For anyone interested in how a mine operates today, albeit a Gold mine, take a tour through the Original Sixteen to One Mine. Founded in 1896 and incorporated in 1911, the 16 to 1 Mine has produced more than 1 million ounces of gold. The mine continues to operate today but visitors can spend an entire day down in the mine with the miners and lunch included for $300 (weekdays only). Or tour with the president for $600!

Standard four hour tours are $95 but I figure if you are going to visit one of the most important mines in the country, and fly all the way to California to do it, you might as well take the full tours.

Here is a link to their website:

http://www.origsix.com/

Who's coming with me?

Miner Mike