Nate requested a small gathering of three friends from school before, and he chose a hike and tour into the Hazel Atlas Mines in the Black Diamond park 35 minutes from Lafayette. It so happened to coincide with the hottest day of the year -- 105 at the park, but our hikers had to bring coats for the 65 degree cave tour. One friend got a little nervous going in and had to leave with his dad. So with hard hards and flashlights, the remaining explorers did the guided tour of the silica (used for glass making during 30's & 40's) tunnels and stopes and then headed home for ice cream cake & presents.
