A Creepy Story from Death Valley, 1968

In 1968, my brother Dave visited the ghost town of Ballarat in the Panamint Valley. He met the last of the burro prospectors, Ballarat Bob. Bob suggested that Dave ride his Honda 90 to Barker Ranch where he could meet a guy named Charlie and his family of hippies. This is his story.
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Music in this video is from a subscription with Epidemic Sound:
Epic Percussion 1 - Jon Bjork
To the Singularity - Hector Poster
Chasing the Truth - Dream Cave
The Wind is Changing - Howard Harper-Barnes

[@tredog500r]

Dave was a true pioneer in the world of 'Adventure' riding. Very chilling story. Thank you!

[@rfleming7883]

Fantastic job telling the story of your older brother's encounter with one of the most evil individuals known to man. Of course, that is true, but thankfully Dave could see he was at the wrong place and left. Also, the encounter with Tex watson (cold blooded killer) could have ended badly. Congrats on a happy ending to this chapter for your family!

[@paulholbrook7315]

Your Brother is very lucky to be alive......Most all folks who stumbled upon paranoid Charlie's little family at Barker Ranch were never seen again, buried 8 ft down in the surrounding desert.....One fellow who was touring Death valley and never got close to Barker Ranch was encountered and killed for his VW beetle which Charlie's boys liked to strip down and turn into dune buggies...I'm frankly surprised that your brother wasn't simply killed for his dirt bike by Tex that first day when he was alone..............Your Brother had angels on his shoulders that day..............

[@Summitclym]

Had many good 4WD trips all around that area back when the building was still standing like in the picture. Thanks for the memories.

[@arnestogigio4381]

Loved this. Another 68 year old here who needs to start adventuring.

[@FromShetoMe]

Definitely get out there because, as you know, it only gets harder.

[@larryhullinger4141]

I'm only 61 and with all my ailments I couldn't do that already But I am in the market for a van Gona do some traveling while I still can

[@trudymeyers2386]

Thank You ! We had messaged about 2 yrs ago concerning Manson, your brother and friend Michael Meyer. I had purchased his book and absolutely loved the stories he told of his days as a Ranger. Thank you for making this video of your brothers stories to add just a little more insight into this mass murderer. Your skills of story telling are truly getting more and more interesting. Trudy

[@johndoody1492]

I could hear Lennon screaming ‘helter skelter’ while I was riveted to your brother’s recollections. You can still feel the madness, the horrific presence. Those rangers did an incredible job capturing that band of miscreants. Thanks for making the difficult climb, and sharing the history.

[@lyndonreddick1888]

That was Paul.

[@markdinkel-uh2je]

​@@lyndonreddick1888I got blisters on me fingers

[@johnqueen8516]

Yes, thank you.​@@lyndonreddick1888

[@billorr6041]

Wow😱 Finally got enough WiFi to stream your DEATH valley video. Appropriately we drove through Panamint Valley today on our way to Ridgecrest. What a harrowing experience your brother survived. Thanks for sharing and re-tracing his tale

[@MrWinger1951]

Fascinating. I do believe you should do a mini documentary on your brother Dave, as I suspect he has many stories to tell.

[@pulsar001]

Sounds right

[@TJackSurvival]

I love that Matt’s Offroad recovery plug! Cracked me up

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Great presentation of your brother's adventure. Wow...not something I would want to experience, but totally interesting. Thank you

[@joanmcerlean7158]

Amazing. Just an amazing story. Thanks Dave. Thanks Debbie and John for being so persistent in finding the ranch so we could see it.

[@stevemccuen8131]

Wow! That is quite a story! I'm certainly glad your brother came through it unharmed! Please keep up the great videos...

[@alnolan8574]

What a story!! If your brother only knew who he was really dealing with .He was a brave soul.

[@bridgethill2183]

Well Holy Moly!!! An amazing story from your brother. I was on the edge my seat watching today’s video. Having grown up in LA during that time, hearing this brought back all the incredible strangeness and scariness for this high school kid at the time! Phew for Dave!

[@Anne-qv7ve]

Very interesting and scary story. Well done! Your background music is perfect. I am always conscious of it and I’m amazed how you always have great music that matches the theme of your video.

[@EternallyThankful-os6pz]

This is one of the most interesting stories I've ever stumbled onto via KZbin's suggestion column - really nice job putting this together with just the right amount of interaction from the on-camera interview mixed in at the right times...awesome job !!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thank you so much. My brother died last week and he was such an inspiration to me.

[@Vickie894]

Yes, I agree

[@LarryTisdale-km4bn]

I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing both your stories. This one in particular has always fascinated me.​@@FromShetoMe

[@carlphelps4098]

Amazing story! 💥💯Great filming and editing also. Sorry to hear of your brother's passing.😔

[@stephenackerman7761]

Debbie is a filmmaker now! I can see the efforts of your course in the amazing opening guidebook sequence and the overlays of your brother speaking while you explore the area he describes, looks great. My question is what did Dave say to y’all when Manson was caught, “Hey I know that guy!” ;)

[@FromShetoMe]

I remember the day. We were watching the news in front of our black and white Zenith. We already knew the story of their meeting many months earlier so it was a shocker when he said that was the guy. The murders had left everyone on edge. I told Dave he should go to the police. Glad he didn’t take my advise because it could have made all of us vulnerable to attacks by other members, some of whom are still devoted followers.

[@williamsherman1089]

​@@FromShetoMeProbably the wisest decision your brother made was to get away from that luny bunch. Great video and great story

[@pdub6453]

Wow! This was so creepy. I remember hearing stories of Manson’s early days here in Indiana before he headed west.I didn’t realize that they captured him in Death Valley. Your brother is so lucky to have evaded the “family”…

[@xtbro78]

This is a great video you did on this, I'm so glad I happened onto it. Years ago I went to Barker's Ranch with a group on small dirt bikes. (I'm 73 now & do those trips in my Jeep) It was when the ranch buildings were very complete, before it was all burned. We were able to sit at the concrete "booth & table" inside, where they likely ate, & there was still the old Servel LP gas refrigerator that they'd used. I agree with your choice on the bathroom cabinet where Charlie was captured. I too sought it out, & your picture matches the room I saw. At the time I was there the cabinet had already been taken by a souvenir-hunter, but the bathroom fixtures were still in place. Your brother's instincts were good & likely saved his life. I read of some miners who lived near the Ranch. Tex Watson asked one of them to accompany him to look at some ore he'd found. The man turned him down & said later he had the distinct feeling that if he & Tex walked up there, he would not have returned. Tex Watson was one freaky-crazy guy & was wearing his usual sidearm,. I'm glad you made it on your e-bikes too. That terrain can be treacherous, changing with each passing storm. I'm passing this video on to friends, excellent job!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thank you! I’m guessing that road got pummeled in the storms from past 2 years.

[@educateddogcenter]

Your story telling skills are so impressive! I’m going to send this to our smart TV and have my Death Valley-loving family members watch the whole thing. Thanks Debbie and John!✌️

[@FromShetoMe]

There are lots of fascinating stories from DV.

[@oldboater]

Loved this video, very interesting. I’m 73 so I can relate to this story. I forgot Manson was captured in Death Valley.

[@brettmaddy9525]

What a fascinating story and footage thanks for sharing.

[@boydmking1]

That was a lot of fun and very informative! Thanks for all your hard work and excellent editing . . .

[@angpb6176]

Gave me shivers! Wow, fascinating story and atmospheric video. Thanks to you and your bro for sharing it. Took me right back to being terrified as a kid.

[@ednapuckett1042]

WOW! Thank you for sharing your brother’s story.

[@govango813]

Thoroughly enjoyed your video. It actually gave me chills. I can’t believe your brother lived to tell the story!

[@FromShetoMe]

Me too!!

[@paulantonio740]

I've done a bunch of camping in DV and the Mojave over the years and really enjoyed your video. Back in the 90s, I was in Ballarat and had a vague recollection that Barker Ranch was nearby, sort of. Didn't find it but enjoyed the area nonetheless. Dave's encounter with Tex was pretty scary but he lived to tell the story. (How the heck did he get a '65 Mustang up those dirt roads?) Many people from that era have stories about meeting Manson and the Family, and they all say the same thing -- how creepy the experience was. Your adventures are keeping you young, Debbie. Keep 'em coming!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for the kind comments. Sadly, we lost David this past summer. I know that he would have loved knowing that his story was my number one performing video in 2024. I believe he left his Mustang at the entrance to the canyon and rode his motorcycle up.

[@doubled5037]

Great story. Im going to Ballarat tomorrow for a week . Thanks for sharing

[@vickilawrence7207]

I love the choice of your music. It’s very interesting, and not too loud!

[@erickirn622]

I was there in 2007 on a KTM 990r came over Mingal Pass. This was before the cabin was burned out, and in pretty good shape. It was a creepy place to say the least!! Each year in February, we camp in Furnace Creek and ride DV. Spectactual place!! Thanks for taking me along.

[@monteeggers8651]

I remember hearing about that family on the news while the family was still on the run. Your brother is a very lucky person! Good video too!

[@senthilnathanviswanathan4924]

oh, I chanced to stumble upon this great video. I was also fascinated with death valley and avid watcher of many videos on death valley. It is really astonishing that 68-70 year elders could do this sort of adventure into the remotest places. Feeling so grateful for this video, which took me on a free tour of Barker Ranch.

[@FromShetoMe]

You are so welcome!

[@walterdibartolomeo3157]

Thanks for sharing. Dave’s story gave me the chills! Glad you didn’t get hurt on your fall.

[@axel-daxel]

Beautiful work thanks.

[@thebeautifulhobo1]

One of the best youtube stories I've seen! You have a talent. I would love to view more of your adventures! Just fun &interesting. I also have spent some time in Death Valley. Thank you for your narrative and scenery. Great Job! Thank you.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thank you!

[@thebeautifulhobo1]

@@FromShetoMe NO! THANKYOU!

[@BrettHoustonTube]

Wild story. Thanks for telling it. I got to see it one month before the fire. Ya'll are crazy to try that on those scooters. It's hard enough in a Jeep. Glad to see you lived to tell the tale. The Death Valley Germans perished not far from there.

[@JustMe-ds8fk]

68!? You look wonderful!!! And you said Matt's off ride towing that so funny I was just watching them today 😊

[@FromShetoMe]

One of our favorite channels.

[@mauriciodupuy408]

This was great..!!!, and your brother was lucky to be able to escape, ! cheers!!!

[@FromShetoMe]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Wes-l2d]

I can hardly believe that you were in high school in 1968 ( the year I was born) if I had to guess I would say you are in your mid forties 😁, thanks for the video, very interesting 😁👍💪

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. Must be the camera but I'll happily take the complement.

[@sherrydattilio9604]

When I was 6 and living in Death Valley in 1063, I remember hiking up some canyon with my parents and one of the rangers to check on a hermit. I remember once we got the shack/house how much greener it was, with shade trees. Must have had water. Unfortunately the guy was not there. Wish I could remember more of the story of who he was, and the spot. So cool that you made this video to remember the story of your brother. So much gets lost as we age, lol. Thanks, brought back some great memories of Death Valley.

[@FromShetoMe]

Could have been Ballarat Bob. He was actually using Barker Ranch when Charlie came in and basically pushed him out.

[@meganoneill4801]

Wow! What a great video and story! I loved it. Well done.

[@tomfurlong5091]

in the summer of 68 my dad, a NYC cop took me to visit his best friend growing up in brooklynwho was living in laguna beach. The pacific coast highway at nite was packed with young hippies, many who lived in caves in the canyons running out of laguna ! It was quite the adventure , we also visited tijuana where i bought sandals, leather belt and fireworks ! No charlie manson sightings but plenty of wild people, a far cry from booklyn but stories to tell my classmates my freshman year in september ! Now i want to go to death valley ! never gave it a thought till watching your videos, thanks for the inspiration !

[@FromShetoMe]

My first impression of Laguna was in 1966, driving north on PCH and being greeted by the Laguna Beach Greeter.

[@tomfurlong5091]

@@FromShetoMe the guy with the big white beard ! a summertime santa claus ! they had him on postcards ! I need to go back there for a visit !

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

Whoa. First - loved your editing & music. Second - good on you for being so persistent. Rest - yay for your brother for surviving that whole scenario. Holy crap. Unless you lived in CA during that time, you can’t understand that fear of what happened. Last - my ancestors were the people stuck there in 1849. Asabel & Sarah Bennett. I really enjoyed this one!

[@FromShetoMe]

Wow, related to the Bennetts. That’s so cool. I read Manly’s book as a teenager and was so impressed.

[@christyontheat9430]

This was fascinating! Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@spellmadam2947]

What a story! Thanks for sharing.

[@JustMe-vi8nx]

Great video Debbie. Really good. Thanks for sharing.

[@kathigee]

WOW.. what a story.... I had chills the whole video.. I kinda didn't want you to be in that area! Thanks for sharing.

[@kathyjohnson1911]

68??! Damn, Girl, you look amazing!

[@katetrabue]

Now I want to explore Death Valley! Thanks for the video, Debbie. I can see that you are incorporating ideas from your film course. Nice work!

[@eclecticinspiration5064]

I don't know if you know but you are an inspiration you're a real powerhouse I don't know if you're married but the way you put that truck together and that bicycle and all your stuff and just went down the road all to tell a story I appreciate you that's so deep to me!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks! I think everyone has the abilities to do the same and hopefully people see that if I can do it, they can do it.

[@SanJuanMountainBob]

Wow, fascinating story - thanks for sharing!

[@tdadventures]

Oh wow!! What a creepy and scary story. So glad your brother was able to fib and leave safely to tell this story.

[@michele2017promastertravel]

What a great format. You're so creative.

[@dporper6390]

"Frasier is down!" John cracked me up. Only old goats like me get that reference.

[@Grasshopper0122]

Nicely done. Thank you.

[@anniecrowbar9358]

Wow your brother is a very lucky guy to have escaped from Charlie! Thanks for the amazing story😲

[@Lando62]

Good job. Often I don’t care for music people use. Some scenic place with hard rock Musi. Your music was very appropriate for your story. It was a near thing for your brother AND ballarat Bob. That bunch was crazy!

[@librarianeric]

A buddy and I drove up several years ago and even with 4WD it was a scary drive. I did like seeing the ground water occasionally bubbling up from the road! Great video! And your brother's story was excellent. I wonder whatever happened to the bus? Supposedly it was up there with everything else through the 1980s.

[@FromShetoMe]

I think it might still be there. The Power Wagon is down at Ballarat.

[@daveschlom4033]

This was an incredible experience to watch. My best friend Don from many years later recounted a similar encounter there. Though thankfully, they bailed really fast after running into Tex in their 4WD Jeep. I ran into them (sorta) as a kid riding my bike to see the Spahn Movie Ranch because my Dad instilled a love of westerns into me. I remember them as hippies like my sister, cousin and their friends. But there was a weird vibe that even 8 year old me picked up on. Quentin Tarantino's great film brought all this back to me. My brother in law house sat at the Cielo Drive home. I guess I visited him there too but I don't remember that as different from other brief visits to Bel Air homes with my Dad. Thank you for sharing. Sharon Tate was a truly beautiful person who reminds me so much of my older sister. I so wish Rick and Cliff could have saved her. There is nothing funny about it. Just a longing for a safer feeling LA.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for adding your story here. I’m curious if you followed a link here and if so from where.

[@daveschlom4033]

@@FromShetoMe Gosh. I think it just showed up in my YT feed because I have been watching stuff about Once Upon A Time in Hollywood.

[@FromShetoMe]

@@daveschlom4033 Interesting. Thanks so much for letting me know.

[@Porsche996driver]

Wow quite a story. I was just a kid but I remember my older sister was so freaked out about them, especially the runaway girls. She had been a runaway girl in LA in that period. Wow you look amazing for 68 btw, and a bright storyteller too. Ditto for your bro! ✨

[@doubled5037]

Wow great story. Thanks to you and your brother for sharing!

[@dakat1726]

The ability to talk your way out of a sticky situation is an important life skill! My friend, who grew up in a gang area, shared that he avoided being pressed into a gang with a strong sense of "gotta go"

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes, and a sense of humor too.

[@dondartt684]

Great story have been to Death Valley many times but, never was aware that Charles Manson camp in the valley. Thanks for taking me on this adventure.

[@yoseflaurent3376]

Congratulations for your channel and thank you for that very interesting story. Wow, your brother may have missed an OPPORTUNITY to become part of that infamous family !... He better had to take care of his EXAM ! ... By his account, we come to understand that the other man was really a weirdo with a serious personality disorder, playing a risky psycho game including violence, threats and mind control. By the way, you, I mean the animator of that video, are a very cute lady and I wish I had encountered you in 1968, although I was like 10 or 12 years younger, I nevertheless could already enjoy the beholding of a very nice youg lady ! You and your brother both look good for your age, fit and healthy and you seem to be good-spirited smart and humorous people, which probably helps.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. He was always fun to travel with because of his great attitude.

[@bettebuchheit5776]

Wow, morbidly fascinating! Well done!

[@fenjafenja5677]

wow so cool ride and amazing you are 68 years old.

[@FromShetoMe]

70 now. But thanks.

[@fenjafenja5677]

@@FromShetoMe you looks like 50:)

[@FromShetoMe]

@@fenjafenja5677 Thank but not up close. 😅

[@pamt6829]

Very interesting story, thanks for sharing 👍👍

[@christinejones932]

This gave me goosebumps. Thanks for sharing.

[@loribaker2501]

Great video! That was an incredible story, thank you for sharing. I see the drive for adventures runs in the family 🤣. Very brave to be on the trail, riding along on the video was scary enough for me !!

[@redleezure7088]

Got a flat tire three weeks ago after stopping at that very Ballarat sign. Took 5 1/2 hours to get the tire plugged and back on the road. But enough of my bad memory. You're story is great and the editing very good indeed. Well done!

[@FromShetoMe]

Wow. Never had to plug a tire.

[@rhondalyn100]

What a great story! Please tell your brother "thanks"; I enjoyed this video very much! Interesting content and wonderful music score!

[@tallballer09]

My best friend and I used to spend a lot of time camping in the Panamint mountains and valley back since 1970. We had many an encounter “ meeting “ those hippies over the last 40 plus years.Some not so good! I’ve seen Barker ranch in tact and even saw the cabinet where Charlie was hiding in the ranch. I was always careful as I was a California police office since 1973 and got a lot of good advise from cops back then not to trust or become overly friendly with strangers we meet out in the back country. I even met Ma Barker once at the Indian ranch. Panamint has alway been the Wild West!

[@steves524]

That was a very interesting story Dave told, enjoyed the way you incorporated it into the present day🚐

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes, I had to stew on it for a year to figure out the best way to share it and not creep myself out.

[@roncross1945]

My son in law, a US ARMY Ranger took me up that canyon and into Butte Valley. There’s a book written in the 80’s by an old miner. The title is, There’s Ghosts in These Canyons. Or something like that. He tells of his encounters with the Manson Family there in Death Valley. Great video, glad you made it out of there safely.

[@FromShetoMe]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@bluebiegrace1828]

Wow 😮!! This is a good one. Thank you.

[@ExplorationObsession]

Great video ! My sister-in-law dated Tex Watson in college in Texas. 👏

[@FromShetoMe]

OMG, now that would be quite a story.

[@petermickus8688]

Did she get a shiver off of him?

[@zardoz7900]

Was there one night 2001 I think it cursed me, later on when i went back to Burbank this problematic kid who was my roomate brought in some psycho homeless guy who stayed with us for a few days and it was a very very scary and uncomfortable experience. Its weird as if the Manson spirit brought it on while i was out there. I was gonna camp out but got there late and had no idea how hot it was, it was night, i remember seeing that house, and the hot wind and that sign squeaking in the wind and white scorpions all over the dirt. There is another Balarat legend Seldom Seen Slim.

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes, but I wasn't able to learn much about him.

[@zardoz7900]

@@FromShetoMe google it

[@darlenestout7548]

Wow what an awesome story. Thanks for sharing. Very interesting 👌

[@TroySwezey]

Oh wow. What a wild story. Very cool video and editing. Well done. Glad you are ok after your spill.

[@FromShetoMe]

Some awesome bruises.

[@allenschmitz9644]

yep, 68 and falling off a e-bike is some bold frisky move's and a flat tire out there and the party is over...thanks for the ride thru.

[@fullmoonAZ]

Awesome shout-out to Matt's Offroad Recovery! :D

[@joycem2795]

Very nice editing on this video!

[@fiestaadventures]

Nice job on the video! I enjoyed it very much. I was in Ballarat recently but didn't make it to Barker Ranch. I hope to get there next time.

[@FromShetoMe]

I’m wondering how the road is after last year’s summer storms and then this winter’s record rains.

[@fiestaadventures]

@@FromShetoMe Good point. The road is always unpredictable and changes with weather. My Sprinter is 4WD and lifted but I doubt I would try it. E-bikes were a great choice for you. I have a standard Mt. Bike I like to bring and it was handy exploring the Jeep trails around Greenwater in Death Valley.

[@mysticalmisfit1332]

Hi Debbie & John🙋🏽‍♀️ Very eerie…Glad your brother got out of there. Great story/video

[@petermickus8688]

I would've liked to have been there the day Manson drove the magic bus through Golar Wash!! Haha!! Its very interesting to hear personal stories from people like Dave! Nice vid! All the best and Cheers! P.S. I read further on, and sorry to hear, that Dave recently passed! I could tell he was a good man!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thank you. He was the best.

[@mikewarner2285]

Love your channel

[@michaelkurz9067]

Wow,that is a wonderful creepy story:) being a long distance truck driver,I see quite a few Charles Manson wanna be's (you're looking younger all the time)

[@timmartin4952]

“Thought it was my bones”. Lol. I know the feeling more every day!

[@judystreich7333]

That was an Erie happening and thank God your brother was a quick thinker, wow. And, I felt your pain when you were on the ground because this 68 year old took a header on the ice a few days ago, we just don’t pop right back up quite so fast do we. But, thankful that wounded pride was the worst injury. You do a great video, thanks.

[@FromShetoMe]

Had some nasty bruising but otherwise, good to go.

[@yvonne6530]

Wow! What an amazing story, this would definitely be a great podcast. To be honest I didn't know who Bob was or much about Charles Manson either. I had to watch a documentary here on KZbin on the history of the area and who was Manson. Great story telling. Thank you so much for sharing. 🥰

[@FromShetoMe]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dawnparker9884]

Wonderful video and you guys rock!

[@problu9586]

Just bums me out that some dingbat decided to burn down Barker Ranch house, because it was "evil". Eventually, will drive my Jeep up Goler Wash and visit Barker Ranch, myself. As an aside, I'm 68, too. Enjoyed your video.

[@lindaegli5657]

You guys are narly.. love you GOD bless you ❤️💞🥰

[@willoughby1888]

I honestly think my experience at age 13 was scarier than this one. I would often beg to fish overnight at the Santa Monica pier back in 1970. I would get dropped off around midnight, then take busses back to Eagle Rock to be back home by 6 so I could be at school at 7. One night, just after 2 AM, from a distance I saw four other kids running onto the pier and coming towards me. At first I was thankful that I was going to have some company, but then I saw it was some well-known school bullies from my junior high school. They were the ones who always chased me after school and would throw stones, bottles and sticks at me or want to fight. I looked behind me hoping to see a grownup, but I knew already that I was all alone out there, just like I always was. Then the bullies were right on me throwing hard punches. I fought them the best I could, even got a few good punches in. But I was easily beaten about the face until I was bloody. After doing that, they all grabbed me and had almost thrown me off the pier into the dark water below. The only thing that saved me was me grabbing tightly ahold of one of the littlest guys and whispering into his ear, "It's time to get wet, little Ricky!". I was already hanging off the pier, but I was bringing him right along with me. He quickly yelled, just like a girl, "PULL HIM BACK, PULL HIM BACK!". Then the other three pulled us back up onto the pier with me still clenching ahold of Ricky. Before he knew what was happening, I threw him into the other three and climbed up on the railing and had kicked them away as they tried to come get me, or push me off. But I eventually knew my only escape was jumping into the water and swimming to shore. I acted the bravest I could. "I'm not scared of a little water, I'll just jump off myself and race you f@gg*ts to the beach! Last one there is a rotten egg!!!" It was either that or them knocking me out and throwing me off anyways. I did my best backflip off the pier and into the water. When I hit the surface I went down underwater about 17-18 feet, the deepest I'd ever been. Our swimming pool at home was only 9 feet deep, and even that depth hurt my ears. When I finally came to the surface, I looked up to see the four bullies looking down at me to see if I was even going to surface. Then I had to kick away from a barnacle-crusted piling to get away from the dangerous pier and the current that was trying to take me under it. After that I had to swim straight ahead about a hundred yards in order to get to a place where I could make it safely past the section of pier that stuck out where the rides were located. It was a moonless night and the water was very dark. I'd never swam in dark water before, it was very scary. I swam as fast as I could. I swam very, very fast. The whole time my nose, eye and lip was still bleeding. I pictured man-eating Great White and Tiger sharks smelling the blood from a mile away and coming right after an easy meal, racing each other to be the first to take a huge bite out of me. I thought about stingrays and jellyfish, and muscle cramps that stopped me in my tracks, too. But after about six long minutes I finally got close to the shore. I saw the bullies just getting there to the beach. They had beaten me getting there, like I had expected. I haven't a clue what took them so long. Well, they did have to run a long way though, not just off the pier and right onto the beach. When I walked off the beach I expected to have to fight with them again. But instead, they were all smiles. "Wow, that was pretty brave, what's it feel like to do that!" and "We would never do what you did, here, want my dry shirt so you won't get yelled at for being wet when you get home?" was what I heard them saying. It was then that they told me that my own mother and sisters had given them $20 to beat me unconscious and throw me off the pier. They dug in their pockets and came up with around $2 in coins they still had left, then gave it to me. They said we'd talk at lunch at school, and I was invited to hang out with them from now on. I did for a little bit, too. "If you want to destroy your enemies, you don't have to fight them, you just have to make them want to be your friend instead" It lasted about a week, then they were right back to pestering me after school again. My older sister a year older than me had something to do with that though. I saw her talking with them between classes. She must have said something to them. But yet here I am, I'm still here in the year 2024! Well, that's my true story anyways. Do you think it sounds scarier than meeting Manson and his followers as an adult or not? "In this sad world of ours, sorrow comes to all, and to the young it comes with bitterest agony, because it takes them unawares. The older have learned to ever expect it." (Abraham Lincoln)

[@FromShetoMe]

All I can say is, wow.

[@willoughby1888]

@@FromShetoMe Many thought had gone through my mind that one night. I got another hundred true stories though. That was simply one of them. I've been through a whole lot. Thank you for reading what I wanted to share.

[@snoo333]

awesome video. thanks

[@Fyrpylit]

My old boss Larry H (USMC) was the pilot LAPD flying the helicopter the day they raided the ranch. He was also airborne over the shoot out with the SLA that had kidnapped Patty Hearst. RIP Larry

[@FromShetoMe]

Wow. This video continues to amaze me with all the comments from people who have their own stories to tell. I'm assuming there is no video from the vantage point of law enforcement.

[@spirg]

This was fantastic!!!!! Better than cable tv !!!!

[@FromShetoMe]

Wow. Thanks.

[@digitalcamera3237]

That was great. your brothers stories were great! I'll bet he's got a lot more.

[@FromShetoMe]

A few but not quite as wild as that one.

[@digitalcamera3237]

@@FromShetoMe puttering around on a trail 90 in Death Valley in the 60's... what a since of adventure! back then no gps, no cell phones (not that there would have been any reception anyway) and there was probably practically nothing out there as far as any services or anything at all for that matter and I know how big Death Valley is, I know its a Huge place.

[@FromShetoMe]

@@digitalcamera3237 The good news is that you still get that feeling of being remote because nothing has changed with regard to cellular service. And there has been no other development except for some expansion of mining. But there seems to be a lot more flights from the military bases.

[@digitalcamera3237]

@@FromShetoMe Yeah I've seen the jets out there training. keep up the awesome work on you videos I always enjoy them. I really like them cause I can relate to them better (age wise).

[@timsmith7625]

Thanks for sharing and we had chatted about your brothers encounter with the Manson family a while back and I really enjoyed you telling the story. Watch out for those 68 year old bones and don’t break anything. Will be out west this fall/through January it looks like. Working schedule and will email it to you. You and John stay safe!

[@FromShetoMe]

Got some awesome looking bruises for my efforts. I worry more about John. We need to get him a new bike.

[@timsmith7625]

@@FromShetoMe yes and I have a lot of bruises from my falls and people hitting me when I am riding on the beach path. Healing takes too long now a days. I have upgraded my Rad Power bikes as time and age change and good ideas for John to do the same.

[@victorcontreras9138]

A real experience having met the Manson clan! Glad he made it out ok. By the way, when he took the two passengers into town, he didn't say if he had to drive with nose clips on🤢

[@FromShetoMe]

LOL. Probably because the car didn't have AC and the windows were probably down the whole way.