Left STRANDED On Uninhabited Pacific Island In 1704

Imagine you were standing in knee-deep water on the shore of a small island, watching your ship and only salvation slowly disappearing over the horizon. And no matter how loud you screamed, and how desperately you cried out, there was no chance of it coming back. Now imagine this island was remote, completely uninhabited, and in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Would you be able to survive? And if you were able to survive, how long do you think it’d take before you completely lost your sanity. This is the story of Alexander Selkirk and Mas a Tierra Island.
Attributions/Special Thanks for Photographs
Wellcome Images
Writing and research by Rich Firth-Godbehere
DrRichFG
/ @horrourstories
Podcast ➡️ www.spreaker.com/show/scary-i...
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And a huge thank you to the Scary Interesting team of writers, editors, captioners, and everyone else who make this channel possible.
DISCLAIMER: The pictures, audio, and video used in the videos on this channel are a mix of paid stock, by attribution, royalty-free, public domain, or otherwise fall under the guidelines of fair use. No copyright infringement is intended. All rights belong to their respective owners. If you are or represent the copyright owner of materials used in this video and have an issue with the use of said material, please send an email to [e-mail]. I will respond immediately.

[@madisonmccann1221]

This story is insane. He goes from stranded and hopeless to building shelter, acquiring pets, farming goats, getting a revenge bod, and entertaining guests. Best episode of Naked & Afraid ever.

[@ambermarie7204]

Yea… more like 4 long seasons culminating in a final episode where he’s entertaining guests…

[@bennettbattle4127]

Ha ha I laughed out loud and love at your comment. Thank you!

[@sherrattpemberton6089]

The original minecraft smp

[@sharksport01]

How does throwing a tantrum and leaving the ship equate to being stranded??

[@AndyWitmyer]

​@@sharksport01 The first part has no bearing on the meaning of the second part. One can throw a fit and still end up stranded. I mean, whatever the reason may be, Alexander was literally left stranded on an island. Check the dictionary if you still need help.

[@courtney3743]

Imagine being part of Thomas’ crew when their ship sank and realizing they stranded the man trying to save them…

[@marhawkman303]

Yeah, that's the kicker.... William said he was the best sailor they'd had... BECAUSE he'd been right and the rest of them sucked.

[@mayday6916]

Oops.

[@avamasquerade]

They're the type to be doomed to not let themsleves even think about that, so if they survived, they'd never be able to learn.

[@randymillhouse791]

Yeah, like when Trump gets re-elected and bankrupts the USA, I will be in South America laughing at Americans.

[@thedapperdanman9143]

@@randymillhouse791If he doesn’t, you should go there anyway. ;)

[@banana_junior_9000]

Not dying on that island of infection, a venomous bite, a virus, etc. is amazing.

[@draw2death421]

Didint sound like there was anything venomous on the island tho. But yeah not being infected or catching some kind of a illness is unbelievably Lucky.

[@yourlocalscribe948]

Not really that weird. Almost all viruses are species or Family specific, meaning he wouldn't be getting them unless there are people around. After all, no people with malaria means no mosquitos with malaria. Venomous bites arent as common as you would think for people who are versed in bushcraft. I agree with the infection tho, it was pretty lucky he didnt pick up any diseases from the rats, feral cats, unclean water, or constant handling of raw and undercooked meat. I guess he just got lucky.

[@Merivio]

This was fascinating. His choice to leave the ship because of the risk Thomas was making turned out to be the right choice...

[@mitchrich6]

It was a ruse to change the caps mind.

[@silence-humility-calmness]

isn't it crazy, you sit ,you contemplate ,you regret your decision,cry for them to take you back, than your forced to make due with what you got, only to find out years later that it was the best decision in your life, what a rarity of a W

[@dacypher22]

Kind of crazy that it was just a bluff and he was terrified when they actually left, but it turned out he had saved himself

[@thomashunt6000]

This is actually a great allegory about how reframing one's circumstances and utilizing ones available skills, knowledge and resources can make almost any situation bearable.

[@RapturesBounty]

Yeah the reframing is key

[@tinygrim]

It does. I've done it for 26 years. In this world today... youde, or myself, surprised myself..

[@screamityeah]

Allegory??? You mean a clear example? Your use of the word i think is correct but I just find it weird to be used in a story where it is beyond clear that being resourceful is good.

[@thomashunt6000]

@@screamityeah it appears I meant a parable. My bad.

[@thomashunt6000]

@@jakobquick6875 he's an idiot for not wanting to sail on a ship with a damaged hull, which the rest of them refused to fix? Who also ended up later being captured by the Spanish? That's some logic right there, man. I'd have rather taken my chances on the island as well.

[@Onora619]

I'd love to hear more super old stories like these!

[@ScaryInteresting]

I've got some more coming!

[@Loralanthalas]

The past was the worst.

[@martonbalazskajari5424]

Super old like from the cavemen era? :D

[@ygts]

​@@Loralanthalaswrong channel

[@kentuckyleigh9623]

DEF!! Me too! Upon first seeing this episode I thought for a second it was the one that Anna Garcia covered recently on True Crime Daily the Podcast! It was kinda sorta somewhat similar and OHHHH MAANNN just as interesting maybe more so! It is like 10 stories in one! I’ll post the name of it if y’all would like to go listen. @scaryinteresting I’d LOVE to see you cover it!! Hang on let me see the full name of the video...

[@Dancingonthesun]

Im so impressed by how much an ordinary man back then could do in his own. How many of us could do what he did on the island? He is a builder, weaver, hunter, tanner, carpenter, and more. Its remarkable he didnt just sink into despair

[@spiritmatter1553]

Nowadays a person is considered ignorant if they didn’t graduate after four years of college with a degree in women’s studies. If you know how to actually use a knife or a gun, then you’re a danger to society.

[@alexraymond-en4dd]

@spiritmatter1553 yh I'm sure that's the case.

[@heehoopeanut420]

​@spiritmatter1553 Hey don't bring women into this, people still don't give a fuck about women's studies😂 I agree that people don't value survival and crafting skills anymore tho! I love knowing the few skills I do know, and they come in handy more than you'd think. Sometimes I'm more of a handyman than the fellas thanks to the things my grandparents showed me growing up😂❤

[@daehyun2904]

@@spiritmatter1553it’s simple. Back then, if you didn’t have skills to survive, you won’t be a productive member of society. Today, there is no need for survival skills in a first world country where everything is dependent on capitalism. If you do live in a rural area in Vietnam for example, survival skills like the guy had in the video is extremely valued.

[@skycloud4802]

People could be very self sufficient back then. Today, many people seem to only care about chasing money or fame.

[@ZombieSazza]

If anyones ever visiting Scotland and finds Alexander Selkirk’s story interesting, there’s a really lovely statue of him at his former home in Lower Largo (which is worth visiting by itself), ended up south and visiting Fife for a few days, the coastal villages are beautiful and found his statue, was a really cool find when visiting the area!

[@psalmreader8049]

God definitely has a good plan for his life. He’s have had a much different life had he gotten back on board with Thomas!

[@robertseptim3579]

This needs to be a movie, this is incredible! I saw it so vividly in my mind. Fantastic work!

[@PhillyAnthonyD]

It wasn't exactly made into a movie, but it was the basis for an excellent novel called Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Dafoe, published a few years later.

[@MagdaleneDivine]

It's actually a book and it's been a movie several times Swiss family Robinson

[@paperandpavement]

They did! Its called Cast Away with Tom Hanks.

[@dfuher968]

Swiss Family Robinson and Cast Away are made on the basis of the Daniel Dafoe novel (Robinson Crusoe), which was by far the earliest. And yes, that novel was heavily inspired by the true story of Alexander Selkirk.

[@ngapik6985]

Reminds me of Jack Sparrow

[@RobinCrusoe1952]

Alexander Selkirk became the inspiration for Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe

[@JosieJOK]

I’m really surprised that wasn’t mentioned in the video!

[@icarussuraki9929]

@@JosieJOK Same!

[@icarussuraki9929]

I came down here to say the same thing! I didn't read the whole book in one night (I was in college; I was busy) for nothing!

[@jonnyem.8859]

I read Robinson Crusoe before I found out about Selkirk; both great stories.

[@JaneNewAuthor]

I once drank in the pub in Bristol UK which was famous for being the place where Alexander Selkirk told Daniel Defoe his story.

[@WouldntULikeToKnow.]

Wow, he was extremely fortunate to be left on an island with so many resources available. Also fortunate to know many of the skills that helped him survive!

[@Maxime_K-G]

At first, I thought what a pity but learning there were cats, goats and junk on the beach he could use and he had the skills to harness them makes it sound like it was a good time actually. Incredible how he could reframe his situation and get on so quickly. Alexander was a smart man and should an inspiration to us all. Thanks for sharing this story!

[@michaelblankenau6598]

Goats but no women . Hmmm

[@joshleenall]

I have serious social issues, probably Autism, and I get along with cats far better than people. I was fostering a couple recently and was so much happier with them around. Cats would 100% make me happier if stranded on an island.

[@mikemieding4773]

@@michaelblankenau6598 yes women are an absolute source of joy on this earth. Ever been divorced?

[@dankus.memeokus4192]

Lmfao😂​@@mikemieding4773

[@noahmiller6193]

this guy got in one of the most horrifying scenarios that anyone could imagine at the time, and had the most unbelievable amount of luck "wow that fall only cracked some ribs and winded me, thankfully my dinner broke my fall, i could've died" "all my clothes are starting to fall apart, no matter, i'll just skin the goats i domesticated because i happen to be a tanner as well" "man these rats suck, good thing there's a litter of kittens i can domesticate as well to eat the rats"

[@MrPloxDa3rd]

That, and he unknowingly jumped off a doomed ship and her sailors

[@princessoscar3089]

Lol OMG yes if this was a movie people would scream so many plot conveniences! xD But it's like real life so WTF?

[@PoochieCollins]

Some of it was design. The reason the cats were on the island were the same reason the rats were. Skinning a dead animal is probably not that difficult, and he would've had all the time to refine the skill. I looked up the island; it's at a pretty decent size of 18.5 sq. mi.; can't know how much that figured into his initial marooning-himself stunt, in any case the decent size and vegetation without being so big that there were long time natives who would've probably been hostile to him made it a good place to be stranded for someone with decent survival skill.

[@GrislyAtoms12]

@@PoochieCollins It worked out well for him, but if there had been natives, maybe they would have been friendly. So it coulda been worse OR better.

[@user-nz2rf7fm8h]

@@PoochieCollins”probably not that difficult” lmao you haven’t done it, small animals are easy. Even medium animals are easy. Big animals have to be processed fast or the meat will spoil while you’re still cutting. And this is all hand tools; it is simple in idea but it is not easy or simple in practice lmao

[@tay.lore97]

really heartbroken about how impractical this makes my dreams of living alone in the forest seem

[@CeaselessWatchersSpecialBoy]

Real 😔

[@AccountInactive]

​@mehrimazedehAs someone who does live 95% off grid in a very rural area, it's largely people who want to be left alone. That doesn't mean we're evil or mean. I was surprised to find after 3 years on my property that I had a neighbor about 4 miles away, a Vietnam vet. We both enjoy solitude and self sufficiency, but we check in via ham radio often. We don't rely on each other but we have helped each other in various ways over the years. If you haven't lived the life, please don't speak like an authority.

[@juniper9251]

I also have dreams of being a forest hermit... and I know without a doubt I'd be dead in a week. Well, maybe two. I have skills. They're just... extremely limited. And I'm squeamish. Lol

[@cole1407]

​@mehrimazedehSpoken like a true ignorant female.

[@The.answer.is_42_]

​@@juniper9251I'm such a picky eater 😭 an "adult" who needs to get over textures lmao and also hate seafood 😆

[@sinisetaaveet]

Did he take any of his cats with him when he left the island??? 😭

[@bunkle932]

But isn't that best for them? Sounds like he shouldve stayed with them lol

[@dankus.memeokus4192]

The island is the cats home kinda cruel to take them away. Especially if they're already wild they will be fine

[@user-cq1jj7ky2o]

They ate rats

[@nicosmind3]

Back then they would have made a delicious cat stew

[@noHarmony1]

Since I loved Robinsons Crusoe as a child and read the book at least a dozen times, I can really tell that many of the things you mentioned found its way into that book. The strong religious feelings, the importance of the goats, a lot of the attitude...damn, it might be time for another read.

[@maya8627]

I,too,loved Robinson Crusoe as a child and read it many,many times! The similarities are not coincidental. This well known real life adventure was the inspiration for Daniel Defoe.

[@silvandarart]

I was stunned that Scary didn't mention the book at all!

[@MitchJohnson0110]

The island of Mas a Tierra was actually renamed Robinson Crusoe island in 1966

[@MW-nOttawa]

Shame that Google Earth is a low res mess and patchwork satellite images ... no reason why Google is so shit, they do this all the time.

[@MitchJohnson0110]

@@MW-nOttawa bro what are you talking about

[@lizard3755]

What an amazing story, I loved getting to hear something totally new to me that had a happy ending. I love that you've started mixing in some stories where people survive, it both provides a relief from some of the sadness while also adding to the suspense of things because you don't know for sure whether someone will live or die.

[@crazymoo56]

I wouldn't say dying of Yellow Fever is a happy ending, but I know what you mean :)

[@billbraskey3265]

​@@crazymoo56 all of our stories will end in death, what you do until then is what matters.

[@charlesyoung7436]

If this story seems somewhat familiar, it may be because Alexander Selkirk's ordeal formed part of the basis for Daniel Defoe's 1719 novel "Robinson Crusoe."

[@user-rk4nx1dx1l]

@@charlesyoung7436 Thanks for that interesting extra info....a real life , minus Man Friday , but - hey, quite an amazing true story.

[@stephensibley]

​@@billbraskey3265amen 2 that

[@F_Print]

That was a good story, thanks for sharing it! This guy was resourceful, I would've died in a week.

[@ScaryInteresting]

Me too, haha

[@levitatingoctahedron922]

you'd probably be surprised at what you can accomplish on instincts when desperate, especially on a tropical island covered with food.

[@MaryDoyle-xl2ri]

👍👍❤️

[@gNOme_5]

Same! 😳😢😵💀🏴‍☠️

[@sharongrigg5336]

Wouldn't have lasted a day haha

[@bluejediforce]

I love that he raised a bunch of cats and they were his friends, that's absolutely fantastic EDIT: This may be one of my favorite stories you ever told! Definitely remembering this one

[@rattek2749]

Have to wonder how many native species were wiped out by the introduction of these animals to those islands. Worked out for him though!

[@bluejediforce]

@@rattek2749 Oh yeah, definitely not ideal. Rats OR cats. But they were already there when he got there, he just cared for them, which was sweet!

[@MitchJohnson0110]

This man's story was a major inspiration for the novel Robinson Crusoe. The novel was actual a big reason the island later became a popular tourist spot, so much so that the Chilean government renamed Más a Tierra Island, "Robinson Crusoe Island" in 1966.

[@hangedups2608]

SHAME THEY DIDNT NAME IT AFTER A REAL PERSON

[@JarinCOD]

@@hangedups2608 Very true.

[@berry1669]

I was there this past January with a Cruise Ship for one day quite a place but not tropical like in the movie about 800 people live there now

[@vast634]

@@hangedups2608 there is actually an "Isla Selkirk" west of it. Maybe they mixed up the places.

[@TheTexas1994]

So Alexander was the luckiest one in the entire ordeal

[@JamesStewart-lx5wb]

The real-life inspiration of the famed novel character, Robinson Crusoe, which was published 10 years after Alexander was found and 2 years before he died. Though there are numerous differences such as Alexander chose to stay on the island, it was uninhabited by humans, and he was on the island for 4 years. Robinson Crusoe was shipwrecked, the island had people, and he stayed for 28 years. But no matter the huge differences, he was the reason why Daniel Defoe wrote one the greatest and most well-known novels of all time.

[@Nothinggirl]

This was a story I needed to hear. I’ve had a hard life so far. But recently I’ve got the strength to fight back. This story shows with a lot of mind over matter and willpower (and maybe some sprinkles of luck - can’t ignore that) you can get through mountains!

[@anarchy_79]

I was homeless and living in a tent in the forest a couple of years back, and while it was rough survival, afterwards I too feel like I have never been happier. There is something absolutely liberating about not owning a single thing and only focusing on the here and now, today and tomorrow...

[@kalyxhighgrade8392]

that is our history, this modern life is what messes us up

[@stormisuedonym4599]

@@kalyxhighgrade8392 No. Social media and sitting on our butts all day is what messes us up.

[@MsMesem]

Insurance the white man's burden. @@kalyxhighgrade8392

[@exiledknight3961]

That is something buddhisim teaches

[@ChoppingtonOtter]

I do think its interesting that here in the west where most of us have never truly been hungry for more than a few hours, have good houses, heating, cars, medicine etc etc etc.... yet we have huge numbers of people depressed.

[@ganjalfcreamcorn8438]

This is an amazing story, i absolutely love these shipwrecked stories. something about the sea is scary as hell. so much power and distance, extreme isolation. great vid man, your getting really good at telling these stories, and you provide lots of stuff to look at. good job man👍

[@_Giorgio_]

something about the sea is scary as hell as a Subnautica player, I cannot agree more

[@Davidsavage8008]

I've never felt scared of the sea. Below it at 100 feet or above it 70 feet on aircraft carries . only when I'm bobbing up and down with a life jacket on have I felt afraid to be fish food. 🐟 I love the sea and grew up on it. I plan on being buried at sea as well.

[@miapdx503]

I've been binging on maritime disasters. What some sailors survive is just miraculous. God bless those who put out to sea. I keep you all in my prayers. I wish you calm seas and good fortune 🌹⚓

[@gNOme_5]

Even more so for someone like myself who is completely terrified by deep bodies of water-I've nearly had a panic attack while in the deep end at my local pool-I never learned how to swim either, though-I was always too scared to! 😳😬😰🙄😏

[@ganjalfcreamcorn8438]

@@Davidsavage8008 it only scares me when I'm alone at night fishing. With friends it's fine, but all alone it's scary and exhilarating. Fishing on cozumel island was very scary and stressful at night, I was on a reef with a huge drop like 25 feet straight down. Huge waves would roll in and complete cover the reef every few minutes. I just had to listen for them because my headlamp wasn't bright enough to see them coming in very well. Every big wave brought smaller fish up onto the Reef, it was insane, free bait too. Sharks are absolutely scary as hell to catch, all I wanted was snappers. They try to bite you the second you touch their tale. My heart was pounding the entire time. So yes the ocean can be very scary, you just need the right circumstances haha.

[@terryi.6973]

This was one of your best productions, totally fantastic. The story itself was amazing but the way you framed it with the stellar audio & visuals. GREAT JOB, you made my day!

[@MaryDoyle-xl2ri]

👏👏❤️

[@NytroDesigns]

This was SO interesting! It's unreal, living on an abandoned island for that long and being able to survive and make that island his home? Just amazing. I'd love to hear more like this. Honestly, this story would make a fantastic movie!

[@tahlenri]

Incredible story. Its amazing how much we understand about human resiliency is illustrated in Alexander's story. Reframing, having a touchstone of faith, falling back on your skills, and just maintaining hope... Loved this. Feels good to hear he survived and was able to have a happier ending than both Thomas and William.

[@mrbigheart]

I grew so accustomed to your voice, rhythm and the calm you tell your stories, with.. that when I tried listening to some other channel's stories.. it just felt weird and I stopped :)) I did listen to pretty much all your stuff, some more than once. So, you must be doing something right. Anyways, great story, as always!

[@zanagaraplija1956]

I love his voice

[@mayday6916]

@@zanagaraplija1956 Me too 😊

[@clara5924]

If I’m not mistaken Alexander’s misadventure became an inspiration for Robinson Crusoe. Cant imagine his horrendous struggle

[@allbriardup6451]

All of that to die of yellow fever, incredible. Well told and thank you!

[@heehoopeanut420]

This was great story! Keep it up! I loved the part about how he slowly had an army of cats to keep him company and keep away the pest. I bet that helped so much to keep his sanity. Having pets and goats to tend to had to help.

[@jbaker7311]

Such an uplifting story! Being able to make the best of his situation was incredible. Thank you for sharing this with us.☺

[@jubileehoney3269]

The part with the cats was so sweet, I hope he took them with him when he left.

[@nickd1930]

I don't. Even the specific cats that he worked to domesticate to assist him with rodent issues were still only partly domesticated but still very much wild and generally feral. That island was their home by that point. Taking them on a crowded ship, away from the only home that they ever knew, would've been unfair to them and a selfish act.

[@jubileehoney3269]

@@nickd1930 true true

[@thomasjellis9465]

For 22 minutes I was gripped. I always enjoy your storytelling. This was brilliant.

[@FreddyChoppins]

I know you've probably heard it a lot, but you're a fantastic storyteller. You clearly and concisely detail the lives of these people with the imagery and illustrations of their times rather than resorting to stock images and really paint these people as actual people rather than caricatures. I've been a fan of your channel for a long time and whether you're narrating someone lost in a cave in the 2000s or a mutineer in the 1700s, your knowledge and care for the subjects of your videos always comes through crystal clear. Keep up the fine work, man. You're one of the best at what you do.

[@majoruiz1943]

From the moment I heard he was rescued I couldn’t help but wonder if he took his beloved cats with him back to England 😢

[@deprofundis3293]

Same!! 😭

[@Jubernuaght]

If it makes you feel any better, while the cats may be sad to lose their owner at first, they almost certainly lived a full life after! Being natural predators they would thrive off of the small animals on the island, and likely join another group of feral cats or start their own!

[@marhawkman303]

@@Jubernuaght Teh description suggested they already had a small army while he was there.

[@Chef_Alpo]

I get the feeling he probably didn't, but I think they would have had a better life on the island.

[@adsromek]

One of the best stories ive6 ever heard. I was transfixed the whole time. Your descriptions were so incredible, I felt like I was there.

[@michaelponce1995]

What an interesting life. That island was a blessing in disguise, so bountiful with resources, food and character development.

[@thetsukiwolf]

This was a great story. It's not every day we hear an amazing tale like we'd hear in fantasy novels. I'm glad he lived such a happy life there.

[@RightsForZombies]

I’m always excited to see a new video from this channel. Seems like a fascinating story.

[@poponachtschnecke]

I can't believe you're at 756k subscribers! You've come so far, and your storytelling was flawless!

[@MaryDoyle-xl2ri]

👏👏❤️

[@JohnEltinAhern]

Too fast!!

[@Scaw]

@@JohnEltinAhern Agreed. Thank goodness we had subtitles. Diction was appalling.

[@Doc1855]

Very interesting to hear about how he survived his time alone. Years ago I’d take 3 months off a year and go to an unknown campground 30 west of Mt. Shasta, CA up an old logging road. There was only one campsite on a small lake that took me about 15-20 minutes to walk around. I’d take canned veggies and some canned meat. Most of my meals were from the fish I’d catch in that small lake. I’d always take steel stakes and clothes line up with me. Some of the fish I’d catch I would dry on the clothes line. On occasions I would kill a rabbit or other small animals for food. On very rare occasions a Forester Ranger would happen to stop by. He was a kind man. The first time I met him, he was curious on how I found that area. I told him about a family who lived near Mt Shasta and that he was a tow truck driver. He knew my friends . In the beginning I don’t think he believed me in knowing David, but I talked about him and his wife and their 2 daughters. As it turned out, they went to the same small church there in Shasta. The next time the Ranger saw me, he had inquired about me to David. David had assured him that indeed it was him who had shown me that lake a few years prior and I’d always spend the night with David and his family before beginning my 3 month vacation. Every time after that, when the Ranger would show up, he’d always bring me some fresh fruit. I appreciated it very much. I had a small camper on the back of my F150, where I slept at night. On occasions while hiking around the area, I’d come across some bear, or deer scat. One time while fishing I saw a bear on the other side of the lake. I often saw deer and elk. I kept my food in a cash up in a tree away from where I was “camping”, as I didn’t want to give a bear or mountain lion any ideas of coming into my area. The lake had a small stream feeding it and on the other side was another stream flowing out. The stream that was running out is where I’d bathe and wash my clothes on the rocks. This was long before bottled water was available, so I would catch the water coming into the lake and boil it before drinking it. I’d save my drinking water in an old plastic , 1 gallon milk jug. I cooked all my food on an old cast iron skillet. When I’d get low on onions, potatoes, etc, I’d drive back down the mountain to Mt. Shasta and get basic supplies and some fresh fruit and veggies that would last awhile without refrigeration. But I would always treat myself to a cheeseburger, fries and a milkshake and head back up into the forest. I always took books with me so during the days of rain, I’d have something to read and not be bored. I did my yearly trip from 1990-1995. That was almost 30 years ago and I’m glad that I was able to do that. I was working for my family’s business, so that was the only way I was able to take those 3 months off every summer. I made some good investments when I was younger so I was able to retire when I was 43. My wife is a Nurse and she enjoys working so now I keep myself busy during the early spring through late fall planting our garden, building raised garden and flower beds, retaining walls, planting new trees, trimming bushes, pruning our fruit trees, harvesting, canning, freeze drying, etc. My winters are about plowing our driveway, private road, etc. We live in a very mountainous area of north central Washington state. We’re 5 miles up the mountain from town (25 miles from the city). We get 5-7 feet of snow every winter and we have to maintain our road ourselves. After my wife decides to retire, we’ve already decided to sell our home and move to a more remote location.

[@franceshorton918]

Greetings from Auckland, New Zealand. I enjoyed your post... hope your life is going well. I'm 73, retired lawyer and previous to that I was a teacher, married and raised 3 children. I've visited the USA several times in my life, but only as a tourist. Have been to California, Nevada and surrounds, but never been to eastern US. It looks and sounds beautiful. Hope recent storms and floods haven't devastated your district as much as the Cyclone and later huge floods damaged us here in the North Island of New Zealand. They said it is "once in 200 years' flooding" but we know in our bones that it is Climate Change and it will be back. Very sobering to live with that knowledge. I have a house at Mairangi Bay which has had two leaks in the roof [storm damage] and about 30 years of deferred maintenance due. So I've got the Renovation team of builders and sub-trades in. Cannot live in the house with the interior walls being ripped out to install some insulation, plus the old kitchen, laundry, bathroooms, all gone! I've rented a small apartment in the City fringe, just me and my 4 year old cat. It's similar to being marooned on an island ! I can go days without anyone to talk with, my adult children are all busy in their own lives, we are good when we do get together. But the spaces between visits get longer and lonelier. My little cat misses the garden, and trying to catch the birds or lizards or anything he can. He gives me a sad look sometimes, and I tell him it's only for another few months. Yes, I have enough money for food and to pay essentials, but it's tough being away from friends and neighbours and my usual activities. I rather like living alone, that's my choice at my age. But loneliness is something we have to manage with our own internal resources. I loved the story of Alexander Selkirk. Wish I'd seen his statue when I was touring through Scotland in a VW Combi van with my husband, in1977 --- before children ! May Spirit keep you well and safe....

[@Doc1855]

@@franceshorton918 I have personally never been to the Eastern side of the USA. We live in north central Washington state, above California, and Oregon and below Canada. We seldom watch the news as it’s so depressing. Last year we did hear about all of the flooding in California. It was a long cold winter here. We had our roof raked in late November to get the 2 feet of snow off. I’m thankful that we did because by spring we had an additional 5 feet of snow on our roof. The other homes in our area had 7 feet of snow on their roofs by spring melt. People were charging homeowners up to $1 thousand dollars to rake their roofs. To my knowledge no roofs collapsed in our area because of the pitch of our roofs, which is mandatory in accordance with our county regulations. My wife and I have an awesome marriage. I’m older than she is by 7 years. We throughly enjoy spending life together. We’re praying that the good Lord takes us both at the same time as we don’t want to live without each other. People in bad relationships can feel alone with their spouse sitting next to them. I lost all 3 of my children to death from my first wife. My son would have been 25 next year and my daughter’s would have been 27 next year. My current wife and I have no children only because we were married when I turned 50. I could still produce children, but I’m simply too old to raise them. So our 115# Chocolate Lab is our “kid”. He’s our gentle giant, “Joe”. My grandpa died in 1992 and my grandma remarried in 1994. He passed away at the age of 96 in 2022. My grandma passed away this past January at the age of 97. I had flown down to California for my stepdad’s funeral as he died 8 days before my grandma. I was thankful that I was able to say goodbye to her a few hours before she went home to be with our Lord. I’ll be praying that our Lord brings a nice man into your life for companionship. Take care and be blessed !

[@Doc1855]

@@ThePrairieChronicles Yes we’re about 3 hours west of Spokane. We live in the mountains between Wenatchee and Leavenworth. After my wife retires we’re looking to build a 2 bedroom 2 bath house for late spring, summer and early fall. Our winter months will be in our condo one a Virgin Island. I’m the summer while we’re gone, we’ll rent our condo through Airbnb for additional income. We have an attached 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment to our house. We have a full time renter in now. I’m a few years older than my wife and I’m tired of using the snow blower and plowing our private road in the winter months, as we get 5-7 feet of snow in the winter. So the idea of being a snow bird is on our radar.

[@Doc1855]

@@ThePrairieChronicles Yes AK does get more snow than our measly 5-7 feet. My wife and I are looking around Flathead Lake, Kalispell, Polson, St. Regis or Missoula to buy some land and build a 2 bedroom 2 bath log home with an office to use as our spring through fall summer home. During the winter months we’ll be living on St. Thomas (Virgin Islands), to escape the cold and long winter months of Montana. Our plan is to rent our condo through Airbnb while we’re in Montana to help us bring in more income. We finished building our current home in September of 19, (thank goodness it was just before the pandemic started). Our house has an attached 800 sq ft 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment with a full kitchen and a small dining room. My dad is currently living in it as he’s too old to take care of himself so we have nurses coming in 24/7 to help us help him. Prior to him moving into the apartment we had it rented through Airbnb. We were a 5 star host and were booked almost full time. After my dad passed away, we’ll rent it to either a single person or a couple with no children. The apartment has its own private entrance and their porch is covered with our covered deck above the apartment on the 2nd story. Our renter’s can park their vehicle in a designated carport with walls on 3 sides. We park our vehicles in our oversized heated garage and our pickup is in a detached single car garage that we’ll be putting a shop heater in next year. We keep our attached garage at 50 degrees, so that’s what we’ll keep our detached garage at as well. I will miss gardening once we sell our current home, as the growing season is too short In Montana.

[@MsMesem]

I spent a couple of nights with some loggers in a tent with a wood stove way up a logging trail in Washington State? I remember sleeping in the tourist info centre (left open with a bathroom!). The morning I headed out to hitchhike, these loggers stopped and invited me to come visit with them. I remember the howls of the wolves at night! There were reservoirs (not natural lakes) on the way up to the camp site. Very isolated.

[@sendit7777]

These stories of people stranded on islands are so intriguing. Love watching these. So happens to come at a time while I'm looking at getting into sailing on a cheap boat. Gonna fix it up, learn the craft of sailing and solo circumnavigate the globe. Can't wait. Just so hoping to never be stranded.

[@joedavey84]

That was the best telling of the selkirk story i’ve heard. Excellent job!

[@serkotsins]

tbh being trapped on an island w cats and living off a diet of sea food sounds like a dream minus the lack of hygiene products

[@GrislyAtoms12]

Um, his diet was mainly goats, not seafood.

[@mikalliz2167]

Absolutely amazing, as a sailor that lives on a tropical island i can totally relate to this story Thank you

[@difdaf436]

Definitely one of the best story tellers on KZbin.. i genially get excited when I see a new video out from you..! I can count on one hand the channels on KZbin that I get this pumped about new vids. Love ya work mate.👍

[@karangurtu]

PLEASE MAKE A VIDEO ON THE SLAVE CASTAWAYS OF TROMELIN ISLAND, who were originally from Madagascar and were abandoned in 1763 by their French captors on this tiny island in the Indian Ocean once their vessel sank. The captors were rescued but the slaves were left behind and remained on the island until they (ones that remained alive) were finally rescued 15 years later. ITS ONE HELL OF A STORY.

[@brandon9172]

They did it

[@Dethikah]

Wow what a life. A mixture of ingenuity and luck with resources, and the training with tanning etc... This was a fascinating story and makes me feel like most of us don't have any real life skills or grit. This was inspiring.

[@thomashunt6000]

Lol. The modern human is definitely soft compared to these dudes.

[@MsMesem]

Many men in their 40's and younger are quite pathetic! He would have had access to salt from the sea , fresh water , animal fat and sun so hide tanning wouldn't be too difficult. I. @@thomashunt6000

[@wol_ves]

This is an absolutely incredible story, extremely well told! Thank you so much for sharing :)

[@shewhomustnotbenamed155]

He was born and lived specifically in my hometown of lower largo in fife. Cool statue of him there too 😊

[@Emma-mk8jv]

That's cool

[@MasutaMJ]

Fish allergy gonna have me gone fast

[@JeepnHeel]

No matter who you are or how you get there, when left alone we all turn into Crazy Cat Lady

[@ChaNayNayAnime]

i liked this story and how you told it. its one of the best examples of 'making the best out of the worst' and/or 'a man with a strong enough why can endure any how'. thanks shawn!

[@d.5432]

What an amazing story! It's incredible how well he managed on that island. Wow

[@BlackOrderAlchemist]

I hope he was able to bring some of his favorite cats with him when he left the island :'y

[@MariaGonzalez-ok3dg]

Is was one of the best stories you’ve told! I wish we got to know how his animals faired after he left or if that island is still around and you can visit it? What about his family? Overall great story telling and I love the hopefulness of this one.

[@fffrrraannkk]

Yes it can be visited. It's called Robinson Crusoe Island now since this story inspired the book. From what I read all the cats and goats are taking a toll on the native birds and plants.

[@deprofundis3293]

I know, I felt worried for his cats! Maybe he took some of them with him?

[@billpetersen298]

@@fffrrraannkkAnd rats.

[@SF-eo6xf]

​@@deprofundis3293i think the cats were fine. they had rats to catch

[@user-zp7jp1vk2i]

@@SF-eo6xf and seafood. lots of seafood.

[@failedstates5315]

These stories of individuals and their lives are more important that we all know.

[@miapdx503]

I don't remember the name of the ship, but after it was wrecked at sea, some sailors were relieved when they spotted an island. It took them hours to get there. They were so happy to be on dry land...until they realized that the island was overrun with snakes. Poisonous snakes. Their relief was short lived. One of them left behind a message carved onto a plank of wood, telling their names, and fates. 😔

[@prdurnion83]

Are you talking about Ilha da Queimada Grande? Snake Island off the coast of Brazil?

[@davideddy2672]

When life gives you snakes - you make history …

[@devanov3103]

@@davideddy2672 Snek mek u ded.

[@hannuhlynn]

Sean-Man! This is a phenomenal story! I loved this video! I mean, I love all your videos and the stories you tell, mostly. Your story-telling voice is great. I see your channel has grown rapidly and wanted to give you an early congrats on 800k subs --- won't be long and you'll get that million! Anyway, if you can find more stories and content like this one - doesn't always have to be a 'happy' (if you will) ending - it would be awesome for you to share your narration of them! I love old stories or stories like this when those in the dire straits come to terms and it molds them into better versions of themself. Anything like that - thanks again, Sean!

[@MaryDoyle-xl2ri]

👍👍❤️

[@bryandraughn9830]

Great stuff man! Happy to have found your channel and looking forward to more great stories!

[@bryanrebleza3851]

i love this kind of stories 🥰 thank you so much keep it up!

[@roguesample]

I think my favorite videos on this channel are the ones where someone is surviving against all odds

[@Moonshine_Victory]

What an incredible story! Super fascinating stuff with awesome narration once again!

[@gooberstomp1715]

Really truly enjoyed this one!!! More exactly like the way you and your team have masterfully crafted this one, please!!!

[@satyne1]

I love these older stories. This one was riveting and so well told. Thank you.

[@MrCompassionate01]

This is one of my favourite Scary Interesting videos so far. What an amazing story.

[@AleisterCl]

What a life this guy led. Respect

[@evanb6734]

Always a good day when Scary Interesting drops. You are the best in your genre keep up the good work!

[@wendyhumphreys116]

Absolutely amazing! This was so interesting and so beautifully told!

[@tommyb261]

Hey man i just want to say, i love survival stories. you do a great job giving a narrative. Love from MN

[@scottcol23]

I love the variety of stories you cover! There are some really good shipwrecked/stranded on an island stories out there. I was not familiar with this one.

[@robyns.7446]

I LOVED this story! Can you please do more of these as I find them fascinating and your voice soothing! I enjoy all of your videos! Thank you for all you do! Hugs!

[@LotusMorning]

I just found your channel and I have to say, you do an incredible job. The story was extremely interesting and your narration is on point, clear with the perfect cadence. You have gained a new subscriber here sir. 👍🏻

[@EddieMoerlins]

I really enjoy all your videos , thanks for the solid detailed and great stories, I can tell you enjoy what you do.

[@ScaryInteresting]

Thanks so much for watching and supporting the channel! I'm glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@genghis_connie]

Did I think I would be rapt by a deserted island story? Nope. He tells a tale so well. Always great choices; written and narrated so well.

[@nicholesanderson6348]

Same, almost didn't click because I thought it wouldn't grab me. This guy is a fantastic storyteller.

[@jujubean9142]

I didnt expect this story to give me goosebumps, very inspirational ngl

[@Vegeta1423]

I love this story. Thanks for sharing. Really impressive man.

[@johnbulger8044]

great story! His adventures were the inspiration for Daniel Defoe's book "Robinson Crusoe"

[@KhoiruunisaRF]

Thank you for the inspiring story! Also always loved the pictures you have shown here, I wonder if it's came from a museum or something? Really brings out the story!

[@WouldntULikeToKnow.]

Yes, I'd like to know where the images came from as well!

[@DonCarlione973]

This was a really good story, you told it very well. I enjoyed it very much, Thank you!✌🏼

[@galaxysurfer1122]

That was great! Really loved that tale!

[@wildimaginationstation1129]

I absolutely love these older stories I'd love to hear more like this💯

[@joannc147]

Great story and well told! Thanks!

[@wickedcabinboy]

What an incredibly engaging story. Your narration made it all the more so. Thank you so much.

[@searaph]

Wow! What a story! More fascinating historical stories, as well as your regular content, please!

[@Ed_Stuckey]

Great story. While listening to it I immediately thought of Robinson Crusoe. I did a search for Más a Tierra and found that it is now known as Robinson Crusoe Island (Spanish: Isla Róbinson Crusoe) due to consideration that Alexander Selkirk's story had at least partially inspired novelist Daniel Defoe's novel, Robinson Crusoe. Thank you for a great telling of it.

[@thedaisiesgrow]

Great video! Joining in with the other people who are enjoying the mixture of sad/happy endings. Love the historical story! You might consider a future video on the wreck of the Batavia.

[@Kirtashtanable]

Your best video yet, been a fan since you only covered cave incidents and this one was really fascinating and masterfully narrated

[@debdulalsenapati7720]

What an incredible life story and what a strong Willed talented man he was. His mother was right about him being special 😌❤️ I wait for such old stories from your channel cause these sailing stories are so incredible both in sheer bravery sense and well as the amount of time it spreads onto compared to now when we have so much tech to reduce our time of sail or travel by various means. Back then they didn't have much and still sailed knowing every single time that they might never see home again.

[@djm55]

Fantastic job, Sean! A fascinating story, extremely well-told. Thank you!

[@AdamBorseti]

This was an *incredible* story! I love this channel so much!

[@HilltopZombieShop]

1704 is dang near primitive times. People back then knew how to make fire, find water, and catch food. Today, people would be dead in 3 days.

[@edward9643]

....nothing was mentioned about his pet cats - I'd have taken at least some of them home with me

[@slappedgoat4967]

After a month I've finally watched every episode.. love this channel ❤

[@samuraiwarriorsunite]

I was aware of many shipwreck stories but not this one. Great job as usual.

[@carolinebennett5615]

Great video, thank you. I wondered if the ship was called Cinque Ports in reference to the collection of special ancient ports in England? The Cinque Ports were a collection of ports that supplied various Monarchs (dating back to before the Norman Conquest) with men and ships. They still exist and are wonderful places to visit full of history. Deal on the Kent coast was a later addition to the original five (cinq) and I like to holiday there. There are many buildings dating from the cinque ports era including a castle and it’s a charming place to visit. As are the other port towns such as Dover, Sandwich and Rye.

[@shammyshammy407]

Been waiting all week for this Let’s get it Scary Interesting

[@FeathPymArt]

What a great story, well told. ty for sharing!