Barn at Thornburg Farm
Photo credit: David Rose
We began our hike under threatening skies at the Thornburg Farm entrance to the Birkhead Wilderness. Recent rains had almost demolished the footbridge over Walker Creek at the start of the hike. Twisted wire cabling kept the bridge from washing away but rushing water ripped both railings and support pieces away. The bridge is slightly tilted now and, of course, has no handholds.
After negotiating that and the associated mud, we entered the forest. Just prior to crossing Robbins Branch, we glanced to the left to view the 3 rock walls which probably acted as some sort of erosion and flood control.
We were able to eat lunch, descend into Fern Valley and reach the Rush gold mines before the rain began. Everyone was prepared for rain. A couple of us even had umbrellas.
Photo Credit: Otto Afanador
Everyone was intent on heading out once it began raining but Otto wanted to see the Doud gold mines. I was able to locate them without much delay and within 20 minutes we were back in the peloton of hikers. Our group split apart with the hikers heading home and the amateur historians and anthropologists trying to unravel the significance of every pile of rocks. We did revisit the 3 rock retaining walls and all agreed they were for erosion and flood control. Of course they were built when the land was cleared of trees. Rain runoff would have been much more significant at that time.
Photo Credit: Otto Afanador
This shed is supported by two oaks. It is slated for renovation next year.
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