Never ignore Native wisdom

Summary

In 1874, gold prospectors Israel Swan and Alfred Pecker, along with four others, attempt a dangerous journey through the San Juan mountains, defying the advice of Chief Ure. After a harsh storm, Alfred survives by resorting to cannibalism, eating his companions. He is later convicted of murder but claims self-defense. The script also hints at eerie tales of a haunted asylum in England, adding a chilling touch to the narrative.

Takeaways

• 🧗‍♂️ John Randolph discovered a disturbing campsite in a remote forest in Colorado, where he found the remains of five dead men.
• 🏕️ The campsite was initially thought to be a long-term settlement, which was bizarre considering its remote location.
• ❄️ On February 8th, 1874, Israel Swan and other gold prospectors were trapped in a valley in Colorado due to severe winter storms.
• 🗣️ Alfred Pecker proposed an early departure from the valley to search for gold in Breen Ridge, despite the risks.
• 👥 Chief Ure, a Native American, warned against leaving early, suggesting it could be deadly for those who attempted to do so.
• 🛤️ Alfred, Israel, and four others decided to leave early against Chief Ure's advice, embarking on a perilous journey.
• 🌨️ A severe storm hit the group, and Alfred was abandoned by the others, left to die in the mountains.
• 🔥 Alfred survived for nearly two months in the wild, using a metal coffee pot with hot coals to start fires and eventually resorting to cannibalism.
• 🏞️ John Randolph's discovery led to the conclusion that Alfred had murdered and eaten his fellow prospectors.
• 🍖 Alfred was convicted of murder and sentenced to 40 years in prison, later becoming a vegetarian upon his release at the age of 92.
• 🏥 The story of Bodman St Lawrence hospital in England, which was shut down due to patient mistreatment, and the subsequent reports of hauntings by security guards.

Q & A

What was the name of the man who found the campsite in the remote forest of Colorado?

The man who found the campsite in the remote forest of Colorado was named John Randolph.

What did John Randolph discover at the campsite that horrified him?

John Randolph discovered the bodies of five dead men, which horrified him due to their gruesome state.

Who was Israel Swan and what was his relationship with Alfred?

Israel Swan was a 65-year-old gold prospector who was friends with Alfred. He saw past Alfred's epilepsy and considered him smart and bold.

Why did Alfred propose to leave the valley early despite the winter storms?

Alfred proposed to leave the valley early because he believed the weather was improving and he knew a pathway that would lead them to Breen Ridge, Colorado, an area rich in gold.

What was Chief Ure's advice to the group regarding their journey out of the valley?

Chief Ure advised the group to follow the river out of the valley, avoid attempting to go over the San Juan mountain range, and seek supplies at an outpost on the other side before continuing to Breen Ridge.

How did Alfred come to be called 'Alferd' instead of 'Alfred'?

Alfred was called 'Alferd' because he had attempted to join the Union Army during the Civil War, and due to his illiteracy, he misspelled his name when giving it to the tattoo artist.

What happened to the group after they decided to ignore Chief Ure's advice and go over the mountains?

After deciding to go over the mountains, the group encountered a huge storm, became lost, and Alfred was eventually abandoned by the group as he couldn't keep up. He survived by eating his companions.

How did Alfred survive for nearly two months in the wild after being abandoned by his group?

Alfred survived by using a coffee pot with hot coals to start fires at night and by resorting to cannibalism, eating the bodies of his fellow prospectors.

What was the final outcome of Alfred's trial for the murder of his companions?

Alfred was convicted of murder and sentenced to 40 years in prison. He was granted parole at the age of 92, became a vegetarian, and died a few years later.

What is the significance of the Bodman St Lawrence hospital mentioned in the script?

The Bodman St Lawrence hospital is significant as it was a large asylum that was shut down due to accusations of patient mistreatment. It's mentioned as a place that became a site for reported paranormal activities after its closure.