Industrial History Day

I see that no one else has published today, so I may be the only team member with internet access. Here it goes... We met this morning after a little miscommunication at the Big Pit Mining Museum. It is part of the Blaenavon World Heritage Site and was one of the most unique museums that I've ever seen. As you will see from the photos below it was foggy and wet all day. Probably perfect for this type of visit. We made our way down into an abandoned mine shaft and had a tour with a former miner. We were all a bit on edge about the safety during the visit but everyone is accounted for, including Ruben. There are no photos down in the mine itself because nothing with an electrical charge is allowed down the pit (including cell phones, watches, and even remote car keys) so as not to ignite explosive gases. We had lunch at the Big Pit and made our way to the nearby Blaenavon Iron Works, one of the most well-preserved 18th century industrial sites in the world. The only unfortunate thing about the day was the weather. Our drivers from the Crickhowell and Abervale clubs kept telling us about the great views from the top of the Brecon Beacons, but we could hardly see 50 feet in front of us. In the evening we went back to our host families. Betsy and Mariah joined me and my hosts Andrew and Wimke Wakeley in Brecon for the ringing of the Brecon Cathedral bells. It took quite a bit of climbing to the top of the cathedral tower but I think all three of us agreed that it was a great experience. We have another round of vocational visits tomorrow and then a presentation on Wednesday, so stay tuned.
-Richard


Outside of the Big Pit Mine


Rick being fitted with a light and emergency respirator before descending into the Big Pit


Most of the group at the bottom of a blasting furnace


A tight squeeze to reach the bells


The top of the tower in the bell loft


Mariah ringing one of the 10 bells at Brecon Cathedral



Getting out