Up the hill on North Street and within the gates of The Fort Bidwell Cemetery awaits a scene not much different than any other cemetery in which hundreds of headstones rest facing a certain direction. In Fort Bidwell's case, these headstones face east. Some were mothers and fathers, infants and toddlers. Many were masons or soldiers in every war imaginable that America has been involved in during the last century including an entire section of unknown soldiers who died fighting Native Americans. Almost all of the headstones are those of pioneers or the children of pioneers who's lives have long since faded into memory and now represent an extraordinary point in time along the line of human history. These individuals, unique unto themselves seem to embody in their memory a spirit that must have been present during America's earliest years, a spirit that seems to be fading away like the glow of a setting sun.
As Magdalena and I approach the end of our three week journey with Locavore Farm, I find myself alone perched atop such a place, facing east along with the settlers of Fort Bidwell who dared make the journey west in search of the dream that a young and vibrant America promised. Just below, the town dwellings rest shrouded in the cover of tall trees forming a large cluster bordered by farms and sparse livestock. Beyond that stretches The Great Basin, a place that will for the time being remain an unexplored mystery to me. To the south stretches Surprise Valley where the towns of Lake City and Cedarville await our passing early tomorrow morning. To the west are the Warner Mountains at a pass where hundreds of settlers made their final push toward the lush farmlands of the Sacramento Valley. To the north rises Mount Bidwell and nestled between me and it is Locavore Farm, where we've spent these last three weeks submerged in a whirlwind of inspiration.
That inspiration is owed to Michael, thanks for the hilarious stories you told at supper, for being so attentive to our needs while Laurie was gone and for tolerating my political rants. To Jerry, Nini and Lee Tong for allowing us a glimpse into an amazing world of permaculture, homemade Elderberry wine and several amazing Chinese meals. Thanks to Adrian and Josh and Adrian's Surprise for a big night out and the free snacks. Thanks Dirk for finishing the dessert after we almost fell into a food coma. Thanks Noah and Michaela for your teamwork and for being so receptive to new people, it made this journey all the more enjoyable. Thanks Peter and Trudy for opening up the Bidwell Canyon cosmopolitan bar and showing us your 100 year old cabin. Thanks Mike and Lindy for the unforgettable night at Goodwell Farm, your cache is crowned with and energized by a rich and illustrious historical past. To the rest of Modoc County with whom I've made an acquaintance, purchased goods from, smiled or glanced at beyond remembrance and into infinity, may we keep faith in humanity by loving our families and helping our neighbors. Lastly, thank you Laurie Wayne! We arrived at Hornet's Nest both thrilled to enter a new world and hesitant to start something new. But never once did we imagine an experience as wonderful as this one has been. We now leave Locavore Farm spiritually rejuvenated, having discovered a colorful new lens in which to sharpen our focus on the world we inhabit. It is all because of you and for this we are grateful. Your hospitality goes unsurpassed, your energy radiates and you will be missed.
May we stay,
forever young.
Justin Spyres and Magdalena Rybarczyk.
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