Black Diamonds

The California that we know and love is different than it was 5 years ago, and most certainly than what it was in the 1860s. Not far from where we live is an old coal mining reserve, called Black Diamond Mine Regional Park, that preserves and educates the time now long since past:  when Indians took care of the land; when that changed once coal was discovered beneath its soil, and the many immigrants that came here to mine it. To strike their fortune. To build a new life.  Here at Black Diamond Mines, 150,000 tons of coal was brought to the surface from this mine alone from 260 feet below surface. Once made up of five mining towns, Black Diamond became California's largest coal mining operation! 

Taking one step inside the mine's entrance, we were met with a significant drop in temperature. We were able to taste the wetness of the chilled air, and the tunnels were displayed as they ought to have been-with old tools and old equipment. In additional to the underground mine, the reserve itself is made up of 65,000 miles of trails, in which we took the weekend to explore the golden hills.  

Underground we read this quote, we laughed, knowing that we have had to adjust to the sometimes exhausting work weeks ourselves! : "Miners lives were characterized by hard work and long hours- thus building the character of work ethic today in California."