Expert Ranger Disappears Sequoia Kings Canyon NP/Only Foot Found in Boot 5 Years later.

[@loncho5079]

In 1977, at 13 years old, my uncle took me on a two week backpacking trip up through the mountains of the Sequoia National Forest, we checked in at the rangers station before ascending the mountains, to let them know what area we planned on hiking in and when we planned on returning to check back in. Two weeks (half a month) is a long time to be in the wilderness, in the mountains far away from any designated trails or campsites. During that time we would only see three people, two hikers on day one, after that, we didn't see another living soul until the start of the second week. It was a Forest Ranger who came passed our camp near the top of the mountain, as he was heading down the mountain from his shift in a fire lookout tower. But we did see deer, bears, eagles, hawks, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, reptiles and amphibians, and at night, star gazing galore! It was mostly clear skies, but we did get rained on, and snowed on the last couple of days of our trip. My uncle was a former lumberjack who knew wilderness survival well. I learned a great deal, and had an adventure of a lifetime, that remains as one of my fondest childhood memories! And we packed everything out of there that we brought in there.We left the mountains litter free, I love the Sequoias!

[@dwivans6789]

Thank you! I’m 320 days from retirement with the NPS. I’m a ranger in Big Bend that goes out to the edge on a daily basis. I know the stresses, but I’m in good shape mentally, but not all of my brothers and sister rangers are. Thank you for your prayers.

[@Conorfm]

Have you ever heard of (or personally had) any experiences with Bigfoot or other strange entities among the rangers you know?

[@GotoHere]

Like being a park ranger is stressful. That is laughable.

[@lauralucio314]

Why do you think your fellow Rangers are not in good mental shape? The pay you and firefighters receive are criminally low and that is a mighty stress. I am sure that there are stressors.

[@lindasue8719]

@@GotoHere you lack imagination, cookie. Snap out of it.

[@leighth763]

Fabulous input. You should write a book cause millions would love to hear your rendering on that comment that some comrades are shaken. By the woods and by the dept of interior and NPS smack in the middle. Dedicated to teddy Roosevelt. I’m absolutely serious and I pray I haven’t said anything negative here. Thank You.

[@travellife08]

My husband and I hiked into Kings canyon spending three nights in remote areas when I was much younger. A ranger confronted us at one point after the first day who was rather gruff and was very concerned that we knew what we were doing since there were bears and to not leave anything behind. We told him of course we would never do that. I've often wondered if it was him having read the book. It was the most intense hike I've ever done, now I have fond memories although at times it was a scary situation. When we returned to our Honda Civic a bear had walked all over the hood. Happy Birthday and keep up the good work on your videos.

[@tuvoca825]

Sometimes we look back and find out that we had a lot more danger in a situation than we realized at the time. Yikes.

[@adammartinez3149]

Crazy story thanks for sharing

[@drdr76]

A bear walked over the hood? You were lucky. I know someone who returned to the parking lot from his hike somewhere in Yosimite and he told me there was a small compact car in the parking lot. A bear had ripped off all four doors, tore the seats up, and shat inside the car! He said it was the funniest thing he had ever seen on a hiking trip.

[@gardensofthegods]

@@drdr76 oh my God funny to you but not the owner of the car who's going to get back probably exhausted and just wants to get home from hiking . Wow !

[@LaraSierra28]

Thanks for that Wallace quote. I was raised by a mountaineer and, growing up, Sequoia was my back yard. At age 70 I can attest that memories of the Range of Light never leave your heart. RIP to Randy Morgenson, who seems to have truly understood what exploring this extraordinary place was all about.

[@johnalarcon5006]

Exactly well said , the high Sierras first grabbed me in 1975 when i was 12 and now at 59 it still hasn't loosened its grip and one day il be spread up there and everything will be perfect 👍

[@MrFg1980]

@@johnalarcon5006 I've been to many mountain ranges, and I have been lucky and thankful to do so. I also am willing to freely admit my bias, but, in my opinion, the Sierra Nevada is the most beautiful in the world. Again, just my humble opinion

[@johnalarcon5006]

@@MrFg1980 Frode your opinion is not only humble but very correct !!!!! There no other mountain range more magnificently beautiful then the Sierra Nevada ! Infact there's a song by the group THE FIXX called "CAMPHOR" that pretty much explains how i feel when im up in the Sierras and even then thats only part of it!!!!!

[@catebartley9865]

Love all these comments. I'm in WV and can relate to ur love of the outdoors, its therapy for me.

[@gardensofthegods]

@@catebartley9865 wouldn't it be great if more people did that for therapy instead of crazy things like shopping therapy and buying ridiculous things like handbags that cost thousands .

[@jeffreystork6862]

Thank you for another wonderful presentation Bryon. This area is near and dear to my heart. In 1976, my first year in college, I worked for Kings Canyon NP on horse and mules in that very same area. Since then I have lived in many other states, even back east. But all my heart belongs there. I have traveled many times to go back up there to rejuvenate my soul. My HS neighbors father left his hunting party near there and disappeared in 1974. His body, clothes, and equipment have never been found. I've done a lot of hiking, camping, and exploring. But I Never go alone!! Happy Birthday. Be safe.

[@lawrencelymanii6943]

Your kind used to bring me my mail and care packages when I was a Corpy, C.C.C., I don't know if that's still how it's done, but, ya'll coming up the trail was frequently the best part of my week.

[@harrisonmantooth3647]

@@lawrencelymanii6943 When my father was a very young man, he was in the old C.C.C., this was prior to WW2, back in the mid to late 1930's. My father told of the discipline and training he received. The three C Corp took basically good young men out of some possible bad environments and gave them a purpose in life. My father, up until he was incapacitated, used many of the skills he learned in the C.C.C.

[@lawrencelymanii6943]

@@harrisonmantooth3647 in the day, it was the Civilian Conservation Corps, a remedy for the Great Depression , the California Conservation Corps, is the oldest offshoot of that original program.

[@lawrencelymanii6943]

@@harrisonmantooth3647 also, your Father definitely participated in some amazing work, most of which could not be performed today. the motto for the California Conservation Corps is , " Hard work, low pay, miserable working conditions, and more!" It was a lot harder in his day. Seriously, awesome history there.

[@harrisonmantooth3647]

@@lawrencelymanii6943 👍 He compared his time in the 3 C camp as not too different from his basic training during WW2.

[@njl51]

I had a relative by marriage who was my son in law...he went off alone to a creek or other body of water. He was swinging from something and it broke. He fell and broke his leg. It could have been a miracle that somebody just happened along and heard him hollering. This is a real story. It's also a reminder to not go alone or not tell someone reliable where you are going. A personal gps and cell phone could help too much of the time. There are no guarantees but at least love yourself enough to give yourself an edge or advantages.

[@larsonfamilyhouse]

Yes, and always carry a Personal Locator Beacon!

[@catebartley9865]

Absolutely 💯

[@charlessanders]

Solo backpacking is VERY dangerous. Really not a recommended thing to do.

[@sunspiral79]

Or if you decide to go out it the wilderness alone try not to do something stupid

[@steffenrosmus9177]

Come on a cell phone??? You will have no coverage inside most Natioal Parks when you are on remote trails. Only satellite phones will work.

[@steveh994]

The book “The Last Season” details his life. A must read for anyone who loves the outdoors.

[@MidnightLight.]

You know what's crazy, I just finished that book about a week ago! It was a very engaging read - the story really sticks with you. Randy was a real Mountain man and very intuitive spirit.

[@erincarroll837]

Yes that book is a lot more accurate than some of the stock footage used in this video

[@trubrit5036]

Very touched by this story. I will see if the library has the book. Thank you, for highlighting Randy Morgenson.

[@socalhockey72]

Probably my favorite book of all time. I pick it up once a year and read it, and it still intrigues and entertains me. What a story.

[@DocBree13]

Thank you!

[@robtopping7811]

Depression can be overwhelming , to be alone while struggling with it is even worse . If not for my wife of 37 yrs I would have taken a long one way walk in the wilderness , my heart goes out to his family and friends .

[@w.harrison7277]

What were you depressed about?

[@cleoldbagtraallsorts3380]

@@w.harrison7277 You don't have to be depressed about anything, clinical depression doesn't have a reason, it's biological.

[@w.harrison7277]

@@cleoldbagtraallsorts3380 Everything has a reason, we live in a cause and effect universe. The truth is psychology is pseudoscience that has never proven its value.

[@gardensofthegods]

Rob have you tried ashwagandha powder ? It's very good for depression and getting rid of negative thinking . It's been used for thousands of years by people in and around India and it is an adaptogen so it helps you deal with stress and sleep better at night but some also think it's a nootropic making you smarter because it is supposedly the only thing out there that helps grow new brain cells . If you haven't tried it please try to find it in pure powder form without any preservatives or fillers . You're supposed to take it with a healthy fat such as milk and they always recommend some ghee with it . They sell it at most Indian Grocers but you can get it online .

[@koltoncrane3099]

Cleoldbag I’ve seen some bad depression cases and yes there can be causes. A man in my town was sleeping with another woman even though he was married with kids at the time. The woman he cheated with was married and that guy got so depressed he decided to eat a bullet. There’s some good examples of people having depression that really starts with their life being destroyed. It could religion and finding out or perceiving that god or a church lied to them all their life. Whatever causes an existential crisis that destroyed how you perceive reality can cause depression or at least it did in my life for many many years.

[@pamelahunter2053]

This is a sad story, but also beautiful in many ways - in the natural of the trees, mountains, streams and in the journey of a good man's life. Narrator does an excellent job, as always.

[@donusmc1]

The last season is a great read. Randy had a fascinating life, having grown up with his folks in Yosemite national park. As a young boy he carried Ansel Adams tripod for him as he explored and photographed the park. When Randy became a ranger he moved to Kings Canyon and as the video says, he was there for many years. He was actually the guy they would turn to when they had a lost hiker. He apparently had something like a photographic memory and he was able to look at a map of the hikers last known location and see the terrain in his mind and pinpoint where he believed the hiker would’ve ended up and based on accounts from his peers, more than not he was right. That’s why the search for randy was so extensive. They believed he couldn’t possibly be lost, something must have gone wrong. Just talking about it makes me want to read it again.

[@christinemeleg4535]

There are many unanswerable questions, It ius quite possible he never intended to return from the hike or was so overwhelmed by depression/stress his ability to reason , a factor so necessary for back country travel, that he made mistakes and that cost him his life. The delayed letter, I know for a fact that law enforcement would check that out for delays from the postal service, but what about this, a vistor is approached by a Ranger asking to please post this letter on their way out of the Park, he/she has no way of knowing the circumtances and could easily be from another country, they would never know what happened. We think he may have intended to end his life and to make up for the affair he had, he killed himself so his wife would receive the money. Guilt can create odd circumstances

[@littlejack6123]

Wow....Ansel Adams. That would be an honor. I'm so impressed by those old masters of photography with their large format black and white film images. The ultimate in craft and eye meets the ultimate in mother nature... Boom!!!... You can't improve on perfection...

[@kenjohns3614]

@@christinemeleg4535 Life insurance does not pay out if cause of death is determined to be suicide.

[@donusmc1]

If I remember correctly it was winter or not long after and after his remains were found I think the theory was that he was crossing the stream and either broke through thin ice or lost his footing and was pushed by the water and pinned under ice and snow pack and drowned. To me, if he committed suicide in a stream I would think he would’ve taken his pistol with him. I’ve been told it’s next to impossible to fight survival instinct and drown yourself intentionally in fairly shallow water, but I suppose he could have willingly jumped into a hole in the ice knowing what would happen and knowing it would look like an accident but unfortunately we will never know.

[@CKnittingNewEyesQ]

What a great story! I understand why he was disgusted and disillusioned. He did an admirable thing, ridding the park of so much garbage, year after year. Sad that his life ended the way it did! Thoughts and prayers to all who knew him.

[@geosophik9369]

I've been to Sequoia and Kings Canyon NP 7 times. Kings Canyon is my favorite because it's wilder, less crowded, and I feel like being in an enchanted world. And I totally understand Randy's desire of just disappearing and spending your last days in that magical world.

[@lawrencelymanii6943]

I was a C.C.C. "corpy", and worked in the Back Country Trails program, in that exact area, a year before the discovery, it's amazing, and extremely tricky and hazardous terrain, that's actually one of the reasons the C.C.C. worked so hard on trail building.

[@Sunshine-nq6wv]

Another nice, gentle and informative presentation. Thanks Bryan for being respectful of these cases and the lives lost.

[@drott150]

I was car camping in Sequoia Kings Canyon this past summer. I went on a hike near the visitor's center. I was maybe 2 miles away from the visitor center and was wearing headphones and sandals. The trail was often very narrow and was bordered on one side by a rocky vertical ledge and on the other side intensely thick brush. As I walked on this trail I got a pebble trapped in one of my sandals and so pulled off the trail and sat on a rock while I got the pebble out. As I sat there quietly, I heard a rustling in the brush about 25 feet away and out popped a juvenile bear weighing about 250lbs. I was very startled and frightened - the bear was too. You could see the startled look on his face and ears. He was as shocked as I was. Since he was a smaller bear, my first thought was that his mother might also be in the bushes. I was completely defenseless with no weapon, no bear spray and nowhere to run. And I couldn't outrun him even if I tried. Me and the bear then established a stand-off. He wasn't running away and I knew not to try. He stared at me and I stared at him before remembering I shouldn't maintain eye contact. I tried to make myself look as big as I could. I picked up a sizeable rock off the trail. Then decided a big stick would be better. The one that was closest and most suitable was too long. So I picked it up and broke off a piece of it which made a loud cracking sound. That sound startled the bear who ran off a few more feet, before once again turning to face me. We had a Mexican stand off for a while when I decided I had no choice but to try and move past him to get back to the visitors center (he was blocking the return path). So I started screaming and slamming the stick into the ground. It seemed to scare the bear somewhat as he appeared to recoil and move down the trail some, but not go away. So I started advancing towards him while screaming and slamming the stick on the ground. The bear did not run away, instead he climbed up to an elevated position on the side of trail with a steep rocky incline. I didn't know if his intention was to lunge down on me from there as I walked past him. I made a guess he was just trying to get out of my way. And so I walked briskly past him while continuing to yell and slam the stick on the ground. He let me by and from there we parted company. I safely returned to the visitors center and then back to my car campsite. Anyway, people go missing all the time in the big national parks. And for all sorts of reasons. If something like this can happen so close to the visitor's center, I can imagine what can and sometimes does happen out in the remotest areas.

[@unropednope4644]

No offense man but going hiking in the backcountry of kings canyon with no weapon or bear spray while wearing just sandals is extremely ignorant and unsafe. Not to mention you were wearing headphones as well which completely made yourself deaf and oblivious to your surroundings. Surprised your not dead to be honest.

[@drott150]

@@unropednope4644 I agree partially. But like I said, this really wasn't the "back country." It was a short distance from the visitor center, the major access road going through the middle of the park, and close to a large car accessible campsite area. Also, the types of bears in that area are not known for human attacks. They are not Grizzlies or Kodiaks or Polar bears. They are Black bears. What they are known for is invading human food supplies if they can get access to it. Human attacks are very rare in the region of the park I was visiting that day. From the official Sequoia Kings Canyon government park website _"Keep in mind that predatory attacks by black bears are very rare and have never occurred in these parks, but you should always be prepared."_

[@gregall2178]

@@unropednope4644 I've backpacked in Sequoia and Kings Canyon many times, always without a weapon... and amazingly enough, I'm still alive :-D How is that possible?

[@FrankPagan-d9k]

I can't imagine wearing earphones or earbuds while in the wilderness. I just can't. That blows my mind people would actually do it.

[@mercedesmartinez8352]

What a sad ending in a place he loved so much. May he rest in peace and be in a happier place. He deserves it.

[@BBQDad463]

What a sad story. He was, obviously, the kind of person whose love of Nature lead him to do good things for the Park.

[@idaniaesparza3881]

Wow Bryan, you are a handsome man! I've been drawn to the stories you share because they're detailed with information, I'm sure most listeners have, and I thank you for your attempts to solve these bizarre disappearances!

[@michele21auntiem]

Belated Happy Birthday! Prayers for Randy's family.

[@peanuts1173]

Riveting story. I feel for the ranger's family and friends. Thank you for your great stories. Happy Birthday!

[@grammy3g808.]

Happy Birthday ... and hoping you have a better new year ... my uncle who was 9 yrs older than me was on a hunting trip in the 1960's and he was in his early 20's, he became lost from the hunting camp ... in Kings Canyon in the Sequoia National Park for 1 week ... his dad my grandfather didn't tell my grandmother, my uncle did find a rangers post and was fortunately not injured just hungry and thirsty ... he managed his way to help ... I'm glad he survived long enough to marry and have 2 children ... unfortunately he was in a bad car accident and was instantly killed by a drunk driver ... many yrs later ...

[@DopamineDecor]

:(

[@EWAMILENAP]

RIP🙏👼

[@maggiejane6327]

Awwww, so sorry to hear of your loss... 😔 R.I.P 🙏

[@sernitypart1457]

Happy Birthday 🎈🎁 and never feel bad about being sick or anything, we all know you're working very hard and thank you for this video! I pray for his family🙏

[@DopamineDecor]

Exactly!

[@Lora_M_NY]

Well said!

[@manuelferreira4345]

Glad your better. My household started getting sick day after Thanksgiving and finally it got to me right before Christmas

[@kathy888]

Take Quercetin and Zinc! I was feeling sick, weak, chills, took that and within a few minutes......all gone.

[@jennj2049]

I'm so sorry you weren't feeling well glad you're better now. Hope you had a good holiday and a good birthday! Love your videos hope you're having a great day! Thank you for all your hard work getting videos out to us.

[@cindyboard7816]

Sounds like a truly good man was lost!! Prayers for his family and friends!! Thank you for sharing! Stay safe!!

[@billphilips8522]

god!! what an annoying comment. it is as if you sat down and thought to yourself, "hmmmm, what can i type in that is really annoying?" jesus!!!

[@gardensofthegods]

Cindy , you know and I know you didn't do anything wrong with your comment here so please ignore that person who was probably going through a hard time .

[@frankjones3671]

Love relations ships run a grounds , trust is lost affairs hurts mores than word can express ! Sometimes ! This is that sometimes! Someone most always get hurts ! The wife ! & Then it'scarma some folks say ! Sad all's ways around s here's !

[@1notgilty]

WTF - If this video shows one thing it is that our National Park Service rangers should have full benefits as federal employees including health care and a pension. God knows there are plenty of federal employees that get these benefits and don't contribute a tiny fraction of the work, sweat and danger that these rangers give for the public. Rest in peace Randy Morgenson.

[@koltoncrane3099]

Yes and no. Sure they should get just as good of benefits as other government workers. Teachers get pensions. But I’ve seen government workers on the mountain before. My grandpa worked for the forest service. I know some are good guys. But when I was moving cows one time we saw two pickups full of forest service workers sleeping around lunch. I was like that’s freaking hilarious. We rode our horses right past em. They were checking the eight foot fence that was around a logging area that was clear cut a few years prior. It was a total waste of money in my view since the aspens were literally as thick outside of the fence as inside. The tall fence was to keep cows and deer and elk out but literally didn’t matter. Most national park areas in my opinion aren’t to actual conserve areas but lock up areas of interest of prior civilizations. I’ve listened to archaeologists that came to that conclusion every time they wanted to dig or excavate to learn more they can’t cause it’s a national park or monument. Even a recreation area all you can do is basically hike and most recreation activities are illegal. God knows it’s a joke that most national parks are Colorado and westward. It’s pathetic that the last forty years environmentalists waste their money locking up the west that’s already locked up as it’s public land. In reality massive sacred Native American sites, endangered animals etc land needs to be made into national parks from New York to Delaware to Florida. It’s pathetic they’ve not made massive parks in every state east of Colorado.

[@Cerebro13]

My father worked at the park when I was young ,we would stay up there ALL summer.It was one of the greatest times in my life .I can still look to those times a think how fortunate I was to experience such a beautiful place.There was a bear nicknamed buckwheat ,the crystal caverns are marvelous,Moro rock,clover creek ,the general ,so many gorgeous meadows.I will miss that time forever✌🏾

[@ColdPlungeCam]

You know you can still go back lol?

[@patricksullivan7715]

Well done, sir! Sad case. Your segments are informative and educational. Even to seasoned hikers and backbackers. Beauty and danger abound in the outdoors. Keep up your great work!

[@reclaimingminds2811]

Happy birthday Bryan, very grateful for all your research and compassionate presentation!

[@MissNikkor]

Happy Birthday Bryan! This disappearance intrigued me a lot. Due to the fact that # 1: the missing person was a park employee with a lot of experience. # 2: the mystery surrounding this disappearance. I read the book "The Last Season" which I really liked. A balm for family, friends and colleagues who have finally been able after all these years to find his remains and bring this sad story to a close.

[@nooneknows9545]

Happy Birthday.. Hope you have a great New Year keep safe.. Oh also hope your health improves soon.. Thank you for all the videos they are appreciated..

[@Razainthewoods]

Happy Happy Birthday!!!! I hope you are feeling better! Thank you for your hard work and dedication to bring us great content! As they say on the airplane, always put your own oxygen mask on first. Never apologize for taking care of you! I hope you have a Happy New Year!

[@missycitty9478]

Happy Belated Birthday!! Never apologize for taking care of YOU!! ❤

[@bobcampbell5151]

I love you Missy .but you just don.t SEE ??

[@missycitty9478]

@@bobcampbell5151 what is it I don't SEE???

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

The disappearance makes sense except for the letter mailed to his wife two days later. I believe letters can be mailed from the visitors' centers or even in Three Rivers, CA. Perhaps he mailed the letter and returned to the forest?

[@suppylarue220]

perhaps the mail was just delayed.

[@prioris55555]

Sasquatch forged the letter and mailed it :)

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

@@prioris55555 I'm a huge fan of Sasquatch. I had no idea he could read and write.

[@christinemeleg4535]

@@prioris55555 That was rude and uncalled for, Randy was a dedicated NPS employee, he was experiencing sadness and was under severe mental stress, he lost his life under unknown circumstances,yet you chose to make fun of this tragic situation. That is very telling about your mentality towards others. How would you like it if this was you and your loved ones, if there are any, read this ?

[@prioris55555]

@@christinemeleg4535 CHILL OUT! YOU OVER REACTED. I'm sure if Randy were alive he would see the humor.

[@fungrammacat]

Happy Birthday! Thanks for your hard work. Enjoy stories in the national parks so very much. We are blessed to have them and the dedicated rangers that serve in them! Rest In Peace Russell.

[@kwahu1519]

😂 randy

[@XxHdStAsSaSsInxX]

@@kwahu1519 lolololol

[@kazamareenkurios8197]

Par usual, an excellent detailed & gently told video! I'm Hoping Mr. Morgenson has found the peace that he didn't have in this life ( I def. believe in Heaven). And, a HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, my friend! Glad you're feeling a tad better, wishing you & yours a very blessed New Year. Hoping to see a 'join' button soon on your YT channel, to help support all your hard work...if not, I'll support via paypal next payday. BTW, I loved the Christmas card, that was so very thoughtful of you!

[@clifforddreaden3483]

Amen

[@jenniferashley99]

That's the first time I've seen a pix of you - you are a very humble man. Good luck on all you outings!

[@debbieohara9240]

Happy belated birthday and Seasons Greetings Bryan 🙏🙌 At least he was eventually found, although it is sad that he had passed away. I can totally empathise with his frustration over those who disrespect the environment, wild life and other people by leaving rubbish and being selfish. It happens here in Highland where I live 🌲🏔 and is so unfair for everyone else. I sense this chap was deeply upset and so to pass away in an area that he so loved was at least fitting for him 🏞🌲 Have a fab 2022 🙏

[@iskuhiboyadjian3495]

Happy Birthday!!! And no apology needed for your upload schedule. You put a lot of hard work, time and compassion into these videos.We can wait!!!

[@bawattsyl]

Thank you! I appreciate that and your support 🙏 Thank you for following along and being so supportive 🙏 I hope you're having a great holiday season!

[@vladimpaler9274]

Great to see you back again

[@pamelahayes2087]

Bryon, This is the first video of yours that I have seen. I really appreciate how you honored Randy in the manner in which you told his story. Thank you for sharing!

[@mecaschwager764]

Happy Birthday Bryan! And hope you are feeling 100 percent soon! Love your channel!

[@lisafleming9603]

Happy Belated Birthday Byron! And thank you for all the heartfelt videos that you present.

[@beaulieuonnp593]

As an unappreciated rural litter picker, this is very uplifting for me in some way. He actually got appreciated by having a mountain named after him. Maybe to honour him, we can all do a litter pick and be the change

[@michele21auntiem]

Great idea!

[@sunnyscott4876]

It's very frustrating and depressing. I live in an area where litter and trash is a major statewide problem.....but the big thing is the people who are picking up the trash and litter are not the ones throwing it out. It never ends.

[@mortalclown3812]

Your videos are so well-rounded and thoughtful, Bryan. I appreciate your humanity and utter lack of sensationalism. Have an amazing new year.

[@dustinsdesertheirloomgarde5999]

Sounds like suicide to me. If it was foul play, there wouldn't be the letter and note in this tent. If he was going to dissaper and start a new life, he would not have gone the direction he did into deeper wilderness. Sounds like he made up his mind to commit suicide and had radio contact with a colleague and advised they would not hear from him again, he mailed a letter from the park (that was picked up a couple days later and postmarked then) and he left a note in his tent giving a 2-3 day window before people would look for him (guaranteeing he will have enough time to perish in the wildness). He then treks along the stream to the big waterfall. He has his radio on the whole time so he knows if he is being looked for. He discards some of his gear and jumps to his death. I don't think in late July you would have ice bridges to fall through. I believe he felt his days as a ranger were not worth it in the end and he was too old to start over. He wanted his wife to get the $100K before he was actually divorced so he had limited time to take his life and had to act fast. And since he was depressed with everything that had happened, he felt it was the right thing to do.

[@christinemeleg4535]

We think that he felt guilty as well about the affair he had.the money was a last ditch attempt to make up for this. We agree that the chance of crossing an ice bridge in July is slim. All evidence left points to suicide. a sad note on a heroic life. May he have peace at last.

[@ronaldstarkey4336]

I have seen Tioga pass still closed because of snow on July fourth...

[@michaelrotter1134]

I worked at Kings Canyon National Park in 1978 for GSI. The Kings River, Hume Lake, the waterfalls are amazing. Kings Canyon is actually due east of Fresno

[@IanP1963]

I went to Fresno in 1993

[@kylesyx8432]

Great video, much respect for all the nice words, keeping the ones, remembered that deserved more, just ran out of time. So sad, people have become disconnected from mother earth, so important to keep our lands clean, help care for our wild animals. Keeping our water CLEAN from toxins. Sounds like we lost another great person who understood our roll in this world.... God bless you all !!!

[@donoberloh]

Thank you for speaking about true facts and with genuine opinions, not embellished for dramatic license like others.

[@Lora_M_NY]

What a cutie you are, Bryan! You are sincerely the most AUTHENTIC & COMPASSIONATE on YT.. You are proof that success comes to those who do NOT sell out for gratuitous shock & violence. And I think compared to most channels, your subscribers are positive, supportive & loyal. By the way, you look very much like my son 😁. Keep up the GREAT WORK! ❤️🔥👍🤜🤛✌️

[@carefulconsumer8682]

I'm hooked on your videos. So detailed and descriptive. It confirms what Napoleon said: "From the sublime to the ridiculous is but a small step."

[@gtfigaming920]

you're a truly decent guy Bryan, happy new year my friend - I really appreciate these videos. Somehow you remind me there is so much good in the world, the authenticity in your voice and content is something. RIP RM

[@dorianmclean6755]

Thank you. Beautiful presentation. Bless him and condolences to all who loved and cared for him

[@musiccreator3559]

The most beautiful things in life, cannot be bought. That wonderful man had such deep empathy.That's a very rare find in the world today. I really want him to be with our Heavenly Father. RIP Randy. Brilliantly narrated as always🌷🌻🌿🌱☘🌴

[@littlepookie7976]

Happy birthday week, Bryan. Thank you again for an interesting story presented respectfully.

[@crystalphillips696]

Such a sad story may Randy rest in peace. Bless his soul.

[@easygoer1234]

Happy birthday Bryan. Your videos are great and it's more important that you get better than to work yourself into the hospital. Also I just wanted to say that the video you did about the scientist who disappeared while doing research in the Antarctic was really interesting. Get better soon.

[@MrPhuselton]

late happy birthday. You sound like good person. I been around long time, so I met many folks via thier voice.

[@egyptianprincess2560]

Happy BELATED Birthday! And a Very Happy New Year!

[@kanamichelle7404]

Bryan don’t feel pressured to apologize if you can’t upload as often as you would like. You upload more than almost any channel I follow. Many of them have taken two weeks off for the holidays. Many are experiencing burnout from trying to stick to a strenuous schedule. I just don’t want you to get burned out. People understand if you need a break from the channel to revive yourself, or get well from being sick.

[@chriswhite2151]

Happy Birthday! Sequioia is a beautiful place. I have just had an idea that could explain this and possibly some other disappearances. Near where I live, actually not to far from Sequoia, is the Kern River. I think parts of it are in the Sequoia National Forest. Every year 5 or more people drown in that wild river. There have been cases where someone tripped and fell in and was gone never to be found again. On rare occasions the dam is closed and Search and Rescue teams have found bodies stuck beneath the rocks that could have been there for years. Possibly this ranger fell in the river and may still be there, under the water.... maybe his foot became detached and washed up on the shore.

[@MidsierramusingBlogspot]

As a younger man, I did a lot of solo trail running and backpacking. Then I began carrying a Sat Phone, then I began traveling with others. I fell on two separate backpacking trips last summer. I was glad to have help getting up and with first aid. I was fortunate and except for cuts and scrapes, uninjured. Unless you are with a group, stay on the trails.

[@kimperez147]

Happy Belated Birthday Bryan. Glad you are feeling better. Thank you for these stories. I really appreciate them 😊

[@kimperez147]

Thank you 😊

[@kathyinwonderlandl.a.8934]

Happy Belated Birthday🎈may the new year bring light and calmer days..thanks for the upload.

[@cindyfarrell7556]

My birthday was this week too, on the 28th!! Happy Birthday, fellow Capricorn. I love every one of your excellent videos, Bryan

[@marcellepesek3038]

Hello, Bryan! I truly appreciate your videos. You do a great job narrating, have a very pleasant voice and give us valuable information. Please keep up the good work! As a member of the younger generation you are a shining light, respecting the natural heritage that was left for everyone. You are kind, care about the environment, and give a good example to others who don't care about trashing the park, or anyplace else. You speak beautiful English, don't use obscenities, which is sadly becoming rarer these days. (You're also quite nice looking!) We need more good people like you on this planet. Please also mention that we need to be conscientious about the volume of our music, as noise pollution is just as dangerous as leaving garbage lying about. Extinguishing our fires is also of great importance. (Maybe I'm stating the obvious, but a thoughtless few can cause trouble for all). You have my admiration! Thanks, also, for asking that viewers be respectful in their comments. My condolences to all who have lost a loved one. I wish the people who disappeared to be found and rest in peace, and peace of mind to their families and friends. One other point: if people are not allowed to bring their pets into the park proper, what provisions are made for them while out hiking? Leaving a pet or child in a car can become life-threatening in a very short time. They also love being out in the great outdoors, so I hope a program exists so that our beloved pets get good care. Thanks again for your great videos and stories. Please be safe out there!

[@rcm944]

So, a bitter, emotionally distraught person, walks off from their camp site without their weapon. Subsequently their radio is found at the top off a waterfall and remains at the bottom of the waterfall. Not really a mystery IMHO. But as always, your compassion and treatment of the subject matter are truly impressive.

[@jameskonzek8892]

Bryan is a crisp looking young man with much bravado. 👍 Happy Birthday!

[@iwaswrongabouteveryhthing]

Randy is a hero, lived as a man, went out on his own terms he knows they would look for him and for how long, he enters the bush after the search is finished

[@rjchavers9267]

You owe me nothing. I am grateful whenever you post. You always post with kindness and concern.

[@JoyceJohansen]

Happy Birthday Bryan. Nice to hear your feeling better as well. I LOVE Kings Canyon. It's Beautiful. Also love Mt. Lassen ! ! HAPPY NEW YEAR'S and continued success. Love your channel.

[@katelittlewolfwelshrosesan3630]

A gentle and thorough video, you researched Randy's life with respect . I read the book about this disapearance a few years ago and always wondered. Thank you for sharing the tragic end of his story. It's sad that such a tender hearted man wound up depressed and bitter toward the end of his life. Some people are too sensitive for this swinish ( accurate word) world.

[@koro287]

What about the affair bit ? could he have brought some of this on himself?

[@ashmomofboys]

Great video. I listen to the book The Last Season on audio book on my way from Colorado to California. I had never seen kings canyon before. After hearing his intimate description of the place, when I got there I cried. It was such an incredible experience to listen to that story on my journey to that destination. I’ve been all over the country….Kings Canyon is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.

[@nancyallin525]

Such an intriguing story. I read The Last Season after completing a hike on the JMT some years ago (where I learned about Randy). I so admired the love that he had for the wilderness, especially the southern Sierra. So sad. Our park rangers deserve such respect. Thank you for covering this story.

[@slsl5243]

Highly implausible, unless sasquatch is some multidimensional entity...where are the remains? No bodies, no bones, no signs of dwellings or droppings, or anything concrete. I used to wonder if these creatures may exist but it seems incredibly unlikely given the lack of evidence.

[@Folknfunk]

Thank you for sharing this story. On another note, happy belated birthday. Take care as always 🙏♥️

[@Nomnomnomiana]

I worked in the backcountry in the Frank Church wilderness and that place, too, can steal your heart. I love that he felt as though while in the wilderness the experience of solitude and complete seclusion was integral to your time in the park. ❤️ As far as postal stations go, we had a local grocery/ private pilot service that would deliver food and take our mail out to the front country. As we lived on a 2 mile long meadow with a airstrip

[@minnietrout814]

Excellent video. Thank you for handling a rather delicate subject with kindness and respect.

[@mattyreardon3593]

I rekn being a park ranger would be an amazing job. America and Canada have the most beautiful outback.

[@deborasorensen8702]

Happy birthday 🎂 🥳

[@ebal955]

Happy birthday! I'm a new sub to your channel and I love your informative and considerate presentation of these stories. I got sick a few days ago so I'm watching all your videos. :-)

[@hellobaby9018]

Bryon is handsome, isn't he? Thank you for caring about the missing, everyone.

[@gailmiller6333]

Agree, very handsome.

[@grahamjarman]

this is becoming a dating site lol

[@allthebest744]

Thank you for sharing Randy’s story. It sounds like both he and his wife made mistakes in their marriage that they regretted later. I am thankful that someone found some of his remains. I appreciate you recommending the book “The Last Season “, it is interesting to read more about the person and their life. Wishing you a belated Happy Birthday! 🎂

[@honestcommenterseany441]

Randy loved the outside that much he decided to become a part of it.

[@sbrooke210]

Happy birthday! It’s great to see a picture of you. I always look forward to your videos.!

[@Jays2Lazy]

Literally found your channel today and have been watching it all day ,great content my brother .

[@Keiphton27]

Happy Belated Birthday Bryan! Glad to hear you’re feeling better and hope the holidays were good for you and your family. Cheers!

[@danc.1531]

happy birthday ,you need never apologize ,you do such a great job,thanks

[@leighth763]

Never apologize. This is YOUR channel; Sir.

[@hannuhlynn]

so tragic. thank you for sharing bryan! happy belated birthday, friend!

[@ultrarnr4454]

I read the book about this, that answers a lot of questions that are brought up in the video. It's "The Last Season" that you mention. Good read.

[@janineparker3041]

In 1998 my family went on a 9 state camping trip to remote hot springs in- WA OR CA ID MT WY NM AZ UT Outside Meadow Utah there is a spectacular hot springs in a cow field, like the earth cracked open so cool...but.....the local yokals left all their garbage and it was so gross. My 11 and 8 year old sons and my husband and I filled a dozen 30gal garbage bags and took them to the dump. Before we left I chiseled a sign on a piece of 2×4 that read- YOU ARE WHAT YOU LEAVE BEHIND Then I made a cross out of it and put it where the vast garbage piles were.

[@dekaywill4572]

Weird.

[@RKCALGARY]

Happy Birthday and a very happy new year to my favourite story teller. May you and yours be blessed this coming year.

[@cashninja727]

Happy late birthday an happy holidays, love the information and insight on the missing, my heart goes out to all family’s who lost love(s)

[@butterfliesarefreetofly6964]

Happy Belated Birthday!! So glad I found your channel. Rest in paradise Randy

[@macbeavers6938]

RIP Randy. I have been in that area a few times. It is spectacularly beautiful. Adonai

[@behindthespotlight7983]

Everyone should read the biography that Bryan is operating from on this one. The story is so haunting it hasn’t left me since I read it in a single sitting in 2009. The way seasonal Rangers are treated is reprehensible

[@christinemeleg4535]

We agree. Our dear friend tried for years to be employed as a Ranger,she was very well educated in Natural Sciences, yet she could never find permanent employment. Myself , when I found out how poorly Rangers, especially Seasonal Rangers, were paid and asked to live in poor conditions, I never again sought employment with them. Our friend worked a forty hour week and was so poorly paid she qualified for Food stamps and an reimbursement for housing. No thanks. I couldn't see nor will ever agree to live in poverty while working a job. NPS Rangers deserve better wages housing, benefits.

[@gregall2178]

I picked up the book in the Mt Whitney Visitor Center after a group backpacking trip in 2010. I don't think I looked up from the book until we reached the driver's home near Victorville :-D After reading the book and doing a little research, I believe I encountered Randy in 1993 while hiking through Evolution Valley. The one detail I clearly remember was that his calves looked about as big as my thighs.

[@sleepingninjaquiettime]

Most of the old school hikers who were serious about hiking that I knew would carry a narcotic pain killer just in case they hurt themselves while on a long distance hike. If you get hurt and you're far enough away from help you're done. Though there are more contingencies nowadays like sat phones ect.

[@PNWCagey-Dub]

Happy birthday! I’m glad you’re starting to feel better.

[@annhollowell5352]

I hope you had a nice birthday Bryan. Best wishes from England , UK.

[@Lala_67]

Happy belated Birthday! Another great video

[@disgruntledconservativevet1798]

This is interesting. I live just a few miles down the hill from the entrance of the Sequoia National Park (Squaw Valley). I grew up in these mountains, Grass Valley/Nevada City area to be specific. These mountains will eat you alive, or they can hide you for an eternity if you so wish. RESPECT is a must.