People change. People grow. Interests shift. Hobbies are picked up and dropped. The political and economic climate shifts gears. Abandonments are renovated or demolished. History is uncovered. History is sealed away. History is made. History is destroyed.
One thing that never changes... Change. The world is in constant change. Things have changed here, too.
Just over five years ago, in February of 2014, I was the first to enter Ruffner's No.2 Iron Ore mine and emerge with photos. Since then, dozens have entered the mine, taken, and shared photos. Today, the mine is exposed but sealed. Sitting in plain sight for all to see, but taunting us with its distance and exclusivity. History exposed and on display, but yet destroyed and beyond reach.
Take a walk with me through Ruffner Mountain's history.
The Crusher still stands strong, an unchanging constant at this location.
Water continues to drain from this pipe, every day, every year. The source? Perhaps a drainage pipe for a nearby mine. Or perhaps the pipe has simply rusted through, and water from the soil is flowing out of it now.
Carefully laid mine tailings line the slopes of Ruffner.
Pulley wires litter the landscape around mine sites.
Foundations of former structures are interesting finds.
Textures like no other can be found in industrial ruins.
Nature constantly reminds us of who really owns the land.
Growth never stops. Growth doesn't care.
Today, the portal of Ruffner No.2 is unearthed, but sealed.
This is the best view one can have today, of Ruffner No.2's interior. Its secrets are locked away behind bat grate.
Smaller creatures are still welcome to explore Birmingham's mine history, though they may not care.
Steel reinforced concrete surface structures struggle to bear the test of time. As the steel rusts and expands, it fractures the concrete surrounding it, weakening the structure.
This poor fellow won't find much food on a giant ore crusher.
Growth defies the odds.
A warm meal after a full day of hiking the mountain.
Expect more posts in the future. New years, new explores.
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