Good news, Tahomans! Highway 50 has reopened: Cal Trans did it right. They correctly assumed that the 200 ton + boulder needed a size reduction before any serious attempt could safely be made for its removal. So, bring in the Powder Monkeys! That's an old mining term for those individuals and crews that were the point men in a hard rock mine that was being actively worked. They had expertise using dynamite, TNT, and other explosives. Today, they have many options other than the old standbys, and these products are safer, more reliable and more effective in tight situations. For a boulder on the highway, they needed some precision. The monkeys brought their drills, penetrated the rock in a few key spots, and injected their formulated product, and voila! Boom! Low percussion; rock splits into manageable pieces.
Highway Open. Conduct business now with the Great Office of El Dorado County in the seat of Placerville. Sadly, it looks like the West Shore residents south of Pine will have to continue to make this difficult trek.
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