Mining

 ' I've been to Hollywood, I've been to Redwood, 

I've been a Miner for a Heart of Gold '.....sorry Neil....

Yup, I've mined for songs, fish , of course $$$ and always new stuff, things we haven't seen or done . and that's how we ended up in Walkerville Montana. I guess you could call it a part of Butte or maybe even the Father of Butte but's just a cool history laden place.

Just the sign itself just a short drive up a steep hill from downtown Butte is unique. The sign looks to weigh a ton being made of 1 inch plate and looks to be hand cut with a an acetylene torch by hands that know work. I got the feeling  nothing's ever been easy for these mine people, ever .

Having spent 45 years in Soldotna Alaska where the history is rooted in Russian fir traders and Kenaitze Indians the industrial History of Montana is fascinating to me. As for modern History, we were fortunate enough to buy one of the first 'nice ' homes in the city and it's only 65 years old now....well around these parts that was a day ago as these places all date back at least a hundred years. some 150 years. And it's all still standing, hanging on, bearing witness to the past in the town of Walkerville. The first thing you notice and can't miss are the Draw Works that serviced the shaft mines. They're imposing and there's many . I asked a Butte guy if they aren't being used why'd they still have them all standing ? He said it was to hold up the Christmas lights.

 

The vibe is kinda ghostly. Most of the houses are full but the storefronts are waiting for revitalization which seems to be a common theme with industrial towns. Where the industry was once finding valuables it's now real estate and reclaiming the land. This pit is huge and has grass growing , overlooks the what they call Butte America.

I really like the idea of possibilities and I think the people in Walkerville do to. They're putting together an effort for a new grocery store, The church is gorgeous and check out the house right next door. If that doesn't show the the human spirit at work, well, I don't know what would.

It feels lonely to me, the liquor store is first , the second is who knows...maybe it's been several things. A store, a bar which I'd give the over under to or maybe a daycare or doctors office. I don't know but all of them are possibilities for new era Miner.

The one that seemed the strangest to me was the school. It looks like the bell rang and the kids, the teachers just left it the way it was and left. Maybe the desks are still set up, one maybe in the hall for a kid like I was....

Just drive uphill almost anywhere in Butte and I'd guess you'd get to Walkerville. it's worth the drive. Me and Mp are going to be checking on those folks. I'm impressed with them and their town.

The month of April here at Mile 14 southern bureau was long and cold...I know my Alaska friends eyes just rolled on that one. Maybe it's just me being a bit older might make ya cold, I don't know . But I get up at 0 dark thirty and mine me a few fish. I usually get the lake to myself for the first light first 45 minutes then I share it with bird watchers and an occasional first rat like myself.

People who know me know that I'm not real fond of Park Rangers . They act like it's their park and not 'our' park and they seem to assume that everybody's out to ruin the park or especially make them work . Just imagine how I'd feel if I were one of these outa staters they're always gripping about.

New song coming soon ! And I'll tell ya about our hunt for the coolest project of ours.....Montana Megaliths...are they built or are they not, are they random rocks or built to portray something we don't know yet ?....and they're all over the place right here. Montana