Firstly thanks to Bconfined, Morrisey and Alan for guiding, providing gear and being good enough to show myself and Gibbo these sites in the first place.

Right, Brindleys tunnels, it was on the strength of these drainage tunnels James Brindley won the contract to build the Bridgewater canal to drain the Duke of Bridgewaters own mines at worsley. A fantastic explore for lovers of industrial, mining and engineering history.










Next, the coal and fireclay mine, Bolton.

[Morrisey]

R1 is definately the shy retiring type and not even giving you guys half the story. Brindleys drainage tunnels are something else with neck deep tunnels of blood red ochre for everyone to play in. Unfortunately Gibbo's un-natural sized feet prevented him from joining in with the Christmas festivities of the team. Some pics lifted from R1's photobucket and some from the coal and fire clay mine from me.

bconfined being carried away in the Irwell. Oh yeah, i forgot to mention he cannot swim!!!

[boboil]

Aye a good day had by all . Big thanks to Alan & bconfined for the all in one waterproofs & unbelievable knowledge of mining & underground exploration. Appart from the embarrassment of R1 ordering an espresso when mugs of tea where the order of the day , it was perfecto!!!.
Heres my pics.




Genius at work




Quick wash off then off to the mine





There all the rage in Paris.

























And of coarse the most photographed wheels on NWEX

[boboil]

Another trip down the coal & fireclay mine today with Beconfined ,Morrisey, detritus21 & a few non members gave us a chance to see the managers inscriptions & the unique sight of the coal seam coming to an abrupt end due to a geological fault.



detritus21 viewing a large fossil


The end of the coal seam