[Darth-Apple]

Not as frustrating as mining down (or even through the ceiling) and finding lava, or a huge water-filled cave. Next thing you know, lava comes pouring down and you're done for.

That's why they say, don't mine straight down.

I always like to carry a bucket of water when I go mining just in case I encounter lava.

I've always gotten lucky. I only recently started doing this, but one bucket is only but so much if you end up encountering it more than once. I started doing that recently when I needed a lake under my house, and it took quite a few to make it work.