Mine, all Mine

Way back when I took a team to Taino Valley Park in October, my spidey senses were going off left and right at the number of "amber mine" signs I saw on the way. You know I'm always on the lookout for new places to take volunteers and visitors, and hey, I wanted to tour an amber mine. A fruitless bout of Googling confirmed I'd just need to drive to la cumbre one day and stop in at whichever one looked most intriguing. When Becca asked if I wanted to tag along when she took some friends to do just that, it was a no brainer.  

The first place we stopped was just a showroom. The owner told us mine tours are only offered M-F but was all too happy to educate us about the...stone? mineral? (where's a geologist when you need one?) of Jurassic Park fame. Handling specimens of various sizes and in various states of raw vs. polished. I was surprised at how lightweight it is and learned there's such a thing as "blue amber." 

A few hundred meters down the road, we expected the same answer from the owner of a similar establishment and were delighted when he shrugged and told us to pile into one vehicle for a 3 min. drive. 

A short traipse later revealed a series of entrances - some sketchier than others. Evidently, they all lead to a network of interconnected underground tunnels. 

This one descends 1,000 meters...

...using this contraption to belay workers up and down. 

This one was more accessible, but M-U-D-D-Y! The factory was named for the owner's daughter (right), Winibel Ambar ("Amber"). 

There's nothing but an alcove in the direction I'm facing; the shaft opens up to my right and immediately forks off to the left.  

Back on solid ground, we continued our amber education: add green to the rainbow. The photo doesn't do it justice - it looked like the ocean! Samples that contain seeming imperfections like insects or water droplets or insects inside water droplets skyrocket in value; a fossilized lizard could fetch upwards of $5,000USD.

'Twas a fun Saturday morning - and only 30 min. from home - but unlike the presa, amber mines aren't going on my menu of possible cultural excursions...at least not yet. Next adventure TBD!

Until next time, blessings in Christ!