The adventurers have cleared the ancient dwarven keep that served as a means of defense when the Mines were active hundreds of years ago...
Originally, we really were pretty much done with this part of the adventure anyway; initially I had intended the SW Tower to be vacant... except for 40+ stirges. But no encounter, no treasure - no big loss.
At this point, it is evening of the first day, and the party has cleared the keep of all monsters/traps and accumulated all of the treasure that is able to be found. ALL MEMBERS ARE NOW SATISFIED THAT THE KEEP IS CLEARED OF POSSIBLE HARM, AND WILL MAKE A SERVICEABLE BASE OF OPERATIONS WHERE THEY CAN STORE PROVISIONS AND MOUNTS.
With the rapidly slanting rays of the setting sun that etch the horizon with the jagged peaks of the surrounding mountains, the party pauses for a moment; a decision must be made.
Finalize camp/defense of keep, choose spells to memorize, hone fighting edges, heal, and rest.
OR
Boldly and foolishly attempt to reach the Mine entrance by night, along treacherous mountains paths, populated with high-level outdoor wandering monsters.