Big pit

Lot's of cute little bikes all over the place

After the hassles of the previous day, we wanted to pack as much on as possible.  We made a tentative plan, not knowing what would lie ahead of us.  

Waiting for our turn to go into the coal mine - we were the first visitors of the day

Waiting in the Waiting Room

Safety Notices in Welsh and English

Cheeky Miners wanted their photos taken

Warnings Everywhere

Already to go underground - we didn't know what to expect

And the tour begins - the miners were very knowledgeable and
told us the history of mining as well as the story of the Big Pit

I try to make new friends where ever I go

He looks so outdoorsy

There were random little statues all over the place

The torch room was surprisingly dark

The Big Pit -in the rain

First stop was The Big Pit,  as we set off it started to rain, just a bit of drizzle, by the time we got to the Big Pit it was tipping it down.  

Having a brew in the canteen

We arrived and were the first car in the car park, not always a good thing as we weren't sure whether or not it was open. I spotted a lone man walking around the entrance andasked him if it was open, "we're open rain or shine, it's all underground" came the reply.  Which in hindsight was pretty obvious.

Coal mine Selfie

I was very scared I'm not a big fan of tight, dark places but it was actually very interesting.  We had to wear a helmet with a battery pack on a belt.  Then our group, of about ten people, got into the lift and went hundreds of feet underground.  Just like the miners of old.

Our tour guide was an ex miner and he was very passionate.  He was keen to make sure that we understood what life in the mines was like.  

After the coal mine, we browsed around the rest of the site, which had been turned into a living museum

Some Facts About Mine Life

Children used to spend 12 hours in pitch black unless their parent could afford a candle. Opening the safety doors in the mine.

Having a go at some brass rubbing

Horses used to live in the mines all their lives,  until it became law for them to have two weeks holiday every year.

Canaries were used to detect carbon monoxide, as they were seven times more sensitive to it's effects as a human.