Strange Things In The Nevada Desert

[@markvoelker6620]

The “shims” are used to fill the holes in the railroad ties made by the spikes. Sometimes the spikes get loose and the fix is to pull out the loose spike, pound a wooden shim/plug in the hole, and then pound the spike back in.

[@jimmatthews5993]

0:51

[@unclejohnbulleit2671]

Thanks for that! I've got a bunch of these salvaged from beneath the local baggage station. I knew they were something, just had no idea what until now.

[@boydwhite3708]

Hmm, I was thinking that was an old wooden barrel that had collapsed in on itself.

[@tinsoldier5621]

Is it dangerous for the trains for the spikes to be migrating up and out like he showed?

[@stevetk8174]

@@tinsoldier5621 the simple answer is no.

[@wesley5238]

The cans you picked up at the beginning were for water. That is the way the rail co supplied them to their workers. My daddy threw a paper to some engineers that came through Tennessee around 1948. They would throw the money back to him in one of these cans as they went through town...

[@scottdunkirk8198]

I lay money those cans were beer cans

[@gersonhay984]

@@scottdunkirk8198 Yes they are. Before pop tops.

[@gonagain]

The post with the plastic container is probably a mining claim.

[@dawnr9158]

The turtle was an exciting find! This whole place is a giant time capsule. So cool.

[@MrOlgrumpy]

Ah,the turtle tortoise likes to hide in the shade undisturbed

[@mrkroeger]

It's a tortoise, not a turtle. That was a good find

[@lizzygraham748]

@@mrkroeger The desert tortoise is a protected species. Best to just them then alone.

[@mrkroeger]

@@lizzygraham748 for sure. We use to see them out between Victorville and Barstow

[@lizzygraham748]

@@mrkroeger Tortoises are in Red Rock Canyon west of Vegas--and out at Yucca Mountain.

[@jackchivvis4188]

Here's a tip from someone who lived in Vegas for many years and did and still do lots of desert hiking- ditch the black clothing, white cotton shirt that can be dunked in water for evaporate cooling, wet bandana rolled up and around the neck.light or white canvas hat also, tan cotton baggy shorts, you will be WAY cooler. Also do some research on how tin cans were made and you will be able to date them.

[@steves7896]

A few years ago I went to a thrift store and bought a whole bunch of long sleeved, white, buttoned down dress shirts for this specific purpose. I intentionally bought them two sizes too large. They look a little odd but the air flows through them real nice and the white color does the most to keep the sun and the heat off my skin.

[@RemoteTrooper]

I appreciate the advice 👍

[@Mike1941-r8y]

When you see all the Buckaroo cowboys wearing white shirts there are two reasons: 1. There were a lot of white shirts available in the thrift stores because of “stained” shirts that were no longer usable by casino workers and 2: the reason mentioned above about cooling.

[@jadehunter7617]

Also High leather boots that snakes cannot strike through very important.

[@Donationsfordelivery]

Rules to live by! LITERALLY! AN AMBULANCE IS NOT GOING TO STOP OUT THERE AND GIVE YOU AN IV LIKE IN THE CITY

[@lynnegoodrich7758]

This is the desert in southern Nevada; there's much to explore and discover here. The Northern Nevada desert is very different and loaded with many strange and fascinating things as well.

[@Havilah_Springs]

The stakes that were spotted were mining claim markers. The plastic pill bottle was there to put a copy of the filed claim paperwork.

[@rickb5946]

Your knowledge of not bothering the desert tortoise demonstrates some intelligence.

[@carolley9705]

Yes especially as it's illegal to do anything to them.

[@oldmanfromoc7684]

Shows respect!

[@will7its]

Backhanded compliment.....

[@wildatheart3182]

Very Cool. Both grandpas were UP. One Engineer and one Brakeman. The old yard is gone but not forgotten 🥹. Love all things Trains!!!

[@triumphriderinblack7406]

Love your chilled approach, makes for really pleasant viewing. The desert there reminds me of a vast area of shingle and hard packed tracks called the 'Crumbles' we used to explore in the summer holidays as kids. It was on the edge of my home town of Eastbourne here in the UK. It had been used as a musket/rifle range since about 1750 or so, right through to after WW2, so you can imagine the excitement of us kids picking up old shell casings, bullets, parts of old ammo boxes, and the occasional mortar fin, plus exploring the pill boxes etc. It was also a great area for wild plants like Sea Kale. The area you're in looks very similar, so it's taken me right back to my childhood; many thanks for that. PS, unfortunately the Crumbles disappeared under an ugly modern harbour development many years ago.

[@danwestmoreland3980]

Thanks for the tour. You did an excellent job.

[@OdySlim]

Its a great day to find a Desert Tortoise. The placstic bottle attached to the stake reminded me of a mining claim. I also liked the huge rocks. Thanks for the awesome video & Regards from Ody Slim

[@dougtodd305]

I agree they used to use Prince Albert cans so its probably a little newer

[@notme7770]

Yes, I agree, the bottles on the stakes are mining claims. There is supposed to be one on every corner of a claim, the bottles would contain the claim papers.. Nice vid! Can't wait for summer!

[@Acein3055]

You are a good person for not disturbing the wild animals such as that tortoise.

[@carlachambers3771]

He or she might be 15 years old.

[@Risteard156]

Interesting video of the Nevada desert you never know what you could find out there 😊

[@Nscalemike56]

Technically those "tunnels" you'll see many places along the RR mainline are called Culverts

[@brianehni5918]

And although wildlife can use the culverts, they are generally there for drainage. Living in Vegas, you should be aware of flash floods, and that one looks like it crosses a wash.

[@Nomadcreations]

Seriously, Thank You For His Correction

[@davidfaumuina9866]

Yes for Desert flash floods not for animals

[@lostinspace8238]

@@davidfaumuina9866 I believe they put those kind of tunnels in to protect desert tortoises.

[@bobvisser8689]

not to mention not for animals?

[@dr.OgataSerizawa]

Have seen all your vids. Your laid back delivery is perfect for the content. You got a good thing going here. Best of luck in your future upload endeavors. From Jim in Columbia, MO.🤙

[@RemoteTrooper]

Thank you for that 🤙

[@henryknox4511]

One if the best things about Vegas is once you hit the edge of town you can be in no mans land within a few minutes and out of the cesspool. You should check out Oak creek and Cold creek as possible hikes west and north of town. They were great 20~ years ago.

[@christiandoeman4599]

That Turtle was awesome.. and im quite sure big foot stacked those large rocks like that😝 ..great video thanks for sharing

[@burningsandsexploration3711]

I also live in Nevada. Northern Nevada. Good video. So much to see and find in this desert.

[@tedinohio3981]

The "thing beneath the rails" at 11:20 looks like a lubricator for the flanges of the railroad wheels, to reduce wear on the wheels and rails. I noticed that further along the track there is a curve. The lubrication reduces the wear and "squealing" that would otherwise occur.

[@jimmatthews5993]

or rather 9:40

[@annieyahu676]

Seeing that desert tortoise was really cool. Smart in leaving it alone. Cool hike. ❤️ Thanks for Sharing ❤️

[@HalsPals]

Notice that there is no pyramiding of the tortoise shell since he is eating a proper diet. Humans think that they are doing their pet desert tortoise favors by giving them fruit, cabbage and broccoli but in actuality, they are slowly poisoning them. Kudos for knowing not to mess with them for reasons stated. Our 30 year old desert tortoise is sleeping the winter away in his burrow right now. Sure miss the guy.

[@andyteran4370]

What can you leave in one's path that won't hurt it?

[@mikeb.6735]

I have to give you props for your background music. Many good videos are ruined by loud music. Especially when it's loud rap music. Most of us want to hear what the narration is, not some beat of music that drowns out what's being said. Also, I find that the music you chose is perfect for something like this video. The old-time bluesy music with harmonica is outstanding at the volume you have it set to. Everything is amazing in your video. But it struck me how important it is to keep the volume levels adjusted to provide a good ambient background that sets the mood and being able to hear all you have to say. Great job. AND... Kudos on the exploration of the deserts. I enjoy that myself and admire someone that takes their time and checks out anything that gets their attention. "If I had a nickel for every mile of desert I've explored in my life..."

[@robertshoemaker6204]

Cool thank you.... worked out in Nevada as a wildland firefighter for several years...good to see the old stomping grounds. The stake was a mining claim corner marker, your on a Basalt type rock formation..... Shoe in SW Oregon.

[@heyoldman2003]

thank you again for taking us along . i love the desert and hope to spend this winter down there. no more North west winters for me 🙏🏼

[@CaseyClaar]

My old stomping grounds. My whole child and early adult-hood was spent this desert. How wonderful you sharing this trek with us. Such wonderful memories. It is as beautiful and full of fascinating LIFE as ever. What fun discoveries. Thank you.

[@jimbayler4277]

Those hollow half dome rocks ? They're volcanic rock. The hollow most likely was an air/gas pocket that was in the blob of molten rock when it was ejected from whatever eruption.

[@andychatton7609]

I used to explore the same area with my Dad years ago. His jeep took us into some unique places. Always enjoyed the trains passing through too. This vid brings back some fine memories.

[@DeathShamen2182]

Thanks for sharing some desert finds. I miss roaming around out there. Keep it up!

[@hijetoffroad4757]

That thing in the middle of the track is a rail lubricator. The large box near it holds gallons of lubricating grease.

[@StacySalmans]

Cool finds. The desert definitely holds good treasures. Awesome sighting of the desert tortoise.

[@victorponce7238]

Wow that was a cool hike sir. I felt I was walking alongside you. Ha! 🙂 The desert has lots of mysteries. Thanks for sharing. 🙂🕔😃😁

[@zeekwolfe6251]

Snakes can't 'hear' so making noise will not scare them away. Better to wear high-rise, thick boots when walking in the desert. Liked the video! I live near Palm Springs, know and love the open vistas of the desert. Death Valley is a great place to visit, albeit in the winter when temperatures are in the 70s. Joshua Tree National Park near Twenty Nine Palms is very popular.

[@steves7896]

You're right in my neighborhood! Just this past week I've come across two desert tortoises. Religiously I wear my snake gaiters when I do what you're doing here (which is often). More than once I've come up upon a viper just laying there in the grass, never moved and never rattled. I swear they're masters at camouflage, looking exactly like the ground they're they're laying on. Be careful! Cool video. Let me know if you'd like to go exploring sometime, there's a ton of places out there.

[@RemoteTrooper]

Funny you say that I actually wore my gaiters for the first time in this video lol... Wow I've only seen 3 tortoises ever.

[@steves7896]

@@RemoteTrooper I've lived here my whole life, only seen a handful of them myself. It is cool when you do!

[@markberryhill2715]

Copperheads behave the same way. I've came within inches of touching one more than a few times,and lucky(or blessed,for the more religious among us) not to have been bitten.

[@calatv14]

Dude, this is literally my favorite channel on KZbin. I’m from the desert but live in the PNW now. Just a little placebo for desert as I sit here in the rain. Keep exploring!

[@RemoteTrooper]

Thanks bro, I appreciate that! Say hi to the grass and trees for me 😄

[@joyfulpowermusiclove]

Same here! I really miss the blue skies and warmth of the desert as I sit here in the rain!! Lol

[@giuliom8520]

Surprisingly interesting desert! Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@miketalas7998]

Thats kind of funny how everyone jumps right to the word (Turtle), instead of tortoise. In 1968, we moved out of our Apt, to a little yellow house in Carson City NV, we found a rather large tortoise living in the yard already. It was kind of a pet for awhile, but one day we came home, and it had grown tired of our company and burrowed out under the fence to head out to Nevada's outback! It's Prolly still alive to this day! 😃

[@brianehni5918]

That valley is called a “cut”. The removed material was used in low areas to level them out, which are called “fills”.

[@RIXRADvidz]

the PBR can is at least vintage late 60's early 70's, it was in the 1970's that pull tabs from cans were seen as a major contributor to the pollution problem of the day, so Industry developed the pop tabs you have on cans now, that's also when aluminum took over as the beverage container choice over steel.

[@rosalindafaye5668]

Awesome walk and cool finds Thanks for sharing 😊 🐢

[@gyvren]

“Things don’t really rust out here in the desert…” [holds up rusty can] 🤣

[@atomictraveller]

..which would have ceased to exist eighty years ago had it been elsewhere ;)

[@toddglover1121]

There’s a lot of history and mystery in them there hills.the comment you made about the tortoise peeing and dehydrating though! I’m 60yrs old and I have never heard of that before.thank you for sharing.✌️

[@Don-gt3lp]

I'm from Navada Miss the dessert. . Thanks for the winking turtle and the hike.

[@saltykat3533]

I lived in Vegas for many years. The desert has the most unique beauty. I just love it. It's gorgeous!!!

[@Miohunter444]

Cool stuff out there, the tortoise was pretty awesome just chillin in the shade!!!

[@SideWalkBoy_Aus]

The cans you collected with the 2 punts in the top I think their from the 1950s - 1960s soda/beer

[@GuapoJhimi]

Lmao. Yeah. Some ancient shit there.

[@russellwiitala9733]

I'm intrigued by the Dolman. I would check for astrological alignments on that one. Also, might be located and in line with a ley line. A few weeks ago, I found a cairn of three stones, and I added a stone. The other day I returned to that area and not far from it was a huge structure. I estimate one stone weighed over 100 pounds. I believe both were built by my very large forest friend, I call Mr. Ed. Yes, I'm talking sasquatch and when I saw that dolman that was my first thought. But they aren't known to hang out in the middle of deserts.

[@workaholic5318]

Water needs a path through blockages even in desert areas. What you thought was a way for animals under the railway was indeed a water passage.

[@BD-sq6bs]

howdy, I like walking around in the desert too! Wow I have never ran across a desert tortoise kik'n it, how cool is that! neat part of the Nevada desert. I live in northern Nevada, cool places here to, but northern Arizona , southern Nevada is some good waliking. All the best, Mark

[@JustMe-lp1em]

Snakes cant hear. They feel vibrations. Thx for sharing. BTW I believe those cans with can opener holes are probably old beer cans. I'm old enough to witness the whole evolution of beer cans. 😄

[@rodneyhearld8151]

can you see all the burnt scorched ruins everywhere the blocks that they try to convince us are rocks , but they are what is left of the giant structures that use to stand there the hills are literally the ruins

[@timcasey6122]

Thanks for the tour and good soundtrack.

[@donaldfulmer7804]

I learned more from this video and the comments than I did in 12 years of school! Even if it was from a city boy who thought a culvert was tunnel! Which it kinda is, never change, love the video!

[@6delta]

Nice job! Look forward to the next!

[@blessedhighlyfavored701]

Very cool, in my younger days, I would drive thru the desert and check stuff out, it was alot of fun.

[@andrewdavis9483]

Those shims are called tie plugs to retrieve a spike back in the now filled hole.

[@valeriefaabergpitel7356]

Thanks for taking me on your adventure while I was enjoying my bubble bath! I enjoyed both immensely! And I am now a new subscriber to your channel. See you later! 🛁

[@cowboygeologist7772]

Fun adventure; thanks for posting.

[@animallover4ever229]

Glad I stumbled apon your video, I would love to do this! In a few years when I retire I am going south in the winter months & plan to do this!!

[@haroldbowers4900]

I enjoy watching your Channel. You should look for Date Nails. They are in the cross ties. The shape of the nail head and a number on the head tell what rail line installed the track and date. They are also collected.

[@Magravated]

You should go up to Pyramid Lake on the eastern edge of the Black Rock Desert. If you go to the east side of the lake, you'll find the "pyramid" island and tons of cool rock formations. At the north end of the lake, you'll find The PInnacles which is basically a moonscape. Very interesting and freaky lake.

[@wondergranny2299]

I've always liked lookin in old places. Some of that old iron stuff like the railroad spikes and the spring you found would be interesting to take home and make some kind of metal art with.

[@davidtaylor5204]

The tin cans with the aluminum tops has to date some time between 1960 and mid-'70's. I read down below that the railroad canned water, which makes sense. Beer wasn't put in cans until 1935, and it took a while to catch on, after WWII.

[@mikekennedy4572]

I have come across a few of those wood or steel stakes with a container attached to them, north of Barstow, but glass preserve jars with a metal screw-on top were used. These are mining claims. A couple of them ones I found still had a folded piece of paper in them with writing and a date over 100 years ago. I left them alone as I figured the paper would crumble if I touched it. But I was amazed the paper was still intact after thousands of days and nights in the desert, and was put there long before I was ever born.

[@damiansplayroom4943]

Dude that was trippy seeing old cowboy western stuff and the turtle was hella awesome

[@karenshow1963]

Something oddly relaxing about watching you wander around the desert. I was amazed that a turtle would be in the desert... thanks for this one. Cheers

[@shanedog9082]

Pretty good live zoom action shots bro, enjoy the explorations!

[@joewenzel5142]

That funky looking metal thing you picked up after the spikes - I have two of them I use to prop my doors open to let a breeze come in through the screen doors. True desert treasure at least to me.

[@wildatheart3182]

Me too!

[@zzz-zj7xg]

Those are anti creeper, they hook to the rail on each side of the tie to prevent the rail from moving.

[@joewenzel5142]

@@zzz-zj7xg Anti-creeper is even better than funky looking metal thing. Thanks I had no idea what they were called.

[@OdySlim]

I like stuff like that.

[@williamweir2744]

Junk I say

[@dietergoldschmitt9651]

Cool explore. The Pabst looks like it should be from late 1960's through the 70's The cans back then had that particular pull tab on them.

[@robertwilkinson8421]

That Tunnel is under the Railroad above, so it's for Drainage. Flash flooding does occur in the Desert.

[@TacoBellMexicanPizza123]

Good to see a video man thank you

[@johnhancock2914]

Wow. That zoom on that camera is spectacular, must be a very expensive camera. 💯

[@JosephCompnotta]

very cool, you are doing what I want to do when I get back out there. I own 40 acres west of Montello and I play to camp out there and just walk around exploring.

[@timmorin2304]

I recently relocated to Dayton Nevada and I'm looking forward to exploring. I love the desert it's so quiet and peaceful.

[@muffysvlogs6045]

Great vid..

[@stevetk8174]

0:36 rail anchors. 0:57 wood plugs so they can replug used railroad ties before driving in spikes.

[@coodaytah6312]

Love a creator that doesn't beg for likes n subs 👍🏼

[@FullMetalNobody]

The stakes with a little bottle and tag. Kinda look like old claim stakes. Interesting. I always leave wandering areas with a bag of trash. OCD & hate for litter gets me every time.

[@TheChefmike66]

I'm subscribing because of how you treated that awesome tortoise.

[@branni6538]

Beautiful countryside. Thanks for showing this.

[@RemoteTrooper]

Of course!

[@raymilles]

Nice you found a corner post to a mine now all you need to do is find the monument marker to find the center of the prospect or mine.

[@wondergranny2299]

That tunnel under the railroad is for monsunal rains to pass through it won't wash out the railroad tracks.

[@bob_frazier]

Lovely randomness!

[@melvinjesustorres8795]

Thanks for the journy to adventure

[@louisevad6091]

Spikes coming out and train stays on track. Brilliant!

[@gregdiamond6023]

I love your videos! They’re always interesting and the stuff you Finn’s is really cool, even if it’s just an old can.

[@aaronfromwesternmass4293]

"Things dont really rust out here in the desert" proceeds to pick up a bunch of rusted metal objects.

[@rh5563]

Seeing that tortoise out there was awesome! How lucky are you?! 👍👍👍

[@bigonaka8159]

Very nice, I love doing this with you. I would of stopped by Mr. Turtle's crib to say what up!

[@Cindy-lr6su]

Love the music ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ it makes the desert more appealing

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I love wandering around the desert exploring also but now in the Philippines with so many new places to see.

[@willreasoner4384]

The little bundle of wood.... are plugs for when they pull spikes... They pull the spikes... shove the long piece into the hole .... and break it off... and go to the next hole. They only plug the holes if they are going to put another spike there.

[@kathleennorton7913]

Thanks for knowing not to, and not disturbing the turtle. Love those things!🐢🥰

[@pattyandbustershow1031]

. Oh! Very nicely done. Old lady, originally from California. As a kid I walked a lot of culverts, brought home lots of blue bellies. The racers were too fast and alligator lizards ( not lizards, not alligator) were in my basement and bit the shite out of me.

[@laurawofford-brown4351]

God bless. Thanks for sharing.

[@rubencruz36]

Beautiful video I love it thank you

[@erickarae3644]

Great video!

[@Wendy-oo7ng]

Interesting video. I loved seeing the tortoise!

[@kevinrice7635]

Boss Turtle🐢 worth the entire vid kid perciate it stay healthy safe travels God's grace to you.

[@joewenzel5142]

Nice little desert tortoise. Good eye.