The labor to craft John's custom made Sedua wood bookshelf was a traded for the two of his custom made pot belly stoves. Trade and Barter are standard fare here. The portrait on the left is his wife Marlene's parents and to the right is his Son Jeff at age 4.

The legalization of Medical Marijuana has allowed people with permits to grow up to 25 plants with proper medical clearance. These grows are situated in the most plainly visible areas so as to be clearly identified by any authorities. The prescription and identity of the grower is posted clearly at the front of this grow.

My guide, John McCaffrey, was a former Harwood’s Lumber Mill Foreman for 19 years. John founded McCaffreys Laytonville Auto Wreckers with his Son Steve where abandoned vehicles and wrecks are collected, crushed and sold for scrap. John and his wife Marlene have raised five children here and and you would be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't know him. A true renaissance fabricator.

Alone among this stand of second growth timber, this redwood was spared because it was too difficult to harvest safely. Burls cascade down the trunk into a tangle of distorted features resulting in a mass of Kabuki like figures. A reflection of the people who survive here, it stands as a sentinel keeping the secrets of it's long lost companions.

The views from this property are breathtaking. Bleached lumber makes it's way back into the ecosystem. Dreams of what could have been and will never be.

This is where John finds solace and respite. The office is above the floor of the shed and is filled with fuel for a rabid intellect. Along with manuals and reference books he stores one of the favorite gifts from his wife, his Playboy subscription.

The waters of the creek turn a turquoise grey under the right conditions. 5 miles or so upstream Mud Flats a thermal mud spring mixes with the creek. The area is fertile beyond description, a delivery van streaks by.

I came upon this photo while browsing through the feed store owned by Meadow. The intersection of the wild and populace is real in Laytonville. Bears, Mountian Lions and Wild Boars are a real element to consider.

In operation for over 60 years the Shady Nook is the go to place for great burgers and the local gossip. Liz Hanson is the owner operator of this lynchpin of Latonville. Millie Jordan worked beside her on this day.

This is the residence of a recently deceased resident of Laytonville. His obsession was manifested everywhere on the property. Walking through the years of accumulation was akin to taking a tour of his psychosis.

The surrounding forest has found it's way under the tarp. Supposedly potent but currently dormant. Acquired from a distressed owner.

John's Son Steve operates McCaffrey Laytonville Auto Wreckers he also drives the local School Bus. He salvages and wrecks vehicles left abandoned on country roads and clears accidents from the Highway, some of them fatalities. Steve says "The Highway always tells the tale, all you got to do is read it"

Stewardship is a common theme in Laytonville. Steve McCaffrey has sacrificed plenty to acquire this crusher and has made it his mission to rid the county of rusted leaking wrecks. The penchant for stockpiling is a common trait here.

The relentless reclamation by the forest waits as the mill is slowly dismantled. The second growth timber is now ready for harvest, Timber Harvest Plans are being registered with the state, but this mill would need a full rebuild to bring in the procession of logging trucks.

Near the rear of the Harwoods property this shed sits waiting for it's eventual demise. The "Thanks" on the wall is likely related to the person assigned to clean the remnants of this building.

In this disused office paperwork from the mill cover the floor. Among other items are beer cans from recent visitors and folders containing educational info for young people starting a timber industry career.

When the mill ceased operations it meant the end of Laytonville for some, for others it was just another transitional adjustment to a new economy.

Along the back roads in Laytonville you will find an assortment of vehicles. Some are abandoned by growers and others like this Cadillac just need a little love from their owner. Cars that stay out too long will most likely end up on a McCaffrey wrecking truck.

In my travels with John we encounter friends at every turn. Johnny Wilkins is a former Superintendent at the mill, Tree Faller, and survivor. The common personality trait here is persistence.

I met Denny Cobb while I was photographing the playground outside of the Branscomb Trailer park. While Branscomb may have lost some of it's former glory, the residents here still feel grateful to live in a place surrounded by such immense beauty.

The shed is a axis point for Laytonville. A combination of boots on the ground know how and ruthless ingenuity pervade this work shed. John owns the widest variety of welding rods I have ever seen.

Along side Highway 101 sits John McCaffrey's shed, a large sign on the North Side reads "Don't forget the magic" All manner of people stop to talk and it is a local hang out for friends and family. Stop by and have a beer or a puff, you'll thank yourself.

Darla Gettman has run the Branscomb General store for many years. Darla has seen many changes in her years here in Branscomb. This was formerly a company store and it still functions as the local post office.

Once an integral part of the mill this stack top now counts it's worth in weight.

This is the interior of the kitchen space. I came here with my friend Robin. He had spent time raising a family and building a boat here. The building was saturated with distant memories. This is the interior of the former kitchen.