Have you every seen a brontosaurs? Wonder what it would feel like? Visit an above ground coal mine in Gillette, WY and ask to see the drag line - it will blow your mind! This thing is HUGE! Our tour guide shared the stats with us but I was too busy staring up with my mouth open to retain much of that information. I do know that everything at this mine seemed to cost millions - from the drag line, Caterpillars, drills, staplers... J/K. But in all reality, this is an expensive operation.
The small brown circle to the left of the beast is a crew member.
Inner workings of the beast.
Tools to repair the beast.
The hole the beast helped dig... sorry this is dark but at the bottom is a seam of coal.
Leadership Wyoming classmates and tour guide standing on the deck of the beast. It was moving dirt away from the coal seam. The bucket was huge and as it gathered dirt, I imagine the sound it was making was similar to that of a brontosaurs tearing leaves and limbs off a tall tree.
That's me, far right. Like the hard hat?
When it stopped so we could get on board, I was so intimidated! Once in stow, the driver started the engine and went back to work. I got a little sea sick and felt like a sailor on a submarine. It was quite daunting but my classmates were there for support! What a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Wyoming's coal mining industries.
The hole the beast helped dig... sorry this is dark but at the bottom is a seam of coal.
Leadership Wyoming classmates and tour guide standing on the deck of the beast. It was moving dirt away from the coal seam. The bucket was huge and as it gathered dirt, I imagine the sound it was making was similar to that of a brontosaurs tearing leaves and limbs off a tall tree. 
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Good to see you! -Kennedy
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