Well, I didn't chicken out! It was actually pretty awesome going down into the mine. We had to watch a safety video first, then get boots, belt, and hard hat. The belt has a battery for the light which is on the hard hat, plus a self rescuer. It's kind of heavy. We went to an elevator and rode down about a minute. From there we had to go through 2 sets of doors and then out into the mine! Michael (my son) got us seated in the "jeep" which runs on rail. It was dark and chilly, and we rode about a half hour to get to the section where he actually works. We stopped a few times along the way where he explained things to us. We saw the belt that carries the coal outside. You wouldn't believe the technology. There are computers, flat screens, etc. One area had a microwave, fridge, and chairs. Then he took us to the longwall section. Longwall mining is a 24/7, 365 day method of mining coal. These huge shearers cut coal from the mine face and then the coal falls onto a conveyor belt. When a section is cut through, the roof behind collapses (which was a little scary). It was wet and muddy in that area because the coal is hosed down on the conveyor belt to help keep the dust down. I have heard stories for years about being underground, but I can really understand now what goes on. It's a hard job, but my guys love it. The wages are outstanding (starting wage is about $25/hour), and there are tons of benefits. My son is a 4th generation miner and is a maintenance foreman. He makes close to $90,000 a year with his bonuses. It was quite an experience and I'm glad I got the opportunity to do it. Hope I didn't bore anybody too much! My only regret was not being able to take a camera. I did get a couple of souveniers though.....2 lumps of coal!
