A Trail of Artifacts Led Me to a Mythical Ancient Fortress- 1 Year Anniversary SPECIAL

[@Desert.Drifter]

UPDATE: I'm trying to work with KZbin Creator Support to figure out why some of you are having strange language issues with this video. Some have said that refreshing the video will eventually get it to English. I'm sorry, once I have an update I will post here.* Hey all, I had to take this down after my initial upload because of a strange glitch where people were only seeing the video in German. So I re-uploaded and hope I fixed the issue. Thank you for supporting the channel over the past year, excited for what's coming in year 2! Check out today's sponsor, Surfshark for a Desert Drifter discount surfshark.com/desert

[@scout06171]

Oh, you were speaking in tongues?

[@4x4pirates]

It fixed the language issue for me.

[@theswabbie30]

Fixed

[@ObamAmerican48]

Fixed! Congrats on the anniversary, Andrew. Love and appreciate what you do.

[@alannachristie6495]

Thank you for making that clear...thought I was the one glitching! I did watch the first time round and don't believe I was hearing it in German! Keep up the good videos! Your voice is very soothing to listen to! ❤😊

[@ibestrokin]

Been here from the beginning, didnt even realize you're at 380K as of today. Congrats! As an indigenous pueblo descendant, appreciate your respect for the lands you explore.

[@Desert.Drifter]

Thank you my friend

[@spookygirl7761]

​@@Desert.Drifter yes, you have Native American subscribers. 👍

[@heikechilds2816]

Thank you for your kind invitation to have us tag along digitally. You have achieved a lot in one year. Congratulations for that and heartfelt gratitude.

[@Desert.Drifter]

Thank you for being willing to tag along!

[@noyopacific]

Congratulations on the first Anniversary of the channel ! The growth of the channel has been remarkable and I think you deserve the success. Thanks for the videos Andrew !!!

[@Desert.Drifter]

Thank you noyopacific, you’ve been here since the beginning, and I appreciate that! Love seeing your comments

[@pkmagic]

I just wanted you to whip out a bivi bag and stealth camp overnight in that cave! What a cool place!

[@dennismokry258]

Looking forward to a revisit video for your 2yr anniversary and bunch of fun stuff in between.

[@rnewquist4996]

My absolute favorite channel on KZbin

[@MargaretWellman-Turgeon]

Mine too!! 🎉 ❤❤❤❤

[@davidnash6429]

@@MargaretWellman-Turgeon More weird, I came back a few hours later and it was in English. Time to watch :)

[@MzzAnnThrope]

As a fan and sound bath practitioner who plays Native American Flute, your flute playing was very nice. 👏👏👏

[@patrickcarroll2043]

The quality of your content is so impressive given the fact that you've been doing this for a year. Can't wait to see what you do in the future!

[@Desert.Drifter]

Thank you for watching!

[@mlgauss60435]

You shouldn't have to apologize for not telling where you are. MOST of us, totally understand! I personally couldn't get to those places even if I knew where! I'd rather leave it up to the experts, like you, to show us what you find. I have watched your channel for almost a year, so have a happy anniversary! I thoroughly appreciate and enjoy your videos and hope you continue to do these!

[@scout06171]

Thanks for taking this off private. You’re video’s are too good to be private. Thank you for the videos and for being sly sharing your faith with your viewers. God bless you and prosper you.

[@mountainhobbit1971]

He had issues with this video having German audio...so he re-uploaded it.

[@Desert.Drifter]

I set to private and then re-uploaded because of the strange automatic dubbing problem people are having. It seems like some still are having that problem. I'm reaching out to KZbin support now...

[@franks4973]

I generally hate commercials of any kind, however I love seeing my partner in crime. Always brings a chuckle. Also, I completely understand why you don’t post locations. I have seen too much casual destruction, appreciate how respectful you are. When these are gone, it is forever! I can no longer do these treks myself but I still love seeing them. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving.

[@chrisgundersen1117]

@@franks4973 I would agree with you most of the time on advertisements but advertisements for positive people doing positive. Things is a good thing. The advertisers on this product believe in what he’s doing, and I am for that

[@HeidiSue60]

No lie, that first glimpse of the arch gave me a shiver. How beautiful!

[@Desert.Drifter]

It’s a stunning feature, no doubt about it!

[@E.o.t.4637]

Congrats Andrew on your first year and after 380k subscribers?! What?! Great job! It doesn't surprise me how fast this grew and I can't be more happier for you and Mrs. Desert Drifter!

[@Desert.Drifter]

😁🙏🏼

[@hermitlifeinthemountainsub9493]

I'm sitting in the ER watching this. It takes me there, and I appreciate it. It is neutral to the others as well, no politics or crime. Thank you DD

[@smokethirteen]

Congrats on the success of this channel. The photography, adventure, storyline, and introspective monologue make this channel a must watch!

[@novampires223]

Plus his voice is lovely..😊

[@stephenwarrington9719]

Thank you for not geo-tagging! Great content and happy trails!

[@phlebgrl6064]

Thank you Andrew and the DD crew for fixing the audio! I’m all set to enjoy this special video!! Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 🦃 And Happy One Year Anniversary to Desert Drifter!

[@Desert.Drifter]

Happy Thanksgiving to you phlebgrl!

[@chuckie5671]

To think that whole families climbed those cliffs, young and old folks and the young men hauling the wood up to make their dwellings. They were remarkable people. Congrats on your one year anniversary. As always a great video and exploration.

[@BassWhispererTV]

Love your channel! I’m an avid hiker living in the SW, but I never get anywhere as deep as you do, you really find the most amazing places, and you take us with you. Thanks for doing such great work!

[@janislohman8125]

Camera work was great! Glad i dont have to climb that cliff. Geeze felt like i was there. Stay safe, cant wait for more😁💖💖💖💖

[@bobs7295]

I found myself leaning into the high side of the narrow trail a couple of times. Very real!

[@JustinLee-pz7su]

I don't care if your videos are 15 minutes or 45 minutes. I enjoy watching all of them and maybe even part 1 2 or 3 combined. Might even be fun seeing a 2-hour video in a 3-week sequence. There's so much in between that is probably fascinating

[@bookgnome7708]

Congratulations on your one year anniversary!! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!

[@ObamAmerican48]

Congratulations, Andrew! 🎉😊 It's a challenge to comprehend how people lived 100s or 1000s of years ago...why they lived the way they did and the choices they made to live there. They lived in harmony and symmetry with the rocks, trees, and streams. We can't fathom their choices, but we can appreciate and respect their ingenuity and dignity.

[@scout06171]

Come on, be real. If they lived in Harmony they wouldn’t have exhausted their resources and left. They also didn’t practice “leave no trace”. They also didn’t have a choice where they lived. They were limited to places with water and enough fertile ground to farm. Plus they needed a lot of animals to kill to feed themselves. Heck, we cherish their efforts to deface nature. 🤣 The truth is that they did the best they could with what they had. They lived extremely difficult, short and violent lives. They made war upon other groups who violated what they thought of as their hunting territory and they took slaves and raped the captured women to replenish their bloodlines. In very difficult times most of these groups resorted to cannibalism according to the archeological evidence. Ever wonder why we don’t find many Native American skeletal remains? My ancestors were the Powhatan Confederacy and we were wiped off the face of the earth by the Iroquois. To understand the Native American you first have to get rid of all that rubbish about how perfect and peaceful their existence was. There’s a reason they built their dwelling high up on cliffs that were almost impossible to get to.

[@TheAlaskaMom]

Thank you for taking this old, Alaskan Grandma along on your adventures! I love your videos!

[@wandawhite1974]

Those of us who would respect and leave untouched... I am no longer able to go where I used to go; do what I used to do. You take me with you. And thus far have left no stone unseen. You feed what once was. And I give thanks. 🙌🏼

[@SenseiOwens]

I love watching these, but I need to be fully awake because your voice is so soothing. One year carrying all of us along!!! Hope your back isn't tired so we get more!!

[@debbiestewart6756]

Your voice is very calming and leaves me feeling peaceful after watching. Love your adventures. We have only been to moab and mesa verde area but we are getting older now

[@debbieparker3871]

Happy Anniversary! I just turned 70, and I so enjoy your videos. I have seen them all!!You are taking me places that I would love to see in person, thank you. I can say, this one made me more nervous then others, speaking as a grandmother! Lol I can say, all those things you were wonder if you need more of, you are all those and more. Your whole being is very impressive, Happy Thanksgiveing!

[@Desert.Drifter]

Happy Thanksgiving to you too Debbie!

[@candaceshelton3321]

I am a retired history teacher. I loved teaching the 1st half of American history. I love seeing and learning from you.

[@maryestevez9356]

It’s only been a year? It’s so wonderful to watch your adventures. You’ve taught me so much about the southwest. Thank you.

[@michaeltaylor4984]

Happy Anniversary. Stay safe, as I enjoy your journeys, as all of us do.

[@harriotteworthington3147]

Andrew, congrats! Your community has grown so rapidly because of the quality and content of your videos. We are simply a mirror… Thank you for sharing your life and knowledge, and for letting this crone to vicariously live her youthful dreams… (Anthropology with focus on ancient civilizations of the Americas)

[@timedwards8944]

One of the best channels I've found in a while 👍

[@stealthfirefishing]

You have the best exploring videos

[@tj_poepoe]

One year already and I honestly have no idea how you don’t have a million plus subs yet. Great videos and content, the footage is always super high def too. Keep up the great content!

[@Desert.Drifter]

Thanks, hopefully we’ll get there one day!

[@jaydenantonioo]

Congratulations and Happy 1 year Desert Drifter!! 🙏 You’ve grown so rapidly within one year, proud of being here along the journey 🎊

[@patriciablack2673]

Congratulations on your one year anniversary Andrew! 🎉

[@falconquest2068]

Congratulations on the one year anniversary Andrew. My wife and I have watched every video. We wish you all the best as you continue to explore and enlighten us.

[@ronsage452]

Love how respectful you are to the past. God bless you.

[@garytull7730]

Another video with unmatched natural beauty, thank you Andrew and congratulations on your 1st anniversary. Glad you flew the drone near the beginning, the foliage colors are stunning. Love the finger marks in the mortar, such a connection to the ancient people.

[@stratocaster1greg]

Andrew your channel is my favorite. You are someone I wish I was friends with. God Bless You and Yours. Greg

[@tjkrueger2655]

I appreciate so much about this channel, but I most of all it's leading through impeccable ethics while exploring our natural and anthropologic history here in the west. Thanks for showing people the way

[@brucet.6967]

Phenomenally good job of recording and describing the characteristics of this beautiful historical site!

[@freddiekinnaputi]

Wow a year already congrats Andrew sir. You've opened my eyes to the wonders of the desert. I'm unable to hike due to disabilites your channel's format is not as pretencious as some on YT down to earth and solid presentation kudos & His Blessings. Peace&Smiles

[@LizH-fs3ky]

Yes!! It’s back and in English! Thanks for working hard to get it fixed. Excited to watch it now

[@mjmdo07]

I so very much enjoy living vicariously your adventures. I have lived near and have only briefly visited many similar areas that you display when, in the past, I explored and hunted the SW USA. I am so appreciative of the technology that allows you to share what you see with me, and I guess others. I so miss the beautiful vistas and scenes of years gone by. Age has robbed me of the ability and opportunity to see them again personally. You allow me to do so again. Be certain that you share these moments with those that you love.

[@bradleyslightom6313]

Thanks for the arch, bro! Just 1 of my top 10 favorite geological features made of stone!

[@1955camp]

Once again thank you for taking us with you. I couldn’t agree more with you on not disclosing your location of your travels.

[@empiregone]

Beautiful video, and thank you for being respectful when putting the artifacts back down. That is true class.

[@VicariousVideoz]

Love your content. Thank you for taking all of us along on your adventures! Anyone else get nervous watching him climb up the steep parts? Be careful out there brother.

[@jimlove6707]

Congratulations on your one year! And I believe I’ve been with you almost the entire year and enjoying every one of these. Especially since I can’t go do any of it anymore. So thank you very much and continue to be safe. I don’t want you to get hurt, especially offer one of those high cliffs.

[@danielwalden8725]

Your choice about locations is 100% thanks. 🤠

[@jimbetche7864]

2:50 what kind of world are we living in where people say you're not allowed to walk on this earth with a backpack?? Unbelievable. Something about that doesn't set well with me.

[@matildagreene1744]

WOW ! First anniversary 😘 and you're this good already 😁 You're one of a kind and so appreciate you NOT giving out locations !!! Reached the end of my long distance hiking and I don't miss one video you do. Your hiking skills are amazing 🙏

[@dianesnow9806]

Thank you Jeff for taking us along on your adventures! 👍💕🙏🏻

[@cwheels1026]

We really enjoy watching your explorations. Thank you for sharing your expierences and knowledge.

[@barbmcguire7796]

You play so beautifully! Thank you for sharing.❤😮

[@MargaretWellman-Turgeon]

Terrific video as always, Andrew 🎉 !! Really Love your flute playing ❤ ! Please do More!! My husband, who is half Cherokee, plays also.

[@peytonhoman5662]

Thank you for that journey, and Happy 1 year Anniversary!

[@jayejeffries8465]

Congratulations on the 1 year anniversary! I have to say that your channel is my favorite and I so look forward to seeing your videos. Your narration is superb and so calming, I could listen to your voice forever. Good luck with your future.

[@mikemoser2791]

I admire your courage and immensely enjoy your videos.Your videos leaves me with a greater respect for those native people who called this home centuries ago.

[@bill9540]

Privileged to see those formations because it appears that one tremor and that ridge would disintegrate…so much spalling and displacement already. Thanks for the views and congratulations 🥳🎉

[@Vigilante-ns3ez]

Congrats on a year milestone!

[@ruthmusser4449]

Yes ! I was getting ready to look at my subs, wondering where is My Desert Drifter ? And you popped up. 😊

[@danamorrow8030]

Congratulations on your anniversary! Well done! Enjoy all your videos, keep going. Loved the native flute music at the beginning, it is so appropriate for the vast open spaces of the west!

[@shaunroberts9361]

Man I felt your pain having to get back to your car. Since that hike was so hard to get there. Brutal.... And Happy Thanksgiving

[@taerri10]

Once again you have brought the serenity and the mystery of the desert to my mind. Thank you!

[@starchiefrussell4703]

That arch is a stunning rock formation. Thanks so much for revealing it to us.

[@steve8421]

Congratulations. Your channel has become a favorite of mine. Many more years and a 1M subs.

[@AC-ob4fu]

Absolutely enjoy joining you on your adventures. Looking forward to traveling with you in year 2. 🎉

[@tubecoatue]

Congratulations on your 1-year anniversary for the channel!. This was a particularly enjoyable episode and production value keeps getting better and better. I also enjoyed your essay at the end. You're a very good writer. Greetings from Central Oregon and take care.

[@sherburck]

This was amazing! I’m in awe!

[@sandrakennedy4877]

Thank you and Congratulations on one year sharing and exploring amazing places and showing us such incredible areas that the majority of us will never see in real life but can enjoy along with others as you video/film/detail areas. Thank you so much for your time and effort. Plus love the way you put items you find back where they were, its respectful and compassionate of the people who existed way before us.

[@VanWillis]

Nice flute, I will be expecting Andrews top 10 flute renditions for Backcountry Serenades in the coming future. Love your work, and I'm still waiting for the cookbook!

[@MargaretWellman-Turgeon]

You could incorporate your beautiful flute music 🎶 into the background for some of your videos ❤

[@stuarts4673]

Perfect timing,.Wondered what happened earlier when in German. From Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@chrisgundersen1117]

I just barely got to the spot in the video when you were talking about locations and things of that sort you were so very respectful. I’ve been climbing since the 80s and out in some very beautiful places they need to stay that way :-)

[@melissawise6565]

Happy 1 year anniversary! I recently found your channel during a medical recovery. I can’t enough! I love your informative, interesting and inspiring videos. Relaxing scenery and great choice of music! Thanks!!

[@ritamills3417]

Congrats on one year! Woo hop! I started watching you a year ago but your videos were so good I didn't realize your channel was that new. I've told you before, you were my favorite desert videographer, still are. This was truly one of the most beautiful places I've seen you go. What I wouldn't give to be able to go with you on one of these hikes.

[@mcirish175mcc6]

I feel like we have been joining you for more than a year as you explore the Southwest. The energy, experience and knowledge you bring seems to grow with each new video. You are an amazing spirit and adventurer. Jim McC

[@Farmkid02]

Cant wait to watch this adventure through! 🙏🏼

[@Farmkid02]

100% worth it. Such an amazing piece of the past!

[@utahexplor]

I think I know where this is at but I will not say. I am pretty sure I have pictures of this formation from way down at the bottom looking up with a telephoto lens. And I think I knew the old guy that you talk about but even his name would give too much away. Thanks for your efforts and congratulations on your one year anniversary!

[@ethandeuel4313]

your hiking and trekking skills and sensitivity to the ancients are awesome perfect match for this amazing content you creat 👏

[@BillJonesJr-h4i]

The footage near the end... leaves me speechless ... This perhaps is one of Best Video adventure ... Most certainly Best location I have ever seen you discover ... If you did a 10 part series of this location - I would Definitely watch all ten videos 😸

[@1WillyK]

Happy Anniversary! Always love watching your videos. It always blows me away when I see where these ancient people built. Not only was it lots of work to do so but also just to live there. Hauling up food and water on a regular basis to site like this one would have been a grind. Much tougher people than we are today.

[@mountainhobbit1971]

yay! no more audio in German! I thought maybe Surfshark hijacked your channel. ;-) I will never understand how they were such amazing rock climbers way back then. AND I fully support and agree with you NOT disclosing these site locations.

[@GreenTea3699]

The only languages available to me are Japanese & French .. ??

[@mountainhobbit1971]

@@GreenTea3699 oh no...

[@Desert.Drifter]

I’m glad it worked for you. Unfortunately I’m having to chat with KZbin Support to try and figure out why some are having this issue still

[@richardstutrud5293]

Once again I thank you for taking me along. Each of your videos makes my day👍

[@jimmyzbike]

thanks for sharing and re-uploading

[@bettybrigance6784]

So glad to get to see this, thank you and WOW...

[@GypsyOsprey]

Congratulations Mr. And Mrs. Desert Drifter! Hopefully many, many more❤ love the videos so much!

[@stevenrafters7817]

Keep playing the flute in your videos. Beautiful!

[@MargaretWellman-Turgeon]

Yes 🪈 ❤ !!

[@Bearwithme560]

It's perfectly suited to the location, and beautiful.

[@JdubU]

I think you've built an incredibly important catalog of important videos

[@BillJonesJr-h4i]

💥⚡ WHOA ⚠️ ...that was AWESOME seeing that Arch from the start of your hike at the bottom... Exceptional Footage 🎥⭐👍🌞🦅

[@marie5118yk-7]

Congratultions on your 1 yr anniversary. I think you videos are terriffic. The photography and your narration is great! I don't hike, but I love history and geology. Looking forward to a second year. (The video is streaming in English on my TV and German on my phone. The closed captions are in Engish)

[@phlebgrl6064]

Incredible stone formations Andrew! They really get my imagination running wild! Thank you so much for sharing this special Anniversary edition of Desert Drifter!

[@krisk.8257]

Congratulations 🎉🥳🎈Desert Drifter! One year! I so love your videos. I love the American west with all my heart! I was born here and never want to leave. Been all over the west. It truly is a wonderful place to be. Thank you for taking us along on your adventures. We get to see things and places that a lot of us would probably never get to. Plus we’re able to see upclose such special sacred places without causing harm. Thank you for your respect and consideration for this land. I always look forward to your next adventure! Thank you for sharing all the beauty and wonder! Peace be with you always ✌🏻😊

[@melissakey7038]

I muted it and hit the CC lol I'm watching it again. I do love your videos and appreciate your love and respect of the ancient ones 🙏

[@excelternow]

I could never understand my son's obsession with the desert and rock climbing, until I watched your channel. Now I am obsessed! Great channel, thank you!🎉❤❤

[@northsongs]

Congrats on the 1 year!!! Thanks for the videos, so beautiful and inspiring.

[@lifeaccordingtogizzmoroncu9721]

My God Andrew we all really love your uploads and speaking for myself really look forward to your new content and learn so much from your knowledge. Please I know your skilled and have well earned your confidence but wow sometimes you take some chances that .... well you know what I mean . You are a national treasure at this point and have so much ahead with your channel I guess I'm trying to say don't risk yourself so much... all I takes is one small mistake and I've spent a life time climbing hiking in the white mountains here in New Hampshire and I was taught in outward bound and R. O. P. E it's not a if but a when. Your channel can only get better if your around to make it. God bless

[@MargaretWellman-Turgeon]

Agreed!! ❤ Be safe, Andrew!!

[@jeffmathison7983]

Happy Anniversary! Your channel has quickly become one of my favorites. I’m an easterner, but lucky to have had a bit of hiking and biking around Moab. Your travels bring back the feel of the rock walls and tiny streams I saw. The sites you find are astonishing - how did people climb up and down multiple times a day with jars of water and baskets of corn?! Thanks for taking us along!

[@samstevenson8065]

Perfect way to celebrate a year! Spent a day hiking through there back in August. Such a special place. Keep the videos coming!

[@lvin9632]

One year? And you've shown us so much! I loved the time I got to spend in the SW desert. I miss it there. The hunt for ruins and rock art was so much fun! The best time of my life. The speculations you share are similar to my own. Thank you for not sharing locations! I'm so happy to go on adventures with you! Please keep making videos. And no more falling! Gosh!!

[@rogermccaslin5963]

I watched the first upload without problems but when I tried to comment, it was a no go. I figured you must have pulled it for the issue you alluded to in the pinned comment the first time around. That being said, I commented on the first upload that I worry about your safety (even though I know you are expert level) on these adventures. I also wanted to congratulate you on the anniversary milestone, and I look forward to many more adventures to come. Safe travels.