Not everything on the list is adrenaline fueled (obviously). But a great case in point is #11 “Go into a coal mine.” I may have mentioned this before but a good portion of the list exists because I occasionally get that feeling that I was born in either the wrong time or the wrong place to experience everything I would like to experience. So rather than get my heart rate up, the coal mine is really more of a steep slide into Nerdville. A learning experience and not much more.

And that’s exactly what I got at the Lackawana County Coal Mine yesterday. Most important lesson learned: I now know exactly why so many people told me there was no way they were going to let me into a working coal mine. Turns out there are a billion and one easy ways to get yourself killed in a working mine. Good to know.

Besides the obvious black lung (which I avoided mentioning on tape mostly out of the shame created by a “too easy” joke) there where a hundred ways to get squished, crushed, or otherwise trampled before you even make it to the coal vein in the morning. Dynamite can blow off important bits. Exposed wiring can electrocute you with impunity. Methane gas buildups can explode or choke the oxygen out of the room. Limbs can be lost to all manner of simple machinery. In short, over 100,000 people have died in mine related accidents in America alone.

BUT, I got to wander around with a cool “Amtrekker green” hard hat on and learn about all the potential hazards from a tour guide in a mine that has been closed since 1966. Too easy.

The temperature underground was about the only saving grace to the job. These guys do not have an easy life.

I wish I had time to write more but I’m actually writing this from on set of “The Surrogates” crossing another one off the list! Plus I still have to get that race car podcast out. All this time on the bus is KILLING my productivity. Okay, less talk, more action!

I’m done.

Brett.

I like writing. You like reading. Anyone like donating?

*hint hint wink wink nudge nudge* Say no more.