Was there any gold left in the land of Middle Earth? I was about to find out through an adventure through the past!

Wanna come with? 😘

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Okay Steemians, I know you probably know all about mining nowadays (since you're on here), but let's take a look at where the stacks of bricks used to come from before crypto!

We're headed on an adventure into the wilderness to find that gold!💰

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Back in my days gallivanting around New Zealand in my camper van, "Samwise" (because New Zealand = middle earth and I = huge LOTR fan) I stumbled upon the remnants of the days of gold.

I mean the days the men used to go into the Earth with pickaxes and drills to collect this shiny metallic material that SBD is replacing now! 😉

Are you excited?!

You want an adventure right, Frodo? Follow me! 😉

Let's go on a journey through the historical area of the East coast of North Island, New Zealand to see this blast from the past!

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Driving along the Coromandel, we'll step back in time. amidst the natural beauty that abounds the entire region!

Here is what they call the old "Victoria Battery", on my way to the gorge and mining caves, I stopped to check the area out. In the silence of the early morning where no one but a few passing bikers were spending their time, I found it kind of romantic.

Just think, these are our present history's pyramids... this is what we are leaving behind for new generations to find.

Wiki says that the batteries pictured here were used to crush the ore from that came out of the mountains we are going to visit! The Victoria Battery (what you see here) was one of the largest and most advanced at the time.

You can take any of the cycle lanes around to experiences the vast nature but I just stopped in for breakfast and a bit of a history lesson and went on to find this:

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Add me! Hi guys!

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Although it was a bit chilly (notice the long sleeves/pants) I decided to risk it for the biscuit when I saw a tiny trail which looked like it lead up to the top of the waterfall!

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It was a slip and slide to get up that path but the view from the top was pretty beautiful! Don't you think?

Just as I was making my way down and back across the hopscotch board of stones on the water, a bunch of tourist showed up just in time for me to make my exit and get to the main event!

INTO THE MINES (Of Moria! Just kidding, LOTR fans are you with me?)

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Well, it's not all fun and games, I tell you truthfully. I got scared AF (sorry for swearing mom!) in those dark, twisted tunnels and honestly guys, I can't imagine what it must have been like to actually have to work in them.

Claustrophobia would have been the end of my career. Guess I couldn't have been a dwarf in another life.

In all seriousness, to me, although there for the gold 😉 the wonder of this journey was in the beauty of the surroundings so before we go deep into the dark, come along the sensational nature walk first!

Should we get going? Let's take the "Rail Trail"!

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Once across the bridge, if you ever make it to the other side and don’t stay lost in the magnificent views forever you’ll come to the Rail Trail and all of a sudden, will have plenty of choices to struggle with. I for one, wanted to see everything but eagerly shot for the mines and therefore, gold, first.

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Not a bad choice, look at that view! (That's where we just were!)

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That little hole in the wall is the entrance to the cave! No secret password to enter here!

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While I much prefer the ledge walkways that the caves weave in and out of, there is nowhere out but in!

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The mining caves were built within these mountains overlooking a breathtaking Gorge down below.

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What's a "gorge"? A google search produces the following answer:
gorge
ɡɔːdʒ/
noun

a narrow valley between hills or mountains, typically with steep rocky walls and a stream running through it.

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I'm quite high up and deep in the mountains by now as you can tell! I've got my head lamp rocked and ready to roll and the rest of the cave to see, let's keep going!

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I see some light up ahead!

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When you finally find your way through the winding and the darkness, you’ll come out with breathtaking views on the sides of the mountain looking down upon the rushing river below.

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It eventually drops you off at another bridge that wraps around the other side of the waters and is the perfect playground for a little splash of water on the face!

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Near the end of the trail, I had collected a bunch of flowers to make a crown in my hair... it made me Queen of the bees because everyone was trying to get my pollen!

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Fun fact:

On the far side of the trail at the end by the parking lot, there is another bridge leads across the street to a winery! So if you're feeling thirsty after the hike around the property, you can have a rest with some of New Zealand's best!

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Fun fact 2:

Right on the side of this gorge when you're leaving, back on the highway, there is a small spot where kids were jumping from the quite high cliff into the chilly waters below.

I stood on the ledge looking down for about 30 mins in my swim suit, freezing from the cut of the wind alone and couldn't convince myself to take the plunge!

Next time I hope I can muster more courage (and warmth) to grasp onto that thrill that had the boys shrieking when their bodies submerged!

I hope you had fun coming along with me! I love having travel dates with you! I can show you the world!:)

My heart's in charge here. I write about what I feel in the moment. What inspires me, what drives my passion. Here are some of my recent additions:

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Huge 100 SBD Contest: EAT LIKE A SUPERSTAR!

HACKS ON HOW TO WIN!

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💁Want to Stay in the Loop? Here's a FREE Steemit Assistant to Make Your Life MUCH Easier!💁
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🍴Hungry? Check out these yummy plant based recipes!🍴
🌼 5 Min, Easy, Healthy DIY Chocolates! 🍫
🧀Na'cho Everyday Cheese! Vegan Queso!
🥑You Won't Believe it's Not Magic! Double Chocolate Mousse (Avocado) Cake!
🎂Treat Yo'Self! Brownies+Ice Cream+Cookies+Fudge = Cupcakes
💜Incredible Purple Vegan Quiche!
🍜Garden to Table: Coconut Curry!
🍝 Baked Lasagna

ALL PHOTOS ARE MY OWN, TAKEN WITH MY CANON EOS REBEL 600D or my OnePlus5T

Until next time!

Sending you love through food, travel, inspiration and epic storytime!
XO,