New Jersey Round 2

 One of the fun things we did was to visit the Sterling Hill Mine.  I hadn't been there in 15 years, and they've really added a great deal!

They have an amazing museum of minerals and mining equipment (and I say this as someone who visits the Smithsonian's mineral exhibits!)

I'd highly recommend a visit if you are ever in the area.

Oob was very enthusiastic, but then, he's a minor.

Klenda found the gold on the "treasure hunt."

And then they had a fantastic periodic table!!

I want one!!!

The mine itself didn't photograph well, it being dark and all.

 Coming back into the sun was rather dazzling.

Our guide was an actual miner who had blasted some of the tunnels - very cool!

I should mention that this area has the most fluorescent minerals (in quality, variety, and quantity) in the world.

And we got samples!

 They've added a ton of hands on science exhibits and educational stuff, all of which we loved.



At least until they discovered the fossil the kids are touching is a coprolite (dino poop).

We also had a great time at the gift shop.  We found some fantastic new minerals and fossils for our museum, and this poster for Pa (who also goes by the name Grumpy).  Too funny!
















The beginning of this video shows the mine: