Hey everyone, thanks for watching. If you're interested in trying MyHeritage for free, check out this link bit.ly/DesertDrifter. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to each of you!
Thank you for your representation of the Apache people. I am a member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and a descendent of 3 bands of Apache-Mescalero, Chiricahua and Lipan. Our people were nomadic and roamed southern Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico. I enjoy your show and was excited to see you exploring White Sands and the historical areas of our people. I appreciate how you treat the areas with respect and never remove artifacts. Be safe 😊
I'm sure you have heard of the peoples from Aztlan, who legend has it they were from the four corners. My question is what nation, or tribes did the represent other the ancient Aztec? Can you shed any light?
@@ajsantana8780 Some scholars speculate that the Uto-Aztecan language family, spoken by various tribes in the American Southwest, may be linked to the Aztecs' ancestral homeland, potentially placing Aztlan in the region.
@@ajsantana8780as a kid growing up in Wisconsin and all around the USA there's a park in southern Wisconsin call astelin Park and there was a reconstructed Fort there it was on the Rock River they were Mounds there and this was up in Wisconsin a nearby farmer p l o w e d up a skeleton once he told me face to face😮 he said he stopped and knelt down and looked at it and just kept plowing and the next plow roll covered it up
Bonjour, i know a few about, the natives,but this man, shows us ,how your grands parents ,use to live in beautiful places,most of the time i,m blown up by the scenery...beautiful country you have....
I'm 71 years old now. A couple of years ago, my wife and I visited Arizona (and the southwest) for the first time. What an amazing, tortured landscape it is! The coyote and roadrunner don't do it justice. You sir, are giving me what I can't give myself... you are allowing me to walk by your side and see more of this amazing place. Your respect for the history you discover is as it should be. God bless you. May you and yours be safe.
I was station at Ft. Huachuca, AZ. I and other troops we would travel the canyons just on the fort property. Not far Mexico. From the main Flag on post was seven miles to the border.
I'm 68. My grandpa left home in KY at age 14 in 1894. He learned to drive a 6 mule team from there with a wagon full of supplies to the west coast. Then he'd pick up stuff from there and maybe even a couple passengers to bring back. He told me stories about trading with friendly Indians along the way. And a few stories about close calls he had. He never said what route he took but I have always imagined it was where you are here. My grandson is 14. I can not imagine him or any other 14 yr old heading out at 14 to make their own way in the world especially in such a dangerous way. He wasn't my biological grandpa. Both of those died before I was born. He was 20 years or so older than granny was and she was 80 when he died at age 101. He fell off the roof or who knows how long he'd have lived. He was so very strong. Granny lived to be 100. She was born in 1900. What amazing things they saw in their lives. Can you imagine?
Wow you're like me, probably going to live a long life! My grandmother was 98 and my other grandmother 102 . My grandmother was 20 years older than her husband. She was independent living alone before he passed. I truly believe it was the broken heart that did her in, What a woman. ! My other grandmother left home at the age of 12, and worked and lived with a nice family who had an elderly grandfather to take care of, she lived there until she was 14, at which age she got a job and worked. She hated the country life, and the poverty that came with it, She vowed her children would go to college, and they did. Married and widowed all told 3 times, nothing could keep her down. She lived through having TB thankfully! I cannot imagine my children and grands to live the way they did back then.
It's not just the amazing places that you show but it's your eloquent well spokeness and historical information you tell that draws me in so much. You should also consider having a channel that's just you recounting historical events and things of that nature and I would happily listen to you all day. You have a true gift for this very thing you do and it baffles me that your channel doesn't have millions of subscribers but I am willing to bet that is going to change before too long. There's a lot of content on RUclips but there's not a lot that delivers this level of perfection and quality like you do and I'm very happy to have found you. Keep up the great work and always be safe.
Andrew, I’m 62 disabled vet female who loves history and nature. I am grateful for your channel, because I get to go on adventures through you and I love everyone of them. Thank you Andrew for all you do and carrying us with you. Love and blessings, Sandy in Far Northern California
The Jicarilla Apache & Apache Nations are tribes several hours from where I live. You’re in my state and I recognize where you’re going and what you’re looking for. My mom was an archeologist here in the Southwest. Know many stories about this area. Even the oil & gas industry respects the land and its history…we all drive tredipaciouqsly when on their tribal land! Andrew, you’re a brave man and I just gained an added respect for you on this journey! ❤🙏
The black “hair” you found is a cow’s “switch.” It’s the furry part at the end of their tail they use for swatting flies. They often get clumps pulled by brush & such.
I would say that the thing that impresses me the most about this is that you began the trip by stopping at the cemetery to show respects for the souls that had died there. And you continued in this same spirit of recognition and respect over the whole trip. Nobody was good, nobody was bad, nobody was right, nobody was wrong. But everyone fought and died. I don't believe in ghosts myself, but I would have to say that you my friend would have nothing to fear from them. If anything, they would make the effort to appear to thank you for the respect and remembrance. Drift long and well my friend.
I spoke with a native fella that was a surveyor. He told me of a BLM boundry he was surveying in utah. He was using the original hand written survey book from when it was originally done for the feds in the 1800s. He said he turned the page of the book and the handwriting changed. Thought maybe he was missing some pages. The paragraph written by the new surveyor introduced himself and told the fate of the previous surveyor. Turns out they were attacked by natives and some of the party were killed. He said he started looking around and found shell casing and arrowheads. True or not, it was an interesting story, especially as a surveyor in my past life. Your video brought back fond memories of that fella. Ran into him a few times for about a year or two. That's been probably 10-15 yrs ago now. He was an interesting fella
@EL-ru8nl, you're undoubtedly aware of the 'several' "massacres" that occurred in Utah. In your comments are you referencing the Gunnison massacre, which occurred west of Hinckley?
Desert Drifter you're right those Mortars were for grinding seeds, roots, grain or anything else. Basically a prehistoric food processor. They are no longer smooth inside because over the centuries rain and the elements have eroded the sides exposing the natural layering of the bedrock sandstone. The pestles were often hidden by the women when they left to be uncovered when they returned, or if not they were easy souvenirs carried away by later visitors. I remember as a kid I was looking at several mortars and happen to see a long cylindrical pestle stashed in crevice under some boulders. Its still there I hope. love your channel!
The mataties you all are calling mortars were a lot bigger and wider. They set posts in most of those holes as I've found the posts still in place in many ruins. They didn't only live in caves. They had buildings and wood structures as well. I grew up in these areas most of my life and spent over 30 years running around miles from roads where you can see more of the truths..💯🍻
A Metate, by definition is a flatish stone used with another stone called a Mano to gring materials in a back and forth motion. A Mortar is a hole in bedrock or other stone that is used for pounding or crushing with a cylindrical pestle that fits down into the mortar. Those holes in the bedrock are called Mortars.
True. Archaeologists in europe very often find post holes which show the size of ancient structures. Even when they are driven into dirt, the difference in compaction allows them to be identified. Those holes made by the earlier peoples would allow for handy temporary shelters for people moving around a lot One of the stone circles at Stonehenge uk had previously been erected hundreds of miles away. Investigators found an original post hole with a u unique irregular shape. It matched perfectly to one of stonehenge bluestones. Theres U Tube features on this by the archaeology team.
I am so glad that AZ Rockhound Expeditions listed you on their live chat! I find this totally fascinating! Geology, Archeology and history so intertwined! I believe in listening to the stories left behind by past people. They tell the story that no one else can do today. I fell that way about how the Myans claim they did not build the ancient sites that others credit them for! We can learn more from ancient and past stories than any ancient site can tell us. Looking at the drawings on the rocks you get the feeling that an ancient people did thrive there and they left their story behind. Would love to see more exploration of this site!
Edward Abbey worked for the Park Service back in the days before they made so many roads to the famous spots. If you haven't read his books, you should. He had an English professor in college who told him he would never be an author. He ended up with quite a few books published. He became a master of one word sentences. He said a word is worth a thousand pictures, if it is the right word. I like words, but I am glad to see the video of all the places you take us. I used to drive a truck all over the country and often wished I could park it and go exploring for a few days.
Thank you for lengths you go to discover not just American history but also the Ancients existence in these barren lands. Fascinating. Thank you again.
This adventure, by far,was the best one yet! I felt the loneliness of the area, the fear, these settlers must have felt. To see the unmarked graves of all the people lost, made me realize how fragile life can be. When you got to the petroglyphs, my curiosity got the best of me and wanted to explore more. You have such a way of drawing the person in, with your details, history, and emotions. Thank you for making this adventure, one that I will always remember.
“Desert Drifter” you’ve got to get yourself a jacked up 4 x 4 and you could’ve stayed back in there for a long time, that would be no problem for a 4 x 4. I used to navigate roads like that in my Volkswagen bug, that thing was super reliable for me in the desert. your channel Rocks, thanks again for bringing us on your adventure!
In the last year, your channel has become one of my favorites. I'm an East coast kid to the core (CT, western Mass, upstate NY & NYC), but I spent a few very memorable years working in the red rock canyons and high deserts of Southern UT.. Some of the most amazingly beautiful, peaceful and spiritual places I've ever experienced. I yearn to return.. In the meantime, I can live vicariously through your videos. Much respect to you and your sense of adventure, desire to explore, learn and educate. Thank you ☮️❤️🙏🏼
When a person visits and explores UTAH, is almost a Spiritual experience because one would come to realize that Only God could of create something so absolutely beautiful, I myself would get tears in my eye's when I with my husband and children visited many places in our beloved UTAH ❤❤❤
Just an amazing testament to how strong both the travellers and residents were back then. Thank you for bringing us along. So beautiful in its stark reality.
Every video gets 2 views minimum from me! Usually watching as I fall asleep, and then rewatching in its entirety. -- I would also like to say to anyone here who don’t make any type of content AS A PRESENTATION to/for the world. Knowledge of subject(s) he talks about alone is one thing. Knowing camera gear / equipment & droning (when legal to) & then to present it all… cohesively, and what seems effortless.. is a gem 💎 of quality creator & story teller that we get to watch. Thank you for these journeys you take us on ! Thank you for having deadcats & quality audio in high winds !
This is my favorite channel. I am a history buff to the core. I live in Wyoming that is rich in old west history. I rode for days and months on end with my Father in the early 70s crossing the Oregon trail here and there. At that time there were many relics thrown from wagons to lighten the load to accend South Pass along with many unmarked graves. There were also two places we found that beads could be found in the dirt from Indian burial platforms. My wife is from Chihuahua Mexico. Her Grand Mother and Great Grand Mother were Apache. We have spent as much time as possible over the years exploring history and her heritage in the U.S. South West and Mexico. Unfortunately, health issues prevent her from walking very far anymore. I have pushed or pulled her for miles in a wheel chair to continue our adventures. I will be able to retire soon, and plan on wearing out several wheel chairs to explore with my sweet little wife. There is no way we will be able to see everything that is out there. THANK YOU so much for taking us places that we will never be able to go. Also, thank you for the respect and reverence you have for these places. Very few people realize when they are walking on hallowed ground.
Amazing amount of rock art in one video. After a long career as a Forester I so wish I had video of all the beautiful forests I worked in from the coastal Trinity mountains to Lassen’s gorgeous cascades and a good while at Tahoe’s Sierras. All were so beautiful. Much of it has since burned. Capture while you can. Great drifting again. 😃
The object in the sky is an Aerostat Balloon operated by the Border Patrol. They are huge, roughly the size of a B-747 and contain a look-down radar to observe low-flying aircraft and ground traffic. They are spaced along our southern border with Mexico and are usually kept between 10 and 15 thousand ft above the ground. Not only that, but they have been there starting in the early 1980's. They are attached to a tether that allows them to be reeled in for maintenance or high winds. Excellent episode Andrew. I live in Tucson and have camped and hiked the Chiricahua Mt. region of far SE Arizona and the Gila Wilderness of western NM. It is an amazing area of the SW US for sure.
Yep, that's what I thought to. Actually I first thought he was making a joke shooting his own drone. But later I realized he was serious and it was probably an Aerostat. I saw the one launched in Valentine, TX in the 80s. Maybe early 90s. I was just a kid. I still see it flying occasionally when I'm out that way.
Thank you, Desert Drifter, for your amazing travels and wisdom shared. These videos are a labor of love for those of us who can no longer get out there and explore. 🙏💯❤️✨️
hi, thanks so much for your content. I am an avid explorer and conservationist. I'm glad you don't pinpoint your locations, it keeps out the riff raff. Love your expeditions.
Good God! This is the best video you’ve made and I’ve seen a lot of them. The history of the lives lost are astounding! My great grandfather crossed the plains from Missouri with an ox and cart and a sixth child was born along the way. Clearly they took a different route, thank God, and settled on the Sacramento River. Came for gold, I guess, and didn’t get rich, but I’m forever blown away at their incredible journey. (FYI, I’m 70.). Thank you so, so much for this wonderful yet frightening video.
Sad to see the graves and people's loss from 1866-7. Incredible that only 2 years later the transcontinental railroad opens, and the deadly journey to the west coast turns into a trip on a train.
@@Desert.Drifter looking at my own family history, once the railways were running my family went from one small town, to spread out across half the country. It must have been an amazing change to live through.
It may look barren to many, but the vast desert is home to me. It has a stark beauty. But waiting for spring, and the subsequent green and wild flowers, blanket that land. Yes, it looks like the land only grows dirt of baked tan and brown, but in spring green takes over and blooms. Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular, and inspiring. Although I live in the Southwestern Appalachia, I'd give everything to move back to where my where my soul sings. The desert.
The Bareness is much of what make the Deserts so beautiful! I've spent a little time around the Arizona deserts spending time with family friends and had a chance to see the different things they used to survive in the Desert and it's not as sparse food wise as people think. It's truly beautiful but I'm from the North East and I could never live without the green and the mountains (hills for you Westerners) and all the lakes and streams and game etc! But the Deserts are breathtakingly beautiful!
I'm from Ithaca NY and I now live in Stockton CA You are absolutely right, I miss the N E and don't think I will ever be able to get back to my real home.
Fascinating. If there are haunted places with spirits, this would be one. Your musings and ponderings are like what my mind would be thinking in such a sacred area. Good work
Interesting hike and history. My grandmother's uncle Lorenzo Wright and his brother Seth were killed by Apache Indians in 1885 in a ambush near Safford, Arizona which is about 100 miles west of Massacre Canyon.
I have become an avid fan of your channel. In my younger days I loved to hike and explore areas around where I lived but your adventures thrill me. What I like even more is how you give homage to those who came before us and don't disperse objects you've found. I wish you good travels and safety in your future.
I live in Phoenix, Arizona and I want to explore the desert more often than I am able to. I really enjoy your videos. The way the natives lived interests me very much.
@jordanheimer774: If you're in Phnx, then get out of your safe space, grow a set, and do the exploring yourself. The time will come when you're truly physically unable to do it yourself, and by then, all you'll have is regrets, and there's nothing you can do about it.
Just starting a 17 day vacation! Flying my Arizona house tomorrow. Love exploring the Bradshaw mountains and everywhere else in there. Just started the video and am gonna take a shot every time you say “huh”! Make me proud!
This is one of your most visceral videos, almost as if you were mere minutes behind and Apache entering the structure or a Mimbres person creating images. Even though a video, I could smell the dust kicked up by the wind. Desert landscapes like this one are so alive with the past. Maybe it's the emptiness that allows the past to remain. My favorite video of yours. Thank you for the excellent trip.
I'm so proud to live in New Mexico with all it's historical significance and enchanting beauty and wildness. I live in the northern mountains and it's so magical here.
I thought Australia was a vast desolate landscape, and while it is, your videos have opened my eyes to the extensive landscapes of the US. I had always assumed having a population 13x larger than ours would mean not many places wouldn't have people around, but from your videos I see now how wrong this is. Amazes me how many fascinating landscapes are scattered throughout the US that are so isolated (Yet native Americans still somehow found their way out here long before us). While we have some incredible stuff here in Australia most of the inland country is just flat, barren red dirt, but US seems to have these awesome landscapes all throughout. The actual size of the canyon system is one thing in particular that blows my mind, we have nothing like that here. Would love to see some Australia desert drifting one day!!
A lot of people have no idea just how vast the amount of land the US government does own--the federal government owns and manages approximately 650 million acres of land in the United States-about 30% of the nation's total surface area. While some of it is uninhabitable, and I do approve of the efforts to preserve a lot of the natural beauty and history of many areas, I also think it ridiculous the amount of land they hold since the laws state that the government is only supposed to own the Washington DC area, and ten miles around forts and bases (or some amount like that) 😄You are right though, there are tons of gorgeous places here. I must say, Australia has some absolutely drop-dead gorgeous places too--I have always wanted to visit Australia, but it's highly unlikely to happen, so I must be content with pictures and video. G'day, mate!
Every city on earth could fit in Texas alone : ) The American west is incredibly vast and expansive with endless places of wonder to explore. The nice thing is there are typically fire or mining roads to get everywhere compared to Australia (if I'm correct) where a lot of the continent is just wild virgin land which makes it hard to access. I still hope to get to Australia + New Zealand some day though... cheers mate.
It is amazing how important that canyon was to a lot of people for a very, very long time even before the Apache were there. Great history the amount ot petroglyph is amazing
Thank you Mr Andrew! Your content is always very interesting and well presented. I greatly appreciate you educating your viewers and sharing your perspective on what you discover. Keep up the good work, and please always stay safe.
Thanks for these videos, my 3 great grandpa Joseph Milner, and my grandpa Carson on grandma side were running around these areas as scout and so on I dont know if they every where In this canyon but according to diary they had they were in some pretty tight spots. It's great to see the land they cross and get a full idea of how strong these people were.
I partly grew up in AZ, but I'm Canadian and live in the rainforest of the PNW, love watching your show, an unknown, and unknowable to me, landscape. Merry Christmas!
This program in particular set me to thinking what it must have been like for the natives to watch their land being invaded, taken over by hoards of people so different from themselves. When you look at it from their point of view . . .
Yes, it'' s the law of nature and we are indivisible part of that vicious circle.The settlers left slavery of Europe to be hunted by the Apaches.Many made it to the promised land and now they are running back from the paradise land back to the hot desert lands of Arizona.
What a great video! Thanks for bringing the past to life. The graves were so very sobering! My great grandfather witnessed a stagecoach attack by a group of native Americans a valley west of Lehi, Utah. (Just south of Salt Lake City) He was only 8 years old but was sent to bring in a group of cattle home. What a horrible thing to witness!
Watching from New Mexico and that looks like my backyard! What a love about the Southwest you can see from miles and miles! Beautiful country! Love your videos!
stone boiling comes to mind with the stone bowls "Once they have achieved an optimal temperature, the stones are quickly placed into a ceramic pot, lined basket or other vessel holding water or liquid or semi-liquid food. The hot stones then transfer the heat to the food."
Wow! A super interesting sojurn that potentially covers hundreds if not thousands of years. Who knows? The Mimbres culture certainly has left its mark. Thank you for another cool adventure with great commentary.
I think this was the #1 most interesting and exciting finds you have made all year. The ruins were amazingly well preserved. I enjoyed every minute. Thank you for sharing it all with us. Happy new year and happy trekking in 20025🥰👍👍🙏🙏
You are a master of intrigue and suspense. I get so caught up in your stories of possibilities, it's like I'm standing right beside you. Thank you for your interest in our great southwest history, from a friend in the Shawnee Hill's and Trail of Tears area's of Western Kentucky and Southern Illinois.
I believe what you saw floating in the sky was a tethered Aerostat balloon. They can be used as sensor platforms for various purposes (camera platforms, radar stations, RF detection capabilities).
Historically interesting places, but that canyon's rock symbols were fantastic - so much and so varied. At 30:35 it looks like some kind of plant petroglyph on the suspended rock in the upper right corner....hmmm...and another mid-screen at 30:53 )(could it be corn?) and below it - that very interesting glyph - like abstract art! What a neat adventure - thanks so much!
The object hanging in the sky is a surveillance blimp along the lines of the Tethered Aerostat Radar System. I worked with the group in Baltimore that used to have one of those floating (tethered) above some National security concerns. This one is probably used for border security based on where you are located.
Hey everyone, thanks for watching. If you're interested in trying MyHeritage for free, check out this link bit.ly/DesertDrifter. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to each of you!
❤❤❤❤
border patrol Blimp is the thing hovering in the air it is actually anchored
I think you picked up a horseshoe nail.
water retentions
There is a wolf statue at 27:55 above that canine/wolf foot print!!!!! Did you see that?!?!
Thank you for your representation of the Apache people. I am a member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and a descendent of 3 bands of Apache-Mescalero, Chiricahua and Lipan. Our people were nomadic and roamed southern Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico. I enjoy your show and was excited to see you exploring White Sands and the historical areas of our people. I appreciate how you treat the areas with respect and never remove artifacts. Be safe 😊
I'm sure you have heard of the peoples from Aztlan, who legend has it they were from the four corners. My question is what nation, or tribes did the represent other the ancient Aztec? Can you shed any light?
@ajsantana8780 much has been written about the 7 tribes of Aztlan, do a search
@@ajsantana8780 Some scholars speculate that the Uto-Aztecan language family, spoken by various tribes in the American Southwest, may be linked to the Aztecs' ancestral homeland, potentially placing Aztlan in the region.
@@ajsantana8780as a kid growing up in Wisconsin and all around the USA there's a park in southern Wisconsin call astelin Park and there was a reconstructed Fort there it was on the Rock River they were Mounds there and this was up in Wisconsin a nearby farmer p l o w e d up a skeleton once he told me face to face😮 he said he stopped and knelt down and looked at it and just kept plowing and the next plow roll covered it up
Bonjour, i know a few about, the natives,but this man, shows us ,how your grands parents ,use to live in beautiful places,most of the time i,m blown up by the scenery...beautiful country you have....
Thank you for the armchair travels. 80 years young. Lived on the Mojave for 40 years raising quarter horses and mules. Love the desert
I'm 71 years old now. A couple of years ago, my wife and I visited Arizona (and the southwest) for the first time. What an amazing, tortured landscape it is! The coyote and roadrunner don't do it justice. You sir, are giving me what I can't give myself... you are allowing me to walk by your side and see more of this amazing place. Your respect for the history you discover is as it should be. God bless you. May you and yours be safe.
Well said Sir....🇦🇺
Amen
I’m 78. Can’t get out any more.
Having lived in Arizona all my life, I totally agree with you 😁(also the people who live here are just as tortured as the landscape 😂)
I was station at Ft. Huachuca, AZ. I and other troops we would travel the canyons just on the fort property. Not far Mexico. From the main Flag on post was seven miles to the border.
I'm 68. My grandpa left home in KY at age 14 in 1894. He learned to drive a 6 mule team from there with a wagon full of supplies to the west coast. Then he'd pick up stuff from there and maybe even a couple passengers to bring back. He told me stories about trading with friendly Indians along the way. And a few stories about close calls he had. He never said what route he took but I have always imagined it was where you are here. My grandson is 14. I can not imagine him or any other 14 yr old heading out at 14 to make their own way in the world especially in such a dangerous way. He wasn't my biological grandpa. Both of those died before I was born. He was 20 years or so older than granny was and she was 80 when he died at age 101. He fell off the roof or who knows how long he'd have lived. He was so very strong. Granny lived to be 100. She was born in 1900. What amazing things they saw in their lives. Can you imagine?
Fell off the roof? I’m surprised that did it. 😂. Your grandpa was truly from very tough stock. Thank you for sharing your story
My Great Grandmother was traveling too:)
Wow you're like me, probably going to live a long life! My grandmother was 98 and my other grandmother 102 . My grandmother was 20 years older than her husband. She was independent living alone before he passed. I truly believe it was the broken heart that did her in, What a woman. !
My other grandmother left home at the age of 12, and worked and lived with a nice family who had an elderly grandfather to take care of, she lived there until she was 14, at which age she got a job and worked. She hated the country life, and the poverty that came with it, She vowed her children would go to college, and they did. Married and widowed all told 3 times, nothing could keep her down. She lived through having TB thankfully!
I cannot imagine my children and grands to live the way they did back then.
It's not just the amazing places that you show but it's your eloquent well spokeness and historical information you tell that draws me in so much. You should also consider having a channel that's just you recounting historical events and things of that nature and I would happily listen to you all day. You have a true gift for this very thing you do and it baffles me that your channel doesn't have millions of subscribers but I am willing to bet that is going to change before too long. There's a lot of content on RUclips but there's not a lot that delivers this level of perfection and quality like you do and I'm very happy to have found you. Keep up the great work and always be safe.
this above 100%
Thank you so much for the encouragement
I agree!
Me too!
I agree. Thank you for how you bring these historical places to life.
Andrew, I’m 62 disabled vet female who loves history and nature. I am grateful for your channel, because I get to go on adventures through you and I love everyone of them. Thank you Andrew for all you do and carrying us with you. Love and blessings, Sandy in Far Northern California
Red Bluff, CA also enjoys these amazing hikes...
The Jicarilla Apache & Apache Nations are tribes several hours from where I live. You’re in my state and I recognize where you’re going and what you’re looking for. My mom was an archeologist here in the Southwest. Know many stories about this area. Even the oil & gas industry respects the land and its history…we all drive tredipaciouqsly when on their tribal land! Andrew, you’re a brave man and I just gained an added respect for you on this journey! ❤🙏
The black “hair” you found is a cow’s “switch.” It’s the furry part at the end of their tail they use for swatting flies. They often get clumps pulled by brush & such.
The object in the sky is a Border Patrol Blimp. They have several, and they are spaced so that they can monitor a very wide area of the landscape.
I was going to say either this or it’s a chinook
Yup. An Aerostat. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerostat
Not border patrol, but FAA, I think.
It's a border blimp. There's one like that between Deming and Columbus, NM.
That IS the one between Deming and Columbus.
I see it every day.
I would say that the thing that impresses me the most about this is that you began the trip by stopping at the cemetery to show respects for the souls that had died there. And you continued in this same spirit of recognition and respect over the whole trip. Nobody was good, nobody was bad, nobody was right, nobody was wrong. But everyone fought and died. I don't believe in ghosts myself, but I would have to say that you my friend would have nothing to fear from them. If anything, they would make the effort to appear to thank you for the respect and remembrance. Drift long and well my friend.
I spoke with a native fella that was a surveyor. He told me of a BLM boundry he was surveying in utah. He was using the original hand written survey book from when it was originally done for the feds in the 1800s. He said he turned the page of the book and the handwriting changed. Thought maybe he was missing some pages. The paragraph written by the new surveyor introduced himself and told the fate of the previous surveyor. Turns out they were attacked by natives and some of the party were killed. He said he started looking around and found shell casing and arrowheads. True or not, it was an interesting story, especially as a surveyor in my past life.
Your video brought back fond memories of that fella. Ran into him a few times for about a year or two. That's been probably 10-15 yrs ago now. He was an interesting fella
Great story
@EL-ru8nl, you're undoubtedly aware of the 'several' "massacres" that occurred in Utah. In your comments are you referencing the Gunnison massacre, which occurred west of Hinckley?
@@fellowtraveler4358 unfortunately he didn't give me a specific location
Thankyou, Desert Drifter, for your respectful and empathetic voice. You just blow me away- every single time- with your truth and honour❤❤❤❤❤😊
Desert Drifter you're right those Mortars were for grinding seeds, roots, grain or anything else. Basically a prehistoric food processor. They are no longer smooth inside because over the centuries rain and the elements have eroded the sides exposing the natural layering of the bedrock sandstone. The pestles were often hidden by the women when they left to be uncovered when they returned, or if not they were easy souvenirs carried away by later visitors. I remember as a kid I was looking at several mortars and happen to see a long cylindrical pestle stashed in crevice under some boulders. Its still there I hope. love your channel!
The mataties you all are calling mortars were a lot bigger and wider. They set posts in most of those holes as I've found the posts still in place in many ruins. They didn't only live in caves. They had buildings and wood structures as well. I grew up in these areas most of my life and spent over 30 years running around miles from roads where you can see more of the truths..💯🍻
Which area was this?
A Metate, by definition is a flatish stone used with another stone called a Mano to gring materials in a back and forth motion. A Mortar is a hole in bedrock or other stone that is used for pounding or crushing with a cylindrical pestle that fits down into the mortar. Those holes in the bedrock are called Mortars.
Thanks for sharing Blake! I thought about it after the fact and realized they had probably just eroded being out there in the open like that
True. Archaeologists in europe very often find post holes which show the size of ancient structures. Even when they are driven into dirt, the difference in compaction allows them to be identified. Those holes made by the earlier peoples would allow for handy temporary shelters for people moving around a lot
One of the stone circles at Stonehenge uk had previously been erected hundreds of miles away.
Investigators found an original post hole with a u unique irregular shape. It matched perfectly to one of stonehenge bluestones. Theres U Tube features on this by the archaeology team.
I am so glad that AZ Rockhound Expeditions listed you on their live chat! I find this totally fascinating! Geology, Archeology and history so intertwined! I believe in listening to the stories left behind by past people. They tell the story that no one else can do today. I fell that way about how the Myans claim they did not build the ancient sites that others credit them for! We can learn more from ancient and past stories than any ancient site can tell us. Looking at the drawings on the rocks you get the feeling that an ancient people did thrive there and they left their story behind. Would love to see more exploration of this site!
You have a gift of putting thoughts and words together , making the story interesting. Thank you very much
He’s a poet, and just keeps getting better.
Edward Abbey worked for the Park Service back in the days before they made so many roads to the famous spots. If you haven't read his books, you should. He had an English professor in college who told him he would never be an author. He ended up with quite a few books published. He became a master of one word sentences. He said a word is worth a thousand pictures, if it is the right word. I like words, but I am glad to see the video of all the places you take us. I used to drive a truck all over the country and often wished I could park it and go exploring for a few days.
I like your sense of timing because it feels like we’re making these discoveries in real time right along with you.
Thank you for lengths you go to discover not just American history but also the Ancients existence in these barren lands. Fascinating. Thank you again.
My wife and I have watched every one of the videos you have put out. This is by far the coolest place yet as far as artwork
I agree so interesting
Yes. And the depictions are much different. The Ancestral Puebloan had many humanoid depictions.
Yes it was really a phenomenal place. Glad you enjoyed it!
This adventure, by far,was the best one yet! I felt the loneliness of the area, the fear, these settlers must have felt. To see the unmarked graves of all the people lost, made me realize how fragile life can be. When you got to the petroglyphs, my curiosity got the best of me and wanted to explore more. You have such a way of drawing the person in, with your details, history, and emotions. Thank you for making this adventure, one that I will always remember.
The amount of rock art is incredible. So much history to be seen.
Andrew if you see this before Christmas wishing you and your wife a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Merry Christmas Mary!
🎅🏼
Poignant land and episode. Great filming and narration, as always. You're a cut above!
I cannot imagine how resourceful the native people had to be to survive in that extremely harsh environment.
At one time, it wasn't that harsh. But weather patterns changed and the rains stopped and that was it.
Whenever we dammed the rivers and changed the water flow a lot of areas went barren.
It's called welfare from the Federal Government
@@schmoelenk8983 lol the "welfare" programs we know today weren't really a thing until after WWII
@BenjiC303 Oh please
“Desert Drifter” you’ve got to get yourself a jacked up 4 x 4 and you could’ve stayed back in there for a long time, that would be no problem for a 4 x 4. I used to navigate roads like that in my Volkswagen bug, that thing was super reliable for me in the desert.
your channel Rocks, thanks again for bringing us on your adventure!
In the last year, your channel has become one of my favorites. I'm an East coast kid to the core (CT, western Mass, upstate NY & NYC), but I spent a few very memorable years working in the red rock canyons and high deserts of Southern UT.. Some of the most amazingly beautiful, peaceful and spiritual places I've ever experienced. I yearn to return.. In the meantime, I can live vicariously through your videos. Much respect to you and your sense of adventure, desire to explore, learn and educate. Thank you ☮️❤️🙏🏼
When a person visits and explores UTAH, is almost a Spiritual experience because one would come to realize that Only God could of create something so absolutely beautiful, I myself would get tears in my eye's when I with my husband and children visited many places in our beloved UTAH ❤❤❤
Just an amazing testament to how strong both the travellers and residents were back then. Thank you for bringing us along. So beautiful in its stark reality.
Your production quality is outstanding!
Sooo good, thanks for doing what you do and sharing it with us. ❤
Every video gets 2 views minimum from me! Usually watching as I fall asleep, and then rewatching in its entirety. -- I would also like to say to anyone here who don’t make any type of content AS A PRESENTATION to/for the world. Knowledge of subject(s) he talks about alone is one thing.
Knowing camera gear / equipment & droning (when legal to) & then to present it all… cohesively, and what seems effortless.. is a gem 💎 of quality creator & story teller that we get to watch.
Thank you for these journeys you take us on !
Thank you for having deadcats & quality audio in high winds !
What are those holes
Thanks for the past years thoughtful relaxing and knowledgeable programs,it has been a joy,happy new year to you both.
This is top notch content. The ads with Mrs. Desert Drifter are so funny
Haha, glad you like them. This one in particular was fun. Evelyn could barely keep a straight face
@@Desert.Drifter not sure if you guys realize that the ads are customized to your viewing history and Google searches. 😮
Came here to say the same thing. I love Evelyn! She’s so funny. Andrew is ok too 😉
@@zoomster2004they’re referring to the in-video sponsorship ad
This is my favorite channel. I am a history buff to the core. I live in Wyoming that is rich in old west history. I rode for days and months on end with my Father in the early 70s crossing the Oregon trail here and there. At that time there were many relics thrown from wagons to lighten the load to accend South Pass along with many unmarked graves. There were also two places we found that beads could be found in the dirt from Indian burial platforms. My wife is from Chihuahua Mexico. Her Grand Mother and Great Grand Mother were Apache. We have spent as much time as possible over the years exploring history and her heritage in the U.S. South West and Mexico. Unfortunately, health issues prevent her from walking very far anymore. I have pushed or pulled her for miles in a wheel chair to continue our adventures. I will be able to retire soon, and plan on wearing out several wheel chairs to explore with my sweet little wife. There is no way we will be able to see everything that is out there. THANK YOU so much for taking us places that we will never be able to go. Also, thank you for the respect and reverence you have for these places. Very few people realize when they are walking on hallowed ground.
This video was one of the coolest I've seen. All that rock art was amazing. Thank you so much for showing us that
Yes. I got goosebumps at home, I can't imagine actually being there.
Amazing amount of rock art in one video. After a long career as a Forester I so wish I had video of all the beautiful forests I worked in from the coastal Trinity mountains to Lassen’s gorgeous cascades and a good while at Tahoe’s Sierras. All were so beautiful. Much of it has since burned. Capture while you can. Great drifting again. 😃
The object in the sky is an Aerostat Balloon operated by the Border Patrol. They are huge, roughly the size of a B-747 and contain a look-down radar to observe low-flying aircraft and ground traffic. They are spaced along our southern border with Mexico and are usually kept between 10 and 15 thousand ft above the ground. Not only that, but they have been there starting in the early 1980's. They are attached to a tether that allows them to be reeled in for maintenance or high winds. Excellent episode Andrew. I live in Tucson and have camped and hiked the Chiricahua Mt. region of far SE Arizona and the Gila Wilderness of western NM. It is an amazing area of the SW US for sure.
That’s actually an interesting fact!
Agree thanks for sharing!
Yep, that's what I thought to. Actually I first thought he was making a joke shooting his own drone. But later I realized he was serious and it was probably an Aerostat.
I saw the one launched in Valentine, TX in the 80s. Maybe early 90s. I was just a kid. I still see it flying occasionally when I'm out that way.
Yes. I've seen the one near Marfa, TX.
Correct - They are a Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS balloon) used to monitor weather conditions and other sensing devises are housed therein.
Thank you, Desert Drifter, for your amazing travels and wisdom shared. These videos are a labor of love for those of us who can no longer get out there and explore. 🙏💯❤️✨️
watched it twice. I really enjoy your historical perspective, It makes understanding history a bit more relevant
hi, thanks so much for your content. I am an avid explorer and conservationist. I'm glad you don't pinpoint your locations, it keeps out the riff raff. Love your expeditions.
Thanks for the history lesson. Keep them coming. Stay safe.
I crawl in bed turn out the lights.. listen to this man’s amazingly soothing voice .relax and off to zzzz-land.
Amazing discoveries. Thanks for sharing this.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you Andrew & your wife Evelyn.
Talking rocks. Incredible. This is just breath taking. It had to be heavy with spirits. Amazing video. Thank you
You have grown into a great storyteller! Thank you
Good God! This is the best video you’ve made and I’ve seen a lot of them. The history of the lives lost are astounding! My great grandfather crossed the plains from Missouri with an ox and cart and a sixth child was born along the way. Clearly they took a different route, thank God, and settled on the Sacramento River. Came for gold, I guess, and didn’t get rich, but I’m forever blown away at their incredible journey. (FYI, I’m 70.). Thank you so, so much for this wonderful yet frightening video.
You're the best Andrew. Happy Holidays!
Sad to see the graves and people's loss from 1866-7. Incredible that only 2 years later the transcontinental railroad opens, and the deadly journey to the west coast turns into a trip on a train.
Trains did get attacked as well from time to time
Yes, things changed rapidly then didn't they?
@@Desert.Drifter looking at my own family history, once the railways were running my family went from one small town, to spread out across half the country. It must have been an amazing change to live through.
It may look barren to many, but the vast desert is home to me. It has a stark beauty. But waiting for spring, and the subsequent green and wild flowers, blanket that land. Yes, it looks like the land only grows dirt of baked tan and brown, but in spring green takes over and blooms. Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular, and inspiring. Although I live in the Southwestern Appalachia, I'd give everything to move back to where my where my soul sings. The desert.
The Bareness is much of what make the Deserts so beautiful! I've spent a little time around the Arizona deserts spending time with family friends and had a chance to see the different things they used to survive in the Desert and it's not as sparse food wise as people think. It's truly beautiful but I'm from the North East and I could never live without the green and the mountains (hills for you Westerners) and all the lakes and streams and game etc! But the Deserts are breathtakingly beautiful!
I'm from Ithaca NY and I now live in Stockton CA
You are absolutely right, I miss the N
E and don't think I will ever be able to get back to my real home.
@@Kordziel Oh, that is truly sad! I'm so sorry for you! Just never give up hope though, you never know!
Thank you for understanding
Fascinating. If there are haunted places with spirits, this would be one. Your musings and ponderings are like what my mind would be thinking in such a sacred area. Good work
Just wanted to say you inspired me to go to college and study Anthropology. Thank you.
Good for you! I'm a retired Archaeologist and had a lot of fun and saw some very interesting things.
That's awesome! I hope you find it a meaningful experience and career. Continue watching the channel to keep me in line with my facts lol!
@@Desert.Drifter will do lol 😆
I’m 72 and retired. I love this channel. It helps me escape boredom. Takes me away from reality for a moment.
Interesting hike and history. My grandmother's uncle Lorenzo Wright and his brother Seth were killed by Apache Indians in 1885 in a ambush near Safford, Arizona which is about 100 miles west of Massacre Canyon.
Hi Bill! Are you from the Florence area? If so we used to be in your ward! Very interesting piece of family history you shared!
You sir, are a wonderful story teller..And..with fabulous photography. Ty!
And I must also say that the music you select for your videos is invariably appropriate and evocative. Also, the editing is masterful.
I have become an avid fan of your channel. In my younger days I loved to hike and explore areas around where I lived but your adventures thrill me. What I like even more is how you give homage to those who came before us and don't disperse objects you've found. I wish you good travels and safety in your future.
I love the way the viewer feels like they're right there with you! Excellent video!
That is such a special place. The feeling you must’ve felt. That was probably a special moment for you. I enjoyed what you shared. Thanks
I live in Phoenix, Arizona and I want to explore the desert more often than I am able to. I really enjoy your videos. The way the natives lived interests me very much.
@jordanheimer774: If you're in Phnx, then get out of your safe space, grow a set, and do the exploring yourself. The time will come when you're truly physically unable to do it yourself, and by then, all you'll have is regrets, and there's nothing you can do about it.
Love your videos....soothing music, soothing narrative, beautiful scenery. Such a relaxing way spend some time.
Just starting a 17 day vacation! Flying my Arizona house tomorrow. Love exploring the Bradshaw mountains and everywhere else in there. Just started the video and am gonna take a shot every time you say “huh”! Make me proud!
What was the final count? haha
@ 2.5 lol. Your first huh was a haw lol. Love your videos Brother
You take us on journeys we can only imagine. Great insights and interpretation. Your respect for nature and history is unparalleled. Please continue.
Thank you for taking us along. The old ones had so much knowledge and close to the land.
This is one of your most visceral videos, almost as if you were mere minutes behind and Apache entering the structure or a Mimbres person creating images. Even though a video, I could smell the dust kicked up by the wind. Desert landscapes like this one are so alive with the past. Maybe it's the emptiness that allows the past to remain. My favorite video of yours. Thank you for the excellent trip.
I'm so proud to live in New Mexico with all it's historical significance and enchanting beauty and wildness. I live in the northern mountains and it's so magical here.
Certainly a beautiful state with a history incredibly unique
Hail, fellow denizen of the 505.
Desert drifter is my in my top 3 channels on RUclips. THANKS FOR YOUR HARD WORK!❤
I thought Australia was a vast desolate landscape, and while it is, your videos have opened my eyes to the extensive landscapes of the US. I had always assumed having a population 13x larger than ours would mean not many places wouldn't have people around, but from your videos I see now how wrong this is. Amazes me how many fascinating landscapes are scattered throughout the US that are so isolated (Yet native Americans still somehow found their way out here long before us). While we have some incredible stuff here in Australia most of the inland country is just flat, barren red dirt, but US seems to have these awesome landscapes all throughout. The actual size of the canyon system is one thing in particular that blows my mind, we have nothing like that here. Would love to see some Australia desert drifting one day!!
A lot of people have no idea just how vast the amount of land the US government does own--the federal government owns and manages approximately 650 million acres of land in the United States-about 30% of the nation's total surface area. While some of it is uninhabitable, and I do approve of the efforts to preserve a lot of the natural beauty and history of many areas, I also think it ridiculous the amount of land they hold since the laws state that the government is only supposed to own the Washington DC area, and ten miles around forts and bases (or some amount like that) 😄You are right though, there are tons of gorgeous places here. I must say, Australia has some absolutely drop-dead gorgeous places too--I have always wanted to visit Australia, but it's highly unlikely to happen, so I must be content with pictures and video. G'day, mate!
The land from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean is mostly empty.
Every city on earth could fit in Texas alone : )
The American west is incredibly vast and expansive with endless places of wonder to explore. The nice thing is there are typically fire or mining roads to get everywhere compared to Australia (if I'm correct) where a lot of the continent is just wild virgin land which makes it hard to access. I still hope to get to Australia + New Zealand some day though... cheers mate.
Dude! At 29.56 that is a motorbike drawn on the rock! AWSOME explore mate! Hope everyone has a fantastic new year!
One of your best on all levels . Thanks
It is amazing how important that canyon was to a lot of people for a very, very long time even before the Apache were there. Great history the amount ot petroglyph is amazing
That headstone way out there was amazing!!! Whoa.....😮
Thank you Mr Andrew! Your content is always very interesting and well presented. I greatly appreciate you educating your viewers and sharing your perspective on what you discover. Keep up the good work, and please always stay safe.
Thanks for these videos, my 3 great grandpa Joseph Milner, and my grandpa Carson on grandma side were running around these areas as scout and so on I dont know if they every where In this canyon but according to diary they had they were in some pretty tight spots. It's great to see the land they cross and get a full idea of how strong these people were.
I lived near there as a young child. The desert has many marvels and mysteries.
I partly grew up in AZ, but I'm Canadian and live in the rainforest of the PNW, love watching your show, an unknown, and unknowable to me, landscape. Merry Christmas!
I lived in Arizona for awhile and now I live in the Pacific Northwest. Love exploring the mountains of Washington State.
I so look forward to your wild west explorations & historical accounts. Excellently done video as usual.
This program in particular set me to thinking what it must have been like for the natives to watch their land being invaded, taken over by hoards of people so different from themselves. When you look at it from their point of view . . .
Yes, it'' s the law of nature and we are indivisible part of that vicious circle.The settlers left slavery of Europe to be hunted by the Apaches.Many made it to the promised land and now they are running back from the paradise land back to the hot desert lands of Arizona.
Most were passing through, but history tells us the intertribe wars, so their response understandable, sadly.
Don't forget history repeats itself
You forgot they also invaded each other lands as well. They aren't innocent either.
@@phalcon23but they didn’t destroy the land or kill all the creatures on it. Big difference
Desert Drifter is back, with an amazing show. I am binging.
What a great video! Thanks for bringing the past to life. The graves were so very sobering! My great grandfather witnessed a stagecoach attack by a group of native Americans a valley west of Lehi, Utah. (Just south of Salt Lake City) He was only 8 years old but was sent to bring in a group of cattle home. What a horrible thing to witness!
Thank You for doing these amazing videos of the Great Southwest! I find your plain spoken but deep narration perfect ! Wonderful !
Fantastic episode Andrew! Best one yet. Keep sharing your amazing adventures.
Watching from New Mexico and that looks like my backyard! What a love about the Southwest you can see from miles and miles! Beautiful country! Love your videos!
it is overe by Deming
Your voice and style for background music etc is so peaceful and engaging. One of my favorite vlogs to listen to before sleep.
Amazing Trip, love the video and all that history, thanks for sharing this journey thru time. You go where we only dream of going.
stone boiling comes to mind with the stone bowls "Once they have achieved an optimal temperature, the stones are quickly placed into a ceramic pot, lined basket or other vessel holding water or liquid or semi-liquid food. The hot stones then transfer the heat to the food."
Thank you. I was hoping that someone would say what the holes in the boulders were.
Wow! A super interesting sojurn that potentially covers hundreds if not thousands of years. Who knows? The Mimbres culture certainly has left its mark. Thank you for another cool adventure with great commentary.
I think this was the #1 most interesting and exciting finds you have made all year. The ruins were amazingly well preserved. I enjoyed every minute. Thank you for sharing it all with us. Happy new year and happy trekking in 20025🥰👍👍🙏🙏
You are a master of intrigue and suspense. I get so caught up in your stories of possibilities, it's like I'm standing right beside you. Thank you for your interest in our great southwest history, from a friend in the Shawnee Hill's and Trail of Tears area's of Western Kentucky and Southern Illinois.
Thanks!
Some serious treasure symbols and possible maps right there. Dang. Love these videos BTW. Thanks for the amazing content!
Moochin around in the desert is great fun. I had the pleasure of visiting the US and stayed in Arizona . Fabulous time.
I believe what you saw floating in the sky was a tethered Aerostat balloon. They can be used as sensor platforms for various purposes (camera platforms, radar stations, RF detection capabilities).
Among my favorite of your records of journey and history, Thanks for making it!
You've quickly became my favorite channel. Thank you for all that you do!
Thanks!
Historically interesting places, but that canyon's rock symbols were fantastic - so much and so varied. At 30:35 it looks like some kind of plant petroglyph on the suspended rock in the upper right corner....hmmm...and another mid-screen at 30:53 )(could it be corn?) and below it - that very interesting glyph - like abstract art! What a neat adventure - thanks so much!
Wow!! I can't believe that I know where you are in this video!! There is a whole lot that went on in that area aside from what you posted.
Incredible! Some of that rock art was so intricate! Best!
Thanks for filming this terrific adventure!❤👍🏻✨🙏🏻✨
The object hanging in the sky is a surveillance blimp along the lines of the Tethered Aerostat Radar System. I worked with the group in Baltimore that used to have one of those floating (tethered) above some National security concerns. This one is probably used for border security based on where you are located.
Thanks for the insight!