Abandoned BC: Walden North

[@barefootanimist]

It's sad to consider that there have been visitors to this site who saw fit to vandalize it, instead of draw inspiration from it.

[@chris101ward]

Some people draw inspiration from destruction. We usually call these people assholes.

[@persiazad]

I really have a hard time figuring out the mentality of an animal who would walk into a space like that and starts smashing things

[@canadaeast8358]

It’s pretty sad that someone would do that.. poor guy worked his ass off for it I’m sure

[@MMikeHD3904]

@@persiazad same person who is a kid toucher! Usless

[@taxicamel]

Completely left out the huge plant located on the valley floor where the lift dropped down to. That's why the lift existed. I met Mr. Pick in early 70"s. A tall chap, ...very personable. Went through his huge plant were he was doing research and manufacturing.

[@hollyarntzen5460]

What an amazing place, and you captured this piece of history and told the story of Pick's life beautifully.

[@hollyarntzen5460]

Heartbreak to see the vandalism and disrespect. Yet the bones of the building and the property seem still so strong--how amazing to have the water and power generation. What a visionary Pick was.

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks very much Holly, I feel like Pick deserves an hour long doc!

[@SimiBiln]

I grew up in Lillooet..I remember the do not trespass signs growing up...Glad I got to see what it looks like finally!

[@StringerMedia]

Great video! Fascinating history

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Great video Luke so glad you explored this place. Such great history always hate how people vandalize places

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Brent, I also feel the same and when I look back I see myself as one of those kids vandalizing, I don't anymore though!

[@MMikeHD3904]

@@lifeofluke I like your dog, got a border heeler myself, awesome dog

[@BockaufBiken]

I´m so glad I discovered your channel! I really like your style of making videos. The talking/story telling and the drone shots are amazing! And of course the truly beautiful sceneries you use to roam in! Awesome! I subbed!

[@bordstif84]

I as well have only been graced by this channel for only one week yet.

[@Eurotool]

Extremely high quality channel, please keep providing.

[@teeeeeyden]

Do you need a side kick? I can carry food and water for your escapades haha. Your videos are awesome! Happy to see someone explore so much of the hidden spots in BC.

[@lifeofluke]

I would never turn down anyone offering to carry food and snacks and water!

[@solomonwoodland6362]

Man what a cool place! Great video bro!

[@lifeofluke]

Appreciate that, Solomon!

[@rickrayn]

Love the Avocado green appliances. They give you a rough idea of their age.

[@KCBarr1]

What strong men build, weak men seek to destroy. The ones that wrecked this property will likely never amount to anything useful.

[@DarkroomMedia007]

Amen sir.

[@Destination_Adventure]

Oohhh geez. Sure hope you got permission for this one. This site has suffered terribly from vandals. The owners have a very difficult time with that. Amazing story behind this one, but it’s important people know that it’s private property and not abandoned.

[@karenjane7762]

The owners only care about the hydro plant profits. When they bought it, they turfed the caretaker and let it go to the vandals. It's changed hands since then but the new owners, another private power company in partnership with a local FN Band are not any better.

[@dustingerle986]

Love the content! Please keep "abandoned BC" going!!!

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Dustin!

[@benparrish9547]

This is definitely an under rated channel!

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Ben!

[@1unsung971]

Enigmatic and enthralling stories, told with sparing narrative and wonderful photography. Terrific work Sir. Thank you so much for your hard work and for sharing these tales of forgotten places. Go well.

[@bctw9004]

Absolutely amazing. I can’t imagine the effort to build it in such a remote area. Excellent video!

[@eliasgames3453]

My Dad lives in Lillooet for his whole life His dad which is my grandpa was good friends with the dude that owned the mansion my dad literally got to go in the house and look at every detail sadly he died and now people vandalized it so now no one can look at it it was a great house to the all the people watching it was beautiful people vandalize it after he died and took everything from the house most likely but have a great day guys I also live in Lillooet by the way and have a great day

[@seanfrank4158]

I seem to recall a story or an article I read about this place. It was said that Pick chose this location because of the way the canyon was formed. If there was ever a nuclear attack then the mountains would shadow the dwelling from most of the radioactive fall-out and whatnot during the aftermath. I can't remember exactly where I read that though.

[@karenjane7762]

A 2012 edition of Mountain Life Magazine out of Whistler. The article can still be found online.

[@cyclefancy2726]

Another great video! Keep it up Luke.

[@AllThingsOcean]

Alright. I just binge-watched this entire series. More please! :) :)

[@lifeofluke]

Haha, working on it!

[@TheStoryTillNow]

Such a cool place. Great video as usual. 👍

[@Skiingislife-oc3fh]

I just found your channel today and watching your adventures has made me really want to get out of my comfort zone! I'm typically a local adventure kind of person who likes to explore things that I'm already familiar with. But these places you've brought us as the viewers to, are absolutely stunning and remind me while i'm recovering from an ACL tear, the fun and exploring I can do when I'm all healed up! Keep up the filming and stay safe and healthy! Cheers from Washington State USA

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks, I love to hear it! I wish you a speedy ACL recovery!

[@Evantures]

You’re shots and editing are next level 👏 that fade into the side of the mountain 0:42👌

[@gwenhaworth5454]

Exceptional. Thank you for this. I love architecture from this era and it's such a gem to hear a story of a structure here in rural BC. The magazine covered desk looked MCM. It's probably in disrepair and inaccessible, but watching your footage, I found myself wishing someone could give it some TLC and another life chapter. ...and of course the home too, but that would be a monumental feat. Love your work!

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks very much, Gwen!

[@rbmurbach4536]

Recently came across your channel. Like it very much. Great video work and music. Thanks for sharing your interesting adventures!

[@serenaw7727]

YOU seem like the kind of person I'd like to meet, and I already draw inspiration from you! Another great video.

[@soukthavoneinsisienmay1188]

I'm a newly subscribed to your channel. Thank you for this video! Keep up the great work!

[@FidoHouse]

Poignant story. Beautiful video.

[@erikletham4944]

My home town lillooet love the place!

[@RIKAPHI]

Pretty amazing... Thanks so much and never stop! Love to see what's next 😁

[@luckyme398]

Amazing house .to bad people have to disrespect property.

[@my2cents945]

Nicely done, thanks for sharing.

[@FogartyAvenue]

Absolutely incredible.

[@lifeofluke]

Most definitely

[@1984Stanman]

Great video and story, thanks!

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Stan!

[@Kimbeattie]

Thanks again for a great adventure

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Kim!

[@brookeshaffer4377]

Brilliant man! Most interesting visual of property.Thanks Luke👍

[@stephenunderwood2296]

Great series

[@599miata]

Interesting video Luke. When I look at it, I find there is a lot of wasted goods and the building is still beautiful. 👍👍

[@passflips]

Really nice work

[@PhilHewkin]

Vernon Pick chose that site to construct his fortress. It was special built to withstand nuclear war and fallout. He had carefuly studied weather patterns, and believed this location would be the highest survival chances in the event of a nuclear war.

[@DameUntamed]

Cool spot! Really enjoy your video style. Great story telling ☺.

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Nikki!

[@randiray8640]

That is a great story, you did the man justice. Sad to see miscreants disrespected the property, and perhaps had they known his story they might have acted differently. Somehow I doubt it. I have always been of the mind, leave it better than you found it. Again, great Job on the short story.

[@starzzmcluvin1210]

Well done on the video here. Just goes to show the world that it's possible to learn from our past. People come. people Go. Where we'll end up nobody knows. Our journey is meant to be learned...NOT KNOWN!! SO KEEP TEACHING TEACHER OF HISTORY. This is aww inspiring to me and my past experiences. This gives me a New yearning for things past. Keep the journey alive my friend. Keep IT alive

[@markquiring7296]

Hi Luke! came across your channel just a while back and subscribed to it as you do great videos with detail , research, camera work and great editing. really enjoy them and thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@lifeofluke]

Awesome, I'm stoked you appreciate the work I put in, Mark!

[@markquiring7296]

You bet , I feel very positive and inspired after watching your videos! I moved to bc a few years ago to the coast and haven’t been able to get out and explore yet , but going too. Thanks!

[@thombaan]

Who else just wants to renovate it lightly and live there....

[@fillbrother7339]

great impressions, thank you

[@WhereKentWent]

Cool video Luke!

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Kent!

[@jarnoa7592]

Love ur channel. Design on this house i reminds pretty much of Finnish house desing from late 70s early 80s.

[@OBLIVIONevolvedurbex]

nice house nice explore lads

[@Pack044]

Fantastic content and channel I have to ask though how do you finance all the traveling and time off?

[@lifeofluke]

work really hard, save money, cut out the luxuries that most people live with, be strategic

[@Gboyproud]

Great vids mate. Moving out to BC in about 5 months. I will use your vids as land marks to see and hike to.

[@derekcariglia5062]

Really spectacular Footage. Subscribed today and have been binge watching all these abandoned BC vids. Great work! Where do you find your new projects to explore? They seem so interesting, yet low key!

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Derek! I spend a lot of time researching online and sometimes just bump into these things!

[@MikeHalley]

Beautiful home

[@stephanlandry9406]

Cool house on the side of a beautiful mountain. Great footage and storytelling/ history lesson. Too bad vandals have smashed the place up. I would love to fix the place up and live there.

[@manuelzalazar6706]

Thats a beatiful place to live, just clean and enjoy.. I see fron La Rioja Argentina excelent video!!

[@miguelleal424]

Finally got some spare time to watch it. I had no idea! What a waste of a fine architectural gem! Great investigative work! Stay fine!

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Miguel!

[@87brandon1]

Cool video!

[@TheTankss]

Love your channel keep it up

[@Shadowmick]

Great show!

[@mountainmama713]

What a cool place!

[@thepeoplesoul]

Fantastic

[@rodneywheatcroft4773]

great video luke!

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Rodney!

[@DanDryfhout]

Great video!

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Dan!

[@JonathanKuhn]

What a crazy place.

[@branchsnapper2228]

Extraordinary

[@missdill9119]

Tear it down!!! What a eyesore to these beautiful surroundings. Probably on indigenous land too. How mankind takes the most enchanting and beautiful land, and turns it absolutely appalling is discusting.

[@scottculver]

Nice work.

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Scott!

[@jamesmac7464]

Wow 😯 great 👍 video thanks 😊

[@kirkrussell7940]

Really diggin your vids, love your pup too. Curious what drone do you use? Thanks

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Kirk, I use the mavic 2 pro

[@Crittermoto]

Very cool. Never knew about this so hanks. Very Frank Lloyd Wright-esque. So sad to see that some individuals have nothing better to do than vandalize and destroy. This place would be worth repairing and revitalizing.

[@irisfaust7585]

Are you going to come back and go all the way to Skip Mountain?hopefully you won't get caught in the rain next time...I really enjoy your video's..

[@Jmp5nb]

What a pity, sad to see the vandalism. Cool cantilever construction.

[@matyAnonymuS]

That place was built as a nuclear fallout shelter, he picked the location because the geography meant it was not exposed to prevailing atmospheric currents, or something around those lines. There was a big article about it a few years ago in The Pique Newsmagazine in Whistler.

[@cripknuckles9112]

Makes sense

[@karenjane7762]

Article was actually in Mountain Life Magazine also out of Whistler and it can still be found online.

[@михаилпанев-о4к]

This can be a beautiful house!

[@musicbycandlelightmbc3225]

🍁 A hearty hello to you Luke and greetings from the Island. 🍁 I would also agree that place can be restored. I think the more expensive part are replacing those large, yes, really, bulletproof windows. Those walls are 2 feet thick. The compound, including a guesthouse and gatehouse, is currently owned by Fortis BC, run as an independent power plant and is not open to the public. That place and based on its history should have been absolutely preserved. It is not hard to find caretakers to maintain such a place in exchange for rent costs or something. Instead, they are sucking the place for his electricity while the rest rots to the ground. What a horrific fate for such a skilled and multi-talented man that employed many to help build it in preparation for his insatiable fear for the so called (will never happen) end of times apocalypse. So he built a complete bomb shelter fearing a nuclear war. If I were younger, I would do everything I possibly could to strike a deal with Fortis for that place's restoration and personally be the caretaker. It is a historical place in my opinion. I guess I just can not comprehend the constant negligence behind the extent of such waste many care not for and would sooner let it rot then to pass it on to those who would gladly take care of it. Vernon Pick’s Full Story Here: www.mountainlifemedia.ca/2016/01/25178/

[@DavidVazquezC]

where is located?

[@koalacol8963]

Hey, I love your videos, so why aren’t you posting? By the way congratulations with almost 20K you deserve it!

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks for the question, I have been working a lot, and had difficulty with several things breaking, my car broke down, it's winter so the mountains are covered in snow, not travelling because I can't afford to, and lack of partners to do things with

[@koalacol8963]

@@lifeofluke oh. I hope it will get beter soon. I see you uploaded a new video yesterday. Awesome!

[@ghensold]

Your videos are great and this one is no exception. You probably hear this a lot, but... you gotta do an episode on Kitsault!

[@fingling8]

How close was their "driveway"? If there was an angled elevator, I guess not that far. Just wondering how they got all the materials in to build that. Pretty impressive for a self-taught person.

[@heisenberg69]

Thanks!

[@officialranjansharma8974]

Great job dued 🙏

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Ranjan!

[@paulreportingliv]

Nice vids, do you ever travel to Alberta? I’m from Edmonton...

[@raap33]

What drone do you use?

[@lifeofluke]

the Mavic 2 pro

[@t.t8219]

You should check out Kitsault, BC. I’d love to see your video take on it. I’m heading to Ocean Falls next week for work. Secondly, if you’re really looking for an adventure; check out Uranium City, SK. I’ve been there a dozen times. Amazing Canadian history. It’s accessible in feb/March via ice road or plane, or in the summer by plane or boat. The mayor is Dean classen, he owns the gas station/bed and breakfast. You’d like him and he’d give you a grand tour.

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks for the rec's, I'd love to see Kitsault for sure, I know that one needs permission to visit. And Uranium City is also on the list too! Just curious, is your work in Ocean Falls related to the hydro station or the bitcoin operation?

[@t.t8219]

@@lifeofluke negative. I’m a cop in Bella Bella. But we patrol Ocean Falls as well. Was in northern Saskatchewan prior in Fond du Lac. Gives me the ultimate opportunity to see some of the most unique places so far.

[@PurpleCrow27]

Everyone's works decay the same, ultimately. From the great to the insignificant, entropy owns the universe. There is surreal beauty in death.

[@BallardBaller]

Why has no one restored this???

[@davecody5997]

This place in the late 1980s was bought by the Atkinson family ....the family increased the size of the damn which increased the size of the holding pond ....the Atkinson increased the size of the tunnel through the mountain and built a 5 generator hydro power plant to produce power which was sold to bc hydro...the Atkinson sold the site to west kootney power in around 1995 I think ...I worked at that site from 1989 to about 1996.....during construction the Atkinson family lived in the big house you showed ..David the son would sometimes fly up from Vancouver in a helicopter with his buddy an ex bc lions lineman football player ...huge guy. ...the Atkinson were busy folks for sure !!!...an interesting but of bc history ...sad to see the decay of that beautiful old house!!!

[@mattzorn2491]

I was lucky enough to have gone up the tram to the house. Before the destruction it was so amazing .

[@cripknuckles9112]

Wow how long was it

[@mrkemblegilstrap]

Cool video👍 Apparently no family to inherit the house. What a shame. What was the thing that was mounted on the white flower garden/ planter(?) that looks like a hotel air conditioner?

[@ColinTheShots1]

I believe the family is still there. Luke would have likely had to get permission to visit this house.

[@a.j.markin2128]

When is the video for Glaciers National Park Lodge in Rogers Pass coming out?

[@maxpower8916]

Hopefully he has pictures of the lodge because it is now just a big empty lot. It was torn down just awhile ago.

[@a.j.markin2128]

@@maxpower8916 Yeah I would like to see that, I was pissed when they tore it down. He has a clip of the exterior in his explore bc trailer.

[@lifeofluke]

@A.J. Markin Ya I only saw the outside of the lodge while it was still standing, and now it's gone... so unfortunately there won't be a video about glacier park lodge, sorry!

[@maxpower8916]

@@a.j.markin2128 It was in a legal battle over ownership for years. The courts finally decided that it belong to Parks Canada since it was in a park to begin with. Unfortunately all the time it was being disputed over no one took care of it as the Hotel lay dormant. By the time parks took over it was in very bad condition. Not worth saving.

[@a.j.markin2128]

@@lifeofluke ok no problem, great to know 🙂

[@abeott5866]

Hey man, great content, just found your channel. I don't use PayPal, do you have a venmo I can send a tip to?

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks! I don't live in the US, and that's the only place venmo is available currently.

[@abeott5866]

@@lifeofluke oh shoot fair enough, well I'll get PayPal eventually, keep up with the quality content;

[@lifeofluke]

Venmo is actually owned by paypal, so I'm surprised you wouldn't have an account there by proxy

[@FrankPeppercorn]

Love the scenes of Walden North. Here are some from Vernon Pick's prospecting in Utah and his time at Walden West: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGHYcmWIft-re9k

[@lifeofluke]

cool, I love old footage

[@CarnivrousFIsh]

Are there any abandoned locations used in the X-files? I remember the giant mill/mine north of Vancouver in the episode about Scully's DNA being on file with alien hybrids.

[@edwardcolin6649]

Brittania Beach

[@stevejones924]

Ya, lillouet city is caring for the property now, After some visits to the home Im thinking theyre boarding the home up for safety.

[@dex99615]

Very cool

[@Thetis058]

It is sad that it seems Mr Pick had no descendants who could take over his estate . Would be a gorgeous place to live once now restored to its glory . Ok well some updates are needed like modern appliances. I would live here in a heartbeat so peaceful. You didn’t really show us a view though off either side of the home . Sides it overlook a cliff ? If someone is able please try and buy this place to make it a home again it would be worth every penny you put into it .

[@scmclane]

I would love to save this

[@f-dizzle1711]

Any idea who owns it now? Who was reading the magazine from 1993?

[@RC-the-OG]

wish i lived there