Hurricane Hilary Destroyed Our Road…Now What?

[@GhostTownLiving]

These are all amazing suggestions! Thank you! A few things that factor into all road repairs: 1) the road is a county owned/maintained road. So any changes has to be approved by the county and go through the whole government process. 2) the road location was picked and developed in the 1860s when the town was a boomtown. I cannot change the location of the road because it's surrounded by government land. 3) the 'back road' you see is more than 30 miles to get to town, instead of the normal 8. That road also goes through a National Park which there would be extreme approval process to do anything. 4) my goal with this repair was just to make the road passable for as cheap/quick as possible. I know it isn't the permanent solution, but the best we could do with 3 days or so... Thank you all so much for all the thoughts on all these challenges here. They are greatly appreciated!

[@StadiaDispatch]

If SoCal Edison is having issues with their poles, which is more of a constant issue, is it possible for you guys to coordinate on fixing the road going up the hill and moving the power lines so they are easier to access and not require a helicopter every time to repair the lines if there is an issue? Also if they're doing that, you might want to contract with a local ISP to pull fiber up the hill. I'm sure the entity running the macro site on the top of the hill would like the opportunity. Cool thing would be you could lease dark fiber and have camera systems built along the road if you want to go all out.

[@JaclynMarston]

You can only control how you respond!!! Great attitude Brent. This town is as strong as your attitude towards it, don’t worry too much about everyone’s penny advice. They need to show up with a shovel next time!

[@staretimecomics]

Man, what a big video! Four days of strenuous work edited down. Brent, you make it look easy. Always glad to be subscribed. Great content.

[@theladytech]

Please look into using a rammed earth type mix for the road. Use the local dirt. This was the old school way of paving roads. Check out www kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqOne4meocR-otU for poured earth concrete road

[@theladytech]

Sand batteries can be used to hold your backup power. Solar can be donated by viewers. I would love to consult for you for free of course. I have plenty of off grid ideas in mind that would keep you guys up and running. 💙

[@MRBenchwork]

The solution to your road problem isn't adding something, it's removing the excess rock. Modern technology will allow you to break the ridges of the rock away (large excavator with a breaker) allowing the bedrock to be the road. This means even if there's a big storm event the road should still be passable.

[@faustinpippin9208]

and then even it out with concrete cry once about the cost and dont worry about the road for rest of your life

[@Coldfire840]

You 2 stole my idea... I was gonna say chip down the highs and fill in the lows with material that won't wash away... I'm sure storm run off stranding the mine was a contributing factor that compiled with the others... its been a while since i have heard that topic discussed

[@tinolichtenberg6635]

Was thinking about that, too. But it should be a combination of removing an adding. Adding dirt will only help you until the next rain. But adding rocks of different sizes will build a stable basis and bridge the big steps, and dirt will only fill the spaces. On the next rain, only the filler will go, but the rocks remain and can easily be filled again.

[@Martin_Koepl]

Nope, drainage is the solution. Keep the water off the road.

[@SarahKchannel]

Exactly my thought too, a rock breaker or even blasting where needed.

[@zanjero]

If ever there was someone who needed to aquire a D8, it was you. On the bright side, it's wonderful to see a lake in the background.

[@BrianOConnorPT]

UK Based Senior Civil Engineer here specialising in Highways for the last decade: Have a look at the byproduct of the steel industry, PFA pulverised fuel ash - blast furnace slag, it can be infused into sub-base still allowing water permeation but tends to bond together rock hard, we use it precisely on haul roads around open cast mines and quarries and also in early stages of highway construction. It is very heavy duty, don't ask me about the chemistry behind it but it does keep together very well. I can shoot a few specifications your way if you need, not so sure about DoT standards that side of the pond but I'm sure it does rain a lot more here in Wales than it does there.

[@joshtolleson1926]

I remember when your first video dropped and I distinctly remember thinking this knucklehead just bit off more than he could chew. I honestly thought you would disappear after a few videos. But the interesting thing is that instead, we watched you grow as a person. Nobody in their right mind would have done what you did. Watching you take one on the chin repeatedly, yet get back up and ask for some more has been an inspiration for many people, including me. You almost broke several times, but each time you got back up and just kept going. As I watched this video, it was awesome thinking back how far you have come. 3 years ago it would have been hard seeing you on a tractor tackling the road. Even last year you almost broke when the road washed out. Your becoming a gravitational force and your pulling people in to make this something much more than a individual dream.

[@GhostTownLiving]

Oh wow. Thank you so much. That means a lot. It’s been a journey and I do feel like I’ve grown a lot and its nice to hear it’s visible. Not always forward but trying generally to head in that direction!

[@KennethStone]

Ya, I agree. After the hotel burned down, I thought "oh, he's a goner now. He's wasting away to nothing". But now? Brent looks so plucky! "Mother Nature, here I come!"

[@joshtolleson1926]

@@GhostTownLiving any direction is better than no direction. You got this!

[@rawdognasty666]

beautiful

[@The_Cali_Dude_88]

Drive it up backward with the stringer to help push

[@travisputman11]

Hey Brent. I told my dad who was a civil engineer about this and this was his response "The road will probably always be a problem. Basically, he needs rock-lined ditches along the sides of the road, and wherever the wash crosses the road he needs to pave the road with concrete so floods can go over it without damaging it. And he may need culverts alongside the road where it is too narrow for roadside ditches. All this would work for most smaller storms, but a big one like he just had will still do lots of damage. All it takes is cash."

[@redbustourguide]

Well said Ive lived in the Mojave most of my life and Flash floods of this degree happen quite often far from abnormal and far from the last time this will happen. Winter is coming.

[@weinerdog137]

Sounds right

[@M.TTT.]

I feel like this road has been washed out 3 or so times already lol

[@Beregorn88]

that would be the solution for normal roads. The ones not built in the bed of a torrent...

[@jayray5995]

@@Beregorn88 It's in "the bed of a torrent" because of a total lack of drainage and shoring up of the road. By now with the amount of times he's had to repair the road, combined with the cost overruns and delays he's incurred because of it, he could have probably saved himself some money if he had worked with the county on day one to improve the road to a paved surface with some drainage, or at least something beyond loose fill. Honestly one of the problems I see them continuing to make is it looks like they're not even compacting the fill, they're just dumping loose sand and other highly porous materials unto a "road" and calling it a day, maybe flattening it out with the shovel of an excavator. By doing that he's leaving large voids that collect water during storms and saturates the soil, making it more prone to sliding given the grade it's on. Even just compacting the fill and using something besides highly porous sand would save them some headache during smaller storms. I applaud them for the work they're putting in, but they're making it a lot harder on themselves than it has to be.

[@Cojiii1959]

I feel the real challenge living in a ghost town is they were only ever built with temporary residence in mind. All those that built these towns knew that sooner or later the gold, silver etc.. was going to run out. Kudos to Brent for taking on this life changing challenge and for being an excellent caretaker of the property and preserving history before it all was gone by looting, natural destruction or destroyed by idiots. Cerro Gordo couldn’t have a better person looking out for her.

[@freeaudiojungle4407]

shouts out to the fire

[@aimeeinjapan6575]

My husband and I got HAM (amateur radio) licenses and antennas on our car as well as home --- great for when there is no cell service and no electricity for communication. Maybe you guys can radio in and out. Thank you for sharing--truly inspiring! I love your community.

[@TheSSoSS]

Hi Brent, I see alot of comments here and a lot of helpful ideas, Having lived in similar terrain in Nepal and the Himalayas, and the European Alps I have seen the same scenarios after monsoon and summer storms, so can safely say , the best methodry for you to do a more perm. fix is GABIONS...essentially loose stones in wire mesh boxes you construct yourself..., in effect you need to make a 'leaky dam' at the sections where the waters collide and flow most like rapids to slow that water down as much as, and maintain as much silt/ finer particualte capture and retention as possible, and alter the terrain at the path sides to diver the water , you'll need a rock breaker adapted back hoe to splice and break apart the roadside rocks that create the narrows and rapids and this will also provide you with your base layer, larger materiel. If you can, utilise as much flat bedrock as possible, not covered with fine grade materials, then in-fill areas with gabions and large stones/rocks, then keep adding on top in finer and finer gradations untill infilled where there are greater terrain level shifts, then and only them do you add the shales, then gravels, then grits then sands to infill all the smaller gaps and holes - I thought all this would happen again to you after watching last years repairs, when the county repaired the rd for you by only dumpin all those sands and grits onto the pathway to create a new level bed..it didnt prevent the problems reoccurance and was bound to happen again at the next big washout....its a massive job but with logistics, planning, grit gumption determination and TIME, chipping away each section by section like you know and do so well!!! , in a month youll have it all done, and it will LAST more than one season or year...so todays word is Gabions, they are also needed to fringe the rd edges as well to stop more loose material washdown from the sides, and they can also be arranged as you like to make the needed culverts and storm drainage without blasting away at the bedrock...then you can employ dry stone walls and rock rows in all the mini rivulets and gullies to again create water slowing leaky dams to prevent fast flowing erosive water flows and washing down of more loose material - hope this helps fella! love from a long time subscriber watcher from the getgo! ;) 100% behind you and your crew& always rootin for ya! :)

[@willmorgan1942]

This is great advice!

[@anitaa5452]

YES gabions!!! Start high and work your way down to the valley.

[@arian1887]

This will probably work the best of the comments i've seen, the bedrock gives enough opportunity's to anchor the nets into place. And you can even add a toplayer of smaller rocks in netting for a better driveable surface. I would however keep te sections that are now exposed open to the elements and fill out the parts that cant be treversed, anything that hasn't been carried away by the flash flood probably wont be affected in a following event.

[@w6qd]

@southside-of-sunset suggestion(s) is probably one of the better postings to remediate Cerro Gordo's main road maintenance issue(s). What did Dr. Einstein stay: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Brent is up against an herculean task to keep his road accessible to the public. I've been going into the Saline Valley for 30+ years to the warm springs, which is located directly east of Cerro Gordo (view his Salt Tram video). I've come in via the North Pass, South Pass, Steele Pass, and Lippincott, and I have watched all those locations wash out on a consistent basis at one time or the other. The most economical and field expedient repair method is what Brent and Inyo County are implementing by placing easily accessible sandy soils to fill in the low spots, which are easily erodible by storm runoff. My only advice is to "bite the bullet" and start implementing more "permanent" (relative term here) repairs, starting in the worst locations and branching out from there. What others have suggested is too expensive and not really feasible for Brent to take on. FWIW, I've been living on a "dirt" road since 1989, and it washes out about every ten years. In my next life I "ain't" going to live on no stinking dirt road.

[@techman8817]

That’s a smart idea for their situation.

[@keepitsimpleson.withrogers7028]

As a retired general contractor from Northern California, I agree with the idea, of using the bedrock as the road. Even with out a hammer hoe, you having blasting capabilities will help. Keep going Brent

[@jacobdionne4334]

Even just bringing in a larger stone base would help tremendously with both drainage and preventing washout. Getting creative with some breakwaters would help too.

[@boblatkey7160]

OK so then what is your solution when an inch of rain happens and thousands of cubic yards of dirt and boulders roll off of the mountains down onto your "bedrock road"? 😂

[@jacobdionne4334]

@@boblatkey7160 that would happen with the current road. Regardless there will be cleanup but avoiding the creation of huge ruts and washouts is the point.

[@macking104]

problem would probably be getting permits and EIR from state, county, feds for the blasting…

[@sovietmoose5624]

@@boblatkey7160 You keep sayiing this but act like the other road doesnt have that same problem. Also no the primary problem with that road aint debris coming into the wash, its the road washing out. Moving a big rock is easy, moving tons of dirt isnt.

[@jamesblond150]

Thats a really nice view of Owens Lake from your patio. Good to see so much water in it- a positive side to all the rain.

[@kenwalker1111]

HEY TOYOTA! Send this man an endorsement contract and a TRD PRO! Nice work Brent...your optimism is unbelievable. Truly inspiring.

[@thorstenwolters9025]

I am very happy and proud that my great-nephew was with you and restored the road. Hey Avery, well done. Your uncle from Hamburg!

[@deirdrepasko9965]

That's such a nice thing to say! Honoring your nephew like that! You're a Great, great-uncle! Hats off to you! 😊

[@thorstenwolters9025]

@@deirdrepasko9965 Thanks man!

[@MultiColoredPsychopath]

A random user from Arkansas. Hi Avery, and good job.

[@Leahkab]

I discovered you about a month ago. I'm am desperately searching for My Cerro Gordo Book, the one that is out of print. About 15 years ago I became a docent with the LA conservancy and started doing a lot of research - and the importance of this town became very apparent. I am in awe of what you are doing to bring it back. I really enjoy the videos, the mines and the people who are coming together to make something so positive happen in these mountains. Keep up the good work, you spirit is amazing.

[@NightshadeTactical]

might it be at the Cerro Gordo library, that you could visit if you go to the property?

[@Texas-Bob]

You are very fortunate to have the friends you’ve made since moving to Cerro Gordo. Daniel and the dump truck was a game changer, without him and the truck you would still be working to make the road passable. With your will and your friends you will make Cerro Gordo into something very special. Never give up !

[@JJ-vh8ex]

Your attitude towards challenges is 100% why this all has worked so far!

[@gily3344]

From a follower perspective know you have gotten a lot rougher and coarse on the outside yet ever more sturdy and appreciative on the inside. You are maturing in character to be one of these legendary figures who left their mark on this town. Keep going strong.

[@Utubegofukurself]

Yeah this guy will go down in history.

[@jamescheever7982]

Gotta have generator to at least power refridgerator and pumps for water

[@HaYHauler22]

After you pack the fill dirt, add asphalt millings, usually from the county, and pack that on top. Did my grandparents driveway with a wheelbarrow in Dolan springs Arizona in 2006 and it's still holding.

[@greggminkoff6733]

I think now is the time for you to purchase either a used D8 sized dozer or motorgrader. Preferably you need both to maintain your roads & drainage. You're the owner and the mayor of your town. It is your responsibility to provide access to your town and maintain the roads. This equipment is a good start.

[@bobbysnow5478]

Thanks for the video…dozer for certain!

[@WaterAndLandActivitys]

I’m so happy Brent keeps pushing though all the struggles it’s motivating just to see how he resolves problems

[@GhostTownLiving]

Thank you so much! It is very comforting knowing we have this huge community behind the town that supports it! Thank you very much.

[@amyslowikgrossman835]

He's a legend. :)

[@RESISTANCE..3]

​@@GhostTownLiving you are awesome ! Never change buddy

[@Swaxol]

ye

[@markstanton2362]

God Bless your buddy with the dump truck. You would have been a lost ball in high weeds without him!

[@pamabernathy8728]

Blessings, Brent. Hope Heavy D can help at some point. You mentioned getting input from a civil engineer to put in drainage so the road doesn't keep flooding out. We are rooting for you! Cerro Gordo SHALL go on!!!

[@poopingandroid]

I agree. I wouldn't be trying to fill holes. I would try to level out everything around them.

[@GhostTownLiving]

Thank you! We will overcome this too. Dave never showed 🤷‍♂️

[@phoenixignitus]

Brent, you and your team truly are inspiring. Seeing your evolution from when the American Hotel burnt down, to the first destruction of the road, and now this, *is* inspiring to me personally. Thank you for letting us all be witnesses of your adventure.

[@GhostTownLiving]

Than you. I appreciate that a lot. We are working the best we can!

[@JF-fx2qv]

Much more relaxed and confident this time. Consider blasting the bigger rocks instead of burying them. Use the blasted smaller rocks as fill base.

[@piplup10203854]

Dude you and everyone up there are really just the embodiment of positivity and effort. No one would blame you for feeling defeated or like it's not gonna go well but you and everyone just taken everything with strives and kept foraging ahead. Things will turn out okay it's almost like the universe is giving you another test.

[@bhonea22]

Keep working hard, Brent! Nothing worth while is ever easy! Your dream is coming true and you will see it through!

[@007nadineL]

KZbin stole 40% of yr gift Booooo

[@731-l3o]

@@007nadineLseriously?

[@homehearthwithjules8596]

BRENT!!! Your resilience is inspiring!!! My favorite quote by Charles Kettering "It does not matter if you try and try, and fail. It does matter if you try and fail, and fail to try again".

[@PatricesProjects]

You definitely seem to be taking this setback better than last year. I hope that when the high of getting it done wears off that it doesn't leave you in a dark place... Even if the power gets turned back on. You have so many more skills than you ever thought you needed 3 years ago.

[@PrincessTS01]

I think there is a way we can plan out the drainage so the road won't wash out. By using swails, nalabunds, rock damns, culverts etc. Where there is a plan there is a way.

[@GhostTownLiving]

I'm hoping to do a lot more in that regard. A bit tricky dealing the a county road, but I think we can come to a good solution with a little time and planning!

[@derekhorwat3205]

​@@GhostTownLivingBrent can you fill the road with concrete?

[@Adamsonestopfishshop]

@@derekhorwat3205that isn’t cheap buddy

[@nitroagent6494]

​​@@GhostTownLivingThe added benefit of swales and bunds when done right is that the water table in your area and down hill will increase. The water has time to absorb instead of washing off meaning it'll help with erosion even more by promoting plant life.

[@joemeli1605]

Actually the more you fill the holes the worst will come. What needs to be done is on the spots that the fill leaves you need to re grade ( get to the hard pack) even if its a 3 degree grade. loose dirt will leave....Get to hard pack and your road wont deplete as fast

[@smallhonda6063]

You need to do two things: slow the runoff to reduce damageand stabilize your road base. If you can, place gabions (metal cages filled with rock) as check dams in the washes that feed into the road, to slow down the runoff. You can also use gabions and geocells (a cellular confinement system) to stabilize the road base.

[@dustinrossg]

and try rerouting with gutter systems that could double to irrigate plants.

[@jamesdeen3011]

All of our lives are filled with trials and tribulations. It's how you overcome these obstacles in life that makes the person you become. You are a perfect example of this. I hope that your trials you share will inspire others to do the same. Keep on keeping on. 💯👍🏻👍🏻😉

[@Cklasvegas]

Brent, you are such an inspiration. The worst things happen and you triumph over the adversity and turn them all into positive learning experiences, even blessings! We can all learn a thing or two about that. Thanks for a another remarkable story!! Stay safe! ❤️

[@myownkindofman3418]

You probably have all the suggestions you need but I remember being in Sweden and seeing them break up roads by drilling holes into the rock and filling hundred / thousands of funnels in those hole with water. When it froze in winter, the rock fractures and creates a relatively level surface. Nature did most of the work for them.

[@mikehayden7330]

Can you imagine the work the pioneers did there to dig those tunnels, keep the road maintained and get though the likely hundreds of setbacks over decades there? Great to experience what they might have gone through watching you experience it today Brent. Way to stick with it! Inspiring!

[@Jerbod2]

Lots of it was avoided by just takinf the cable cart up there.

[@ChaosPootato]

Massive cheers to the people that helped you!

[@mikeneal9022]

I'm a salesman at Toyota, I love seeing yours being put to the test, it reconfirms the confidence I have in the product I sell 💪💪

[@moonstarer55]

Well done to you and your team. You guys broke through by repairing the road enough to allow more repair vehicles up to Cerro Gordo. You are hero’s all of you. Shouting out to the Diesel Brothers might be an idea….maybe not. I don’t know how the local council would eel about that. Well done guys - all the from Scotland

[@carolineindacityphx]

CG is evidence of its inhabitance's resilience. And Brent, you are carrying on this tradition of resilience, supported by some amazing volunteers. They are willing and able to do the work, to get the roads back and passable. By the way, the Toyota Tundra was in BEAST mode!!! 😍 Very impressive!!! Thank you for sharing this with us. We have so much faith in you and your community. You got this! 💪 Until the next time, take care.

[@GhostTownLiving]

Thanks Caroline! I really appreciate that! I feel very fortunate for the community that's grown around this town.

[@jamesmarcel8330]

​@@GhostTownLiving hey Brent. Tuning in from VT. Lived on several dirt roads in mountain areas as a kid. There was a crushed limestone type fill used to repair washed out areas. Not sure what it's called though. Might be worth looking into for some form of future project on the road with the county.

[@joaniepass6898]

You need 2 helicopters...1 at top & one at bottom for times like these! Time for flying lessons. And donations to get the choppers!!!

[@pcspecialistpdx]

@@joaniepass6898 or get the tram back up and running.

[@fremountstsongsrich2453]

Hi Brent what you need is a call out for a Rock grinder to help you make the road not just fill in the road. but to grind the road rock so it does not wash out again your all ready on bed rock!!!!

[@kellieglass1722]

Thank you, Brent, for including us in your road repair adventure! I feel like I better understand what you went through a year ago. (Actually, I can’t believe it’s been a year since the road was washed out twice.) God be with you in your effort to find a permanent solution to your road problem! (Someday your time at Cerro Gordo will make an inspiring movie!)

[@dalob112]

I had the same thought about the time frame, it's unbelievable that it's been a Year already

[@Motorsportqueen]

Brent you have come such a long way. Imagine what the miners faced without the technology you have today. I think what you have done is amazing having history all through my back yard. You are so strong to keep going in this way. 2 Years ago you relied on the shire to fix the road now you are more than capable of doing the road yourself.

[@Cynsome1]

Aaaahhhh… the desert life. ☀️

[@Robin_Goodfellow]

Your level of chill through this whole video was pretty remarkable. Hardship has stregthened you.

[@GhostTownLiving]

Thank you! I feel a lot chiller when these events happen these days

[@ladylilithparker]

Experience reduces panic. The road washing out is a setback, but it's no longer a source of fear like it used to be, because the tools, skills, assistance, and experience are all available to tap into.

[@willmorgan1942]

@@glennwall552?

[@contessalouannec8064]

That is nature. Thank You for sharing and updating us what is happening. Stay Healthy and Safe.

[@maxschon7709]

What is crazy HOW beautiful green the plants are after the rain the desert is.

[@bradleyjanes2949]

All said solutions listed here are correct,but the single most important factor is road preparation right guys, so blasting could really move all that rock and dirt ,widen that rain gutter called a road. God bless you and good luck, i first went to cerro gordo in 1965 and you have no idea how much enjoyment i get by seeing you being there doing your work.thank you bro ! Hope to see you soon,😊

[@OscarTheJT]

Great update. I'm seriously glad that it is you that took on the upkeep of that little town on the hill. Most others would have given up long ago. Evidence suggests this setback, too, is only temporary. We'll keep doing what we can to encourage and support you in your endeavors.

[@BodiTriggerfinger]

Wow what a great work an attitude… wish you hope and power

[@NessieFromTheLoch]

One of my favorite things about your videos is that you include your self doubt, epiphanies, struggles and solutions and then you always reflect on it and end up with a positive outlook on the future. You truly inspire me to think that way and see the that there are always solutions to problems!

[@MrInkFountain]

More proof that determination and a few guys can move a mountain. You are a true visionary Brent. I love that you push yourself to do what many would say can’t be accomplished. Keep pushing boundaries and it will all pay off with more satisfaction. You are a true inspiration and tamer of the Wild West.

[@almantinaa]

Wow to think I could sit through half an hour of a video about rebuilding a road without fidgeting just says something about you and your resilience and strong willpower. It makes me feel empowered as if anything you can put your mind to is possible.

[@donanything6816]

Absolutely. There are two words that should never be put together, never, ever tell your self or anyone else "I can't".

[@GamerplayerWT]

You definitely need culverts and flash flood drainage pipes alongside the road and maybe even under it.

[@GhostTownLiving]

Working on a better solution. Just have to work with the county on it all.

[@-108-]

That water pours right off the walls of the canyon. There is no effective place to put culverts and drainage pipes on that road, at least not in the most wash-out prone areas. It is what it is, and this is simply going to have to be added into the calculus of the viability and profitability of the town in general. At least 1 major washout per year should be budgeted for and expected. 4 days ain't bad; And this was a major event. I think they'll do just fine like this.

[@derekhorwat3205]

​@@GhostTownLivingwhat about building a bridge over the wash/hole in the road?

[@falconfotographic]

Nope, water needs to be slowed not accelerated.

[@derekhorwat3205]

@@falconfotographic you can't fight nature. I would either blow the bedrock even it out or build a bridge over the holes

[@lindabriggs5118]

One of the last scenic views you showed while panning down the valley from your porch area, struck me with awe. For once, the Owen's Lake was an actual lake. It's been about 100 years since was a lake, instead of a toxic dust Basin. Beautiful. So glad the road has been fixed, again. Now, the hotel needs its second floor and a roof up. I just wish that I could have been there to help. Oh btw, you should rename the road to Hurricane Highway or Gullywasher Road. LOL.😅😂

[@stevewhitaker1474]

I have never seen that lake with water in it. Lived in the Reno area for 12 years and made regular trips to Thousand Oaks; never saw water in that lake.

[@veggiedisease123]

Looks like California could get hit by another big winter, so hopefully it will fill even more. The best case scenario would be LA transitioning to desalination and, eventually, stop diverting lake water altogether.

[@Miner4Nine]

Need large drainage “under” the road to prevent washout. Additionally would be nice to have a mound of dirt topside so you can fill in from above, ie. a fill dirt area for when it washes out again.

[@deborahrahalski]

Everyday "problems" simply diminish when I watch you face and overcome challenge after challenge. I remembered the road damage from the two heavy rains last year. I thought of Cerro Gordo even as I was sitting in last minute accommodations after evacuating from a location in the San Bernardino mountains just ahead of the storm. Your resilience and dedication to getting beyond survival mode and moving towards sustainable solutions has and will continue to pay off!

[@darwinrussell]

It is by sharing our struggles that we lift all of us up. Humanity needs one another and Cerro Gordo is the living proof.

[@TheButGunner]

I love following along with this stuff because I know later in life I’m gonna vist.

[@TheresaRathbone-v3y]

I love that you share the adventure. I’m impressed by your tenacity and appreciate your words of wisdom. Kudos to everyone that gives of themselves to make the rebuilding of Cerro Gordo possible.

[@danielschomburg2140]

thanks so much to the volunteers that showed up to help Brent and the town of Cerro Gordo in this trying time!

[@jeremiahjoseph3973]

That water in the background is epic! Our lake came back! This is one of those years/times.. here where the water flows continuously holds a huge story

[@laurievm7609]

You are amazing. When I heard about the storm, I immediately thought about you, your animals, the hotel and the road. So glad everyone is safe. Wish I were closer so that I could help. Keep up the good work, you got this!!!!

[@KimberleyW]

A massive well done to every single person who has spent time working on getting the road back to its best state. I can't imagine how it felt when you realised it was washed out again Brent but so glad you have the determination and power to get through. Some people would of definitely given up by now and I'm so so glad you're proving to them that it's worth fighting for!! Thanks so much for all you do, its super inspiring

[@MultiColoredPsychopath]

I've been checking up on these videos every couple months/years. Every time I do, I see you taking the town almost like it's a tycoon-like video game. "Oh, my road got flooded? Just gotta rebuild it..." It's insane to me how you see the destruction time and time again, and just a couple hours or days later, have the calm attitude to sit down, record it, and have a plan all laid down to fix it. House burned down. Road collapsed. Snowed in. The obstacles never mattered to you; every time, and each time, you're somehow almost just as excited as the first time you arrived. Maybe **slightly** less excited - given the circumstances - but point is, the effort you put into the things you do are astonishing and it makes me wish I could be there just to help and be apart of something like that. Fat chance, and it's the only skills I could offer to someone so far away, but send me something to edit as a trial if a free editor is something you're looking for. I'm not a professional by any means, but if there's anyway I can help you, it'd make a couple of my months. The editor you already have is show-biz quality, but I would more than be willing to learn whatever I can from them if it means I could help out. Either you see this or don't, but either way, good luck and don't fall down any deep dark mines!

[@hathorearthfyre]

I kept watching for any Serro Gordo updates during the storm (I'm in Santa Cruz County, so we were out of the path). For some reason, I was more worried about you guys up there than anywhere else. I guess you've really affected me with what could be seen as a thankless task, bringing back the glory of the place. Your fortitude is astounding, and inspirational. Glad the kitties are okay!

[@drakebehren]

So cool to see you keeping Cerro Gordo alive. I used to live in Olancha and last adventured up that road around 1980. 😊

[@flookaraz]

if you happened to leave any writing on the walls in the mines or anything, Brent's probably seen it, too!

[@drakebehren]

@@flookaraz We were just into exploring, especially the old salt tram. Careful not to disturb anything.

[@ajarms86]

Think it has already been suggested but in Ireland we have to deal with alot of rain so on rural and dirt roads usually we dig a ditch/drain about 1m wide and 1m deep along both sides of the roads, we also allow for a slight camber in the road, so when it rains heavy the rain naturally runs off and collects either side of the road instead collecting and eroding the road itself

[@ThisTall]

This won’t work on large hills because the water will eventually build volume, blow a turn and wash that road section out.

[@rogerdavis4174]

You’ve never seen a flash. Flood like this it’s a river

[@yetibremsstrahlung9018]

Also it's hard to punch a big ditch thro solid bed rock. I believe the rd up is county road so there is permits and stuff involved I believe. I'd of definitely tryd to find a bunch if 3 man rock to fill the narrows layer by layer with fill dirt to fill the cracks

[@ronaldstarkey4336]

​@@yetibremsstrahlung9018a ditch would be great... except for having to get pulled out every time the ice freezes or the snow falls... I guess you can buy a tow truck... lol

[@raeward8092]

I constantly have to remind myself that weather is not sentient, that it cannot plan to help or hinder life and plans; it is simply obeying the laws of physics. I remain in awe of your strength of spirit Brent, your ability to refuse to be stopped by things that to many seem catastrophic. Thanks for the life lessons you continue to demonstrate. You regularly remind me that its possible to forge the path I want to take in life, you remind me to find and see the joy and the victories in life. Thanks for bring one of the reasons i was able to choose to keep going when i had my own devastating/life changing news earlier this year. As always, here is your reminder to take care of your health, including remembering to take some time away to decompress (even if that's just a few hours rather than a few days). All the very best.

[@RICDirector]

Hang in there, friend....this channel is indeed inspirational!

[@danbell4632]

Hi Brent, I noticed in the video that your American flag was shredded and in need of replacement. No worries, a new on will be arriving at your PO box on Wednesday from Amazon. Trying to help keep the town looking good. Cheers and the best of luck on all your endeavors. I enjoy watching your progress on the videos.

[@charleshaggard4341]

He can probably use money more than an American flag.

[@hawkwrangler1950]

@@charleshaggard4341😂🤦🏼

[@jonathanjackgoodman2764]

Nothing is ever done. Just done for now. Keep that mindset and anything is doable. All my best to ya brother man.

[@tigermakenzie4221]

Huge congratulations to Brent and his team for getting the dirt road passable again. Woooooooooohooooooo!!! I'm glad everyone is safe and sound.

[@njoubert]

I visited today and the newly repaired road looks amazing! I can't believe how quickly and to what quality the road was fixed. Great job everyone - Cerro Gordo guys and Inyo county!

[@BoomyNation]

Just saw you on Expedition X!!! I got so excited when I saw it was your place they were investigating!!! Well done!

[@CaseyClaar]

You are nothing short of AMAZING. Well done getting started on fixing the road and the people back to help finish up what needs doing on the hotel before winter. You are an unending flow of inspiration. Love, love, and MORE love to you all.

[@furryblue6377]

I really love the way you are learning to process the 'drawbacks' so to speak. Flipping the way it affects you. That road is your 'fence'. When farming, no matter how well you build your fences, and what you build them with, they are a never ending task. There's always gates to fix. Broken wires. Wildlife holes. Trees falling on them. Flooding knocking them over. Stock using them as scratching posts. A broken fence is not reason to feel you're failing farming. It's just a nuisance task to keep it running. You learn how to fix the fence better, and acquire the things you need to fix it more easily. You put plans in place for when the fences aren't doing their job. You have learnt so much, and really taken it in your stride & your soul. Well done!

[@deeannmcginnis2115]

You amaze me with your resilience and how much you strong you have grown under the burdens of your dream.

[@stevemurrell6167]

The power of rushing water is phenomenal.....the destruction in some areas is just mind blowing.....good luck with the ongoing repair work Brent.....truly great effort so far.👍

[@barbaranorman7212]

Is it possible to divert the water?

[@gregchampion7914]

if the county were repairing the road they'd install culvert pipes to divert the water. that's the long term (expensive) solution..anything else is just a band aide repair for one season. Rushing water as a source for power ??? Also was wondering how the diesel held out for 4 days with the backhoe ?

[@JustinCase1021]

Brent will forever be the worlds most knowledgeable person of that 8 mile stretch of road.

[@_JellyDonut_]

Doesn't it seem like the road gets longer every time he talks about it? I swear it was only like 4 miles when he first moved there, and it's uphill both ways! 😁

[@GhostTownLiving]

I definitely know the twists and turns pretty well!

[@cbenji2]

@@_JellyDonut_😂

[@iBcPirate]

@@GhostTownLiving twists, turns and everything underneath!

[@ildiko1vt]

My goodness Brent....this is such a big mess and you have the patience of a saint to take it on again...what can you do? I hope you can figure something out for the future. So wonderful that you have friends who come to help. Have to say, you are getting very good at this emergency road repair! I would think that if you put in ditches along the road on both sides, you might be able to steer future waters from ripping the road apart. My son did that for our driveway here in VT, and with that last big rain we had here in July, my driveway stayed intact. Keep that optimism going Brent....you are a great example of what man is capable of!

[@SaltyNationalist]

It's funny, I just finished watching the cemetery video and learned that Bosco passed away 🙏🐕🇺🇸.. When I realized I missed the show, so I watched it even though it wasn't live.. Brent, you are an amazing individual with a heart a gold (or sliver) lol.. Keep going my friend..

[@runninggreywolf8313]

Great progress Brent. Im sorry for your challenges. Praying it improves over time. I hope you can find additional help from Heavy D and others to come to the rescue!

[@andrew_thaler]

Over here in Australia We had major bushfires in 2020 after a brutal drought and then years of massive rains.. can tell you we have had sfa rain now for 6 months and we seem to be returning to more normal/typical weather. Hood in there mate.. I reckon the worst has passed. I’d love to come over and help out for a season..

[@almerindaromeira8352]

I'm not a road engineer but I know there is rubber matting you could place on the road to make it more sturdy. Most have honeycomb patterns. Also the type of infill you use is very important. Gravel is better than dirt when it comes to porosity and letting water go through

[@JarredTruschke]

I'm sorry that you're facing the challenges that you are. But, I'm thankful for the spirit, soul, determination, consistency, and insight that you choose to face it all with. Just wanted to let you know that your challenges and the way you choose to take them on, is deeply meaningful. I wish I could be there to help, but I'm also glad for all the good people that do.

[@NestledInNature]

Hey sorry you have to deal with the hurricane. But changing your perspective about being thankful for the backhoe, now you are rolling, keep that vibe always & it will work out. Love the town❤

[@adtekguide]

Brent, I truly applaud you for your unbelievable perseverance and determination. You're an inspiration man. Keep up the amazing work!

[@slidewaze]

Thanks for all your film making. I can't imagine how much extra time it took you to shoot this while doing the actual work too. Amazing.

[@NannyOski]

Maybe time to fix the trestle that bought the work men up to the mine.We took a ski lift over mountain top to a restaurant would be a great idea.

[@wildyelimited]

Nice to see you and your town on Expedition X

[@EricaBrumley]

The amount of talent you have at like everything you do amazes me. Keep up the hard work it's very impressive 🎉

[@doctor2bob]

Another inspiring video Brent. I live in a place that averages 4 meters of rain a year. Road design is integral to surviving storms. As you have plenty of material from the Cerro Gordo mining spoil, may I suggest that you ask Dave Sparks to keep an eye out for a crusher plant, so that you can have better rock fill stored near the narrows and other at risk sections of road. You can then grade rock that will create a more durable road along with strategic culverts to direct water flow down the mountain.

[@rockreader4298]

My thoughts are along the same vein of thinking, doctor2bob. : ) Though his schedule is probably incredibly busy, Dave and his crew love a good challenge.

[@mlbolts72]

Amazing job up there 👏 Keep it up man So incredible up in cerro gordo ..🌴🌾🌵🌲😊

[@dychui]

It really makes my day whenever one of your videos pops up! Wishing you the best in getting the road repaired and finding a more permanent solution to the washouts.

[@freshwind7623]

Try building a road bed with bigger rocks that won't wash away and then cover with gravel.

[@brennanlangless8912]

Agreed ⬆ or build a “suspended” road via the use of using half concrete drainage pipes culvert ( like what is used in Vegas for flood control )

[@charlierumsfeld6626]

@@brennanlangless8912 bagged concrete?

[@HundredDollaBill]

It’s a county road. Not much Brent can do.

[@SuziPoozi]

Exactly what I was going to say. It will hold up a lot better and the gravel will pack down into the rocks/cobble. We get a lot of rain in WA State and that's what we do here.

[@johnn3542]

I say blast away, blow up some of the rock. Long route but probably needs it some spots

[@mikedaddo242]

On Australian dirt tracks we cut swales on the steep and often flooding sections of road. Diagonally across the road from high side draining to the low side. They only have to be a foot deep to divert enough water to save the road.

[@yardsausage]

you bounce back no matter what..i like your commitment to keeping the dream alive at all cost no matter what, you are a great man brent.

[@fuzzy3440]

2 ideas: 1. pre-stage gravel at strategic locations to make recovery much quicker. That way you don't have to use a dump truck during an emergency. 2. find a way to slow down the water through those locations, such as putting small rock barriers across all the small ravines that lead into those canyons. Also see if the county is willing to put dragons teeth concrete barriers along the creek to slow the water.

[@khenscheid0213]

I have second hand frustration about the road and having to put the hotel on hold again. You are definitely a 'glass half full' kind of guy. It's beautiful to see the love and dedication to this old town. Your words make all of us also fall in love with history and this town.

[@GhostTownLiving]

Thank you. Definitely frustrating but trying to keep moving forward!

[@semoneg2826]

​@GhostTownLiving Keep going failure is when one refuses to try again...these are just little set backs❤

[@twodogsyyc6729]

You have the will to move mountains and the patience of a Saint. I hope Dave Sparks and his crew come help you.. 🙏 your in our prayers wish you all the best my friend

[@beingilluminous]

I wish you all the resources to become power independent (solar? wind?), and as prepared for future cycles, esp. if this becomes an annual event! Your resilience is truly inspiring!

[@ItsDevlcon]

Toyota's really are pretty nice. I have a secondhand 01 camry I bought for $1000 like 5 years ago. I've only done maybe 5k in maintenance to it lol. And most of that is because I broke a bolt trying to change the oil pan gasket and had to send it to a shop. Which turned into a 2k job somehow... Live and learn.

[@richieixtar5849]

Was worried that had happened again. Good one sorting it so quickly Brent and friends. :)