DANGER ON THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL

[@Livingforgiven]

This is heartbreaking. Why didn't the outfitter report that Otter's package was never picked up? He tried so hard to survive.

[@Grifynne]

It is so heartbreaking. And to think he survived for so long, waiting for rescue.

[@vitospizza4847]

Snow to deep. Way too deep

[@sludge8506]

Yep. Virtually no chance of rescue, except for the plane. When notified of his death, it took authorities *two* days to get to his location. His area had snowstorm after snowstorm. Waist deep snow. The gentleman admitted that it was 100% his fault. And, while getting ready to leave, he admitted that he had smoked a *large* amount of marijuana.

[@lickourballs1atatimeok]

People don't realize how many people don't pick up their packages.

[@richterkennedy2101]

That one hit the heart. Rest in peace Otter.

[@goaway8610]

Agreed. Rip

[@KDbbasm]

It's heartbreaking that he did things we all think "should" work, writing HELP to be seen by air, burning a building hoping smoke would alert someone, but conversely so much went wrong. I'm so sorry he suffered so long and fearfully...I'm so sorry.

[@joshuak.parker9855]

Man. That was absolutely heartbreaking

[@KellJell]

This story is absolutely heart wrenching. I feel terrible and it literally brought me to tears. I cannot imagine what his loved ones have been through and continue to experience. My thoughts and prayers go out to Steven and his people.

[@jeanmcgahey1143]

It's so tragic that someone so experienced didn't take a locator beacon or medical supplies with him. Rest in peace Otter

[@mariatorres9789]

Food was rotting? You're not going to mail yourself anything that could rot, for a hike. Sounds to me, like they ate his food, and just didn't report that he never showed up!

[@madisonlm]

This was devastating, but beautifully told! Your explanations are always respectful and informative. Another great video

[@cindyhesson9213]

Such a sad story 😢 You should never go out by yourself! It's just not safe. Thank you Steve ❤

[@gabrielleon5279]

I think I read somewhere if you go hiking and you pass someone your supposed to say hi or something and get a real good look in case something happens cause you could very well be the last person to see that guy

[@ax2usn]

Disagree. Situational awareness, preparation, and appropriate safety tools are vital. Source: I walked across America, solo and have hiked and camped much of my life.

[@morfeubranco]

I think it’s important to have a PLB when you’re hiking alone. They are less expensive than a new phone. 1/3 the price of an iPhone for the Garmin inReach and you can pay monthly for the service.

[@mousetreehouse6833]

It reminds me of Geraldine of the Appalachian Trail, only she kept a written diary... ...Very sad because we all feel invulnerable on our trips - whether 2,000 miles, or 2 blocks to the grocery store. We never think that The Bad Thing will befall us. RIP to Geraldine and Otter - these two gallant explorers.

[@JB-rt4mx]

Great channel Mr. Stockton..well done, born in Colorado 1961, live in New Mexico since 2009. The southern Rockies are empty and Otter picked a very remote place in terms of other people. It is also a huge snowfall area with the Rio Grande basin and Wolf Creek Pass receiving FEET of snow weeks in a row...RIP 🌌

[@ElizabethHernandez-zj9oi]

Rest in peace Otter. Thank you for journaling and sharing your story even in death. I’m so sorry you suffered. Appreciate you’re care and work into sharing his story, Steve. ❤️🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

[@christinaphillips8834]

Through your words telling this man's story I feel like I've known this man my entire life. You did a superior job paying tribute to Steven . RIP Otter. ❤

[@pamengland7863]

Beautifully written story of such a tragic loss. Thank you Steve for sharing it.❤

[@susanwoodcarver]

Just breaks your heart. But, the story was written and told with great empathy, respect and kindness. ❤

[@southphillylilly]

My God... all those months slowly dying with only oats. It's heartbreaking

[@laurametheny1008]

Aww. How terribly sad. So close. So many times. Sure wish he hadn't been alone. I guess he did what he loved, but at the end I think he would have been overjoyed for a companion. Thank you Steve. And yes I'll tell my doggie you said hi😊. You give your critters a hug from me. I so adore animals! God bless and stay safe. Happy Trails and peaceful rest "Otter"🙏💔🦦

[@solarqueen2555]

The fact that he had horse oats and snow to drink is already a miracle.

[@sandrataylor3723]

So sad that he died alone. I could not even begin to know what this poor man must have went through. Please hikers,. always carry a locater beacon or a SAT phone, no matter where you hike.

[@marclayne9261]

Respect......I have hiked the AT, PCT & CDT, always alone.....1970s...A monument should be erected on all 3 trails for this man.....a true Adventurer...

[@ax2usn]

Congratulations on your amazing trail accomplishments! Fully agree on the monument, perhaps a park or trail caches. This man's steely determination equaled only by his love of the outdoors.

[@koromahatrepia4922]

Thank you both @ ATM. 💯

[@dreamofmermaids]

This story brought me to tears.😭 The good lord has him in comfort and safety now.🙏

[@cazkellie]

Sorry haven't been missing dealing with family loss. Thanks for the video Steve❤❤❤

[@DimensionalHorse]

So so very sad! Thank u Steve for telling this story.

[@RissaFirecat]

The Continental Divide is a hard place to hike. Never go alone! This made me cry…😭😩😭

[@allisonbarry720]

So sad. I was really rooting for the guy.😢

[@im_noToKa]

sad indeed 😥 thank you Steve 🌹 kind greetings from wogg 😺 and willie 😸 looking in from rural northern Maine 🌲 on Roku . many blessings 🕊️

[@nickb1016]

One of my friends went out in the woods in Saturday. No one has heard from him or seen him since. The red flags are now going up on Thursday.. Ohio

[@duchessswan4456]

Prayers 🙏

[@timetowakeup6302]

What’s his name?

[@ax2usn]

My heart goes out to you as you work to find your friend. Perhaps keep us posted? Commenting to push this to top for awareness.

[@LynneMadison0731]

Commenting to push this comment up

[@ax2usn]

12 DAYS LATER: any word on your friend?

[@guardianangel8462]

Oh my gosh, so sad. He survived so long which tells you he was a heck of a man…Bless you Steve for this wonderful story…

[@IloveTheHolyOne]

Thank you for sharing this story. Very sad! I can so relate with not fitting in! Rest in peace 🙏🏼

[@jckelsey]

You told his story very well. I had heard it previously by someone else. I’m glad I continued listening.

[@jeffd1919]

Amongst 10-14 family in a group when I was a young teen, we took several horse pack trips into the San Juan Mts, CO over Labor Day weekend. The first year we were caught in quite a snow storm up on the Great Divide. We were South of Silverton and just West of the mining ghost town called Bear Town. Being early September, the snow didn't stick long. It can snow any day of the year up there around timberline. What a HUGE mistake to set off on such a journey while into the month of November.

[@kennalong7287]

This one was so heartbreaking. So many times they were so close to finding him. This hurt my heart. Bless him.

[@roseanngeertz9907]

I'm in tears. This is so incredibly heartbreaking

[@Cathida]

Thanks for the vid Steve!!! Always Awesome Narrations That Are Spoken With Your Honest Respect & Compassion!

[@edcpike]

Nothing more beautiful or deadly than the Appalachian trail. Never hike it alone. I don’t care how experienced you are. Thanks guys for telling their stories. Sad as they are.

[@slowboywhiteboardv4]

And never leave anyone behind! I've heard too many of these hiking stories where the company said "we thought he/she was right behind us."

[@dickjohnson9582]

My Diddy warned me about the AT

[@sludge8506]

Of course, this was the Continental Divide Trail.

[@robynhobby9774]

I mean the continental Divide trail😅

[@jgarcia6751]

Hi Steve! Great content as usual. So happy to hear your voice!!!!

[@angeladetrizio9522]

So happy I found you. I missed you on the other channel. Great to hear your wonderful voice again. Very interesting and informative. Thank you for getting missing persons names out in the media. Feel sorry for the families of the missing persons. Love your channel ❤❤❤❤😊

[@cazkellie]

Thank you for the videos Steve❤❤

[@Galen-864]

So many people seem to run towards the Grim Reaper. SMH

[@skichy4793]

RIP Otter!!! God bless you brother!!! 🙏 🇬🇧 Bows. Mush says hello 🐾 back Steve.

[@timetowakeup6302]

I live in Colorado. I learned the hard way first year I moved out here that the best time to go hiking is in August. That’s pretty much the only month you can expect there will be no snow on the trails or potential snow storms up in the mountains. Down on the front range it is different because the elevation is significantly lower, the snowfall is less and melts much sooner because it’s warmer. Even having said that, never say never because out here anything is possible. Doing any type of long distance hiking between October and May out in the Colorado high mountain country, in my opinion, is total insanity. Anyone hiking alone should absolutely have a locator beacon with them.

[@flygirl5633]

You can still go to the mountains in winter time, just need to be prepared and cross country ski or snowshoe instead of hike, and always with someone. In fact, it is beautiful and you don’t have to deal with crowds as in August.

[@timetowakeup6302]

@@flygirl5633 *Note* I said “long distance hiking”…. This guy wasn’t going for a day hike…. He made a terrible decision to leave when he did, on that long of a hiking journey from Southern Colorado to Montana!, and it cost him his life.

[@flygirl5633]

@@timetowakeup6302 Those were not day hikes - I did a week-long hut to hut with a group of friends in March, as well as tent camping with a friend in January. My two points are: 1. be prepared and 2. don't go alone.

[@vintagekastle7145]

Just subscribed to your channel, very interesting story but it literally broke my heart! The slow agonizing death, the fear, the regret. I just can't imagine the heartache this man went through. I feel so sorry for him and those who loved him. Rest in peace.

[@TalesUntoldYT]

Welcome Home!

[@lindasue8719]

I had stepped out of the room for a couple of minutes so I missed at the beginning that Stephen ultimately was found deceased. Listening to his story I hoped it would a stunning and miraculous end. So painful to listen to his words as he documents his experience. Also the irony of him quoting the guy who said they would search for him after 10 days - "I hope he's a man of his words". That pains my heart. For all of those who eventually legitimately searched and had to give up their searches because of the difficulties or because they felt the passage of time meant he must be dead, it must be terrible for them to know he was still suffering for months afterward.

[@TheGoldenGear42]

Honestly heartbreaking, thank you for sharing his story with so many people.

[@Sikdomeshot]

A truly terrible fate that no human should have to endure. The only solace I can get from this is that his pain and suffering eventually came to an end.

[@24LindseyTribett24]

We we drove over to Minnesota from Utah, is that the Continent Divide? If so that’s very very beautiful up there!

[@friendlykiwi384]

Always take a Personal locator beacon. The Otter sounded a nice guy. So experienced….but just started that trip a little too late :-( xx

[@TheScaryTruthCatalyst]

Rest easy, Otter. 🙏

[@tnr2217]

Who in their right mind hikes into the nothingness of winter trails without snow shoes

[@hollin220]

God Bless Otter. RIP. I know how you feel brother.

[@val6112]

I can't even listen to all of this. Steve's compassion and the dignified way he tells Otters story is heart wrenching. RIP 🙏

[@gaylerobertson7971]

This brought me to tears, R.I.P. Otter

[@Lifewithpersians]

Going to bed listening to steve is everything! So happy he’s back. This channel needs to make it so big. 🙏🙏

[@TalesUntoldYT]

If you need something to help you sleep, check out this video on ATM's sister channel of me reading stories in the rain: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJitc3puZ92GoNU

[@lanacampbell-moore6686]

Thanks Steve❤

[@jdeebeauty]

Thank u Steve ❤

[@paulboyle5659]

Makes you think, why didn't he bring the locater with him, its too much of a cost for some crazy feeling you won't or don't need it, R I P.

[@TalesUntoldYT]

Sad case 😞

[@stephaniesudekum7871]

This one was particularly heartbreaking!😭

[@LauraSnow-in3nx]

This case literally breaks my heart. I can feel his pain through the words he wrote & they cut.

[@pattyrice2683]

This is a very sad story God bless you honey you tried so hard you go fly with the angels my friend

[@Chewy_GarageBandDad]

This guy is a survivor, despite knowing how it ends. IF only he would have carried his Personal locator beacon or his friend start searching at the 10 day mark. On the latter, not sure that would have made a difference. Edit: That was devastating. "boy do I have regrets." That broke my heart. When on my death bed I hope I wont have regrets, but that just don't seem possible.

[@sludge8506]

You have that right. And, he was basically alone at that one location, *for about three weeks.*

[@mariatorres9789]

I don't understand why he didn't hike back with his shelter originally? Sounds like he wasn't clear minded. How sad. 😔

[@angeladetrizio9522]

Thank you for a great video. Great job. So glad I found your channel. ❤❤

[@danielmacgillivray8086]

Nice work steve...continued success.

[@lisawilliams2406]

😢 Heartbreaking

[@jennifershano1957]

Wow!! I am speechless 😢

[@Glomerus77]

With your voice and scenario any story sounds like wonderful fairy tale! Miow from my cat and all best wishes to you and Sandy!

[@beckyjo8745]

That was a heartbreaking story. 😢

[@SadieMae-zw4qb]

So incredibly sad. His letter was heartbreaking. RIP

[@markpettie681]

This man was extremely experienced!! WTF would he start this hike in November?? While this is very sad because a human life was lost, it dint need to happen.... I m absolutely baffled why human beings make these types of decisions..... Ughhh

[@velessachan]

STEVE! I've been missing you!

[@TalesUntoldYT]

Welcome Home, Velessa!

[@brookebailey4330]

Wow. That's incredibly terrible what happened. You can tell by his writings he was one cool man. I can't imagine what that must have been like.

[@MsMtheory]

Sooooo glad your channel is up and running! Also what great job on Otters story ❤ And as others have said , your voice and the way you relay the story relays your interest and kindness 😊.. I always tell my good boi you say hi 😂

[@brittnyrv5087]

Poor guy. Its a big risk to hike like that even for the best. 😢

[@Bensalami69]

RIP Otter, you are missed ❤️🦦

[@hems9229]

Pls upload everyday. Your voice is unique.

[@kevinpruett6424]

Intro music delightful!

[@TalesUntoldYT]

Thanks Kevin! That was made exclusively by Lee G at @1stFloorAudio ! Go check out his amazing channel, where I'm live with him three nights per week! www.youtube.com/@1stFloorAudio

[@skyking4501]

Sad beyond words…

[@JulieRushworth]

One of the worst ways to die, bless Otter, a truly heartbreaking tale.

[@annielagottfried9709]

It's such a tragic story!!!

[@miramuchachito296]

I'm broken 😢

[@stillnocouch]

He (Steve) could read the phone book and still be interesting and soothing.

[@karenv5103]

Wow! Didnt ask his name instead he gave a false sighting

[@markdemo5]

This is why I move to Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 🙌 💯

[@marymurray3298]

Sometimes people don't feel friendly.

[@johnmurphy9688]

Wowww. This is soo sad. This poor feela tried everything he could to stay alive. He ended up with so much bad luck things happening 1 after another. Rip Otter. ❤️🙏🇮🇪🇺🇸

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

Such preventable heartbreak 💔 please people, dont feed the overly high risk with praise for spontaneity if the outdoors is involved. Hubris is a killer. Mother Nature will make you wish you Bigfoot got ya... There's a reason for safety protocols & not rolling the dice, esp when other people have to take on risks to try and help you.

[@SoY_7]

Steve tell your animals I Said hi!❤️🙏

[@utubemf151]

This one is so sad. I must ask why do so many experienced hikers go without a beacon ? Do they complete so many trails and are confident so they chance it ? Without even thinking ? I’ve noticed many stories like that.

[@PaperMakersAdeludedbroad]

As the man mentioned in the beginning, complacency.

[@randydixon7118]

May You Rest in Peace. Complacency kills thousands of people every year worldwide.

[@timetowakeup6302]

He never should have gone out in November. It was a suicide mission.

[@annabelleb.8096]

So heartbreaking!

[@StarWarsJay]

The word “friend” shouldn’t be allowed on Facebook. People on there seldom are. Words seem particularly cheap on that platform. RIP.

[@RoxanneNelson-hz4it]

So sad...Rest in peace Hiker.

[@Mike-jq8xd]

That was a ruff ending.. reality hit hard

[@tomnoyb8301]

It's not the cost of a beacon, it's the weight. Look at any triple-crowner? When people say they have their gear "dialed-in," it means they've shed every unnecessary gram. Most trails have traffic. And some significant portion of that traffic has beacons. Some triple-crowner's carry, most don't. Can't fault the guy for the choice, although he clearly faulted himself. He could'a carried snow-shoes that'd saved him, yet nobody criticizes that choice? This author's impressed he found oats. And finding shelter. And presumably carrying a paper map. He did a lot of things right. And don't forget, beacons run out of battery pretty fast, so it might not have saved him anyway?

[@FastHemi]

I missed another one.

[@RaymaBennett]

If it's way out there.. why can't they(rangers) put an emergency kit there? ThTs what we can't understand.

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

Well just rip my heart out 😭

[@annerobertson3733]

So so not fair!

[@dlouchart]

Damn some strange stuff he was so experienced, like weird seriously and like you think you know stuff but nature is a powerful force, rip otter