This 0.5 mile tunnel was dug over a 38 year period of time by William “Burro” H. Schmidt, beginning in 1900.
According to Wikipedia:
“By 1938 he had achieved his “goal”, having dug through nearly 2,500 feet (760 m) of solid granite using only a pick, a shovel, and a four-pound hammer for the initial section, and carefully placed dynamite with notoriously short fuses for the majority portion. It was estimated that he had moved 5,800 tons of rock with just a wheelbarrow.” Article
I often think of Mr. Schmidt when I’m having trouble getting out of bed in the morning. The shear amount of determination on his part is inspiring!
The road to the tunnel is EXTREMELY bumpy, requiring 4 wheel drive and a high clearance vehicle.
And, bring a flashlight!
