Headless Valley (Mel and Ethel Ross, 1958)

Provincial Archives of Alberta, PR2004.0122/15.
This travel film was made by amateur filmmakers Mel and Ethel Ross about their expedition to the Nahanni National Park Reserve in Northwest Territories, Canada in 1958. They were drawn to the region by myths and folktales that painted the area, and particularly the Headless Valley or Nahanni Valley, as being a dangerous and mysterious place where prospectors and adventurers went missing or were killed in unexplained circumstances and later found decapitated.
From the Melvin and Ethel Ross fonds, bit.ly/1KfYtjq.

[@JerryEricsson]

When my late wife and I were first wed in 1969, it was our dream to go on such adventures. Sadly life and the need to make money got in the way. When at long last, after 45 years of making a living we both became eligible for retirement, we began to travel. Our love of the outdoors meant we always had some sort of camper and as we aged it became more and more difficult to sit up camp we finally bought a used Class A Motor Home and took to the road . Our adventure began and we kept it up for 4 years till my wife became ill. It was the dreaded cancer, a very quick acting type, she was gone in 3 months of agony and sadness. Now our RV sits in the back yard, I was forced by the City to purchase license plates so I could keep on the RV Pad we had installed a few years before but without my better half I have no desire to move it. Today is the first anniversary of her passing 4 days back would have been our 52 wedding anniversary. I am very sad today, even the sun which has been keeping the temps up around 100 degrees for the past 2 weeks has hidden and rain has been falling all morning. Miss you darling hope to be with you again soon so our adventures can continue!

[@hiddendragon415]

Sorry for your loss i'm sure she's waiting.

[@willodious]

She would want you to be good to yourself. So do I.

[@d.blackwell6417]

Yes, make sure to take care of yourself! Sorry for your loss

[@richardsiegler8456]

So sorry for your loss Jerry…..the greatest adventure and treasure found is true love and a lasting relationship….You both did that, where so many failed.

[@Phoenix.Sparkles]

Reminds me of the movie Up

[@charlesbaronjr]

This film is an absolute treasure. I can't believe I've never come across it before. The storing of steak in shortening is something I've never heard of before. That old-school wisdom in the wilderness is priceless to me. What lives so well lived. Awesome.

[@TaengUEMMightyRaptor]

Wonderful documentary! Sat in the parking lot through it all . Thanks for sharing your experience. I felt as if i too was there with both of you.

[@harlowjademermaid1882]

These two are just national treasures that none of us knew that we needed. Hes such a character, with his witty little writings, and Ethel is a rare gift from the gods - she can cook, can fish, can hang with the best of them...a real looker, fun, adventurous, and no complaining? Boy, she is most definitely a keeper! I'm soo glad that they chronicled this amazing feat - it will stand the test of time. I almost wish that I knew them in real life, they really feel like amazing, genuine, salt of the earth types..just all around good souls. ❤

[@harlowjademermaid1882]

the only thing that this rare film was missing? captions. Some words are hard to get, but mostly My Mans' script was PHENOMENALLY MEMORABLE! Rest in paradise Mel & Ethel. You both will always be remembered as the coolest, most adventuresome couple that I've never met, but wish to god that I did. THANK YOU xo

[@Its_just_lor]

Not even 30 minutes into this video and my favorite quotes are: "No matter how deserted the country is, there is no choice to be lonely as there are millions and millions of mosquitoes doing their best to get acquainted with you". When he found the the cat tracks he said "He looked all through the brush, but to tell you the truth, I didn't look to hard. The more I thought about the size of the tracks, the more my hair stood on end". He pointed the camera at the glacier and said it "was being very unpatriotic. It was doing it's best to mimic the American Eagle." Such great storytelling.

[@LetsAllDrinkToTheDeathOfAClown]

The mosquitoes in these areas really are a beast of their own. I remember working in Yellowstone National Park over 20 years ago and the mosquitoes there were absolutely BRUTAL. I have never experienced mosquitoes like that anywhere else in my life, even in swampy Louisiana, Georgia and Florida. You wouldn't think mosquitoes would be so bad in very high elevations with cooler temperatures but to my shocking surprise they were horrific clouds of torment.

[@rettaabba726]

Oh yeah... know all about that... lived in Ft Simpson... was on the fire crew..... and when the chopper took off from the swamp he just dropped us in.. the "buzz".... never went away.... LOL !

[@morganmarston]

The use of a video camera, while doing such a treacherous hike, in an unknown/mysterious area, and during that time period, is simply amazing! Excellent work Mel & Ethel👍

[@niggamaster9139]

Thats not mysterious area ,its just one indian maniac that kills ut off ppl heads

[@frankgraves8361]

I'M SORRY MY FRIEND, VIDEO CAMERAS WEREN'T INVENTED YET. THEY MUST HAVE USED A 16mm MOVIE CAMERA. ACTUALLY THAT WAS MORE OF A FEET. ANYBODY CAN SHOOT VIDEO! 11/24/23

[@gorporpio]

Thankfully they protected the camera at all costs

[@gorporpio]

​@@frankgraves8361it's still a video

[@iamjackalope]

National Geographic ain't got nothing on the Ross's. I'm glad they decided to share it. I enjoyed going along for the ride.

[@smileyface8832]

*Yeah. Me too.*

[@SUPER_WOLFMOON]

@@smileyface8832 Too right! Very well done and illustrated! They are a good team!

[@michaelclark6980]

4

[@mrgreen4736]

These are the best stories told by old wise men. Tysm

[@LetsAllDrinkToTheDeathOfAClown]

I agree but his speaking is mumbled some times. You gotta listen very attentively.

[@da8920]

What a pleasure to listen to a fine elderly gentleman. The adventure I just listened too was amazing, the details, the words used to emphasize. I really felt I could of been there, you truly are a blessed man to have such a strong woman with you. I do believe there are parts of this world still untouched, still set back in time. If one finds such a place, respect it, for its secrets owe you nothing .. Thank you sir

[@serjiorodriguez5674]

Am I the only one who is here because I like the strange, dark, and mysterious delivered in story format?

[@athabascabasin1473]

That was a great episode!

[@serjiorodriguez5674]

@@athabascabasin1473 Heck yes it was!

[@Special_Tactics_Force_Unit]

Shove that copy paste up for ass zoomie

[@LetsAllDrinkToTheDeathOfAClown]

I was just trying to find Bell's Canyon.

[@jimbomacjimbo95]

Please leave an upturned push-pin on the Like button's favorite chair.

[@alanamason4838]

Ethel is an absolute gem. Steak, strawberry shortcake … what a woman to share this journey with. What a man to make it possible 💛 Power couple. The humour in the writing had me smiling all the way through My grandad was an adventurous travelling man his whole life. I miss him so much and I miss his stories Finding this felt like a big warm hug as I listened

[@assistanttrailerparksuperv6839]

Yes but the voice is horrible

[@rickyhurtt5568]

You're so right. What a couple and imagine the shape those folks were in.

[@justincase6588]

❤ 💯👍 agree but also, thanks for a brilliantly written comment.

[@justincase6588]

​@@assistanttrailerparksuperv6839 This Voice is Elderly. You can hear the weakness in his Wonderful voice for narration. Just because it's different, doesn't mean it's horrible. This is a voice that has lived long enough to gain a tremendous capacity for adventure and sharing. This is generosity and a blessing to get the story out before his voice grows silent.

[@CENTURION-xs6ky]

A priceless film made by an awe inspiring couple, what a fantastic piece of history. I loved every minute of this, thank you so much for sharing it.

[@sionmarcsimpson7487]

Amazing film! Amazing couple so clearly in love.The fortitude of these people and the resourcefulness they displayed is breathtaking! In a world where we now can barely survive without our mobiles and social media. Its so warming to say what we can become and how strong and brave we once where. Thank you for sharing. I fail to understand how anyone could give this piece of history a thumbs down too!

[@elainesnyder6307]

I

[@jelkel25]

The worst thing is people who try to gain wilderness skills and self reliance are ridiculed as freaks, loners, undesirables and so on, is spending your free time staring at a rectangular box really "normal"?

[@willythewave]

@@jelkel25 I used to tell my friends my dog probably thought I was insane for sitting and laughing at a "box". lol

[@ChadHirth83]

There are still a lot of people who do those things.

[@Marynicole830]

@@jelkel25 plenty of people learn to survive outdoors. Its a huge hobby and no one ridicules people for it, it's pretty well respected. The overused narrative that we can't live without social media is stupid and just incorrect. Of course we can. But the technology to stay in touch with people instantly and have the entirety of human knowledge at our literal fingertips is amazing and we would be stupid to not use it in our day to day lives. It doesn't mean we've grown soft and in fact we can go into these wild places more prepared and safe than ever.

[@docbrown7572]

Absolutely awe inspiring to see these two together on an adventure of a lifetime that will remain a part of their memories together until they leave this mortal coil behind God bless the Ross family and their wonderful contribution to educate us decades later to what lies beyond our mundane lives of today’s politics and world division. I personally thank God that there were individuals like the Ross family may they find peace and happiness in the next life together as they did in this one. As I’ve watched this journey I wonder if our world could focus more towards the adventure of the vast unexplored world instead of the pursuit of the almighty dollar would we all live in a better world than what we have today. I think so but it’s up to each of you to follow your own hearts to wherever they may lead you. Thank you to the Ross Family and their incredible efforts to bring the beauty of the world to us in this modern age. Dr. Jamie Brown

[@fritzthecat50]

I read a lot of the comments and this is true a great adventure and to hear this story and having it filmed shows the beauty and ruggedness of the land. It makes me think of as many have said in comments about the river being cursed. It seem the river tried to keep them once they explored above the falls. Where everyday he wants to explore more of the land where he could end up having used all provisions, that didn't work so the land introduces them to a trail that leads to a cave but they know they have to head for home and then the land tries one more trick and the accidently findingof gold. and they take a small sock of it and still head home and once more the land tries to keep them by having lost the gold (if that really happened) hoping they go back to hunt for more. Maybe the river is cursed after all. It just shows that the Ross's beat the river. Bravo. Thanks for the video. God Bless.

[@Edgeoftown]

What a adventure! To know they filmed not with digital equipment but with light and water sensitive film! Great work of high standard!!

[@FloridaSalon]

This was one of the most amazing documentaries I've ever seen. I can't believe I've never heard of this couple before. Their survival skills and bravery should have made them Legends known to everyone. Thank you for posting this!

[@jrhenry686]

I think we've been encouraged to be very soft. Their survival skill was their bravery and acceptance of nature as is. Things were different back then and even in the seventies when I was a boy.

[@shredrik]

Two remarkable people on a remarkable adventure! They could make and sell a movie about this but it wouldn't be nearly as interesting. Bravo! It really felt like a privilege having the opportunity to watch this and join them on this journey! What an adventure!

[@shanghunter7697]

A fantastic documentary, amazing seeing the ancient pictographs in the caves.

[@joshsmith7176]

Would be cool to see them today with modern equipment them caves were probably homes for a few thousand years there would be some cool stuff to see.

[@bobs5596]

it was a mammoth 31:40

[@jhb1493]

31:40 might well be a mammoth, but 30:32? What is THAT? something with a spiny back and long tail? Someone must have been back there since this trip to investigate these caves more, surely?

[@4WorldPeace2]

What a great couple. And Ethel really deserves a boat load of credit for being adventurous enough to accompany Mel for the entirety of their trip. This was really cool to watch.

[@calvinstulip]

Alas, she only gets a canoe-full of credit 🛶

[@matthewstelwagon7421]

No credit to the man leading the exbidition. ? your a woman

[@gabe-gt9fb]

And she made a strawberry shortcake ,thats a keeper.

[@mbmb3151]

Thanks for sharing the trip much love for you and your wonderful wife

[@Appellonia]

I loved watching every second of this. It might 60+ year old footage but that didnt matter at all. The footage itself is so beautiful and the narration is so personal and even funny at times, you can almost picture yourself there. I I genuinely thoroughly appreciate whomever it was who had this footage and took the time to upload it from its original form, which Im sure was a slightly involved task seeing how old it is. The poem he wrote and read at the end brought some tears to my eyes and was so lovely I found myself watching that part over more than a few times. Honestly I was sad to see it end. I wanted to see what else nature had in store for them. Id love to see other videos of trips they took and had documemted. Its really a joy to watch. I never wanted the adventure Mel and Ethel were on to stop. It probably never did. 🥰

[@guitarjoe4580]

Hi appellonia just came across this story from watching another KZbin channel I heard there is many documentaries on this I've never been to Canada the woods isn't my thing lol what about you?

[@Appellonia]

@guitarjoe4580 no never been there. I hope to get there someday 😊I'll go anywhere once. I love traversing hidden beautiful places like this.

[@guitarjoe4580]

@Appellonia Wow your brave I wouldn't go near that place after hearing about that 😬 have you been to some places like that before?

[@ru.kiddingme]

Their resourcefulness was remarkable - improvising a repair to the propellor and making a raft out of the air mattresses to get back to the cache site fast - how many modern people have the ingenuity when faced with a seriously challenging situation? Bravo!

[@Necron-ez2cc]

Mel and Ethel are national treasures.

[@CockySoupNazi]

All that, and still managed to film it and were middle aged at the time. I'm middle aged and I find it hard to use my snowblower.

[@mevers303]

@@CockySoupNazi Stop watching KZbin and get daily exercise outside! :)

[@icecoldgazpacho]

These attention fishing comments really bug me. You don’t need to assume everyone is a complete idiot. If you have air mattresses and you are around water - it is a logical conclusion. As kids, we would go camping and ride our mattresses down the rapids. They’re not curing cancer here, they’re putting the mattresses they already had to take with them in the canoe. I’m sorry if that’s rude, but this is not as awe inspiring as you are making out. Maybe the people you know are idiots, but it doesn’t mean everyone is.

[@douglasharris9395]

What a gutsy and adventurous couple.....

[@willythewave]

I think Ethel was the true treasure to return with.

[@jeffcows7563]

I think they got out with there treasure. They just made it look like they lost it. At least that's what I want to think.

[@willythewave]

@@jeffcows7563 That would have been nice.

[@derekarmstrong1059]

Incredible, the story telling ability that he has is rare. I haven't heard a story told like this since I was a kid. It's classic and brings back a lot of memories.

[@scottlake6363]

@Rene Drew "oh pish posh...

[@scottlake6363]

I knew a Derek Armstrong from Bangor Michigan .went to school with him .you the same guy?

[@derekarmstrong1059]

@@scottlake6363 How are you William? No sir, I have only visited Michigan.

[@scottlake6363]

@@derekarmstrong1059 "oh ok thanks for responding.

[@t0xcn253]

I miss his generation so much, that wry unobtrusive sense of humor, the kind that winks and trusts the listener to understand, is so very rare now.

[@hampshirerose9395]

What a wonderful experience to have shared around the world. So inspiring. So dangerous. So envious.... Brilliant sense of humour with the telescope waggle, the wet feet when constructing a stone bridge for Ethel ‘s to stay dry, the ‘precise measurements’ in cooking. I feel some sort of affinity with Melvin’s take on life. This film really cheered and amazed me. What an incredible journey for a young couple to undertake, infinite trust and care in each other. One broken ankle and... Thank you to the Archivists for sharing such an adventure. This is a film I shall always remember.

[@bobs5596]

yeah, but it makes me think the gold was a tall tale too. could have been lead he brought along for the trick, and they ''lost'' all of it when he fell in. that doesn't make sense to lose your back pack in waist deep water. unless it wasn't gold...

[@ifeedyoulead_gaming]

Imagine being the reason why a lot of ppl died in that valley just to have an adventurous couple come and explore everywhere as if nothing ever happened

[@andrewblack2518]

Intention is everything. They didn’t come to rape the land for profit. Whether furs, gold, minerals, oil, had they come to destroy, they certainly wouldn’t have made it out, and we wouldn’t be graced with this video. Their intentions were pure, and innocent, and so I believe they were allowed passage with their lives. I love that about the universe. Intention is absolutely everything. Edit: hadn’t seen this part yet, but did you see what happened the moment they tried to take gold out of the valley? Pretty good example of what I mean. And maybe they didn’t lose the pack ..I did notice a cut in the film 😉 lol. He’s a cunning man

[@LetsAllDrinkToTheDeathOfAClown]

​@@andrewblack2518it was the natives not karma that killed all those previous miners.

[@IononesRoomfulofDrumsStudio]

LOL he had me at 'carefully measured ingredients' while doing quite the opposite on cam. I love the humor and the adventure. Thank you, Mel and Ethel.

[@monicashields916]

Grizzzzly Barrrr made my day. His voice makes my heart happy. 😊

[@johnallenismynameandmusici2796]

This is still a wild area. "Just in case you don't have your own canoe along, there's a water taxi that will take you to the Headless Valley for 25 cents per person per trip." Yep. That's the '50s I remember when I was a kid. Things were so cheap! I mean, a quarter went a long way. Can U imagine a man taking you on a trip in his canoe and you giving him a quarter? But that's the way everything was in the '50s. I wish I had a wife like Ethyl. Really cool video and thank you to the Alberta Archives and Mel.

[@jbrobertson6052]

What an amazing piece of film and history my hat is off to this couple I am impressed by their resourcefulness. I learned more about this Valley by these so-called amateur's than I have anywhere else. So Thank You Mel and Ethel Ross and of course Provincial Archives of Alberta

[@justincase6588]

An amazing film. A tremendous & happy discovery. I've learned more about canoe tripping and survival back before the Mountain Equipment Co-op. (MEC). His narrative is absolutely genuine and genius. Filming and melting lead to repair a busted prop on an outboard! That was life and death. Trapping is a winter activity and no one's up there to rescue you. Running water for the tub...and refrigerator. What a joy when i remembered coming across wild strawberry patches. As kids we'd sit and talk while shoveling our mouths with strawberries. Warmed by the sun, the flavour was double that of the domestically, big berries. Quantity over quality. The smell is still in my nose memory. Portages are generally miserable because you know you'll have to turn around and gather up the gear. The rapid joke made me laugh out loud. And this married couple's motivation was pure educational and not about likes or subs. Definitely 💯 enjoyment. His dry humour catches you unaware but then you get it. And it's Bob Newhart all over again.

[@graceyjewels7148]

Love his voice, the sound of humbleness, decency and experience.

[@zoop2132]

This is a wonderful, amazing KZbin gem. 1958.

[@Granite-city1806]

I set out to just listen to the audio and believe me it's so descriptive and captivating enough, but it wouldn't have done these remarkable people adventure justice, I truly feel blessed to have come across this.

[@tommitchell7257]

What an amazing couple! And an incredible trip

[@TheEldritchArchives]

I love Mel's sense of humour! Great doco! I'm glad this is on youtube.

[@legendsend3520]

Ive listened to this twice so far... what a brilliant couple of adventurers! I wish them the best.

[@mattguest6836]

They are both more than likely dead now, 🤣🤣🤣

[@legendsend3520]

@@mattguest6836 and I still wish them the best ;), enjoy your life to the full buddy.

[@mattguest6836]

@@legendsend3520 thank you, you too bud 👍👍

[@allanrevoyarknet]

THANK YOU, very much for sharing this absolute incredible adventurous trip of yours. I don't think most grasp the difficulty, in traveling, and filming back then. It takes a special type of courage to explore like you two did. Once again thank you for your efforts, much appreciated. Allan

[@2lostangels]

thank you for the video! this is the best video i have seen on you tube by far...

[@islander511]

After watching this video, I did a bit of digging and discovered that Ethel and Mel lived amazing lives, both before the time of this film, and well into their 90s (find Ethel's obituary -- she was a hoot right to the end). The adventure captured here was just the first of many, some also captured on film. Where's the book on this incredible couple?

[@naomiseraphina9718]

My, what a splendid adventure! I'm completely in awe of the courage, ingenuity and toughness of Mel and Ethel Ross! Few people in this world would ever dream of making a journey such as the one portrayed in this film/video, and far fewer still would ever actually attempt such a thing. The fact that they accomplished this, alone, equipped with 1950's technology, is astonishing and wonderful! I am so very glad that they went to the trouble of filming their adventure, because it is the only way that any of us could ever hope to see what they saw. The time-capsule aspect of the film is almost as lovely as the scenery. I think that while we believe our technology to be stronger these days than that of the 1950's, perhaps the people of that time were of a stronger type than the ones we have around in these times. Brilliantly done! Maith thu! --N

[@tense99]

Yeah, with Mel and Ethel gone, thank God we have the Kardashians to look up to.

[@smileyface8832]

@@tense99 *Are you kidding me?*

[@Hammerback0]

Amazing footage. Who could have ever known the audience that would get to view this footage all these years later.

[@Poppageno]

WOW! So glad I stumbled on this amazing film Thank you Mel and Ethel. Wish I could find a gal like Ethel.

[@dudelostman7412]

There aren't any woman like Ethel anymore.

[@spoonshouse9542]

I stumbled onto this film and I was so impressed with this couples balls to the wall will and fortitude. Fantastic!

[@ryanmatty7142]

Incredible! Thank you for sharing, loved every second of it.

[@spookyname2419]

Legitimately stunning and awe inspiring, thank you Provincial Archives of Alberta.

[@stephenjohnson5249]

I have so much respect for them. The video was so well put together and nothing like that could be re-created today. It wouldn’t have the same feeling at all.

[@johnshields6852]

I've read much about this area, one thing is that it's often windy and military men that had searched the area said it's very eerie to hear the unique howling winds in the canyons and they all felt the sensation of being watched, high cliffs that block out sunlight from teaching the canyon also gave the area a certain atmosphere, the headless victims where exaggerated and some that were said to be missing actually lived long lives. It's human nature to add to a story especially anyone who went into the region heard the stories, makes me think about history in general and how much was added or left out for maximum effect , who knows what lurks in forests and woods, even in our own desolate areas, I believe that these places harbor some type of spirits or ghosts, it would explain the millions of accounts down through history of bigfoots and other creatures that so many have witnessed, but no solid proof of them exists, other than footprints and odd tree formations and other miscellaneous odd settings found. Maybe we have spirits all around us, that would also explain people hearing whispers or words said right in their ears.

[@davidlocke1668]

Please keep this video up, thank you to the legendary couple for this amazing footage and dialogue

[@danielreichert2025]

Very informative about what the untouched wilderness is like, and Ty for sharing your adventure ❤️

[@TheRm65]

A truly fine travel film. I was just a teenager when they made their journey and watching this film made me feel indescribably old.

[@smileyface8832]

*At age 54, made me feel old too.*

[@herenow2895]

This is such an amazing adventure and I am so grateful that they went to the trouble of filming it all. I do like Mels amusing narration. Total respect and admiration for the both of them. They dont make em like that anymore. Long live Mel and Ethel Ross.....

[@davidlowrie579]

What a treasure. This travelogue ranks among the best I’ve ever seen. I have to agree with the remarks below about the high quality of these two human beings. As much as this film excites me with desire to see this pristine wilderness, it creates an even greater desire to meet these folks.

[@bobs5596]

they both died about 5-10 years ago.

[@tarzantheapeman7497]

That was incredible, those two are both true pioneers, they live life to it's fullest, thank you very much for sharing your true Wilderness Adventure 👍🍺

[@waynosbigscreen7295]

Wow, what an intrepid pair. This is a real adventure by an amazing couple, great video!

[@deeopian]

Incredible. The patience and discipline to set up the camera and make all those trips with canoe and gear to avoid the rapids is amazing.

[@Northern_Frost]

That was incredible. The footage captured for the day, the narration (Great sense of humour BTW), what an great time to be exploring. Those river shots were some serious waters... just amazing .

[@beebester4106]

Wow is all I can say! I'm so glad I came across this I hope our younger generations get a chance to see an be inspired by these people.

[@Tsotha]

I have been absolutely fascinated by the Nahanni Valley ever since I first watched Laura Rowton's video about the weird and disturbing folklore surrounding the area for her channel The Paranormal Scholar, thanks for uploading this! So fascinating to finally see all the least accessible and myth-shrouded locations within the valley up close on film.

[@Jokeronii]

Thank you for sharing this, I found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

[@robertjackson6346]

That was incredible. I am in awe. Thank you and God bless

[@nixcipher4565]

I know this is a "tad" late but, why haven't the public or scientific community been made aware of those cave paintings? They are on par with the ones discovered in Europe from the past Ice Age. After cleaning up the still images(and even without to an extent) there is clear images of extinct Mega Fauna such as Wooley Mamoths,and most interesting & importantly drawings that obviously depict a sauropod(apotosaurus?)and a ridged back (non-spiked tail) stegosaurus. The "dino" looking ones are unmistakeable to even the most basic of layman. Why doesn't this discovery have greater attention?

[@lemarch57]

I totally agree with you. It's a mystery why this hasn't been looked into. These people did an amazing job of exploring, but there is so little known about those caves, past focus being on finding gold or the headless corpses. This is an amazing opportunity for some intrepid explorer.

[@sasquatchgeoff]

I wondered if it might be more modern "graffiti" - proximity to the village(s) could have provided access to 20th century "artists" but extremely interesting if authentic.

[@_barnac]

@@sasquatchgeoff wait at what time? ive watched it over and dont see any

[@iamjackalope]

Because cave drawings of dinosaurs rewrite history and mess things up. The thought that Darwin's theory might be nothing but a fairy tale is more then most proponents can bear. So things like that are "debunked" and declared hoaxes so academia can avoid those dreaded words "We where wrong."

[@Fimbulnacht]

I've been wondering the same exact thing. Didn't see the "dino" looking images, but while I'm having a hard time finding it again, the first time I watched this, I remember being gobsmacked at the unmistakable Mammoth/Mastodon painting.

[@HammersonPeters]

Hahahaha I love it! These two are incredible. Love the humour.

[@treehouseapefeet5185]

Hammerson Peters nobody talks like this anymore. It's like hearing my Granddad and great uncles talking. Love it.

[@The_Ronin1]

Awesome channel dude.

[@williammcelroy3898]

@Rulya Mórrigan Ard Mhacha They don't make em like that anymore.

[@oopsydaizi3s824]

God love em

[@codemcloud6073]

Big fan of yours peters!

[@NanaSevers]

This popped up as I was watching MrBallen’s video on the same area and the deaths of the men who went there. This video was great and quite a treasure for your archives.

[@keithaustin5919]

I was watching this epic documentary and I happen to notice starting at 1:24:00 if you look behind the grouse in the back ground ,it looks almost like a creature or maybe a bear .It walks in from the right towards the left and quickly goes back to the right and out of frame. It really looks like it noticed the camera and got out quickly. This is the best documentary,I just love the old camera footage it just reallly puts you with these courageous pioneers of that time.

[@dabeastladiram9869]

Yeah I saw that ... might have been one of their team and the guy didn't want to ruin the shot..

[@hangthatflagupsidedownplea3049]

@@dabeastladiram9869 Fed

[@matthuckabey007]

That is Ethel foraging for crab apples

[@choyceybarra1274]

This was beautiful. Thank you for sharing this moment in 2 adventurers lives.

[@najman2741]

These two are remarkable people. What a trip

[@MyAirsoftRealm]

Hahaha, take that selfie enthusiasts! First I heard the audio and saw the resolution of the video I thought that for sure I would not watch the whole hour and a half but for some reason I listened to it for a few minutes and wow, I just at it up with a spoon, it's just lovely, the narration including some quite funny jokes, the fact that they did it as a middle aged couple, the efforts to document everything and sharing, all of it. Thank you Mel and Ethel Ross!

[@Gerri69]

I really enjoyed watching that. I love the way he narrated the film and could have easily watched another hour and a half of it!

[@gargoyle2585]

It took me 6 hours to watch it on my first go... Do you own a magnifying glass???

[@Gerri69]

@@gargoyle2585 magnifying glass? Sorry, that went right over my head as to what you mean lol

[@gargoyle2585]

@@Gerri69 buy one- use it to re watch film.

[@PopcornH3]

As a miner that is just starting a youtube himself I absolutely love this. I watched this years ago as well and am very tempted to head up there myself. I just pray one day I will find my ethel.

[@geoff4705]

This is brilliant, and hilarious, and charming. Love the deadpan wit over the resolve, resourcefulness, and toughness. These two made an incredible team. The light-hearted tone doesn't obscure what a prodigious and serious undertaking this was.

[@davinchristen7713]

Absolutely amazing. Love to see it some day.

[@tersta1]

This is a treasure. I am so thankful that you shared it with us.

[@choppermorgan9946]

You are a beautiful couple

[@pamharris990]

This is an awesome film. Thank you for sharing!

[@joeragusin8756]

This was a neck of a ride I'm so happy they shared it with us.i have always dreamed of doing this.

[@kathrynbillinghurst188]

Thank you, this is an amazing presentation! ❤

[@AkChiVibes]

What an adventure!! Just amazing and so entertaining. What a life. Respect from Alaska.

[@healersandkillers4357]

This is a true human experience! Many, Many Thanks to you and your wife. All humanity owes you a debt, for taking us with you to a place most will never go. And leaving us feeling as though we have seen it for ourselves!

[@smileyface8832]

*I loved listening to Mel and Ethel Ross sharing their story. I feel like I was there going for those rides. I think Mel and Ethel were much younger, the year was 1958. So Mel might have been telling this movie, as he got older just before he died. May they R.I.P.*

[@m118lr]

..THAT’S my thought too.

[@bobs5596]

Ethel Anne (née Graham) Ross passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 21, 2015, at the age of 96. Melvin L. Ross, her husband of 65 years, predeceased her on February 21, 2011.

[@Suckmyjagon]

@@bobs5596 don’t see love like that anymore. You lucky if you live long as they were married nowadays

[@icecoldgazpacho]

Mel seems like he was quite the character. Thank you for posting. Rest In Peace Mel

[@OswaldBeef]

Planet weird Helliard cave goblins took me to 2018 cryptozoology hammerson peters.....took me to this....finding and going inside the caves behind nahinni valley.....KZbin I love you. This was an amazing little film here thanks Mel and Ethel.

[@johndesmarais1648]

What an amazing journey and testimony to the knowledge and courage of the human desire for the love of adventures which is what life is all about , experiences and adventures are the spirit and braveness of humanity. God bless these people for there sharing all this with us.

[@ubermalice9589]

truly, an enjoyable watch. was like hanging out with my Papa

[@tombryant9878]

One of the most captivating adventures that i have ever seen...splendid. highly recommended.

[@janetskene3413]

MARVELLOUS! A time that feels forgotten - just so wonderfully indescribable. Teeming with high strangeness and other life undocumented but extra dimensionally intelligent for sure!

[@hadrianwall9157]

One of the best documentaries I've ever seen.

[@zushiba]

This was amazing, what a wild ride these 2 went on.

[@LReite2080]

Love this thank you for sharing. God Bless you

[@joshb7300]

What an amazing wonderful couple, fearless spirits. The incredible way he repaired the propeller when pretty much anyone would have told you that you were wasting your time even thinking about it

[@stevestanley5602]

Very interesting, entertaining and educational documentary film. Don't see modern day documentary type of films like this anymore. Very clean all the way thru. Thanks

[@csims6788]

Unbelievable! Best film I have seen-Utubers eat your hearts! An alarm clock to use for filming! This pair are geniuses.. Strawberry shortcake, warm bath, and their physical strength.The film should be in the Smithsonian.

[@JM00237]

Fuck the smithsonian, do you know how much of our history they’ve stolen and hid from the public?

[@bobvoorhees4698]

Your narrative is so unique,I loved all the comments on the flora and fauna so up lifting. Once again thank you

[@codemcloud6073]

This couple lived the dream I didn't know I wanted to live until I really thought about what I wanted in life. I'm still looking for my own queen to share in adventures like these. I want to live the self sufficient life somewhere in Canada or Alaska preferably. That being said I want comforts like running water, internet, a greenhouse and many other things that are possible out there with hard work and ingenuity. One thing I love is that all your lumber is free if you have the skills and grit to mill it yourself you can build yourself a mansion in time .

[@petebut8]

Finding this video alone is just like finding "GOLD" Thank you You-Tube !!!!!!!

[@paulkcormier]

deserves billion views

[@kellyroberts560]

What a great show. Thank you for your memories.

[@catman8670]

There’s much to admire with this amazing couple ❤️

[@marcdunley9682]

Great bit of film,a Joy to watch especially as I've heard about headless valley and it was great to see it, amazing 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@fedupwithfed4047]

This is just absolutely Amazing!....I would LOVE to have been there...God Bless these two!

[@dinnerwithfranklin2451]

Beautiful journey, thank you for sharing. I loved the wit of the narrator as well. Brilliant

[@stevemarsh4257]

Such a great film. Reminds me of some of the small clips we used to watch on the projectors in the late 70s in school. Enjoyed the whole 1:3:26 and wish it wouldnt end but as with all things will end sometime. Thanks for uploading.