I've Been Living In A Ghost Town For 9 Months!

I've been living at Cerro Gordo for 9 months! How crazy is that?
I came up here in March to socially distance and fill in for our caretaker. I thought I was packing for a few weeks. Boy was I wrong.
9 months later and this is my home now. Where I want to be when I'm not here. A lot different than my comfortable Austin apartment I left all those months ago.
There have been ups and downs for sure, but I've learned a lot along the way. I feel more comfortable and confident in the task at hand every day.
Thank you all so much for checking out these videos. I really enjoy sharing this place and interacting with everyone.
If you haven't already, PLEASE subscribe to the channel. That means a lot to me and helps get the Cerro Gordo word out there even more.
If you're interested in more behind the scenes photos, check out my Instagram: / brentwunderwood
Cerro Gordo T-Shirts and more: store.cerrogordomines.com/
I have a mailbox at:
PO Box 490, Lone Pine, CA 93545
Thanks for checking out this video!

[@GhostTownLiving]

Thank you for watching this video! What do you want to see next?

[@harryl9yearsago788]

I love this Chanel hi from Newcastle uk. Would love to stay sometime in the near future

[@islanzadi1]

I really wonder what u can find with a Metal-Detektor. I guess you can find dump-sites etc. Pretty easy.👌

[@bu_lai_ke]

Please make sure you do a long film for 12 months at Cerro Gordo 🥺👉🏻👈🏻 to celebrate a year in your ghost town

[@nald4782]

you not disappearing because you've started to take out supportbeams of an old mine... I'd like to see you find solutions for growing/raising food, building renewable energy stuff, planting loads of trees to re-green your valley, or improve your own home. Love to watch you do you thing. Keep save and sound

[@MikeInMexico]

Museum tour!!!

[@ViewtifulJoe86]

This has grown into one of the best KZbin channels.

[@flamingpotato]

true

[@radb0253]

I agree, a much needed break from the madness in the world atm 😎

[@sandyc6569]

👍

[@pikkemandcrew4807]

No the best

[@peggywilson9929]

I agree ❣️

[@papaedda]

An idea for a Cerro Gordo t-shirt : Cerro Gordo "It's all Mine..."

[@MainstreamDB]

👏

[@scott2296]

It could say "It's All Mine" and have a bulldozer flattening a building as the Sun sets.

[@williemarroquin2965]

"A Mine is a terrible thing to waste" 😄

[@papakarrbear3767]

“ I don’t mine this at all “

[@follow_no_society]

"I don't Mine Cerro Gordo... I dig it!"

[@MrEfreeman]

Have you ever thought of a vacation work experience, where people would come out and stay learn a new experience by helping build up the town

[@verlindaallen6299]

They could play a lottery type thing to win the luxury of going. Right

[@kamikazetm1835]

ill go fr

[@donefinished]

@@itsofficialb hahaha

[@cindari]

I was actually going to ask if it’s something I could ask if I could go and do with him for a week! It would be so fun! Hiking, working, treasure hunting- yessssss

[@randomvintagefilm273]

I'm sure there will be a lot of takers!

[@randomvintagefilm273]

It's amazing how generous people are. Sending him cat and goat treats and even a goat blanket! So nice

[@GhostTownLiving]

Yes! Agreed, this community is so kind.

[@piewacket1178]

@@GhostTownLiving What happened to the other 4 cats?

[@queentroller2865]

@@HellBent069 me too. I've never seen the other cats. Hopefully they were just too many so they were rehoused to the nearby town.

[@General_Confusion]

Isn't it amazing, that nowadays you can't find someone to drive a concrete truck up a hill. Yet 120 years ago everything in that town for 4 thousand people was carried up that same hill by mules?

[@reeferman69]

or made on site.

[@westenicho]

that road is accessible by large truck, you can see on Google that the road is more than adequate for bringing up a mixing truck. the reality is that companies simply don't want to do it, it's a lot of work and they can get easier jobs. more astonishing is the fee for the helicopter. this is but one reason why California is on the backside of its journey of greatness, the state is simply unaffordable and it's very difficult to grow anything there without an incredible amount of capital.

[@wheels636]

I just built a new cabin in Utah this summer. It's at 8150 feet up the mountain. The cement truck company was a bit nervous about driving up thd switch backs to get there. One company actually said they wanted to change a fee for going up the mountain. Luckily after the first trip the company I went with were fine with driving up the mountain. So I know what he's up against.

[@GhostTownLiving]

It really is. Maybe I should look into some mules.

[@joeythefoxxo]

@@GhostTownLiving Lmao maybe you should.

[@lubosbeneda8132]

Hey, civil engineer here, I have some advice with the concrete problem for you. 1) you can save some concrete by throwing stone in your concrete. just make sure the stones are not touching each other and the concrete will be still strong. Poure a layer of concrete, than put in the stones (5 - 30 cm sized stones are good) pour another layer on top, repeat. Don't forget to compact the concrete so there are no air pockets. 2) You don't need that much concrete if the supporting structure is made out of pillars. The pillar foundation needs a lot less concrete than if your supporting structure is made out of bearing walls. You should discuss this with the person who made your blueprints for the hotel. Tell him you need to use as little concrete as possible. 3) The rest of the structure should use as much wood as possible because transporting new material is expensive. Also, try to use as many local building materials as you can. You have a lot af stone and wood so try to utilize it. And if you will be building some roads you can pave the with flat stones you have on site plus some gravel beneath the stone. Hope this helps Sorry for my English, I am non-native speaker from Europe.

[@ginadelsasso288]

I think he wants a basement though and a beam and pillar home would not allow that. Only a crawl space.

[@lubosbeneda8132]

@@ginadelsasso288 The basement can be built from stone connected with mortar. This will take some time but it can be done in one person. I personally built a retaining wall on my garden with this method and it looks great. The basement will look beutiful and more historical if he decides to build it like this. It will save a lot of money and I am sure he will enjoy doing it. Altho, this method will require concrete foundation. Also, there must be a layer of hydro isolation otherwise the basement will be wet. (This applies for the concrete as well)

[@carlbox5130]

@@lubosbeneda8132 Not an engineer at all, but for a wooden structure would it need a concrete slab or could you use Gabions as foundations? The place is full of stone and steel cages would be so much easier to haul up a mountain.... like this; bristolgreenhouse.co.uk/site/foundations.html

[@lubosbeneda8132]

@@carlbox5130 Well yes, I geuss you could but normally it is not ideal but in this instance it may be the best solution. There could be a layer of gabions as foundation with a thin layer of concrete on top to falten the uneven gabion surface.

[@georgec2898]

Great Ideas. I like the advice

[@rebeccalucysmith9689]

Outhouses, I’d use them with the door open; “a poo with a view”. For the time capsule, take a photo of the view from there it could be so different when it’s dug up, and do label it, “a poo with a view”, in reference to where it was buried. 😀

[@joohoneybun]

haha i love this. he can totally do that because there's not a person around to tell him otherwise. LOL.

[@debbiejohnson7025]

I am a 62 year old woman. I have 3 grown boys about your age. I’m not that great with this KZbin stuff but I came across your KZbin Videos. I love them. I never liked history in high school because my teacher was literally a nazi!! Really! My Father was an Irishman and my grandfather was an Irish watchmaker/preacher who passed away on a large hill in Ontario Canada. He fell on the hill and died from a hematoma and left my grandmother alone. We lived in Detroit. My parents were from Ontario Canada. My father was born in Detroit because my grandparents were visiting there when my grandma went into labor with my dad. They returned home to Canada. When my dad turned 17 he was ordered to report to Detroit to be unlisted into the U. S. Army. On his 4th year of service he went on leave with 4 of his army buddy’s and they got stuck on a train track. He was in the middle of his two buddies in the back seat. He was the only one to survive the crash from the train that hit them. He was in a coma for three months. He was the best man I ever knew. He was my daddy! I had to bury him on July 13th 2019 from Alzheimer’s, He was a Christmas baby. I don’t know why I am telling you all of this. I think I love history a lot more than I thought. I love what you are doing. I just wish I was young enough to do it too. You said something in one of your videos, I cannot remember which one. About dying and not being afraid if you can just NOT be afraid? That made me feel so good. I hope you keep your town historically beautiful!! 👍😘

[@IWasBorn2Be]

I love your story! You’re not that old I’d say, you obviously still have to be catious!! But I say you do what you love that’s smaller. Like gardening or painting. But you should do what will make you satisfied with your life once you visit dad again :) I wish you, and your children, the best life ever. Cheris every moment with your family and spend more time with them. Have a great day

[@carlynfindlay5046]

Your story is great thanks for spending the time to write it.

[@veerani]

*62 years young

[@shaunacohn3205]

I’m 57 - 60 is the new 40 - don’t even mention your age although I think we do nowadays cause we aren’t supposed to be excited or even child like about life and living and doesn’t THAT suck!!

[@srevero1]

So very interesting.

[@musicmeetsheaven]

He is playing minecraft in real life - love it

[@ethansees4154]

Definitely came here looking for this comment. The mineshaft idea gave me some serious flashbacks 😂

[@civicisaye1]

I was thinking that during the mine explorations lol

[@1ute]

zoomer

[@rodneyg1989]

He found the End Portal, now to activate it!

[@Justdapperaf]

lol! i was thinking of minecraft w/shaders on after watching this.

[@joshuas.686]

I've never been so emotionally invested in a KZbin channel as I am with this. I hope you get that wood from the pharmacy in Lone Pine and bring it back to Cerro Gordo. Also, publish the music you use for the background music, it's good stuff. Cerro Gordo, and it's 2 centuries of history, rely on you now for preservation. Cerro Gordo is in good hands. I look forward to visiting one day.

[@tadcooper9733]

Its just feels like we're part of a wholesome adventure lol

[@Circlewisewoman01]

I second this!!

[@KimmyLambert]

I agree! I am so invested in this journey. I look forward to the videos every week and especially the monthly updates

[@GhostTownLiving]

Wow, thank you! That' means a lot. I hope you can make it out here sometime as well.

[@sccarguy8242]

Truth !!

[@bennybaldwin2627]

Brent - I'm a contractor in Colorado. I love the channel. I specifically do spray foam insulation which I think might be of interest to you, but I've got some concrete guys out here that are mountain dwellers who I've been talking to about this project. I've got some ideas and I'd love to have some email communication. Let me know where I can go to open that up.

[@bobeeshc2166]

I was thinking he could consider going to cinder blocks for the foundation, they can be dropped at the entrance of the 7 mile road and he can bring them in on a flat bed, and then only have to worry about the cement for the footings and then the mortar can just be brought in, in bags.

[@bennybaldwin2627]

@@bobeeshc2166 - i just asked on the 11 month video if his design is based on poured concrete or if it could be done with CMU.. If it's designed as poured concrete he could save a huge amount by switching to block. And that Is something much more manageable with the project.

[@bobeeshc2166]

@@bennybaldwin2627 It makes sense to me. I hope he reaches out to you for some dialogue,

[@retiredman]

Hi Brent please take the time to slope back all the walls of your trench going into to the omega mine . That looked very scary you standing down in there . I was a heavy equipment operation for over 40 years and I’ve done lots of trenching take the time and be safe.

[@Mr.Rogers91]

For the outhouse time capsule. An article from “The Great Toilet Paper Shortage of 2020”

[@mistressofskyrim.aka.court990]

Hahaha brilliant!

[@jennysjourney02]

Hilarious lol. And perfect.

[@GhostTownLiving]

Yessss. That's great.

[@bry1299guy]

Mementos from the crappiest year ever! Be sure to include a face mask and maybe some hand sanitizer!

[@exploringthetributaries643]

Add some TP too in case of future shortages.

[@williamrobertson6989]

Hey Brent, professional construction cost consultant here; Almost every cast in-situ concrete job can also be done in precast concrete. It is generally a bit more expensive than cast in-situ concrete for your typical accessible areas, however, yours is not a typical area and it will allay your concrete setting time issues. So you will be free to take your time, prepare the area well, and place them level. This will be MUCH cheaper than pulling in a chopper. This is likely your best bet. This does mean that you probably do not need the rebar you've ordered already, so act fast and chat to your engineer about this. Precast basement walls can be doweled into precast ground beams fairly easily. Just a bit of planning.. think Lego's :-) and you could potentially do this all with limited manpower and a portable crane. Some further ideas that could also save further cost, I have been involved with some high end projects and often the sites have some pretty awkward boulders on them. Rather than removing these boulders and filling them back up at a substantial cost, the engineer has often elected to leave them in place (if they are stable and right stone type) and make use of their inherent structural properties. What I am getting at, is IF you have and want to take the time, you could potentially unearth some large intact boulders, chip / grind them into usable structural elements / sizes and use these where practicable i.e. ground beams or perhaps some flooring slabs (which you can steel mesh and wet screed over later). You can even mould a piece of stone into a test block to make sure the stone type's permissible compression strength stacks up for your design. Disclaimer: Run all structural design changes past your engineer. You will need his sign-off for council approval and eventual 'habitation certificate' (whatever this is called in the US). Best of luck from the Middle East !! :-)

[@SamIsHereFella]

Very kind of you to help

[@quaaludes7898]

Great comment

[@caesaria]

what do you think of the bookshelf/secret mine entrance idea? seems like it might be hazardous.

[@williamrobertson6989]

@@caesaria it all seems a bit hazardous.. I suppose that's what keeps us coming back for more! :)

[@TheScrumtralecent]

"Superior wall" systems. I've built several large homes with them. I am on the east coast. Check them out zero concrete needed. And as the man said. The rebar isn't either. Walls up in 1 day!. Look em up. Smaller ones could be orded/ placed with the omega for rock fall protection.

[@collinmc90]

His energy is contagious. Makes me wanna get out and explore.

[@Camaromike]

My ancestors came from Wales , they were coal miners and ended up in the mountains of Utah working in coal mines. My great grandfather and grandfather worked a coal mine in a small town called Hiawatha that was at 8,000 feet. My father was born in that company town but never worked the mine as by the time he was old enough the company closed the mine and the family moved to Los Angeles. I remember hearing the stories from all the old relatives as I was growing up . I suppose it's why I find these videos so interesting. I was able to visit Hiawatha when I was 12 but there wasn't much left of it. It's a shame that someone like Brent wasn't there to save it. Good luck to him in his project and I look forward to the day that my wife and I will be allowed to visit his town.

[@exo7816]

I was just thinking a few large rocks and boulders might be a nice addition for the goats. I'm sure they'd have a great time climbing up and down on them. Please like so he sees the comment.

[@ifilia1398]

No

[@ifilia1398]

I'll like for the goats

[@madsnoop7]

RIP Rambro !

[@tebethblaker777]

I think there are enough rocks for the goats already. ~former goat wrangler

[@joohoneybun]

he literally lives in the mountains, there's plenty of rocks there for them.

[@wyattsmith1605]

random miner years ago: tosses bottle brent: TREASURE

[@GhostTownLiving]

random miner years ago: tosses *anything* me: TREASURE

[@NatalieJ22]

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure... quite literally in Brent’s case

[@indygraham4456]

Lol

[@Cheshireswords]

This comment wins

[@ScrtAznMn]

Try dusting thos Prince Albert cans for fingerprints. Might find they were all left by the SAME chain-smoking miner! Ha!

[@cindari]

Your pure joy in finding the bottles is EXACTLY how I feel when I find stuff like that!! I just smiled so big listening to you audibly grinning and sharing your joy with us.

[@comfortouch]

12:00 That 'back room' was likely a root cellar. I'm actually surprised you haven't found a bunch of root cellars. They are a great place to use those metal detectors, along with the entryways of each of the buildings.

[@matthewmoran612]

Brent, Cero Gordo is in a prime “dark sky” area (Death valley park), I think you would be remiss if you didn’t consider catering to the astronomy community, perhaps a future collab with astrobackyard!? I also wonder about the viability of some mountain bike trails, things that are low impact for the town but give people another reason to visit. Thanks for sharing you’re exciting journey with us!

[@jamiejudd7146]

Yes! That would be incredible!

[@loops3504]

Great point, Matthew....I just looked it up..Cerro Gordo is in a Bortle 2 Location...skies must be incredible up there.

[@yvonneadams9334]

My thoughts exactly

[@ridgecrestwack9746]

Buy him a telescope then.

[@procrastinationstation.9341]

Brent, talk to your state’s historic preservation office to see if you qualify for funding to conserve and restore, and maybe even become a historical landmark

[@eliantovar6955]

This is an excellent idea

[@procrastinationstation.9341]

@@eliantovar6955 thanks!

[@clickykbd]

I'd be careful with that. Historic site designation would also likely limit the amount of "improving" he could do up there. Would probably be limited to restoration only. And although it's obvious he is into restoration of CG, his methods may not jive with historic preservation rules.

[@j.t.6700]

Well then the state gets "say so" about your property. Air BnB

[@procrastinationstation.9341]

@@clickykbd it’s always okay to be cautious, but it’s also worth looking into. There’s no harm in researching the matter. I’ve done quite a bit of research and there are different types of treatments for historical sites, landmarks, and buildings, and landscapes. If you go to NPS.org (national park service) you can see all the info without even discussing it with any local or state officials. Might be worth looking into.

[@michaelmastro9382]

I have a huge feeling once you do overnight accomodations and once you're finished refurbishing everything and some activities, this place will be a destination vacation. Not just California or surrounding states, people will fly from all over. I mean it's amazing what you are doing and it's such a beautiful place, plus your passion. Amazzziinnnggggg.

[@richardjellis9186]

🤣😂🤣 you don't want to be mining underneath any of your outhouses, eh.! 🤣😂🤣. You'll have to be careful where you dig in future, and make sure you don't send your tunnels in their directions. 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂 Love the vids. Keep'em coming. Rich UK 🥰🥰🥰.

[@sanitychelle]

I remember watching the first video not long after you posts it, and thinking this guy is crazy, he's already walking at night in the snow on his own. Nine months later, this is one of the most positive and inspiring channels that I make sure to watch every Sunday. Can't wait to visit one day, love from NZ.

[@GhostTownLiving]

Thank you! That's really nice to hear. I feel I was a different bit of crazy then. Hopefully learning a few things along the way...

[@theteagues6792]

Re: Water.. I understand you have water available at the bottom of one of the mine shafts.. But too deep to pump up in one lift.. I have a suggestion.. Divide the lift up into about 100' lift increments.. Most rural residential submersible or deep well jet pumps can easily lift water more than 100'.. So.. install 200 to 300 gallon water tanks each 100' or so.. Install a pump to lift water into each tank from the previous tank below.. When the upper tank level gets low, its float switch triggers the pump below to fill it with water from the tank below.. Kind of the reverse of how the Romans used the decorative town center fountains to relieve the extreme over pressure delivered from the aqueducts Regards, Dennis

[@generalpublic3744]

I believe lead pollution is the problem with the deep mine water at Cerro Gordo.

[@theteagues6792]

@@generalpublic3744 well (no pun intended 8-), that would complicate things..

[@maxschon7709]

An other source for water is the snow - he should make a pond on the lower end of the town. With a plastic pond brane in it and push all the snow he can get into it.

[@gloffrey4968]

What a genius

[@maxschon7709]

@@gloffrey4968 It's no prefect solution but because there is no traffic, no pollution that water would be good.

[@kich6172]

Since you are by yourself on many of your excursions and will even explore mines on your own, I hope you keep a log in your house of where you are going before you head out. That way if anything happens, people will know where to start looking to help you. The log will also be a cool diary after some time.

[@wazza33racer]

I grew up in country Australia.........drove heavy trucks (road trains) all over Australia as a career. Then in 2010..........the most unlikely thing imaginable happened. I travelled 36 hours non stop, no sleep on my first trip outside Australia and landed in Tyumen, Siberia. It was a very powerful life changing experience. God has a plan for all of us, and when we find ourselves outside our comfort zone its so we can grow. You can get concrete mixer attachments that fit on powertrac/bobcat machines...........might be the best fit for your project.

[@ericlowenbach5151]

Hey, I've stayed up in the bunkhouse back when Robert was up there. It's been a couple of years. I was very worried when I heard someone bought the town. I thought it might be the end of Cerro Gordo. Now I see it's only the beginning of a new chapter. Thank you for all your passion and hard work! I want to be among the first to stay up there again once it's open. By the way, my user portrait (me in a cowboy hat) was taken in the hotel, in the card room, next to the bullet holes, wearing a hat that belonged to the hotel.

[@awarenessvillage]

Very cool!

[@nikkioshea4139]

Cool

[@TheScrumtralecent]

Very cool man.. I know that's not original with the other comments but hey appropriate.

[@tabernaclejones6115]

Womp womp

[@recovery116]

History is such a cool glimpse into our previous achievements..and pitfalls. To be present in those places is magical.

[@TheWarCorrespondent79]

Hey Brent, commented on a bunch of your videos, Im a young archeologist who founded one of my towns historical societies. The old historical society that I took over never did any archeology, so I started an archeological expedition all over my town. We have found over 5,000 pieces of pottery, bottles, personal items etc. I work in the rain, snow, sun, fall, cold or warm, Im out there almost five hours a day, and sometimes it is tiring. Watching you do this gives me extra inspiration to continue what Im doing! Love your channel, hope to meet you soon! Edit: If you’d like to see any content, please consider subscribing, some people in the comments have convinced me to post some footage 😊 hope by to see you guys there!!!

[@anthonyp2312]

Great job to you both in keeping history alive

[@TheWarCorrespondent79]

@@anthonyp2312 thank you! Also, would anybody here be interested in seeing a KZbin channel on my Archeological Adventures? Just wondering!

[@xSqueakyPeachx]

@@TheWarCorrespondent79 yes!!!!! Please start posting videos, that would be awesome

[@TheWarCorrespondent79]

@@xSqueakyPeachx Will do! I’ve got some footage from previous digs! How to see you there! I’ll try to put together a little something!

[@ramcharger9146]

I would love to come check your place at one day thank you for saving the history of that town I hate how the history is slowly being destroyed in the US and the whole world we need to start preserving a lot of this stuff

[@MPWEST83]

I would love to do all the things Brent does.. digging for bottles and other artifacts, salvaging old wood, restoring historical cabins... what a beautiful way of life..

[@bsoundlighting]

Another idea for you; You should build a *materials storage area* for all the wood and construction supplies you find and buy. Think of it as your own Cerro Gordo Hardware store!

[@michaelsiefert2498]

Found you by accident, a lucky one I’d say 😃 instantly subscribed! Thanks for your content!

[@sandyposey8074]

Man you had a busy month and accomplished so much! Thanks for taking us along! Love every video!

[@martinbizjack443]

You should really invest in a nice metal detector, imagine the coins and other finds you could fine! Keep up the great work, your story is inspiring!

[@charlieg1731]

Pretty good idea!

[@Circlewisewoman01]

Thanks for the idea!

[@GhostTownLiving]

Working on getting one and seeing what I can find!

[@Cneq]

@@GhostTownLiving I bet you would find a ton of stuff, if you get one make sure to show us what you find

[@metalchips]

@@GhostTownLiving Hey Brent, you should talk to some pros before buying. There's probably a lot of natural minerals in the ground that will make the detector go wild. I am in a similar situation with salt water. I bought a Fisher F22 and it's great in the woods but when I go to the beach it won't work in wet sand. I bought a minelab equinox 800 which is a multi frequency coil and can see through soil that disrupts the magnetic field. Talk to the guys at DigThatBeep (youtube channel and website), I've learned a lot from them and they hooked me up with the equinox.

[@931Stan]

If I could catch me a ride I would come out and work with you around the clock to get your town back in shape I am a retired maintenance man. love to to build things with my hands and put things back together the way it used to be back in the old days. If you ever need any help I am available to help out if I can just catch me a ride from Tennessee .P.S. bring my metal detector may find some hidden treasure .

[@dramaa.llammaa1436]

That’s amazing , I hope he sees this

[@Jen-sz9cq]

Would lv to go too. I have a car, but my physical conditions are limited. My Dad was a carpenter & we worked our butt off. As time passes, my whole life has been hard physical labor & a female, almost 60. Retired now, use to be electrician, emt, firefighter. Hope to see you soon, Wi out my friend!!

[@tmcgee1614]

@@rickobrien4025 my thoughts exactly.

[@shaunburton1112]

Dude this is awesome! so happy to see someone invest time into such a labour of love, i wish you all the success in the world and im sure your dream will become closer with every day you spend working on that gorgeous place

[@sandratweedale2579]

Fascinating as always. Please be safe out on those trails with your dirt bike. Thanks so much for bringing us along

[@_mush]

Please wear a helmet on the bike! It’s not a matter of if but when you will fall off and you don’t want to hit one of those rocks without one! Stay safe!

[@stephenwalker7381]

BINGO !

[@bennyfizzle]

SERIOUSLY, dude's a new rider clipping along a gravel road littered with brain-sized rocks at 50 in a beanie

[@aaronc7074]

@@bennyfizzle there is no way he is 50

[@GhostTownLiving]

I've got a helmet and goggles now! I was just a bit too antsy to get out and ride before those things came in the mail.

[@Rohkii]

@@GhostTownLiving I would also highly recommend even some cheap or used MX boots since its so rocky down by you, one wrong dump on your leg and you will wish you had them on.

[@sssmike35]

you should make a donation list from food to nails , screws and any other supplies u need for up there.. in the next few months i was thinking of heading out that way to check out a few 4x4 trails in the area..i would have no problem dropping off a few things you may need

[@GhostTownLiving]

Good idea and thank you so much. I wonder what the best way to have something like that digitally would be? So other people could access?

[@68camaro86]

Amazon wish list for some items?

[@ozzythebatman]

This is a fantastic idea!

[@alymshep]

You could place the list in the video description

[@MagneticName]

@@GhostTownLiving you could make a public excel sheet that people can see and not Edit and make it so people can check stuff off when they buy it for you, you could put up on website with a download / watch link if you have a website 😅 you could use the side to have multiple links and lists and information on every thing about you and the lifestyle of owning a mine and information about staying and visiting and everything you want on it 👍 PS i really love your videos man! You are an amazing person living in every boys dream I think 😅👌

[@TYNEPUNK]

private mine from the cabin, that is so genius, stock it with wine too.. man i am totally binging on your channel and telling everyone I know. I love it!!!.. I wonder if you could build a kind of swimming pool in the private mine haha.. keep up the good work man im from uk but I live in taiwan, and I watch your channel every day.

[@jcezary]

Hey Brent, just discovered your channel a few days ago and I'm awestruck. Subscribed immediately and I've been watching your videos with great interest. It is fantastic that you have found your home. Life is full of mysteries and adventures and you have found a big one. Watching your enthusiasm and love is great for the heart and soul. Thank you and all the best on your quest.

[@blackrockbuilders3254]

Thank you for always sharing not just the history, but your own thoughts on being up there and unplugging from your old life. Not many people are brave enough to leave everything comfortable and start something so unknown. We are a family who has done the same and we have no regrets. No guts, no glory ;)

[@Jen-sz9cq]

True, I love how Brent tells us the thoughts of his mind. So peaceful & real!!

[@GhostTownLiving]

Amazing! Thank you. Congrats on making the jump.

[@WasatchWind]

The Omega is found! It really is like Indiana Jones! You were digging in the wrong place! 😄

[@GhostTownLiving]

Right above it! Now, to get in...

[@blaneycrabbe3390]

I'll bet that the 'people' in town are 'getting to know' Brent by now! ! ! LOL

[@maxschon7709]

@@GhostTownLiving Like archeologists say - if you find nothing you have to dig deeper !!!

[@wootdoo]

This is absolutely amazing please keep us updated. If i was healthy enough and didnt have family to be around for id be right there with ya bud

[@ashleywyatt9477]

Bro! What you said about "I feel like I finally came home" it made me cry! That right there is why I'm coming out there! It's crazy to say, but it really feels like cali is calling to me! Calling my heart and soul out there!

[@calebtot]

Hey buddy, I have a suggestion for getting your concrete up to town. I've worked in the cell tower industry for a good number of years and have seen some pretty creative solutions for getting concrete on top of mountains in remote areas. The trick is to get a concrete truck to the furthest point up the road that they're comfortable going ( a gravel road isn't bad at all unless you're dealing with switchbacks, high angles, or rock crawling type terrain). Then you need a convoy of as many loaders, skid steers, or dump trucks with concrete buckets as you can to alternate between the concrete truck(s) and your foundation. You need to figure out the timing so that you won't have multiple concrete trucks waiting behind one another. Proper timing is so so so important. If the distance is too far and it takes too long, the concrete is obviously going to dry out in the loader buckets and/or go bad in the concrete truck at the base. I'd recommend reaching out to cell tower contractors throughout Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, California, Washington, or Oregon. These contractors are often hit or miss but if you can find someone who is solid and has good experience getting concrete to remote places you may be surprised with some of the creative and ingenious solutions they can present. I've never been at the helm of an operation like this but I've seen it done during inspections I performed. Also, from what I've seen your access road is an absolute piece of cake compared to many of the roads that cell tower contractors have to deal with. If a 2WD vehicle can make it up (even with great difficulty) you should be absolutely fine with 4WD loaders.

[@jamespierce9181]

I have a cell tower on my remote property I completely agree with this

[@uus4938]

There's also a cell tower visible above the ghost town.

[@TonyClift0n]

in case the road won't allow larger trucks to get to the site I guess taking packed in bags concrete is the best solution that will not only save your money but also is not that much high demanding in terms of management as well as good weather etc.. since all the process will span over longer time you can take adventage of nice weather for delivering the packed up concrete to the site and then if the weather gets worse afterwards, you can simply wait for the better conditions and pour concrete in foundations just in the perfect moment. I see you have plenty of storage facilities. I suppose you can also save tens of percent of amount of concrete when you will add some stones in the foundations. You're literally surrounded by stones and you pay nothing for it

[@uus4938]

This is a great idea for "budget off-grid concrete". I believe your videos detailing the design and construction of your "apocalypse shelter / hotel" will be very successful - the most truly American act ever is building a survival bunker, and should net a lot of subscribers and patrons. Wish you the best; great channel!

[@alisonlee4386]

Ahh I really hope he sees this! If not maybe there's a better way of contacting him

[@StealthyCactus1]

I lost my job in the second lockdown in the UK (around 2 months ago) and I stumbled across this channel a few days in. I've gone back and watched every episode, recommended so many friends to watch, and genuinely lost myself in this content. Thank you for making a terrible year that much brighter.

[@djscheppy]

hang in there, man. hope next year is better for you.

[@theblessedkabir8706]

Hope you gets the job you deserve and put the food on the table to your family! Love from India man. Feeling the feel cause I have been there! Not lost due to lockdown but for other reasons.

[@Balaganbetty]

Sending you lots of hope for a new year snd a new season for you!!

[@nishaansandhu9227]

Oh, man! You’re such a grounded, wildly intelligent and deep working visionary. So awesome that you’ve been cutting in new roads while your concrete solution finds it’s way to you. Beautiful place and incredible life. Love what you shared about being there before.

[@sherrywhite1457]

What you are doing is truly amazing!!!

[@outthasky]

Enjoyed the Frankl quote, “What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him. What he needs is not the discharge of tension at any cost, but the call of a potential meaning waiting to be fulfilled by him.” Viktor Frankl, in Man’s Search for Meaning (1946)

[@Kylie-hq2yk]

I remember finding this channel when it had 3 videos. Its been amazing watching this past year seeing the growth and passion put into bringing this ghost town to life. Have a wonderful holiday Brent! I hope you relax and enjoy the end of an incredible journey of a year! 🇨🇦

[@GhostTownLiving]

Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful holiday as well...

[@paulopereira6996]

Same here!

[@SinMore]

@@GhostTownLiving did you feel the earthquake last summer?

[@pjmiller8632]

We've become quickly addicted to your channel! So amazing what you're doing with your little town. We look forward to staying at your hotel when it's rebuilt one day. Hoping your kittens are doing well? We went through the kitten stage too, and can't imagine having 7. So great though. Were they born on site? I bet some local vets who might also be fans could check on them and give them their necessary shots to keep them healthy, and happy. Stay safe up there, and know we're all routing for your success! Thanks for the great updates! 😊

[@Ronwixziv]

You appear to be a rich man who was burned out by city living. You seem to also have carpentry skills, and for all of your "solitude" you still appear to be well connected with the world at large. Your effort is admirable. I wonder who all you needed to speak to in order to live where you do and not be considered a "squatter". God bless you in your efforts. I'm betting that you will be the "mayor" of your "soon to not be a ghost town" considering just how much assistance you appear to be receiving. Kudos Sir. Kudos.

[@xAwesomeGameplay]

He’s not a squatter because he owns all of it.

[@Ronwixziv]

@@xAwesomeGameplay Then my guess was correct. A rich man burned out by city living. Still admirable.

[@burrowgroves]

@@Ronwixziv from what I understand he’s not rich, an average guy, but was able to invest his entire savings and find several other investors as well. Notice he has to be really careful with his spending in building this back up - his resources are limited I think.

[@56932982]

Suggestion: Get a composting toilet. It can be used in house. Much more comfortable than an outhouse.

[@sydneysimon4999]

Yes good idea! Then maybe you can get a vegetable garden going as well :)

[@Swisshots]

And no needs of water at all !

[@sydneysimon4999]

@J We've actually been doing it for thousands of years properly! With enough time, heat, mixing and proper organic layering, composting with human waste can definitely be done. Add some of those red wigglers in and your really cooking. The pathogens that make you sick are also in cow manure.

[@adeletaylor6143]

He doesn't even pretend he doesn't have a favourite cat and goat.... TOOFFUUUUU

[@6tht9one6kiddoe9]

Your videos of your progress inspire me so much, not just in building the town but growing and learning as a person! I love your content, it puts me in a peaceful mood and bring great joy 😌

[@bobabatunde]

It's been such a joy binging your channel to catch up to your present day experiences. But I'm taking my time, and enjoying your journey shares so very much. And have to say, this is singly one of the most engaging, entertaining and inspiring videos I've ever seen on KZbin. You are a true inspiration, and I wish you all the continued success once could possibly wish onto someone. Keep the faith. Rewards beyond comprehension on so many levels will continue to rain down upon you.

[@pat9346]

Imagine a greenhouse on the property and growing your own food, that would be awesome

[@fireblade2681]

I think the problem is that there is hardly any rain fall and he has no running water to irrigate.

[@daniels.8894]

He could build a water reservoir and do some farming in a greenhouse. Also some trees that are good for the altitude would be great to be sowed.

[@daniels.8894]

@@fireblade2681 What about a Solar-Powered Moisture Harvester ?

[@daniels.8894]

Or Solar Power / Wind Power in general.

[@fireblade2681]

@@daniels.8894 I was thinking when he said he had no running water that he should do rain water harvesting. He has some big buildings, surely he'd be able to get a good amount of water. I dunno, he said something to the effect of it's been tried before and it's not feasible, he didn't go into any more detail. He seems to get snowfall in the winter so I dunno why it's a non starter. He could do some aquaponics and recycle his water. He definitely has a lot of land but the soil quality looks very poor. It'd be nice if he took a passion for regenerating the land. As much as it's a beautiful landscape it's also a desolate wasteland suffering from decades of human abuse.

[@constantcomment1954]

Since you have no light pollution, it would be great if you did time lapse videos at night for comets. It will make the place attractive for star gazers, also. TY for the xmas videos, amazing!

[@derekcollins1972]

Exactly.Few places left without light pollution.

[@WheezinGeezerTV]

I love when you find a new (to me) channel that somehow made it's way to my feeds and I click on it. Sometimes it's a quick back out gracefully, and others you find an adventure. I found adventure, and purpose in your video. And earned my sub in your first shot. Can't wait to see more, and I will.

[@ashleywyatt9477]

I love how much you love that town and all of the love and passion you are putting in to it!

[@randomrainforest]

this is better than any netflix show

[@_potatodude_542]

Always one of the best parts of my week! I find everything about this channel so interesting, and you do an amazing job showing its great history! The "wild west" as one might call it, has never been one of my biggest interests throughout history, in fact not so much about the whole 1700-1900 time period interests me, but this has gotten me so extremely into this whole time period that I just can't get enough! Thank you for a great program, heres to many more years to come of Cerro Gordo's infinite history!

[@colinvanful]

i fully agree i just love him diging up old crap too :)

[@GhostTownLiving]

Thank you! There is quite the history here! Hopefully each week I can uncover and share a bit more...

[@lyleou]

That looks so awesome,I think your so lucky to be away from all the noise and bs of the city life,I'm very jealous,so keep making tons more vids,so we can live through you.stay safe!

[@ToxaJart]

Wholesome content! Thank you for sharing!

[@breakfastsausage]

Hey Brent! You should do some research about the legend of the lost sunken ship beneath the owens lake, filled with silver! Could be a fun video idea!

[@lrose1310]

Treasure hunt? Heck yes!

[@reeferman69]

ship? treasure? yes and yes.

[@360VideoDesign]

Did he ever follow up on the other map he found?

[@HRRRRRDRRRRR]

"One of the pictures, Enderle said, clearly showed the hull of a ship and an intact silver cargo. Unfortunately, the photo didn’t provide fixed coordinates to help in pinpointing the exact location." Well apparently someone took a series of aerial images with an IR camera back in the 80's and found it, if that's actually true then it would be easy as hell to find it these days.

[@why3011]

@@HRRRRRDRRRRR shhhhhhhh

[@rizzomike1]

Don't throw away those small pieces of timbers from the mine, have them made into some sort of furniture

[@goldenbanjo197]

Man I would love to come out there and run the metal detector for treasures. Such a cool spot with so much history. I live in New Mexico ( but I’m from California originally) and that place reminds me of a lot of the old mining towns out here. Very cool that you got the opportunity to take this on.

[@hannahcarrington5913]

You are living out your purpose and It’s so beautiful to see, I want to live out my purpose, your videos make me smile!

[@j.indanight]

i love how long this episode is. i feel like i’m watching netflix

[@apancher]

I was just thinking about how I look forward to waking up Sunday mornings and watching these videos with a cup of coffee.

[@fairweatherfoundry715]

BRENT PLEASE READ!!! You can build your foundation out of concrete block and fill it solid with grout and reinforce with rebar. It will be as strong or stronger than a poured foundation. You can slowly stack block yourself after training, or hire a mason. It is much easier to haul block as well. Take it wherever you want. Block foundations are used precisely for this purpose in many circumstances. It may require reapproval of the plans but it may be worth it.

[@GhostTownLiving]

Thank you! I tried to explore this, but the amount of concrete to pour the floor would still require a truck, so we'd end up in same place? Unless there is another option in doing the floor?

[@madalynthompson2989]

You have a lot of rock. You can do rock walls and floor!!!! Less concrete needed and all the rock = free material. Check out videos on making rock basements!

[@mattanderson278]

Look into stacked stone basements. and stone floors. It uses a lot less concrete and you have the stone on hand plus it would be more historically accurate. You can also make mixers out of 55 gallon barrels.

[@jasoncanon7311]

@@GhostTownLiving Brent do some research on natural foundations, and using materials you already have...... Maybe you can make something work.

[@frazjuno3708]

@@GhostTownLiving don’t give up you’ll find away!💪

[@rodneyg1989]

Wow man, This is amazing! So amazing I cant barely grasp the whole concept of how and why you ended up here this is just mind blowing! Just thinking about what it would be like to do this and be there doing what your doing, its crazy to think about! Keep the good work up and, I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos!

[@silentwhispers1116]

You are now my favorite channel your amazing!!!! This is incredible what a blessing all this history..so cool

[@WilliamHenryRoll]

About the bottles and other fragile items: they should be displayed in a more secure place on account of possible earthquakes. Also, do you keep a daily journal?

[@GhostTownLiving]

Agreed! I just had them there for staging. I'll bring them on a more secure shelf. Luckily earthquakes *haven't* moved around too much up here before, but you really never know.

[@nah7036]

Id never thought a guy up a mountain with some goats would motivate me as much as you do ...

[@dellsiecosplay]

This is the first video of yours I've seen and this is such an amazing project!! I can't wait to see more as your project progresses!!

[@kgoogins]

I have enjoyed watching the restoration of this mining town. Sending thoughts and prayers for the coming years.

[@SF-me3ok]

This is my favourite series at the moment :)))

[@GhostTownLiving]

Thank you! That means a lot.

[@three6ohchris]

You keep doing what you're doing with this channel, Brent, and you'll have more than enough money to rebuild the hotel and the rest of the town. There are KZbinrs that make millions from their channels, and I think you'll be making plenty yourself, and it will be well deserved. Just keep plugging away and we'll keep watching!

[@rosslynscowen1614]

Hi from New Zealand. Your place is beautiful. I love your videos, history and your life there, It's amazing. Thank you.

[@andreasglasser]

I'm lying on the couch curing a herniated disc and enjoying your videos. What you do is so inspiring and wonderful. Your spirit are incredible :) Take care of yourself in them mines.

[@JayCray421]

There is seriously a lot of potential in putting in mountain bike trails. Definitely a market for mountain bike parks.

[@cvbattum]

As long as you don't place any lifts or stuff that ruins the landscape...

[@traceysandow3032]

@@cvbattum y😛😤 guy h0⁰h90y the guy Hugh GG to y9y tbh g⁹g⁹yg⁹hhhghg⁹gh😃🌴🥀🍆🧄

[@traceysandow3032]

@@cvbattum s

[@SarahS-wp8cy]

That purple medicine bottle you found is so cool! Those are the types of bottles I usually collect. Fun fact, any purple bottles you find typically were clear bottles back in the day. Magnesium in the glass interacts with sun/heat and turns purple with age. If you leave it in sunlight it will turn a deeper purple! Happy hunting 😁

[@blaneycrabbe3390]

The medicine bottle that you found was probably 'Laudenum'. Who knew ? lol

[@TopoPilot]

God, I love this channel! You're one of the most inspiring characters I have ever watched on youtube. Your story is remarkable and you have a knack for film making.

[@williamshaffer9216]

The combination of the beautiful views, beautiful.music, and your voice make for such a tranquil video. Great Job!!!

[@Coolnventions]

That mine with the secret bookshelf is such a genius idea

[@nullvektor9922]

Until you get dragged from your bed by cave monsters in the middle of the night.

[@51Bonzai]

@@nullvektor9922 LOL!

[@Theone0611]

Some philosophy, history, exploration, adventure, development, on and on and on!!! This is one of the best channels I have come across in recent memory!!! I hope there’ll be enough ppl willing to donate and maybe pour some concrete for the American hotel base.

[@GhostTownLiving]

Thank you! I try to mix in what I think about / do each day. I appreciate the note!

[@dmanduff9108]

Brent, your words and actions are so inspirational! You're truly showing the beauty that is capable of being achieved in this world. Thanks, man.

[@rondp86]

Just bumped into your channel today and amazed how gutsy and driven you are! I can't wait for your goals to turn into fruition. Keep going and stay safe! Much respect from me all the way from the Philippines! Godbless!

[@SF-qu3fw]

Re: Hotel ... Just a suggestion: Try looking from a more practical and affordable viewpoint for the terrain. I would suggest leveling of the basement site. Then use cinder block construction for the foundation walls. As fas as for the basement floor, paving slabs/bricks can be laid to meet the flooring need. Cinder blocks and slab/brick floor can be sealed with inexpensive epoxy resin to prevent moisture and radon penetration as well as add smoothness to the surfaces if deemed necessary. This would be cost effective, easier to transport supplies, and much less labor than a huge cement pour. Adjusting your vision from less of a high rise construction view, to more so of a low rise wood framed hotel view may provide you solutions. Think out of the box.

[@haydencarlson2861]

isn't that less durable though?

[@SF-qu3fw]

@@haydencarlson2861 Good question, No, it is not less durable, that is a misconception many people have. He is wanting a foundation for a wooden structure of five or less stories in height. Cinder block construction is an extremely common method of construction still used today in many applications from homes to multi level commercial structures. A properly constructed cinder block foundation with a brick floor will far outlast any wooden structure sitting upon it, probably by centuries. Prior to the 1970s, cinder block foundations were the norm. Nearly every non high rise structure was built with a masonry cinder block foundation. While a properly poured wall wins for lateral strength, the cinder block wall built correctly beats out a poured wall for compression strength. Meaning it can hold more weight on top of the foundation. For this reason, a cinder block wall foundation is often the choice of engineers and architects for such structures. The smaller amount of concreted needed to fill the blocks can easily be transported to the site and can easily be mixed by hand. Both types of walls should be reinforced with steel rebar. This helps strengthen any type of foundation. One benefit of a concrete block wall is that the concrete is already solid at time of construction. Poured walls have to cure onsite and sometimes can lose some strength in the process if spalling occurs. No matter which type of foundation he decides on, he must make sure to install a proper waterproofing system. No foundation, poured or blocked , will be any good if it isn’t waterproofed. I would suggest he researches the dynamics of a block foundation.

[@SmittySahn]

Now that you've 'scratched the surface' and cleared that road, that would be a perfect place to metal detect. I would love to come up there and spend a week or many, metal detecting all over that place. Can't even imagine what treasures would be buried up there. :D

[@ScootsMcPoot]

That would be a good selling point for him when he tries to get people in the hotel

[@marcushume2240]

Brent your self determination and hard work with everything you do for your goal of bringing life back into this town is positive. Never give up on your dreams. I am really happy to have come across your Chanel. It is number one. Thank you for sharing. Canada.

[@olilyndale]

Such a lovely opening section to this video :) Congrats on all your hard work and commitment

[@gonzobtrappin1911]

I am a long time bottle collector. You need to hammer that dump. You could find 1 whiskey or bitters bottle that could sell for thousands of dollars. Some of the most valuable and sought after bottles came out of San Fransisco.

[@chucklebutt4470]

Oh, man!! My cat heard the sound of the temptations bags and came running so I had to give him some!! 😂

[@dankone3]

Sure

[@simonw0131]

: 3

[@brandonduryea1681]

recently started watching and i love this guy i dug up bottles at my childhood home from a medicine wagon the homestead was 1918 but the origonal onw was older i plan on visiting for a few nights hope fully soon you are a amazing guy Brent keep up the good work you are an insperation to me

[@Irish420Artist]

Iv waited and waited to here you found the omega! lol glued to the computer. Congrats. Damn I cant wait to visit CA, and hopefully stay here.. That view for the picnic table, would be dope camping pad as well! waking up to the view in a tent......priceless