoiled beach has stunning views and is easy to get to. You’re also likely to spot sea otters, sea lions, seals and even the occasional migrating whale. Nearly invisible from the road, Garrapata State Park’s beach can be reached from the trailheads at points 18 and 19. For detailed directions on getting to this hidden park, see our Garrapata State Park page.

– Andrew Molera State Park Beach

Andrew Molera State Park’s beach can be reached via the aptly named Beach Trail, which is an easy, almost flat hike along the banks of the Big Sur River. Andrew Molera State Park’s beach is considered Big Sur’s most reliable surfing destination, and is also a prime surf fishing spot. State park admission fees include parking; there are no facilities at the beach, but restrooms are available at the parking lot.

– Pfeiffer Beach
Don’t confuse this beach with the one at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which lies a few miles south. Many locals name Pfeiffer Beach their favorite because of its wide sandy beaches and the arch rock that lies just offshore. Pfeiffer Beach is very hard to find for the uninitiated. It is located at the end of unmarked Sycamore Canyon Road, which is the only paved, ungated road on the west side of Highway One between the Big Sur Post Office and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

– Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Beach
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park’s beach is only accessible on foot, but it’s worth the trip. Popular with divers, this beach has excellent views and great tide pools. You’ll also see equipment and artifacts left over from Big Sur’s period as a center of the logging industry. To access the beach at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, take the Partington Canyon Trail, located west of Highway One behind a gate about two miles north of the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park entrance. The trail runs through a rock tunnel on its way to Partington Cove.

– Sand Dollar Beach
The biggest unbroken stretch of beach in Big Sur, Sand Dollar Beach is popular with rockhounds for its jade and hikers and photographers for its breathtaking bluffs. (Planning to collect some jade? See our tips below under Jade Cove.) A steep staircase leads down to the beach. Sand Dollar Beach is 25 miles south of the main settlement in Big Sur on Highway One. It is well-signed.

– Jade Cove
Named after the smooth, waxy stone frequently found on its rocky beaches after a storm, Jade Cove lies 27 miles south of the main settlement in Big Sur, two miles south of Sand Dollar Beach, and just over three miles north of Gorda. Keep a sharp eye out for the trailhead sign by the side of Highway One, and park at the pullout.
If you plan to seek jade there, you should know that serpentine, a common stone that looks identical to jade, is also often found there. How to tell the difference? Serpentine can be scratched with a steel knife; jade can’t, and you may see bits of metal left on the jade. Please see the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s regulations on collecting jade from beaches.

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The Diavik Diamond Mine, Canada

Many of the Canadian Diamonds which we offer are manufactured using diamond rough which was sourced from the Diavik Diamond Mine which is located on a 20 kilometer square island, informally called East Island, which is in Lac de Gras located within the Northwest Territory of Canada approximately 300 kilometers as the crow flies Northeast of Yellowknife which is the Capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories. The Artic Circle is located about 220 kilometers North of the mine. The key to operating a mine in Canada’s remote wilderness is a private ice road which is shared by various mining companies that are operating in the area. The road has been in operation for about twenty years and must be rebuilt annually to maintain service. Approximately 75% of the road is ice and is built over frozen lakes.

Geology: The Diavik Diamond Mine was discovered in Precambrian rocks of the Slave Geological Province. Known to host deposits of gold, copper, zinc, nickel, and now diamonds, this ancient rock is among the world’s oldest and was formed about 2.7 to 2.5 billion years ago. The Slave Geological Province has produced much of the North’s mineral wealth.

Granitic rocks predominantly underlie the area, and have been intruded into slightly older meta-sedimentary rocks, originally deposited as sandstone and shale. The geology of the project area is typical of ancient, 2.5-2.7 billion-year-old Precambrian rocks, with a mixture of metamorphosed sedimentary (metaturbidites) and granitic (e.g. granite, tonalite) rocks. The kimberlite pipes at the Diavik Diamond Mine are volcanic cores injected into the much older, granitic and meta-sedimentary rocks a mere 55 million years ago. Relatively fresh, often charred – but not petrified – wood found only in China today, has been encountered in drill core at depths up to 400 metres. Reflecting a much warmer climate at that time, the coniferous trees were uprooted and incorporated into the pipes.

What are Kimberlite Pipes?

Kimberlite is a rare rock type commonly found in carrot-shaped pipes which represent the roots of ancient, small volcanoes. A drawing of a carrot shaped kimberlite pipe appears above. Originating from over 150 km below the earth’s surface where diamonds are commonly formed, the kimberlite may bring diamonds to surface. Globally, kimberlite pipes average 12 hectares in surface area, and may reach depths of several hundred metres. The kimber pipes used by the Diavik Diamond Mine range in surface area from 0.9 to 1.6 hectares, and extend below 400 metres.

The Exploration for Diamonds

Finding diamond deposits is difficult and costly. Rather than look for the elusive and rare diamonds, geologists seek other clues. Working from tent camps, geologists conduct several types of surveys. Using geochemical surveys, soil samples are taken and panned for indicator minerals like garnets found in more abundance in kimberlite pipes. A trail of indicator minerals can lead to potential pipes. In addition, geophysical surveys are used to differentiate hidden kimberlite pipes from surrounding host rock. Computer-generated geophysical data is mapped as pictured above. If a potential kimberlite target is identified, portable diamond drills are used to remove core samples to determine if the target is in fact kimberlite. Further drilling helps define pipe size and shape, and provides additional rock for diamond testing. Not all kimberlite pipes have diamonds. In fact, of the worlds estimated 5,000 kimberlites only 23 contain enough diamonds to warrant the expense of operating a mining operation. When diamonds are found in sufficient quantities to suggest an ore body, a small mining operation is conducted to remove a larger, several thousand tonne bulk sample. This sample is processed to remove the diamonds, which are then evaluated for quantity, quality, and size.

Lac de Gras

Aboriginal people named the Lake Ekati for quartz veins found in local bedrock outcrops resembling caribou fat. Lac de Gras is 60 kilometers long and averages 16 kilometers wide with a shoreline length of 740 kilometers. The lake averages 12 meters in depth and has a maximum depth of 56 meters. The water temperature ranges from 0°C to 18°C in the summer. Aquatic productivity is low due to low nutrients, low light during the winter, eight months of ice and low water temperatures. The water quality resembles distilled water. The lake is habitated by lake trout, cisco, whitefish, artic grayling, burbot, longnose sucker and slimy sculpin. The lake has a drainage area of about 4,000 square kilometers and together with Lac du Sauvage located to the Northeast form the headwaters of the Coppermine River which flows 520 kilometers from Western Lac de Gras to the Artic Ocean.

The Region

Rolling tundra surrounds the Diavik Diamond Mine. The region was originally named the “Barren Lands” by early explorers due to its lack of trees. The area includes numerous lakes, bedrock outcrops and glacial deposits of boulders, till, and eskers. What little soil is found is of cryosolic order – formed where permafrost occurs within 1-2 metres of the surface – and is characterized by layers that are disrupted, mixed, or broken, by freeze-thaw activity.

Vegetation

Vegetation includes dwarf birch, northern Labrador tea, blueberry, mountain cranberry, and bearberry, with willow, sphagnum moss, and sedge tussocks dominating wet lowlands.

Wildlife

Mammal species that inhabit the region include, grizzly bears, wolves, foxes, arctic hare, ground squirrels, and wolverines. In spring and fall, portions of the Bathurst caribou herd migrate through the region. 84 bird species and 16 mammal species are summer visitors or permanent residents.

Chronological History of the Diavik Mine

*1991- 1992 Aber stakes mineral claims
*March 1992 Exploration begins
*June 1992 Aber Resources, Kennecott Canada Exploration form Diavik joint venture
*1994-1995 Pipes A-21, A154-South, A154-North and A418 discovered
*February 1996 75-person exploration camp erected for underground bulk sampling
*July 1996 5,900 tonne bulk sampling of A418 and A154 South pipes completed
*December 1996 Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. created with head office in Yellowknife
*March 1997 Bulk sample transported over winter road to Yellowknife for processing. Approximately 21,000 carats of diamonds recovered
*June 1997 Environmental baseline studies completed
*September 1997 Pre-feasibility study completed
*March 1998 Project description submitted to Federal Government triggering formal environmental assessment review under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
*September 1998 Environmental Assessment Report submitted and Comprehensive Public Involvement Plan initiated
*November 1999 Federal Government approves project for permitting and licensing
*September 2000 Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. receives all necessary permits and licenses to bring mine into production
*December 2000 Investors of Rio Tinto plc and Aber Diamond Corporation approve $1.3 billion expenditure to build mine
*January 2001 Mine construction begins October 2001 A154 dike earthworks completed
*July 2002 A154 dike completed, dewatering commences
*December 2002 Mine virtually complete
*January 2003 Diamond production begins
*May 2003 First million carats
*May 2003 1.9 million accident-free hours
*April 2003 Aber’s first sale of rough diamonds
*July 2003 Rio Tinto Diamonds’ first sale of rough diamonds

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