The White Crow Mine is now known for its monthly Drum Circles hosted by The Sunshine Rhythm Collective ... In the heart of the Gold Hill Mining District in Boulder County, Colorado, nestled at an elevation of 7,101 feet, lies the enigmatic White Crow Mine. John Bud, the caretaker of the Sunshine Canyon Shangri-La, a house with a history as rich as the land it stands on, discovered the mine's extra
ordinary tale. His journey was marked by curiosity, a passion for history, and a mysterious energy that surrounded the property, drawing him closer to the mine's secrets. One fateful evening, as the stars illuminated the Colorado sky, John Bud felt an inexplicable urge to create a drum circle on his land. With determination and a touch of serendipity, he manifested his vision, and the Sunshine Rhythm Collective was born. The inaugural "Drumming Beneath the Draconids" took place on October 9th, 2023, just months before he underwent Whipple surgery to remove a benign tumor from his pancreas. Little did he know that this rhythmic gathering would become a conduit for discovering the hidden history of the White Crow Mine. As he delved into the past, John unearthed a treasure trove of photographs showcasing the mine's glory days when it produced gold, silver, and tungsten. These authentic snapshots captured the lives of miners who toiled in the heart of Sunshine Canyon in the late 1800s, creating a link between the present and a bygone era. The property itself had witnessed both adversity and rebirth, surviving a devastating 2010 fire that had claimed all the neighboring homes. The Sunshine Shangri-La, a wooden house reminiscent of the structures from the 1800s, remained unscathed—a testament to the enduring spirit of the people who have lived there. JB's first drum circle, Drumming Beneath the Draconids, was held atop the empty mine shafts and marked a pivotal moment. As the rhythmic beats reverberated through the canyon, the spirits of the past awakened. They materialized in the smoke from the lamps, dancing gracefully around the circle, their ethereal presence a silent acknowledgment of JB's efforts. He built it, and they came. In their wordless communication, the spirits seemed to ask, "What took you so long?" It was as if they had been waiting for someone to honor their memory, to revive the history of the White Crow Mine and the surrounding area. They found solace in John Bud's drum circle, celebrating their existence and the land's rich heritage. Inspired by this spiritual encounter, John embarked on a quest to uncover more about the mine. With an old map and the pictures past and present to work off, he eagerly awaited the dawn, ready to locate the White Crow Mine's entrance, accompanied by his faithful dog Asher and his small drum. Shortly after dawn, he found the entrance skillfully concealed, and after some effort, the sunshine bathed the mine's entrance. JB felt a profound connection with the past as the mine revealed its secrets, unveiling a history of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of dreams. His journey was a testament to the remarkable power of curiosity, inspiration, and the incredible energy that emanated from the land. The White Crow Mine, the Sunshine Rhythm Collective, and the Sunshine Canyon Shangri-La had woven their stories together in an extraordinary tapestry, merging the past and the present. JB had not only uncovered history but had also ignited the spirits of the past to dance once more. In the town of Sunshine, where the old schoolhouse still stands, his journey continues, a living testament to the indomitable spirit of those who came before and the mysterious forces that guide us toward remarkable discoveries.
