What It Was Like Dig a Secret Hole on a Volcano and Don't Ask Questions. That Was the Job
Mar 28, 2026
Brett Grimes, a blue-collar worker from Montana who at 19 was hired to dig a secret shaft on Mount Shasta. He recounts finding a massive, unexplained hole, the tense crew dynamics, hidden guns and midnight removals. The story probes cult rumors, strange rocks pulled from ash-dark boulders, and the growing fear that made him flee.
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Showed Up For A Fence And Found A 20+ Foot Shaft
- Brett took a fence-building job he found on an MSN message board and drove to Mount Shasta with his last $60 for gas.
- He arrived expecting fence work but discovered a massive, straight-walled excavation exceeding 20 feet instead of any fence line.
Asked What They Were Looking For And Was Told Nothing
- After days digging, Brett asked what they were looking for and was told “we don't know,” with instructions to pull anything unusual up and face away.
- A geologist named Cokie split finds and always rejected them, while Joseph, the suited paymaster, remained secretive.
Old Stone Splitting Revealed Crew's Desperation
- Brett realized the crew lacked proper rock-splitting technique and taught them the old leaves-and-feathers method to crack boulders from the inside.
- Joseph would then hand Brett a credit card and buy whatever tools Brett requested, revealing desperation to keep progress going.
