First Quarry Exploratory Trip!

[Bird320]

Hi everyone,

Earlier today I finally went out on an exploratory mission to the quarry I was talking about in my previous post (!). I was tempted by the mud many times, and while I was not able to see all three pits the two main ones I looked at were very inviting. I have some comments:

• Apparently someone (God?) thought it would be funny to put EVERY SINGLE SPECIES of pricker/thorn bush in the woods surrounding this quarry. I am very upset.
• There is mud all over the place. I did not go with mudding shoes/clothing on because I was just looking around. I like stuck and suction so it was a very arousing yet also frustrating walk around, even through the woods.
• I threw some rocks into the pits, they didn't go in any depth at all. I am hoping it's because they are still somewhat frozen or super thick.
• That mud just does not come off of anything.
• The berms around the pit were super soft too, I bet I could have sunken into those if I tried. I suppose this is related to the snow melt. Again, thorns everywhere.

https://imgur.com/a/IbRxL9t pictures from the excursion, should be 13 total. Please let me know of anything noticeable, I have never gone mudding in quarries before so besides what I've read on posts here I am interested of if there's things of note. Especially for a stuck seeker like me. It was exhilarating even seeing so much potential mud.

The third pit was inaccessible, in one of the pictures you will see a shot through some trees. I tried at least 7 times to get up the dang berm to the third pit, and kept sliding back down. I will get there someday...

Lastly, I managed to keep everything sans shoes free of mud until I was leaving when I slipped on another berm on the way out and got mud all over my ass and jacket and jeans. I walked in and had to leave on a bike trail, so every time I passed by someone they would laugh and I was like "I am having a grand day" at least I have some humility... the things we do for mudding.

[bogbud]

That area looks like it has potential for sure. Still it's all in open view. I guess i would only visit that place in the dead of the night, while it's raining.

When exploring or venturing out later, bring one or better two sticks that are as long as you're tall. When you can't find suitable ones in the woods around the quarry buy some broomsticks. They are handy for climbing up steep passages, probing the mud and can give leverage when you are stuck or start to sink in soft mud. Regarding the bush and thorns better find another path. In just a couple weeks nature is going to explode and your path will be inaccessible.
I don't know if you are in certain clothing while going into the mud. I would have worn tight fitting boots that don't come off while stuck and some rain pants (not in the thorny part of course).

[Bird320]

That area looks like it has potential for sure. Still it's all in open view. I guess i would only visit that place in the dead of the night, while it's raining.

When exploring or venturing out later, bring one or better two sticks that are as long as you're tall. When you can't find suitable ones in the woods around the quarry buy some broomsticks. They are handy for climbing up steep passages, probing the mud and can give leverage when you are stuck or start to sink in soft mud. Regarding the bush and thorns better find another path. In just a couple weeks nature is going to explode and your path will be inaccessible.
I don't know if you are in certain clothing while going into the mud. I would have worn tight fitting boots that don't come off while stuck and some rain pants (not in the thorny part of course).

Definitely worried about the open view. Though, there are no traversable paths in the quarry nearby. I really like recording myself so.. still deciding there. (Have plenty of time)

Good idea, thank you. Luckily when I go out in proper mudding gear I can just walk along the banks of the pits, I only used the woods this time since I wasn’t in proper gear.

Still, it’s exciting and I’m hopeful for fun. It felt suctiony, even when I only tested it at the very edge (like 1in deep or so).

[Mynock]

Lots of very sinkable looking spots there, congrats on your find!

Take this with a grain of salt but the area gives off a vibe of not being well traveled or patrolled, which is good.

Did you come across any well worn dirt roads/tracks when exploring? Fresh tire tracks would indicate regular security patrols. Also I didn't see any out-buildings or sheds which is also good. Security in these places is mostly concerned about vandals damaging and stealing equipment, so pick a good looking spot as far away from any infrastructure as possible.

[Duncan Edwards]

When you've got ice and snow it's a sure sign you're a bit early for any fun. This is great though and it's an example of "doing your homework" that we are always preaching about. Good for you. Return as often as you can and become very familiar with everything by June.

[Bird320]

Lots of very sinkable looking spots there, congrats on your find!

Take this with a grain of salt but the area gives off a vibe of not being well traveled or patrolled, which is good.

Did you come across any well worn dirt roads/tracks when exploring? Fresh tire tracks would indicate regular security patrols. Also I didn't see any out-buildings or sheds which is also good. Security in these places is mostly concerned about vandals damaging and stealing equipment, so pick a good looking spot as far away from any infrastructure as possible.

Thankyou! I agree, it does. The two pits are situated directly above one another, one North one which is by the bike trail I used to enter (no fence too, interesting) and then the south pit. By the south pit is a trail but I did not immediately see fresh vehicle tracks, though I was unable to get close enough. It did look used. Between the two pits looks like what was once a trail but has since barricaded and breached by the silt. The third pit, the one I was unable to get to, has several buildings and equipment by it so I think I will steer clear of that one for now.
I did not see any other signs near the pits besides the south trail I mentioned, which was good.

When you've got ice and snow it's a sure sign you're a bit early for any fun. This is great though and it's an example of "doing your homework" that we are always preaching about. Good for you. Return as often as you can and become very familiar with everything by June.

Yup, we just got more snow today. Will at least be a month or two before I'd even consider attempting a mudding adventure. Thank you! Next time I go there I'd like to make it to the other side near the water part and see how deep it looks there, and also look for more signs of vehicular traffic nearby.

[Mynock]

The fact that there's not even a fence is a really good sign of lax security.
It seems like the closer you get to the equipment the newer the pits are. The first one with all the vegetation and leaf litter is basically abandoned, but might act as overflow for the second and third.
I would limit your trips to the first one for your first few visits and keep an ear open. If nothing gets sketchy you can try exploring the others.
I wouldn't completely cout out that third pit cause that's the active one where the best mud will be, but make sure the place is definitely empty before venturing into that one.