A Flood Destroyed Our Road...Again

Ive been dealing with debilitating anxiety for over a decade now. I haven't left my house for anything for over a year. Because of this video I'm heading to a park overlooking my town to just breathe and find hope. Thanks Brent, this video really helped me.

You need a civil engineer to do an water runoff & erosion control/mitigation plan. Imagine if this happened when you had a hotel full of guests and you are stuck waiting for the road to be cleared? Fixing the road permanently is going to be more important than finishing the hotel.

Are you guys working with a civil engineer? My wife is a CE project manager and when I showed her the video the first thing she said is “that’s not a road, that’s a drainage channel”. She indicated you may want to check for a new alignment since this thing is going to constantly wash out the way it is. In short if you aren’t talking to a civil engineer you may want to consider it to avoid wasting effort.

I am a 73 year old woman. I watch your show on a regular basis for maybe 6 mo. Even if things look dreary for you it really gives me something to focus on. I don't go many places but through you I can see things. Like this video, makes my life better and I want to thank you for that. So even if your life is somewhat crumbly at times rest assured you bring joy to others. Thank you.

Are you OK buddy? Things seem to have gone quiet. Love your videos, your enthusiasm and your constant positive attitude and approach to everything, even when life has thrown some curve balls at you guys. It's inspiring to say the least. You've encouraged me to get out there again, enjoy my surroundings and push to better myself. Huge thanks and hello from NZ.

As you have found out there are no quick fixes. A wider road is needed to incorporate culverts, rainbars across the road, and side ditches to divert runoff. Start you water diversions at the top and work downhill. Look at the rain as a water stockpile opportunity to recharge groundwater. There must be areas near the town that can function as empoundments. If anything, berms on contour from the drainages ,out toward ridgelines ,will function to absorb runoff, lessen impact on the road. Again, start at the top, and work downhill.

"One day will be our last and whatever hope we have, has to happen before that day" -Brent Underwood, Ghost Town Living I have a feeling that's gonna be one of those timeless quotations for years to come.

Thanks for covering the story of William Schmidt or "Burro Bill". It's like a personal tragedy that turned into dedication & triumph. He was told that his 20 years of incredibly hard labor was wasted, but he didn't think so. Multiple generations later, people still read that memorial & walk through his tunnel. It shows what a dedicated person is truly capable of. The man moved tons & tons of mountain. God speed, William Schmidt.

100 years from now these videos will tell the tale of you and your drive to save the town. What an epic tale that might be.

As much as it sucks to be delayed, this rain is IMPORTANT. It has shown a weakness you could've otherwise missed, had it not happened. Now you can make plans so it never effects you drastically again, as other commentors have advised.

New Subscriber :-) What a lovely young man you are Brent. You are adventurous, funny, humble, respectful, hard working, and a genuine kind soul. I'm an old gal , born and raised in England. I have been fascinated by the old western days in America since I first arrived in 1985. How lucky we all are, to have YOU, who is so dedicated in preserving History, for all generations to come and see how the early settlers lived. What you are doing, is immensely admired and appreciated by so many people. You have countless wonderful messages. And I can bet, that folks will be talking about Brent Underwood, at Cerro Gordo Mines, for hundreds of years to come. Your video today, really touched our hearts. Henry Burro Schmidt, What an excellent example of determination, and never giving up. This is you Brent! You never give up, and you are a true example of strength for all of us. Take care of yourself, and keep doing what you are doing.

About five years ago my son and I walked through Burro Schmidt tunnel, it was awesome and appreciated all his work.

When I went through the Burro Schmidt tunnel 50-60 years ago, there was someone living in the house, perhaps a family member, not sure. And they collected a small admissions fee from visitors to tour the tunnel. The home was in good shape back then, but we weren't able to see inside. Was a fun adventure.

A fire and 2 washouts. If not for you and your perseverance it could have been the end of the line for Cerro Gordo. I hope my wife and I get to stay a night in the hotel someday.

Wow man! I just looked. You have 1.56m subscribers. You left everything behind to resurrect a ghost town to a historical town. The work you’ve done at that town. I think it shows the world that if you want something bad enough and are willing to put the work in. Anything is possible. I think,that inspires all of your followers and subscribers to love your work as much as you do. Keep up the great work you’ve done and are doing and are gonna do. Because of you is probably why that place hasn’t become a strip mine. Thanks man!!

Burro Schmidt was an absolute legend. Thank you for taking us along. Getting in his headspace was very interesting. He knew his goal, and he never gave up. Even when told his tunnel was pointless. Humans are fascinating. Beat of luck to you Brent, you got this!

I was born in Lonepine and for the first seven years of my life, Ridgecrest was my home. I've only been to Lonepine once, the day I was brought into this world. It's been at least 30 years since I visited Ridgecrest. I've got some plans, with just a little good fortune, that will include seeing Cerro Gordo myself in the future. Brent, do what you can. Don't let this world bring you down. I've often challenged my defeatest thoughts by saying "what else do you have to do?" and that usually turns off my want to go to my comfort zone watching videos on YouTube and doing absolutely nothing, all day. We can only do what's right in front of us at any given moment. God Bless. Have a good day.

I was concerned that with all the new people coming. Plus all the new construction, that you would become stressed. Your first videos of being alone, finding your peace. The solidarity of your walks to find the pieces of history for the store. The exploring the mines. You seemed so happy, peaceful with how things were. Don’t lose that part of you. It’s very hard to get back the peace and tranquillity of just being free.

This is why ditches exist. You desperately need a water management ditch on the side of the road, with a sloped and graded road surface, so water travels sideways and into the ditch. and not down the entire length of the road. The water needs to be taken down the mountain in the ditch. Not having a ditch is just going to cause a repeat of this over and over again.

Thank you for taking us to his cabin and through his tunnel.