Alone in Nevada: Worrisome wildlife & historic homesteads in the backcountry
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- čas přidán 14. 06. 2024
- Exploring abandoned ranches in the desert backcountry of Nevada leads to a run-in with a hazardous critter.
This is Part One of a series...be sure to hit Subscribe so you don't miss upcoming episodes!
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#soloadventure #nevadadesert #dangerouswildlife - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Whoever said Nevada is just a state to drive through as quickly as possible has obviously never gone further east than the Rockies.
Many years ago I was hiking around the hills west of Pueblo, CO, and stepped right over a rattler. He suddenly realized I was there and started furiously rattling, but it was obvious we had equally startled each other. I apologized for interrupting his sleep and he told me to take a hike, so I did.
But boy...nothing gets the heart pumping like that sound! Glad you experienced nothing more than that adrenaline rush!
The desolateness of Nevada is what I enjoy about it the most
Tons of rattlers here in Northern Nevada. Rattlers are probably some of the nicer snakes, they at least warn you before you get too close - they're not interested in anything other than carrying on their merry way. I agree that there's always the possibility of getting nipped especially in your case where you're distracted, but they're pretty relaxed in general.
Donald, I really wish you had more time to work on your craft because you have become one of the best videographers in this space. That was as good as anything I have seen and I have seen a lot. I appreciate the effort, it was stunning.
What a great video!!! Can't wait for the nextone!!
Your videos get me excited when I have my time off to explore new places.
Amazing that you capture the expanse of it all. Thank you, Don 😎
They aren't aggressive. Don't molest it and it won't bother you. The rattle says, hey, I'm right here, don't bother me. Thanks for not harming it.
Perfectly said. 🙌
Amazing that when you cross a mtn range that the next valley can be 80 or so miles across in a straight line. Bought snake gaiters for exploring and forest clean ups. Others grin, thinking whats he worried about? Well, you found out! I also have a medic backpack, a cb radio, gmrs radio and an emergency GPS. And other accoutrements for safety.
There is so much good stuff to explore in Nevada..
Ive lived in nevada for 43 years now, life is harsh, cant imagine back in the 1800s. No trees for miles, that was a chore getting all that wood there to build all those buildings . Never have seen a rattler but plenty of gopher snakes and lizards.😊
Just watched your latest installment. Wonderful! I first experienced Nevada in March of 1981 on a trip from Spokane to Death Valley. The Basin and Range fascinated me and there were so many roads calling. I made it back at least a couple of times, later again that year and then when I was pregnant with my 28 year old daughter. Unfortunately, that was my last visit. At least now I can still go there, this trip being through your videos. You are an excellent and very poetic storyteller. I just found your videos this past winter and have really enjoyed them. I first started watching because you had a Subaru!. (I love to drive back roads with my Outback but nothing quite as rugged as the ones you take.)
Wow, I see no big trees around you so all that wood had to be hauled in as well as collecting all the stone. You had to be really tough back in the day.
The Truckee river, the Humboldt river, the Walker river. They run out into Nevada.
live life to the fullest. i think
Great video Donald! Bring back lots of memories of living the Silver State for so long.
I’ve fly fished on that reservoir and have visited the first ranch house. Will have to look for the second one (after I get gaiters). Amazing video, Don. Thank you, sir!
I have had some interesting Rattler encounters out in the desert. Usually more than one at the same time. Makes you a bit nervous when they lite up all around you. Having dogs with me now I usually try and stay out of the desert when it gets warm, or at the very lest try and keep exploring to mornings and evenings when the temp is cooler. Snakes like the same temperature we do so if you have to wear a jacket you are probably OK unless in rocks, wood, buildings that are being warmed by the sun or maintaining the heat from the day. Glad it turned out OK in your case. Oh, and I carry snake shot just in case. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Another winner episode! Makes the weekend more of a treat 😁
Scary rattler. Glad you didn’t step on it or get bit. That would have ruined your trip. Beautiful scenery!
I LOVE the stark surroundings. Drove Rt50 from Sacramento to Salt Lake a few years ago when first snows where on mtns. Missed getting into Great Basin Park due to snow. I have driven ALL over N. America, but Nevada is EPIC!
I never realized how high I could jump until my first encounter with a sidewinder rattlesnake while working in the desert. Always carried a shovel or stick after the first and ran into many more over the years. Thanks.
Great video! Nevada is on my bucket list!! Appreciate the ride!
Excellent video my friend.
Jason
As a hiker I tend to wear shorts even all year long.
You do have to be very careful when it comes to snakes I've seen some big rattlers in Western North Carolina and saw or heard them in time to avoid them. A good pair of boots would help as well. Might want to invest in a good snake bite kit if you haven't already.
Thick walls offer good insulation
Maybe a "Cooler Building" for food storage?
Carrying a stick when exploring old ruins like that is a good idea so you can can poke around ahead and get snakes to rattle before you're too close. Knowing the kind of environment snakes like is the best way to avoid them and they love old abandoned buildings with lots boards to hide under and lots of pack rats to eat.
We have enjoyed our times with exploring what Nevada has to offer. The clouds make it look as though you shot this video in black& white
In Nevada a rattlesnake is called a buzzworm.
I grew up in North Nevada my Basque grandfather was a sheep rancher along the Oregon Nevada boarder😊😊😊😊
whereabouts ?
Nevada is the most amazing State to explore in the lower 48
Very nice Donald! I had an encounter while working on a site, stepped around the building to relieve myself and the right foot was about to step on a snake. It rattled, my left leg flexed and I jumped backwards at least 10 feet a couple of feet high. My leg hurt for a month. That rattle is a startling sound! Outstanding photography and story telling. Thanks!
NV is amazing! It takes some time to get used to the desert, but it absolutely has a lot of beauty. Glad you didn’t step on the rattler! I’ve come across quite a few over the years, especially while mountain biking. Someone mentioned snake gaiters. Seems like a good idea. The rattlers that you really should avoid are the Mojave Greenbacks. They’re 10X deadlier than the diamondbacks due to a combination of two types of venoms. At least that’s what I’ve read. But I think they’re mostly in the southern part of NV.
Glad you’re okay Donald I don’t like snakes.
My favorite CZcams channel I'm enjoying watching it on a Sunday afternoon in Australia 👍👌
Those Kestrel will swoop you ..had it happen numerous times. One of my fav birds.
Sweet find! Love old abandoned houses and buildings. Glad you came out unscathed with the rattler!
It is such a trip to be watching this while sitting in my rooftop tent in the Virgin Valley of Northern Nevada. I can relate as I’ve been all through California and up through Nevada on this three week adventure I’m on. The best off Roading though had to be heading into Bodie and up out of Bodie and back into Nevada on my way here, all kinds of off-road conditions, challenges and beauty!
Glad this encounter left you safe and sound. I had a similar scenario in City of Rocks State Park in NM. Lots of boulders, could not see past one on the hiking trail, right behind it was a ratler, with my momentum I was literally one step away. The rattler gave me a short quick warning and I saw it bending back to strike and jumped back as far as I could, all good but good reminder to not rush as much even on a well known frequently used hiking trail :)
When out in the desert and hopping in truck, I always look under for rattlesnakes and Desert tortoise looking for shade.🐍🐢
Wow...really impressive content and videography. Your storytelling skills are just getting better and better.
No people. I love it! Thank you for sharing (as always). I have come across a few rattlers over the years. I never get used to it. I feel fascinated and scared/horrified at the same time about 'em (for obvious reasons).
That was an awesome video Don!
Australians have a special snake bite bandage that's meant to restrict the lymph system in an affected limb. I've often wondered if that wouldn't be useful here in the US.
Excellent video!
As a fellow avid PNW desert explorer, I have taken to wearing snake gaiters to further minimize my chances of getting a nibble from the "rattling nope rope". The Gonex Snake Gaiters that I picked up from Amazon ($35ish) are incredibly comfortable to wear, and cover my entire lower leg area, as well as the top of my foot.
Literally the day I got home from Nevada, I started looking into gaiters. :-) Not being an avid hiker or hunter - having done years of desert exploring without ever actually seeing a rattler - I balked at the $200+ for some of the big name brands I saw, but wasn't sure where to start with the array of affordable models. I'll take a closer look at the Gonex - thanks!
@@softroadingthewest I freaked out with the high price of some as well. After reading through the many descriptions and reviews, I landed on these. They are easy to put on, and really comfortable.
snake gaiters ( or chaps) always a good idea in snake country.I wear them here in FL picking berries but not otherwise.We mainly have cottonmouths,rattlers and coral snakes.Never had one try to bite but one never knows.
Nevada is beautiful!
Loved the video!
Been waiting for this since your announcement. I think we were there at roughly the same time. I just got back from a 6 day Eastern Nevada trip, starting east of Vegas and ending in Jarbidge. Such an amazing place and I can’t wait to go back.
Going to love this Nevada series. I’ve driven through it once on route to Tucson wished I had more time to explore, along with New Mexico it strikes me as one of the more interesting states in the country.
Being startled by a snake is no joke. Once camped down in Maupin by the dechutes and came across a large Gopher snake, looks very similar to a rattle snake.
Looks like a great trip
Nevada has the most public land and the most mountain ranges than any other state. Welcome to Nevada!
An absolute gem of the west!
Tons of public land, but I've found access can be sparse. Some areas have few public access roads and fenced ranch land often lies between you and interesting mountains.
Particularly good job on this video Donald. Very much enjoyed. ❤❤
Beautiful video. This was one of our favorite trips that we've done. The old cabins and homesteads are so fascinating. I'm glad you avoided a rattlesnake bite, safe travels!
It's such a treat to find things so intact! And what an incredible backdrop. Enjoyed this trip so much.
"Stark and stoic"...great description
I grew up in Southern California where there are plenty of rattlesnakes. In the 60’s I was in Boy Scouts from the age of 11-17 and spent 100’s of days and nights camping. One year I logged 50 nights camping. In all that time out I only encountered one rattlesnake. Even though most of our outings were boom-docking the one encounter was at summer camp at a scout ranch that was trampled by 100’s of scouts every year. Fast forward to my 20’s when a friend and i would go out plinking or hunting several days a month. One evening just after sunset ,in the dim light, I was walking a trail back to my truck when I stepped on a small rattlesnake that was crossing the trail, I remember thinking it roll like a stick or broom handle. A few weeks in the early dawn light while deer hunting I kicked something with the toe of my boot in the short dew covered grass and thought ‘cow patty’, to my surprise when I turned to look I saw a coiled rattler, probably too cold to strike, running his tongue in and out trying to figure out what kicked him in the nose. Months later my next step on a trail would have been right in front of one coiled along side the trail. My partner said he didn’t know how I did it but without putting my foot down I went straight up and came down on the other side of the snake. I had several other encounters after that. What really spooked me was thinking about all the times out camping and never seeing one, were they there and I just didn’t see them ? Glad I now live in western Washington where they don’t.
Nice work on the video Donald.....the snake bit reminded me of a sad day in my life tho...I killed a rattlesnake I came across on a mountain bike ride once back when I was young and less thoughtful.....I still feel like that un-kind act will bite me someday.
We've seen a TON of rattlers in badlands (Theodore Roosevelt & Badlands) ...we live back east, and after my widow neighbor called me to catch a black snake in her home. I am resolved to carrying a snake pole (w/ spring-loaded cable) to safely remove/move nakes'.
Great video, Donald. Is your heart rate back to normal yet? Glad you just got startled and nothing worse.
That homestead you explored is really impressive. So many different buildings and different ages of the compound. I wonder how long that homestead was active or inhabited.
Thanks for sharing this with us. Looking forward to the next video.
I’ve run into so many rattlesnakes in California. Especially in the desert but also in the mountains.
“Most rattled I’ve ever been “… i saw what ya did there 😉
I did that rattlesnake jump 15 or 16 years ago while walking a trail in the Florida woods only a few miles from my home. It was well hidden below a dead, brown saw palmetto leaf right on the edge of the path, just a few inches from my leg. That sudden rattle will get the adrenalin flowing.
That's for sure! 😆
You need to metal detector these areas if allowed
Those old ranches were cool. We’ve seen a couple of rattle snakes on our adventures here in Virginia. Just a reminder for all. The snakes are not out to bite you. Also, don’t do any of that crazy stuff like cut and suck, ice packs, constriction bands when you get bit. Remain calm. BTW….the wildlife had the old ranch covered. Rattler on ground patrol/defenses and the hawk on air. 😀
Indeed, doing a bunch of research - after the fact when I got home - made me realize how little I knew about rattlesnakes and what to do if bit. I'm fortunate I got this warning, though hopefully there won't be a Next Time. 😄
cute little danger noodle
15:18 Beautiful campsite….Nothing like camping on a open plain with a rolling thunderstorm coming through.
The wind did not let up that evening...the truck was rocking through the night. I was sure I was gonna get rained on but not a drop, just lots of wind. 😄
Hiking in the AZ deserts rattlesnakes were a weekly encounter. The most frequent was 4 in a 5 day period. Yikes!
🐍no starbucks out there bro lol...really cool
Glad the little guy didn't get ya! I'm a fan of a wooden walking stick but I imagine filming would be difficult.
A lot braver than me, going in those buildings be careful 👍🍺
cool beans! bet you scared that danger noodle more than he scared you 🙂
you should buy snake bite protection boots! If you're in desert areas often they would be a great investment.
Good reason to wear cowboy boots 👍
"the most rattled I've ever been". =D
He still didn't point at the rattle
HI DONALD 👋
GORGEOUS SCENERY COLORS LANDSCAPES VIEWS WILDLIFE DRONE FOOTAGE VIDEO 📹
BOY THAT WAS A CLOSE ONE ! THANK GOD FOR WATCHING OUT FOR YOU 🙏 WE USE TO HAVE AMERICAN KESTRELS HERE WHERE I LIVE , BUT HAVEN'T SEEN ANY IN AWHILE 🙏 I KNOW IT'S NOT BECAUSE ANY FOOD FOR THEM ? WHEN I WOULD GO SEE MY FRIEND ON THE EASTERN SHORE , THEY WOULD BE HOOVERING ABOVE THE FIELDS LOOKING FOR FIELD MICE , ETC OR RESTING / LOOKING FROM THE TELEPHONE ☎️ POWER LINES . LOVE HOW THE WOOD / BOARDS AGE THROUGH THE YEARS . THE ROAD LOOKED PRETTY SMOOTH OR YOUR SUSPENSION HIDES A LOT OF THE BOUNCING OF YOUR TRUCK . BE SAFE ☺️ 🙏HAVE FUN ☺️ 🙏ENJOYED ❤☺️ 🙏GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES ☺️ 🙏 THANK YOU ☺️ 🙏I CAN'T IMAGINE HOW LONG IT TOOK THE PIONEERS TO FIND EVERYTHING THEY NEEDED TO BUILD THEIR HOMESTEADS ☺️ 🙏WHICH IPAD DO YOU HAVE DEBATING WHETHER TO GET ONE FOR TRAVEL ☺️ 🙏WONDERING IF THE WATER IN THE LAKES / PONDS WOULD BE OK TO DRINK ? ☺️ 🙏
I have the 3rd-gen iPad mini. It's so old that Apple will not update the iOS to their latest version, and as apps evolve to accommodate the newer operating systems, my older iPad is running into trouble with them. It's frustrating because my iPad works perfectly otherwise. I may make a dedicated video about this soon. I imagine the water can't be THAT bad because the animals drink it, but it's pretty stagnant...the flow from these springs is just a trickle. Personally I would definitely filter or boil before consuming. Thanks David!
You're going to be out and about in the summertime you should pick you up some snake gaiters
Very enjoyable, if a little grayish........
Indeed. I had mixed feelings about the overcast. It really flattens the colors and contours which would have been much more visually striking if I'd had clear weather. On the flip side, the temperature was pleasantly cool and comfortable. When the clouds finally cleared later in the week, it got quite hot in the sun. 😏
@@softroadingthewest i thought you looked comfortable for a Nevada June. Great content as always!
I've spent much of my life off-roading and driving through the deserts of the ION Country (NW Nevada, SW Idaho, and SE OR). I hate Rattlesnakes!
Yes. I can see how you were "rattled" by that encounter. Mostly, it's just that sudden jolt of adrenaline that makes you levitate away from them. In all the years I've been wandering around in the desert I've only had two or three up-close-and-personal encounters with rattlers. All were because I got complacent and didn't watch where I put my feet. We all know better, but still... 🐍🐍
After years of never seeing rattlesnakes ever, I definitely was not taking the threat seriously enough. I always think about it in rocky areas with hiding places I can't see into, but just strolling around like this, I have a long history of paying very little attention to my feet. The rest of that week, I've never looked at the ground so much - or been so jumpy at the slightest rustling noise. 🤣
How and where did they get all the wood for building ? Amazing.
OMG i bet that snake encounter was really scary! i mean IF you had been bitten that would not have been good. whenever im around buildings like that, i also make sure to make alot of noise and use heavy foot steps when walking up to it, most animlas will leave before you get there.
Great video Donald. Are you a geologist? I grew up in Battle Mountain in rural Nevada and now live in Reno. I am guessing this video was in the Austin, Eureka, or Tonopah area? Please let me know. Jeep riding and four wheeling were how we passed our time. Much of it was done in 2 wheel drive pickups.
Thank you
I'm from Winnemucca lived there in the 50s. Been to Battle Mountain many times.
Now in So Oregon.
Nevada is my favorite state and high and drive is my favorite geography.
We went every where in an old International 2 wheel drive pick-up.
There was lots t see and find back in those days.
Try rafting down the Humboldt in Spring on home made rafts.
Jumping the train in Winnemucca, jumping off in Battle Mountain
jumping back on to get home. Arrow head hunting (projectile points for the new age) legal until 68.
And no one cared before that. Crawdad fishing. Turquoise hunting. Pine nut gathering.
Choke cherry harvesting. All day Saturday at the Sage Theater. Winnemucca Rodeo and auto race track.
Exploration on foot and bicycles. Paradise Valley and the old Mill Pond and what was left of a Civil War era military outpost.
Scrounging for toss off goods by the Covered Wagon trains.
Finding clay babies and railroad spikes from the 1800's.
Exploring abandoned mines (dangerous) and visiting completely intact ghost towns such as Unionville.
Digging up the trash piles of old stores and bars.
@jeffhildreth9244 sounds like you had a great life in nevada, I grew up in Medford, got tired of the rain, moved to Reno in 81, havnt done any of that kind of stuff.😊
@@elflordsjourneys I am in Jacksonville 5 miles west of Medford.
I had 11 1/2 acres in Williams 30 miles west of Medford. We were there 22 years, Dope growers forced us out.
Sad to sell but no option.
My father owned the Knights of Pitheous (SP ) Hall in Virginia City until his demise in 89.
Medford has very little rain compared to the Oregon coast at 70 inches per year
My opinion..Reno has been ruined as has Carson City, Gardnerville Minden thanks to the retired California county, state, and federal employees who have retired there.
Real Nevada is still out there.
A shame that the Black Rock got sucked up by Burning Man
which is a plagiarism and a cartoon of the English Wicker Man.
@jeffhildreth9244 very familiar with Jacksonville, grew up on sunset drive, family just sold the property yesterday after our folks all past. Yes Reno Carson has gotten to big and crowded for sure. We go to Brookings and bandon every couple of years .
Nevada is a fascinating place! That was quite a large ranch you discovered. So what happened to your iPad?
It's a little off-topic from the rest of the Nevada adventure so it's gonna get its own little video at some point. Still trying to resolve the issue and once I've reached a final conclusion, I'll share the story. 🙂
That second ranch almost looks like someone shows up every 40 years and puts up a new building. Be careful out there.
Definitely appears to have been a progression over multiple generations.
Can't watch the video, something ad blockers and allowing adds?? Not sure what the heck they're talking about. Bummer.
Your captain cook the 2nd
Comment
Sibilance...
The ranch structures were well built.. not some quick hodge podge.
Rattlers.... When I am out and about.. i strap on snake gaiters.
For an easy, cheap leg gaiter get some window screen, Velcro , short
not so wide belting.. and get creative.
Already been looking into gaiters. 😄
@@softroadingthewest Good move !
Do you carry a dedicated Snake bit kit seperate from your from your first aid kit?
I don't. After this encounter, one of the first things I did when I got home was look into dedicated snake bite kits. Once you start doing a little research into this topic, you'll find that the various contraptions and strategies included in these kits are not considered effective or helpful by the medical community, and actually potentially more harmful. So I shall continue to not carry a snake bite kit and focus on not getting bit in the first place. I'll probably get some gaiters to keep in the truck that I can strap on when traipsing through potential snakeland. :-)
@@softroadingthewest Wise of you to research bite kits. It's better to keep a list of the nearest medical facilites and head to one for antivenom treatment. Less than 1% of snakebites are deadly.
(ᵒ̤̑ ₀̑ ᵒ̤̑)wow!*✰
They taste better than chicken USMC 70 - 75
PS - that snake would have killed you dead.
Hate snakes.
8:01 yeah, looks a little "snakey", doesn't it? Don't get ate up, your channel, I mean "you" are too important.
Rattlers are bad. They are everywhere. Badgers are worse.
Sorry, not my cup of tea.
For me, it does look boring. The relatively recent ruins are of no interest.