BINGHAM CANYON OPEN PIT COPPER MINE

Today Ryan, McKay and Bryson are taking us to the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine.

Here we are at the "richest hole in the earth", the Bingham Canyon Open Pit Copper Mine.

 We arrived about 10:15 and parked a ways away. It was a free admission day and the crowds were larger than normal, but we had a good time and saw everything we wanted to see... except the gold smelter and free samples.

McKay was quick to run to the railing and try to climb over it... which prompted an announcement to please keep control of your children and stay off of the railing. Thank you Mr. Announcer.

The traditional picture in front of the huge tire from one of the dump trucks.

 

McKay was dreaming of how great it would be to work at the mine digging ore... and maybe building a fort on the side. It wouldn't be a bad idea to show the guys how to drive one of those big ore dump trucks.

Bryson slowed down a moment for a quick smile for grandpa.

The "Snack Attack" is Ryan's slogan... he is always hungry!

Free admission day means lots of kids, so we blended right in to the crowd.

They have the old fire hydrant all figured out... "stand back everyone and let me show you how this works."

Trucks, diggers, dozers, and more.

McKay was checking out a tooth on display to his right that was from the bucket of a big electric shovel. McKay has a special interest in teeth since he knocked his two front teeth out a few years ago. One permanent tooth has come in and the other is not far behind.

They all loved looking through the microscopes at the different minerals that are mined here.

McKay sizing up the medals from the 2002 Olympics that were donated by the mine.

A final look at the Big Hole that can be seen with the naked eye from outer space.

We had a great time at the mine with the boys and then went back to grandma's kitchen for turkey sandwiches, chips, pickles and Oreos. Remember at grandma's house there is always dessert for good boys!