Wonders Underground

Quartz - Photo credit By JJ Harrison via Wikipedia Commons.

Much of the story in our new book, THE DARK PORTAL, takes place underground. This was a challenge in a number of ways. But unlike Jake with his mild case of claustrophobia, we LOVE going into caves and underground tunnels, so you can imagine how thrilled and inspired we were to find an outdoor adventure company in Snowdonia, right where THE DARK PORTAL takes place. These folks are not dwarves, but they do take people on underground tours of old Welsh mines!

If you want to get the flavor of what Jake's mine tour with the dwarves and his foray into the coalmine would have felt like, run-don't-walk your clicker over to the website of Go Below Underground Adventures and check out the dramatic pictures. If you live in or near Wales, you should go! We'll be jealous.

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But lest you think that's all we have for you today, nay nay! Here is a video by Paul Hawkins of his explorations around an abandoned goldmine in North Wales. Very mysterious! I'd also call your attention to the very lush, green, and mossy woodland setting. Magic in those woods for sure. :) 

But wait, there's more. We wouldn't leave you hanging. You want to see inside! Well, Emrys was busy at Waterfall Village, so we brought in these guys to lead you on a tour into a different abandoned gold mine in Wales. (Video copyright credit @ A n00b Production.)

Well, after all that traipsing around in the cold and damp, I'm sure you're ready for some of Snowdrop Fingle's warm bannocks and tea. No problem! I've got an authentic Welsh recipe for bannocks that I will share with you in an upcoming post. :)