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00:00:01,369 --> 00:00:04,370
Gates: On this episode
of expedition x...
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00:00:04,372 --> 00:00:06,271
Chobot: Hang on to your hat!
3
00:00:06,273 --> 00:00:08,206
W-w-whoa!
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00:00:08,208 --> 00:00:09,508
[ laughter ]
5
00:00:09,510 --> 00:00:13,145
...Jess and phil investigate
a ghostly phenomenon...
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00:00:13,147 --> 00:00:16,048
I would swear court of law
that I witnessed this thing.
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00:00:16,050 --> 00:00:19,752
...In the unforgiving swamps
of texas.
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00:00:19,754 --> 00:00:20,986
[ scream ]
9
00:00:20,988 --> 00:00:23,922
Did you see it?
A light just shot right past me.
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00:00:25,159 --> 00:00:26,925
Torres: Frogs over here
are going nuts.
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00:00:26,927 --> 00:00:29,094
Everything's going nuts.
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00:00:29,096 --> 00:00:32,097
Oh, look at that.
Tons of bones over here.
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More over here, too.
14
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Mysterious ghost lights
that are terrifying residents.
15
00:00:37,004 --> 00:00:40,072
I just wanted to scream,
"get me the hell out of here."
16
00:00:42,376 --> 00:00:44,910
Can this 100-year-old mystery
17
00:00:44,912 --> 00:00:46,779
Finally be explained?
18
00:00:46,781 --> 00:00:48,781
Three to one.
19
00:00:48,783 --> 00:00:50,049
Holy crap!
20
00:00:50,051 --> 00:00:52,184
...Or will the team
unleash something...
21
00:00:52,186 --> 00:00:54,453
Oh, [bleep] look, look,
look, look, look.
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...Terrifying and real.
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00:00:57,425 --> 00:00:58,557
Chobot: Did you see that?
24
00:00:58,559 --> 00:01:00,359
I just saw a light
float above the tree.
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00:01:00,361 --> 00:01:01,427
Hurry up, come over!
26
00:01:01,429 --> 00:01:02,528
Phil:
Alright, I'm coming your way.
27
00:01:02,530 --> 00:01:03,595
Oh, my god!
28
00:01:06,133 --> 00:01:09,401
Ghosts in the swamp.
29
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My name is josh gates.
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In my travels, I've experienced
strange things that defy logic
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And made me question everything.
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00:01:18,579 --> 00:01:20,379
Oh, my god.
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Now I've put together a team
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To investigate the stranger side
of the unknown.
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00:01:25,853 --> 00:01:27,519
Let's go!
36
00:01:27,521 --> 00:01:31,356
Phil torres is a scientist who
hunts for rational explanations.
37
00:01:35,296 --> 00:01:37,629
Jessica chobot's
paranormal research
38
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Has made her a true believer.
39
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Phil, do you see that?
40
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I just saw
something run across.
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Together we're searching
for answers...
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What is that?
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...To the world's
most extraordinary mysteries.
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This is "expedition x."
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-- Captions by vitac --
www.Vitac.Com
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Captions paid for by
discovery communications
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Okay, phil,
you're our resident skeptic.
48
00:02:00,621 --> 00:02:02,121
So what if I told you
49
00:02:02,123 --> 00:02:05,390
That there is a certain lonely
stretch of road in texas
50
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Where nearly every single night
51
00:02:08,195 --> 00:02:12,297
You could see an undeniable,
unexplained phenomenon?
52
00:02:13,334 --> 00:02:16,301
I'd say, let's go to texas.
I want to believe.
53
00:02:16,303 --> 00:02:18,303
Okay, jess, I'm guessing you
have heard of these
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So-called saratoga ghost lights.
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00:02:20,541 --> 00:02:21,707
I have.
Of course you have.
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00:02:21,709 --> 00:02:24,276
You are like an encyclopedia
of the supernatural.
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00:02:24,278 --> 00:02:25,477
Thank you very much.
58
00:02:25,479 --> 00:02:26,945
And what are these things
supposed to be?
59
00:02:26,947 --> 00:02:28,447
Well, that's the thing,
nobody knows.
60
00:02:28,449 --> 00:02:32,317
They're these weird orbs of
light that hover over this road.
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00:02:32,319 --> 00:02:33,752
Some people think
they're ghosts,
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00:02:33,754 --> 00:02:35,454
I've even heard ufos.
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00:02:35,456 --> 00:02:37,623
Oh, so it's that kind of story?
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00:02:37,625 --> 00:02:38,757
Yes.
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00:02:38,759 --> 00:02:40,092
Well, you know where
I'm gonna come down on this.
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00:02:40,094 --> 00:02:41,226
Whenever there is something
67
00:02:41,228 --> 00:02:43,395
That is a physical
phenomena like lights,
68
00:02:43,397 --> 00:02:45,797
I'm wondering if there is
a natural explanation
69
00:02:45,799 --> 00:02:47,266
That then can lead
70
00:02:47,268 --> 00:02:50,502
To these legends
and lore of ghosts or ufos.
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00:02:50,504 --> 00:02:52,804
I'm guessing this place
is pretty creepy. Yeah?
72
00:02:52,806 --> 00:02:54,006
Oh, yeah.
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00:02:54,008 --> 00:02:57,142
♪♪
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00:02:57,144 --> 00:02:58,644
[ electronic zooming ]
75
00:02:58,646 --> 00:02:59,912
Gates: Saratoga, texas,
76
00:02:59,914 --> 00:03:03,949
Lies on the edge
of 300,000 acres of alligator
77
00:03:03,951 --> 00:03:06,919
And snake infested wilderness.
78
00:03:06,921 --> 00:03:08,820
This imposing swath of land
79
00:03:08,822 --> 00:03:11,723
Is known to locals
as the big thicket.
80
00:03:13,861 --> 00:03:17,396
Once the sacred lands of
the native atakapa people,
81
00:03:17,398 --> 00:03:19,831
Europeans arrive in the 1850s,
82
00:03:19,833 --> 00:03:21,266
And looked to make
their fortune
83
00:03:21,268 --> 00:03:25,904
Plundering the area's valuable
resources of lumber and oil,
84
00:03:25,906 --> 00:03:28,207
Encroaching
on an uncharted territory
85
00:03:28,209 --> 00:03:31,843
That some say was never meant
to be disturbed.
86
00:03:31,845 --> 00:03:36,215
In 1902, the santa fe railroad
raises hundreds of acres
87
00:03:36,217 --> 00:03:38,217
To carve tracks from saratoga
88
00:03:38,219 --> 00:03:41,520
To the remote supply outpost
of bragg.
89
00:03:41,522 --> 00:03:44,056
Under the command
of ruthless production bosses,
90
00:03:44,058 --> 00:03:47,292
Construction of the railroad
is deadly business.
91
00:03:47,294 --> 00:03:49,561
While the working conditions
are inhumane,
92
00:03:49,563 --> 00:03:52,464
Eventually the rail line
is finished.
93
00:03:52,466 --> 00:03:54,833
For decades,
business is booming,
94
00:03:54,835 --> 00:03:57,035
But maintaining the tracks
through the swamp
95
00:03:57,037 --> 00:03:59,338
Costs countless lives.
96
00:03:59,340 --> 00:04:01,673
Eventually, there's a bust.
97
00:04:01,675 --> 00:04:06,044
When the boom dies down in the
1930s and the oil wells run dry,
98
00:04:06,046 --> 00:04:09,514
The rail line is pulled up
and the town is abandoned,
99
00:04:09,516 --> 00:04:12,251
Leaving nothing behind
except for this dirt road
100
00:04:12,253 --> 00:04:14,653
And the shallow graves
of the dead workers
101
00:04:14,655 --> 00:04:17,356
Who suffered and died here.
102
00:04:17,358 --> 00:04:19,758
It's around this time
that people start reporting
103
00:04:19,760 --> 00:04:23,528
Ghostly lights
that manifest in strange ways.
104
00:04:23,530 --> 00:04:26,465
Some witnesses describe bizarre
floating orbs
105
00:04:26,467 --> 00:04:29,167
That move
with an eerie intelligence.
106
00:04:29,169 --> 00:04:32,337
Some reportedly have the power
to disable electronics,
107
00:04:32,339 --> 00:04:34,172
Even automobiles.
108
00:04:34,174 --> 00:04:37,376
And while it may sound
outlandish, in some cases,
109
00:04:37,378 --> 00:04:40,612
The lights appear to take on
the shape of a headless figure
110
00:04:40,614 --> 00:04:42,848
Carrying a lantern.
111
00:04:42,850 --> 00:04:45,984
Just recently, the number
of sightings has exploded
112
00:04:45,986 --> 00:04:48,387
And local residents
are terrified.
113
00:04:48,389 --> 00:04:50,822
No one, including local
law enforcement,
114
00:04:50,824 --> 00:04:54,393
Can explain the glimmering
phantoms of the big thicket,
115
00:04:54,395 --> 00:04:57,829
And no one has for 100 years.
116
00:04:57,831 --> 00:04:59,197
Phil, I can see your wheels
turning already.
117
00:04:59,199 --> 00:05:01,466
Yeah, alligators and snakes?
I'm in.
118
00:05:01,468 --> 00:05:03,502
But this is a giant swamp.
119
00:05:03,504 --> 00:05:05,937
This is a dynamic ecosystem
we're talking about here.
120
00:05:05,939 --> 00:05:07,773
So there could be all sorts
of explanations there.
121
00:05:07,775 --> 00:05:09,574
Could even
be fireflies
122
00:05:09,576 --> 00:05:11,677
Phil, it is not fireflies.
123
00:05:11,679 --> 00:05:15,447
Fireflies don't equate
to a headless ghost
124
00:05:15,449 --> 00:05:16,982
Carrying a lantern.
125
00:05:16,984 --> 00:05:18,450
I will say some of the reports
126
00:05:18,452 --> 00:05:20,652
Do sound
a little fantastical, jess,
127
00:05:20,654 --> 00:05:23,655
But just the sheer volume
of sightings,
128
00:05:23,657 --> 00:05:25,824
I do feel like people
are seeing something.
129
00:05:25,826 --> 00:05:28,393
And I'm wondering if there could
be multiple explanations
130
00:05:28,395 --> 00:05:31,263
Out there that could actually
make this a tricky one to solve.
131
00:05:31,265 --> 00:05:33,332
Right, I actually think the most
difficult part
132
00:05:33,334 --> 00:05:35,701
Of investigating this is gonna
be the location itself.
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00:05:35,703 --> 00:05:37,302
The big thicket is no joke.
134
00:05:37,304 --> 00:05:39,838
So your mission
is to get to texas,
135
00:05:39,840 --> 00:05:42,941
Find people who have experienced
these ghost lights,
136
00:05:42,943 --> 00:05:45,177
And then see if you can
experience them for yourselves
137
00:05:45,179 --> 00:05:48,046
And if you can, figure out
what the hell they are.
138
00:05:48,048 --> 00:05:50,048
Alright.
You had met ghost lights.
139
00:05:50,050 --> 00:05:52,451
We're gonna need to pack
some bug spray.
140
00:05:52,453 --> 00:05:54,252
Lots.
141
00:05:54,254 --> 00:05:56,421
The team flies
to houston, texas.
142
00:05:56,423 --> 00:05:58,990
From there
it's a 70 mile trip northeast
143
00:05:58,992 --> 00:06:00,592
To just outside saratoga
144
00:06:00,594 --> 00:06:05,330
And the infamous bragg road,
also known as the ghost road.
145
00:06:06,867 --> 00:06:09,568
What would it take to convince
you that there's ghosts?
146
00:06:09,570 --> 00:06:12,971
Well, if I see a floating body
with no head,
147
00:06:12,973 --> 00:06:15,073
I will then say you were right.
148
00:06:15,075 --> 00:06:16,808
Alright.
149
00:06:16,810 --> 00:06:18,577
Well, I did a little bit
of research
150
00:06:18,579 --> 00:06:20,779
On the big thicket area
we're going to
151
00:06:20,781 --> 00:06:23,949
And there looks like there's
a lot of stuff that can kill us.
152
00:06:23,951 --> 00:06:24,883
Oh yeah.
153
00:06:24,885 --> 00:06:26,885
I mean, this is one of
154
00:06:26,887 --> 00:06:30,756
The most incredible wildernesses
in the united states.
155
00:06:33,093 --> 00:06:35,594
The big thicket is brimming
with diversity.
156
00:06:35,596 --> 00:06:38,964
It has eight separate ecosystems
side by side,
157
00:06:38,966 --> 00:06:43,001
Including savannah,
swamp, forest, and desert.
158
00:06:43,003 --> 00:06:46,638
There are more than 300 species
of animals that call it home,
159
00:06:46,640 --> 00:06:49,174
Including alligators,
160
00:06:49,176 --> 00:06:53,879
Bears, venomous snakes,
panthers, and red wolves.
161
00:06:53,881 --> 00:06:56,515
It's an inhospitable
and deadly environment
162
00:06:56,517 --> 00:06:59,251
That's sure to keep the team
on their toes.
163
00:06:59,253 --> 00:07:01,286
I don't understand why...
164
00:07:01,288 --> 00:07:03,789
Like why a ghost
can't haunt a spa.
165
00:07:03,791 --> 00:07:08,160
Why does it always have to be
in the worst place imaginable?
166
00:07:08,162 --> 00:07:09,694
I think that's kind of part
of the mystery here
167
00:07:09,696 --> 00:07:11,997
When nature
really fights you back
168
00:07:11,999 --> 00:07:14,566
And it's very tough
for humans to survive,
169
00:07:14,568 --> 00:07:18,670
Stories start to form
about the region.
170
00:07:18,672 --> 00:07:20,572
Jess and phil arrive
at the entrance
171
00:07:20,574 --> 00:07:22,541
To the so-called ghost road
172
00:07:22,543 --> 00:07:25,310
To meet with local resident
kari celestine.
173
00:07:25,312 --> 00:07:27,379
Kari claims that
during recent passage
174
00:07:27,381 --> 00:07:28,980
Along this stretch of road,
175
00:07:28,982 --> 00:07:32,050
She came face to face
with the chilling phenomenon.
176
00:07:32,052 --> 00:07:34,052
She insists on warning the team
177
00:07:34,054 --> 00:07:36,621
Before they start
their investigation.
178
00:07:36,623 --> 00:07:38,590
So this is it.
The ghost road.
179
00:07:38,592 --> 00:07:39,858
Celestine: Yeah, it is.
180
00:07:39,860 --> 00:07:42,060
So walk me through
your experience that night.
181
00:07:42,062 --> 00:07:45,797
It was hot and muggy
and we turned down this road,
182
00:07:45,799 --> 00:07:49,067
Went up about, I'll say
close to a mile or so,
183
00:07:49,069 --> 00:07:53,405
And all of the sudden
I see this green glow.
184
00:07:53,407 --> 00:07:55,273
As it got closer
185
00:07:55,275 --> 00:08:00,812
I just see this outline
of a person
186
00:08:00,814 --> 00:08:03,615
Just hovering
over the middle of the road.
187
00:08:03,617 --> 00:08:05,250
Could you see his face
at all or?
188
00:08:05,252 --> 00:08:10,121
That's what disturbed me
the most about it.
189
00:08:10,123 --> 00:08:13,992
He didn't have any --
he had no head.
190
00:08:13,994 --> 00:08:16,061
How close was he at that point?
191
00:08:16,063 --> 00:08:19,331
I say he was about
50 feet away by the end.
192
00:08:19,333 --> 00:08:21,166
What happened?
193
00:08:21,168 --> 00:08:22,567
I just wanted to scream,
194
00:08:22,569 --> 00:08:25,770
But I couldn't speak
and I realized that I'm shaking,
195
00:08:25,772 --> 00:08:30,475
And finally he just disappeared
and I was just I mean,
196
00:08:30,477 --> 00:08:32,244
"get me the hell out of here."
197
00:08:32,246 --> 00:08:35,013
I said he ain't got no head.
198
00:08:35,015 --> 00:08:37,282
Were there any other details
you could glean from him?
199
00:08:37,284 --> 00:08:41,820
He was wearing overalls
like the old timey brakesmen
200
00:08:41,822 --> 00:08:43,922
Used to wear.
201
00:08:43,924 --> 00:08:45,490
Have you come out here
since then?
202
00:08:45,492 --> 00:08:49,060
No way. One time was enough
for me to go up this road.
203
00:08:49,062 --> 00:08:50,662
Well, that's actually our plan.
204
00:08:50,664 --> 00:08:52,297
Yeah.
So any advice?
205
00:08:52,299 --> 00:08:53,598
Definitely be careful
206
00:08:53,600 --> 00:08:56,635
Because I know for certain
there's something out there.
207
00:08:56,637 --> 00:09:02,307
♪♪
208
00:09:02,309 --> 00:09:05,477
After hearing kari's story,
we wait for nightfall,
209
00:09:05,479 --> 00:09:09,414
When most of these glowing
phantoms and orbs are reported.
210
00:09:09,416 --> 00:09:10,715
So in pitch darkness,
211
00:09:10,717 --> 00:09:14,252
We begin our journey
down the infamous ghost road,
212
00:09:14,254 --> 00:09:16,254
A gloomy stretch
of flat dirt track
213
00:09:16,256 --> 00:09:19,991
That has inspired fear
for nearly 100 years.
214
00:09:19,993 --> 00:09:22,928
Torres: This place is creepy.
215
00:09:22,930 --> 00:09:24,496
This is kind of spooky.
216
00:09:24,498 --> 00:09:26,031
Like if you're ever gonna see a
ghost in the middle of nowhere,
217
00:09:26,033 --> 00:09:30,235
This would be a prime place.
Yeah.
218
00:09:31,471 --> 00:09:33,972
There's just more black
and more black,
219
00:09:33,974 --> 00:09:35,407
Everything looks the same.
220
00:09:35,409 --> 00:09:39,511
I'm like how much detail can
you actually pick up at 50 feet?
221
00:09:39,513 --> 00:09:41,479
But she was clearly terrified.
222
00:09:41,481 --> 00:09:44,449
So she definitely saw something.
223
00:09:44,451 --> 00:09:46,851
I'm not as concerned about
running into a ghost
224
00:09:46,853 --> 00:09:48,653
As much as I am
coming face-to-face
225
00:09:48,655 --> 00:09:52,190
With one of the many large
predators of the big thicket.
226
00:09:52,192 --> 00:09:55,493
There's dense vegetation
looming over every inch
227
00:09:55,495 --> 00:09:57,395
Of this dark and narrow road.
228
00:09:57,397 --> 00:09:58,463
There could be a bear
229
00:09:58,465 --> 00:10:00,932
Or a panther 10 feet
into the tree line
230
00:10:00,934 --> 00:10:03,768
And we wouldn't see it
until it's too late.
231
00:10:03,770 --> 00:10:06,304
Alright, I think we've gone
about a mile in here.
232
00:10:06,306 --> 00:10:07,372
Alright.
233
00:10:07,374 --> 00:10:10,575
[ car door opens ]
234
00:10:14,448 --> 00:10:15,880
Wow.
235
00:10:15,882 --> 00:10:17,616
This is the area
where she saw it.
236
00:10:17,618 --> 00:10:20,752
Gosh, look at how dense
the canopy is up here.
237
00:10:20,754 --> 00:10:23,455
Oh.
And big spiders over here.
238
00:10:23,457 --> 00:10:24,756
Big spiders?
239
00:10:24,758 --> 00:10:25,824
No, thank you.
240
00:10:25,826 --> 00:10:29,361
Listen to how much
is alive out here.
241
00:10:29,363 --> 00:10:30,996
Or undead.
242
00:10:33,300 --> 00:10:35,967
I want to check
for any emf out here.
243
00:10:35,969 --> 00:10:37,469
Okay.
244
00:10:37,471 --> 00:10:41,006
Emf detectors were designed to
measure electromagnetic fields,
245
00:10:41,008 --> 00:10:44,242
Often from power lines
and other man-made equipment.
246
00:10:44,244 --> 00:10:47,979
Paranormal investigators believe
that spirits also release energy
247
00:10:47,981 --> 00:10:49,881
That can be detected with this.
248
00:10:49,883 --> 00:10:53,284
♪♪
249
00:10:53,286 --> 00:10:56,154
Yes, if we get a big rating
on this,
250
00:10:56,156 --> 00:10:59,124
That's gonna be super weird
because there is literally
251
00:10:59,126 --> 00:11:01,760
Nothing out there
that should set this off.
252
00:11:01,762 --> 00:11:09,334
♪♪
253
00:11:09,336 --> 00:11:12,904
♪♪
254
00:11:12,906 --> 00:11:15,707
We pace up and down the road
for well over an hour,
255
00:11:15,709 --> 00:11:19,377
But both the emf reader
and the skies are silent.
256
00:11:19,379 --> 00:11:23,114
♪♪
257
00:11:23,116 --> 00:11:24,382
I was hoping to see something,
258
00:11:24,384 --> 00:11:27,218
But I'm getting nothing off
this emf reader.
259
00:11:27,220 --> 00:11:31,289
She did see whatever she saw
coming from that direction.
260
00:11:31,291 --> 00:11:34,292
Well, that's where bragg,
the old train depot was.
261
00:11:36,530 --> 00:11:38,263
Just a few miles down the road,
262
00:11:38,265 --> 00:11:41,966
The bragg train depot was
a once bustling hub of industry
263
00:11:41,968 --> 00:11:45,670
And it went belly up almost
as fast as it was established.
264
00:11:45,672 --> 00:11:47,539
Some believe
the headless apparition
265
00:11:47,541 --> 00:11:50,375
And other mysterious orbs
of light seen in the area
266
00:11:50,377 --> 00:11:53,344
Might be the wandering spirit
of former laborers
267
00:11:53,346 --> 00:11:56,581
Who died here as a result
of the brutal working conditions
268
00:11:56,583 --> 00:11:59,150
During construction
of the railroad.
269
00:11:59,152 --> 00:12:02,787
I'm hoping we have better luck
at the site of the old depot.
270
00:12:04,825 --> 00:12:07,859
Here we go. I think this is it.
271
00:12:07,861 --> 00:12:11,563
Well, there's not much left.
272
00:12:11,565 --> 00:12:13,264
Well, yeah, it's nothing
to brag about,
273
00:12:13,266 --> 00:12:15,734
But we should
still explore it, phil.
274
00:12:15,736 --> 00:12:17,135
How long have you been holding
on to that joke?
275
00:12:17,137 --> 00:12:19,971
Oh, my gosh. All day.
Wow.
276
00:12:19,973 --> 00:12:21,639
Welcome to bragg.
277
00:12:21,641 --> 00:12:25,110
Brag sprang up almost overnight
as a supply outpost
278
00:12:25,112 --> 00:12:27,645
For the local oil
and lumber companies.
279
00:12:27,647 --> 00:12:30,515
When the rail line was abandoned
in the 1930s though,
280
00:12:30,517 --> 00:12:32,984
The town was dismantled
and scavenged,
281
00:12:32,986 --> 00:12:36,087
Leaving little evidence
that it ever existed at all.
282
00:12:36,089 --> 00:12:40,191
Besides some scattered railroad
material, it's completely empty.
283
00:12:44,531 --> 00:12:47,365
There's bones all
over the place.
284
00:12:47,367 --> 00:12:49,334
Yeah, tons of bones over here.
285
00:12:49,336 --> 00:12:53,571
Yep, more over here, too.
286
00:12:53,573 --> 00:12:55,507
Look at the snake!
Oh, my god.
287
00:12:55,509 --> 00:12:57,809
Oh, look at that.
288
00:12:57,811 --> 00:13:00,078
Oh, alright, stay back.
289
00:13:00,080 --> 00:13:01,312
What is that?
290
00:13:01,314 --> 00:13:04,616
It's a cottonmouth.
Definitely venomous snake.
291
00:13:04,618 --> 00:13:09,821
Wow. That is the one
we do not want to step on.
292
00:13:09,823 --> 00:13:11,823
Cottonmouths
or "water moccasins"
293
00:13:11,825 --> 00:13:15,126
Are a venomous species
of pit viper.
294
00:13:15,128 --> 00:13:17,095
Adults can grow up
to five feet long
295
00:13:17,097 --> 00:13:20,799
And are capable of delivering
a dangerous bite.
296
00:13:20,801 --> 00:13:23,134
If we're not careful out here,
any wrong step
297
00:13:23,136 --> 00:13:25,837
Could bring a painful end
to this investigation.
298
00:13:25,839 --> 00:13:27,438
Alright, well,
then let's go.
299
00:13:27,440 --> 00:13:30,675
I say we go grab our equipment,
see what we can find.
300
00:13:30,677 --> 00:13:32,377
Sounds good.
301
00:13:32,379 --> 00:13:33,845
Considering
how dark it is,
302
00:13:33,847 --> 00:13:38,616
I'm eager to break out our
highly sensitive thermal imager.
303
00:13:38,618 --> 00:13:42,387
Anything that displaces heat,
even strange balls of light,
304
00:13:42,389 --> 00:13:44,122
Should show up here.
305
00:13:44,124 --> 00:13:45,323
How's it looking?
306
00:13:45,325 --> 00:13:46,958
Nothing yet.
307
00:13:46,960 --> 00:13:48,526
Not to be outdone by jess,
308
00:13:48,528 --> 00:13:51,229
I've got a pair of military
grade night vision goggles
309
00:13:51,231 --> 00:13:54,432
That use the infrared spectrum
to help me see in the dark.
310
00:13:54,434 --> 00:13:56,334
Whatever people
are witnessing out here,
311
00:13:56,336 --> 00:13:59,671
I'm convinced it's a product
of this wild environment.
312
00:14:00,974 --> 00:14:03,007
So anything yet?
Nothing.
313
00:14:03,009 --> 00:14:11,482
♪♪
314
00:14:11,484 --> 00:14:13,985
Why don't we leave this area?
315
00:14:13,987 --> 00:14:17,021
I want to go back
and check out the ghost road,
316
00:14:17,023 --> 00:14:18,623
That's probably
our best bet.
317
00:14:18,625 --> 00:14:19,691
Sounds good.
318
00:14:19,693 --> 00:14:20,892
[ engine running ]
319
00:14:21,995 --> 00:14:25,864
♪♪
320
00:14:25,866 --> 00:14:28,199
Any signs of animals
after lighting things up?
321
00:14:28,201 --> 00:14:32,670
Nope, which is surprising 'cause
you can obviously hear them.
322
00:14:32,672 --> 00:14:39,777
♪♪
323
00:14:39,779 --> 00:14:41,412
What the hell was that?
324
00:14:43,783 --> 00:14:45,750
Something happening?
Yeah, I just saw a light.
325
00:14:45,752 --> 00:14:48,186
It shot right up in to the sky.
326
00:14:48,188 --> 00:14:50,788
♪♪
327
00:14:50,790 --> 00:14:53,091
Stone:
Oh, you guys see that?
328
00:14:53,093 --> 00:14:55,159
There's a little
phosphorescent ball right there.
329
00:14:55,161 --> 00:14:56,327
Where?
330
00:14:56,329 --> 00:14:58,363
Full flash right
down there, went right across.
331
00:14:58,365 --> 00:14:59,664
I thought, that's what
you were talking about.
332
00:14:59,666 --> 00:15:01,566
No, I saw something
in here go right up.
333
00:15:01,568 --> 00:15:03,034
So you just saw something go up.
334
00:15:03,036 --> 00:15:05,203
You saw something down there?
335
00:15:05,205 --> 00:15:06,204
Same time.
336
00:15:06,206 --> 00:15:07,672
Right when she said that
I saw a flash,
337
00:15:07,674 --> 00:15:10,041
It was like
a kind of a phosphorescent glow,
338
00:15:10,043 --> 00:15:12,143
Right across
about 300 yards down.
339
00:15:12,145 --> 00:15:14,178
That's so weird.
340
00:15:15,682 --> 00:15:18,283
♪♪
341
00:15:18,285 --> 00:15:21,119
Gates: Jess and phil are in
the big thicket of texas
342
00:15:21,121 --> 00:15:24,289
Investigating reports
of strange, ghostly lights
343
00:15:24,291 --> 00:15:26,925
Haunting an eight mile stretch
of country road,
344
00:15:26,927 --> 00:15:28,860
North of saratoga.
345
00:15:28,862 --> 00:15:30,828
What the hell was that?
346
00:15:30,830 --> 00:15:31,963
I just saw something in there
347
00:15:31,965 --> 00:15:34,866
And it flew right up
in to the sky.
348
00:15:34,868 --> 00:15:37,001
Oh, you guys see that?
349
00:15:37,003 --> 00:15:38,836
Jess and my trusted
cameraman evan
350
00:15:38,838 --> 00:15:43,074
Each saw something
they can't explain.
351
00:15:43,076 --> 00:15:44,876
Right when she said
that I saw a flash,
352
00:15:44,878 --> 00:15:47,278
It was like a kind
of a phosphorescent glow
353
00:15:47,280 --> 00:15:49,981
Right across,
about 300 yards down.
354
00:15:49,983 --> 00:15:51,149
Did you get it on your camera?
355
00:15:51,151 --> 00:15:52,884
Yep.
356
00:15:52,886 --> 00:15:54,085
Did you get it on the flir?
357
00:15:54,087 --> 00:15:55,620
Yeah, I think so.
358
00:15:55,622 --> 00:15:56,788
Alright,
let's check the flir.
359
00:15:56,790 --> 00:15:58,556
Okay, let me play it back.
360
00:16:00,760 --> 00:16:02,360
See? Right there.
Oh, yeah.
361
00:16:02,362 --> 00:16:04,228
Oh, I got it.
That was quick.
362
00:16:04,230 --> 00:16:06,297
Did I just film a ghost light?
363
00:16:08,468 --> 00:16:09,867
That was super fast.
364
00:16:09,869 --> 00:16:14,706
When I see that it looks small,
fast and hot.
365
00:16:14,708 --> 00:16:16,307
So I'm thinking
that's a bat.
366
00:16:16,309 --> 00:16:17,742
No way, I saw it
out of the corner of my eyes.
367
00:16:17,744 --> 00:16:18,943
It was glowing.
368
00:16:18,945 --> 00:16:20,044
Evan, you caught yours, right?
369
00:16:20,046 --> 00:16:21,245
Yeah.
370
00:16:21,247 --> 00:16:23,247
Alright, well, let's review
evan's footage then.
371
00:16:23,249 --> 00:16:27,819
♪♪
372
00:16:27,821 --> 00:16:30,688
All right. Hold on.
Let me get it.
373
00:16:30,690 --> 00:16:33,291
There you go.
374
00:16:33,293 --> 00:16:35,126
What is that?
Look at that.
375
00:16:35,128 --> 00:16:36,694
Is that the moon?
376
00:16:38,565 --> 00:16:41,165
Ooh.
That was cool.
377
00:16:41,167 --> 00:16:44,135
That was not a bat
and that is not what I saw.
378
00:16:44,137 --> 00:16:46,738
It almost looked like
a fireball glowing
379
00:16:46,740 --> 00:16:50,141
In the way it like disappeared
like that at the end.
380
00:16:50,143 --> 00:16:52,710
We've officially seen
some weird lights
381
00:16:52,712 --> 00:16:55,013
And we got on tape.
382
00:16:55,015 --> 00:16:56,247
For my money,
383
00:16:56,249 --> 00:16:58,750
We just encountered
the saratoga ghost lights,
384
00:16:58,752 --> 00:17:01,052
Not once, but twice.
385
00:17:01,054 --> 00:17:03,921
And while they didn't appear
as a headless apparition,
386
00:17:03,923 --> 00:17:06,691
We're off
to one hell of a start.
387
00:17:06,693 --> 00:17:09,360
So we decide to call it a night
and get some beauty rest
388
00:17:09,362 --> 00:17:12,530
So we can start fresh
first thing in the morning.
389
00:17:12,532 --> 00:17:15,666
♪♪
390
00:17:15,668 --> 00:17:18,803
So I had a bit of a revelation
about last night.
391
00:17:18,805 --> 00:17:19,737
Yeah?
392
00:17:19,739 --> 00:17:22,874
I'm thinking,
will-o'-the-wisps.
393
00:17:22,876 --> 00:17:26,244
Like the lights people
think are fairies from folklore?
394
00:17:26,246 --> 00:17:27,478
Oh, yes.
395
00:17:27,480 --> 00:17:29,180
A lot of people describe them
not just as fairies,
396
00:17:29,182 --> 00:17:30,648
But this may sound familiar,
397
00:17:30,650 --> 00:17:34,452
Ghost-like lights
over bogs and marshes.
398
00:17:34,454 --> 00:17:37,455
And where we were last night
was super boggy.
399
00:17:37,457 --> 00:17:39,290
So then how did the lights
actually get made?
400
00:17:39,292 --> 00:17:41,826
Essentially,
there's a lot of methane gas
401
00:17:41,828 --> 00:17:43,394
That forms under the water
402
00:17:43,396 --> 00:17:45,963
By rotting and decomposing
plants and animals.
403
00:17:45,965 --> 00:17:47,665
When that methane is released,
404
00:17:47,667 --> 00:17:51,402
Can ignite and possibly create
a glowing fireball.
405
00:17:51,404 --> 00:17:54,272
So we could just have
a case of gassy nature.
406
00:17:54,274 --> 00:17:57,708
So you're telling me
that it's earth farts?
407
00:17:57,710 --> 00:17:59,710
Essentially, yeah.
408
00:17:59,712 --> 00:18:01,546
And I feel like this is
something
409
00:18:01,548 --> 00:18:03,815
We can actually test out here.
410
00:18:03,817 --> 00:18:05,049
That sounds cool.
411
00:18:05,051 --> 00:18:06,651
Who knew?
412
00:18:06,653 --> 00:18:07,919
Wetlands across the globe
413
00:18:07,921 --> 00:18:11,722
Release nearly 250 million tons
of methane per year,
414
00:18:11,724 --> 00:18:13,691
And the ghost road
sits right in the middle
415
00:18:13,693 --> 00:18:16,894
Of 35,000 acres of wetlands.
416
00:18:16,896 --> 00:18:19,363
I believe it's possible
that large methane bubbles
417
00:18:19,365 --> 00:18:22,266
Are being released from the bogs
situated deeper in the swamp,
418
00:18:22,268 --> 00:18:24,969
Away from the road.
419
00:18:24,971 --> 00:18:26,604
Time to get dirty.
420
00:18:26,606 --> 00:18:31,809
♪♪
421
00:18:31,811 --> 00:18:33,044
Hang on to your hat!
422
00:18:33,046 --> 00:18:35,546
Whoa-ha-ho!
423
00:18:35,548 --> 00:18:37,782
W-w-whoa!
424
00:18:37,784 --> 00:18:39,617
Yeah!
425
00:18:39,619 --> 00:18:41,219
[ laughing ]
426
00:18:43,556 --> 00:18:45,756
Whoa, whoa.
427
00:18:45,758 --> 00:18:47,391
Hang on, philip.
428
00:18:47,393 --> 00:18:49,160
Alright, we're through here?
429
00:18:49,162 --> 00:18:50,528
Yeah, keep going.
430
00:18:50,530 --> 00:18:52,563
Alright.
431
00:18:52,565 --> 00:18:54,899
It's pretty beautiful back here.
432
00:18:54,901 --> 00:18:56,367
Yeah, it is.
433
00:18:56,369 --> 00:18:57,768
♪♪
434
00:18:59,606 --> 00:19:00,872
Right here?
Yeah.
435
00:19:00,874 --> 00:19:03,040
To conduct my test,
I need to find a place
436
00:19:03,042 --> 00:19:05,309
That is deep enough
to access the methane,
437
00:19:05,311 --> 00:19:08,479
But safe enough that we won't
get ambushed by an alligator.
438
00:19:08,481 --> 00:19:10,781
Alright, let's do it.
439
00:19:10,783 --> 00:19:14,085
Let's see if we can find
a good place to get in.
440
00:19:14,087 --> 00:19:14,986
Check it out right here.
441
00:19:14,988 --> 00:19:17,155
Right here?
Right here.
442
00:19:17,157 --> 00:19:18,322
This is the spot.
443
00:19:18,324 --> 00:19:20,458
So how do you propose
we do this?
444
00:19:20,460 --> 00:19:21,792
Well, we're going to have to get
in the water.
445
00:19:21,794 --> 00:19:23,995
So first things first,
we should get the waders on.
446
00:19:23,997 --> 00:19:26,197
Fine.
447
00:19:26,199 --> 00:19:28,966
These swamps are filled
with nasty bacteria,
448
00:19:28,968 --> 00:19:30,368
Insects, copperheads,
449
00:19:30,370 --> 00:19:32,570
And a lot of things
that could put a hurt on us.
450
00:19:32,572 --> 00:19:34,739
So we're going to strap
on waterproof waders
451
00:19:34,741 --> 00:19:36,340
For protection.
452
00:19:39,679 --> 00:19:40,845
What is that?
453
00:19:40,847 --> 00:19:43,147
This is the magic gas trapper.
454
00:19:43,149 --> 00:19:45,249
It looks like a beer bong.
455
00:19:45,251 --> 00:19:47,385
Jess, real mature,
456
00:19:47,387 --> 00:19:49,387
But it totally does.
It totally does.
457
00:19:49,389 --> 00:19:52,223
But we're gonna use it
to trap gas.
458
00:19:52,225 --> 00:19:53,991
How are you going to make
that happen?
459
00:19:53,993 --> 00:19:55,359
I'll show you.
460
00:19:57,130 --> 00:19:58,796
All right. Going in.
461
00:20:00,667 --> 00:20:02,133
Alright, I'm coming in.
462
00:20:02,135 --> 00:20:06,170
All right, there's a lot of logs
under the water, so be careful.
463
00:20:06,172 --> 00:20:10,808
I don't even know where to put
my foot. Ew, it's so gross.
464
00:20:10,810 --> 00:20:12,710
Jess.
I don't like this at all.
465
00:20:12,712 --> 00:20:14,011
Here, you got it.
466
00:20:14,013 --> 00:20:17,415
Ew, ew, ew, ew, ew, ew,
ew, ew, ew, ew, ew, ew.
467
00:20:17,417 --> 00:20:20,351
Oh, and there's big spiders.
468
00:20:20,353 --> 00:20:21,919
This is all
of your favorite things.
469
00:20:21,921 --> 00:20:24,388
This is everything I hate
in the world.
470
00:20:24,390 --> 00:20:27,992
Spiders,
and you see that log over there?
471
00:20:27,994 --> 00:20:31,329
I can't tell if it's a log
or if it's an alligator.
472
00:20:31,331 --> 00:20:33,564
What. No.
Then hurry up.
473
00:20:33,566 --> 00:20:35,199
What do you need us to do?
474
00:20:35,201 --> 00:20:36,267
Well, we got rain.
475
00:20:36,269 --> 00:20:38,869
[ thunder rumbles ]
476
00:20:38,871 --> 00:20:39,971
Alright, can we do this?
477
00:20:39,973 --> 00:20:41,639
Yeah, let's do this.
Cool.
478
00:20:41,641 --> 00:20:43,107
So here's how
it's gonna work,
479
00:20:43,109 --> 00:20:45,810
I'm gonna stick this dome
into the water
480
00:20:45,812 --> 00:20:47,612
And then we're
going to stomp around.
481
00:20:47,614 --> 00:20:49,981
And as we stop, we're actually
going to be releasing
482
00:20:49,983 --> 00:20:52,950
Some of that methane
underneath this bog,
483
00:20:52,952 --> 00:20:55,319
And it'll start
to displace the water.
484
00:20:55,321 --> 00:20:59,056
Once there's some gas in here,
we'll release it
485
00:20:59,058 --> 00:21:02,293
And then we'll light it on this
and hopefully we'll get a flame.
486
00:21:02,295 --> 00:21:03,694
Alright.
487
00:21:03,696 --> 00:21:05,796
So what, we just put it down
on the water and stomp around?
488
00:21:05,798 --> 00:21:07,465
Yeah.
489
00:21:08,468 --> 00:21:09,867
Oh, look at that.
Oh, I'm seeing it.
490
00:21:09,869 --> 00:21:11,902
We're getting some gas here,
this is great.
491
00:21:13,106 --> 00:21:14,739
Tons of it.
492
00:21:16,976 --> 00:21:18,976
All right, I think we got
some good gas here.
493
00:21:18,978 --> 00:21:20,311
Well,
I've got the lighter ready.
494
00:21:20,313 --> 00:21:22,213
Alright, we're gonna
test this out.
495
00:21:22,215 --> 00:21:25,182
When I woke up this morning,
I might have stayed in bed
496
00:21:25,184 --> 00:21:27,652
Had I known I'd be lighting
swamp farts on fire
497
00:21:27,654 --> 00:21:30,288
With mr. Wizard over here.
498
00:21:30,290 --> 00:21:31,555
You ready?
Ready.
499
00:21:31,557 --> 00:21:32,990
Fire in the hole.
500
00:21:32,992 --> 00:21:35,926
Three, two, one.
501
00:21:35,928 --> 00:21:37,662
Whoa!
Whoa!
502
00:21:37,664 --> 00:21:39,130
Holy crap!
503
00:21:39,132 --> 00:21:41,966
Oh, my gosh.
I felt that.
504
00:21:41,968 --> 00:21:43,267
We just lit
some swamp gas.
505
00:21:45,471 --> 00:21:47,672
That was amazing.
That was really cool.
506
00:21:48,975 --> 00:21:51,909
So can you imagine if there was
a big enough pocket of methane
507
00:21:51,911 --> 00:21:55,079
Underneath a bag like this,
it all gets released at once,
508
00:21:55,081 --> 00:21:57,848
That would be a big flame
floating into the sky,
509
00:21:57,850 --> 00:21:59,450
A saratoga light.
510
00:21:59,452 --> 00:22:03,321
♪♪
511
00:22:03,323 --> 00:22:05,623
So I hate to rain
on your parade.
512
00:22:05,625 --> 00:22:06,824
Yeah?
513
00:22:06,826 --> 00:22:09,393
But where are the ones
that had to light it?
514
00:22:09,395 --> 00:22:12,797
People are seeing
these lights above swamps,
515
00:22:12,799 --> 00:22:14,465
Who's lighting that gas?
516
00:22:14,467 --> 00:22:15,933
There's a few possibilities.
517
00:22:15,935 --> 00:22:18,302
One of them being
there's other natural gasses,
518
00:22:18,304 --> 00:22:19,804
One called phosphine
519
00:22:19,806 --> 00:22:23,741
That could form
also in an environment like this
520
00:22:23,743 --> 00:22:26,811
That ignites essentially
once it touches air.
521
00:22:26,813 --> 00:22:30,481
So if the timing is right,
if you get a methane bubble
522
00:22:30,483 --> 00:22:31,849
And some of this
other type of gas,
523
00:22:31,851 --> 00:22:35,186
You get that ignition, foof,
big flame.
524
00:22:35,188 --> 00:22:37,555
So it's rare,
but not impossible?
525
00:22:37,557 --> 00:22:38,756
Exactly.
526
00:22:38,758 --> 00:22:41,492
And if someone sees it
in a place like this,
527
00:22:41,494 --> 00:22:43,994
With the lore of a place
like this,
528
00:22:43,996 --> 00:22:46,697
They're going to think
they're seeing a ghost.
529
00:22:46,699 --> 00:22:49,500
The experiment demonstrates
that some of the sightings here
530
00:22:49,502 --> 00:22:52,236
Could be a rare methane
fueled fireball,
531
00:22:52,238 --> 00:22:55,840
But there's no way it accounts
for hundreds of incidents
532
00:22:55,842 --> 00:22:59,510
And they definitely don't
explain what I caught on camera.
533
00:22:59,512 --> 00:23:03,881
So after we leave the swamp
and honestly take a long shower,
534
00:23:03,883 --> 00:23:05,383
We want to meet up
535
00:23:05,385 --> 00:23:08,552
With one of the most credible
local eyewitnesses in the area,
536
00:23:08,554 --> 00:23:09,787
A man with a badge.
537
00:23:09,789 --> 00:23:11,322
Alright.
I think this is him.
538
00:23:11,324 --> 00:23:13,257
We're waiting at the entrance
of the ghost road
539
00:23:13,259 --> 00:23:16,427
To meet with former sheriff's
deputy, donnie gulley,
540
00:23:16,429 --> 00:23:18,629
A longtime resident
of the big thicket,
541
00:23:18,631 --> 00:23:21,065
Gulley's worked with the
hardin county sheriff's office
542
00:23:21,067 --> 00:23:22,733
For nearly two decades
543
00:23:22,735 --> 00:23:25,102
And grew up just a few miles
from the ghost road.
544
00:23:25,104 --> 00:23:26,370
How you guys doing?
Chobot: Good.
545
00:23:26,372 --> 00:23:27,438
Very good.
546
00:23:27,440 --> 00:23:29,407
It's good to see you.
Nice to see you.
547
00:23:29,409 --> 00:23:32,109
As law enforcement, not only is
he a trained observer,
548
00:23:32,111 --> 00:23:35,045
He was overseeing a prisoner
work detail on bragg road
549
00:23:35,047 --> 00:23:38,015
When he encountered a
ghostly light in broad daylight.
550
00:23:39,318 --> 00:23:42,987
You had quite the experience
out here, so give me the scoop.
551
00:23:42,989 --> 00:23:44,789
I had six inmates with me
552
00:23:44,791 --> 00:23:47,158
And we come out to bragg road
to do some cleaning.
553
00:23:47,160 --> 00:23:50,594
And I look past
one of my inmates
554
00:23:50,596 --> 00:23:53,264
And I see a glowing oval,
555
00:23:53,266 --> 00:23:54,965
And it shot
right across the road
556
00:23:54,967 --> 00:23:57,668
And just melted
into the tree line.
557
00:23:57,670 --> 00:23:59,970
It was the most crazy thing
I've ever seen in my life.
558
00:23:59,972 --> 00:24:02,039
It was insane.
559
00:24:02,041 --> 00:24:02,973
Wow.
560
00:24:04,477 --> 00:24:07,912
♪♪
561
00:24:07,914 --> 00:24:11,182
Gates: The team is investigating
the saratoga ghost lights,
562
00:24:11,184 --> 00:24:14,452
A prolific
and ghostly phenomenon.
563
00:24:14,454 --> 00:24:16,053
They're meeting
with police officer
564
00:24:16,055 --> 00:24:18,055
And eyewitness don gulley,
565
00:24:18,057 --> 00:24:20,357
Who saw the phenomenon
on bragg road,
566
00:24:20,359 --> 00:24:23,093
Aka the ghost road.
567
00:24:23,095 --> 00:24:24,128
It was about 2:30 in the
afternoon,
568
00:24:24,130 --> 00:24:25,095
It was overcast.
569
00:24:25,097 --> 00:24:26,397
It was kind of
like this, actually.
570
00:24:27,800 --> 00:24:29,900
And I look past
one of my inmates
571
00:24:29,902 --> 00:24:34,104
And I see a glowing sort
of amber color oval in the road.
572
00:24:37,810 --> 00:24:39,443
It was extremely bright,
573
00:24:41,881 --> 00:24:44,448
And it started
from the tree line,
574
00:24:44,450 --> 00:24:47,618
Shot straight across the road
into the tree line over here.
575
00:24:47,620 --> 00:24:49,854
That's where I saw it.
Wow.
576
00:24:49,856 --> 00:24:51,889
It went so fast
it actually left a trail,
577
00:24:51,891 --> 00:24:54,191
Kind of like
a sparkler at night,
578
00:24:54,193 --> 00:24:56,126
And I went, "oh, my god!"
579
00:24:56,128 --> 00:24:57,995
I turned to the guys and I said,
580
00:24:57,997 --> 00:24:59,463
"did you just see that?"
581
00:24:59,465 --> 00:25:00,965
One of the guys,
I'll never forget,
582
00:25:00,967 --> 00:25:03,901
He's standing there and his jaw
was literally hanging open.
583
00:25:03,903 --> 00:25:06,804
The next thing it did,
it come up out of the road,
584
00:25:06,806 --> 00:25:09,840
And it did sort of like a
horizontal figure 8 looking move
585
00:25:09,842 --> 00:25:11,242
And then went back
into the woods,
586
00:25:11,244 --> 00:25:13,010
And that's the last thing
it did.
587
00:25:13,012 --> 00:25:13,978
We were just blown away.
588
00:25:13,980 --> 00:25:15,346
We were just sitting
there going,
589
00:25:15,348 --> 00:25:17,147
We can't believe we just saw
that at 2:30 in the afternoon.
590
00:25:17,149 --> 00:25:19,216
And so you saw it shoot off
into the tree line.
591
00:25:19,218 --> 00:25:21,318
So what's down around that area?
592
00:25:21,320 --> 00:25:23,754
You got woods, you got
[indistinct] and such as that.
593
00:25:23,756 --> 00:25:26,757
Some more swamps and bogs
and things of that nature?
594
00:25:26,759 --> 00:25:28,659
Before you saw what you saw,
595
00:25:28,661 --> 00:25:31,161
Did you believe
the rumors of the road?
596
00:25:31,163 --> 00:25:32,530
No, sir, not at all.
597
00:25:32,532 --> 00:25:34,765
So what did you think
you were seeing.
598
00:25:34,767 --> 00:25:36,400
This thing,
for lack of better terms,
599
00:25:36,402 --> 00:25:38,602
Almost had an intelligence
to it.
600
00:25:38,604 --> 00:25:39,937
I can tell you this much,
601
00:25:39,939 --> 00:25:43,307
I would sit in a courtroom
with my right hand raised,
602
00:25:43,309 --> 00:25:44,375
My hand on the bible,
603
00:25:44,377 --> 00:25:46,176
And I would swear
in a court of law
604
00:25:46,178 --> 00:25:47,244
That I witnessed this thing.
605
00:25:47,246 --> 00:25:50,447
Wow.
I'm telling you, it happened.
606
00:25:50,449 --> 00:25:52,216
Not only was this in the middle
of the day
607
00:25:52,218 --> 00:25:55,519
With multiple witnesses,
including law enforcement,
608
00:25:55,521 --> 00:25:58,022
But the ghost light was
performing aerial acrobatics
609
00:25:58,024 --> 00:26:01,125
That would be impossible
for a methane fireball.
610
00:26:01,127 --> 00:26:03,294
Sorry, phil.
611
00:26:03,296 --> 00:26:05,296
The light shot off
deeper into the swamp,
612
00:26:05,298 --> 00:26:07,364
An area where other people
along the ghost road
613
00:26:07,366 --> 00:26:09,633
Have seen lights congregating
in the distance.
614
00:26:09,635 --> 00:26:12,436
So to see for ourselves
what's out there,
615
00:26:12,438 --> 00:26:14,405
We need to catch a ride.
616
00:26:14,407 --> 00:26:17,775
♪♪
617
00:26:17,777 --> 00:26:18,909
Hi, there!
618
00:26:18,911 --> 00:26:21,312
Captain sallie haynes
has agreed to take us deep
619
00:26:21,314 --> 00:26:24,114
Into these dangerous
wetlands at night,
620
00:26:24,116 --> 00:26:27,084
When this phenomenon
can be seen more easily.
621
00:26:27,086 --> 00:26:28,786
So you're gonna want
to keep an eye out
622
00:26:28,788 --> 00:26:32,389
In this low-lying vegetation
here for alligators.
623
00:26:34,694 --> 00:26:36,627
Chobot: During construction
of the railroad
624
00:26:36,629 --> 00:26:38,362
And the outpost of bragg,
625
00:26:38,364 --> 00:26:43,233
Many workers lost their lives
in a myriad of gruesome ways.
626
00:26:43,235 --> 00:26:45,803
Is it possible that the swamp's
former residents
627
00:26:45,805 --> 00:26:47,638
Still haunt this place,
628
00:26:47,640 --> 00:26:49,340
Appearing as
a glowing apparition
629
00:26:49,342 --> 00:26:52,910
Or a pulsing ball
of pure paranormal energy?
630
00:26:52,912 --> 00:26:54,845
And if that isn't enough
to worry about,
631
00:26:54,847 --> 00:26:57,681
There's no shortage
of other dangers here.
632
00:27:01,253 --> 00:27:02,720
Hey, guys, I want to
show you up here,
633
00:27:02,722 --> 00:27:04,555
These are some hog tracks.
634
00:27:04,557 --> 00:27:06,256
We got a lot of wild hogs
in this area.
635
00:27:06,258 --> 00:27:07,291
Is that any danger?
636
00:27:07,293 --> 00:27:09,093
Have they ever tried
to get onto the boat?
637
00:27:09,095 --> 00:27:10,127
Oh, my gosh, yes.
638
00:27:10,129 --> 00:27:12,563
Sometimes
they're 4 or 500 pounds.
639
00:27:12,565 --> 00:27:14,098
So, keep an eye out.
640
00:27:14,100 --> 00:27:15,332
We don't want them in the boat.
641
00:27:15,334 --> 00:27:22,206
♪♪
642
00:27:22,208 --> 00:27:24,341
As darkness falls
over the swamp,
643
00:27:24,343 --> 00:27:27,244
We're greeted
by a slew of nocturnal hunters
644
00:27:27,246 --> 00:27:29,079
Looking for their next meal,
645
00:27:29,081 --> 00:27:30,047
Alligator.
646
00:27:30,049 --> 00:27:31,015
Where?
647
00:27:31,017 --> 00:27:32,249
Right there, right there.
648
00:27:34,286 --> 00:27:36,253
Wow, look at that.
649
00:27:36,255 --> 00:27:38,722
He looks big.
Nice.
650
00:27:38,724 --> 00:27:42,326
Here's one
over there hiding.
651
00:27:42,328 --> 00:27:47,131
From large reptilian predators
to swarms of insects,
652
00:27:47,133 --> 00:27:49,700
These wetlands are teeming
with life.
653
00:27:49,702 --> 00:27:51,168
There's some more down there.
654
00:27:53,272 --> 00:27:55,939
I know jesse believes
these lights are paranormal,
655
00:27:55,941 --> 00:27:58,142
But with all this
animal activity,
656
00:27:58,144 --> 00:28:02,346
I'm still convinced we'll find
a natural explanation.
657
00:28:02,348 --> 00:28:04,682
Alright, so, guys,
I want to drop you off here
658
00:28:04,684 --> 00:28:06,083
And let you check it out.
659
00:28:06,085 --> 00:28:07,351
You're not gonna
leave us here, right?
660
00:28:07,353 --> 00:28:09,687
I won't leave you,
but I'm not getting off.
661
00:28:09,689 --> 00:28:10,988
Alright.
Good luck.
662
00:28:10,990 --> 00:28:12,990
Thanks.
663
00:28:12,992 --> 00:28:16,960
♪♪
664
00:28:16,962 --> 00:28:18,395
The sheriff's deputy reported
665
00:28:18,397 --> 00:28:21,465
That the light he witnessed
traveled deep into this swamp.
666
00:28:21,467 --> 00:28:23,567
Now, miles from civilization,
667
00:28:23,569 --> 00:28:25,636
I'm hoping this
could be ground zero
668
00:28:25,638 --> 00:28:27,638
For the ghost light phenomenon.
669
00:28:29,975 --> 00:28:31,809
Wow, you hear this place?
670
00:28:31,811 --> 00:28:34,011
Yeah.
671
00:28:34,013 --> 00:28:37,181
I feel like
I've gone back in time
672
00:28:37,183 --> 00:28:39,750
And I'm in the land
of the dinosaurs.
673
00:28:39,752 --> 00:28:42,019
These big palms and everything.
674
00:28:44,990 --> 00:28:46,056
What the [bleep]
675
00:28:46,058 --> 00:28:47,458
Oh [bleep]
676
00:28:47,460 --> 00:28:49,893
Oh [bleep].
677
00:28:49,895 --> 00:28:53,530
Oh, my god, that is
a cottonmouth right there.
678
00:28:53,532 --> 00:28:54,565
Oh [bleep].
679
00:28:54,567 --> 00:28:56,333
Look at that.
680
00:28:56,335 --> 00:28:58,035
Right off the boat.
681
00:28:58,037 --> 00:28:59,636
Should probably put on
the snake gaiters.
682
00:28:59,638 --> 00:29:01,672
Good idea.
683
00:29:01,674 --> 00:29:04,708
Snakes often hide under
ground-level vegetation,
684
00:29:04,710 --> 00:29:08,245
Making our feet and lower legs
extremely vulnerable.
685
00:29:08,247 --> 00:29:09,546
By wearing these gaiters,
686
00:29:09,548 --> 00:29:12,883
We can lower the risk of
a snake bite piercing our skin.
687
00:29:12,885 --> 00:29:14,151
Alright, I'm gaitered up.
688
00:29:14,153 --> 00:29:15,319
Do you have the child
camps get the trail cams?
689
00:29:15,321 --> 00:29:16,353
Got the trail cams.
690
00:29:16,355 --> 00:29:17,421
Alright, why don't we
set them up
691
00:29:17,423 --> 00:29:20,090
And see if we can
catch some lights.
692
00:29:20,092 --> 00:29:22,760
We're setting up a series of
infrared motion sensor
693
00:29:22,762 --> 00:29:25,596
Trail cameras in a cross line
detection pattern
694
00:29:25,598 --> 00:29:28,932
To capture a 360 view
of this area.
695
00:29:28,934 --> 00:29:32,569
If the saratoga lights do
originate anywhere around here,
696
00:29:32,571 --> 00:29:35,739
We should be able
to capture them on camera.
697
00:29:35,741 --> 00:29:38,175
Okay, we got the trail cams up.
698
00:29:38,177 --> 00:29:40,244
Kind of feel like we should try
to cover as much territory
699
00:29:40,246 --> 00:29:41,879
As possible if split up.
700
00:29:41,881 --> 00:29:44,948
Alright, so what direction
do you want to go?
701
00:29:44,950 --> 00:29:46,583
I'll go in.
I'll take the deeper forest
702
00:29:46,585 --> 00:29:48,118
If you want to kind of stay
on the periphery.
703
00:29:48,120 --> 00:29:49,419
We'll just try
to stay in contact.
704
00:29:49,421 --> 00:29:50,888
Mm-hmm. Works for me.
705
00:29:50,890 --> 00:29:52,589
Alright, heading in.
706
00:29:52,591 --> 00:29:53,924
Don't get eaten.
707
00:29:53,926 --> 00:29:55,559
Don't get bit.
708
00:29:58,164 --> 00:29:59,463
I'm looking for anything
709
00:29:59,465 --> 00:30:01,765
That could be responsible
for the sightings,
710
00:30:01,767 --> 00:30:04,668
Including fireflies
and even glowing click beetles
711
00:30:04,670 --> 00:30:06,837
That are native
to this area.
712
00:30:06,839 --> 00:30:09,339
Let's try this way.
713
00:30:09,341 --> 00:30:12,976
Oh, where's my jungle machete
when I could use one?
714
00:30:12,978 --> 00:30:15,512
Ooh, check this out,
check this out.
715
00:30:15,514 --> 00:30:17,614
Wow, look at
all these mushrooms.
716
00:30:17,616 --> 00:30:19,650
While they might not look like
goes up close,
717
00:30:19,652 --> 00:30:22,920
Some species of fungi
actually glow in the dark.
718
00:30:22,922 --> 00:30:25,789
There are more than 80 varieties
of bioluminescent mushrooms
719
00:30:25,791 --> 00:30:27,257
Known around the world.
720
00:30:27,259 --> 00:30:29,660
These contain a compound
called oxyluciferin
721
00:30:29,662 --> 00:30:32,296
That emits
a glowing green light,
722
00:30:32,298 --> 00:30:34,531
The same eerie green
that has been reported
723
00:30:34,533 --> 00:30:37,901
As a headless apparition
on the ghost road.
724
00:30:37,903 --> 00:30:39,770
The only way to tell
if they're glow in the dark
725
00:30:39,772 --> 00:30:42,906
Is to turn off the lights,
so let's try it.
726
00:30:42,908 --> 00:30:49,079
[ click ]
727
00:30:49,081 --> 00:30:51,315
Not these ones.
728
00:30:51,317 --> 00:30:52,416
We'll keep searching.
729
00:30:56,155 --> 00:30:58,856
Got some hot spots
in there for sure.
730
00:30:58,858 --> 00:31:01,425
Something's been here recently.
731
00:31:01,427 --> 00:31:03,861
Right now I'm using
the flir camera
732
00:31:03,863 --> 00:31:07,297
That can detect thermal
signatures in the dead of night.
733
00:31:10,202 --> 00:31:12,569
Whoa, check this out.
734
00:31:12,571 --> 00:31:19,910
♪♪
735
00:31:19,912 --> 00:31:21,845
I don't see anything
on the flir.
736
00:31:24,783 --> 00:31:27,784
Did you see that?
737
00:31:27,786 --> 00:31:30,721
Phil.
738
00:31:30,723 --> 00:31:31,989
Yeah, what do you got?
739
00:31:31,991 --> 00:31:35,359
A light just shot
right past me into the trees.
740
00:31:35,361 --> 00:31:37,427
And it wasn't a shooting star
up in the sky?
741
00:31:37,429 --> 00:31:38,662
It was about five feet
off the ground,
742
00:31:38,664 --> 00:31:39,830
It wasn't up in the air.
743
00:31:39,832 --> 00:31:41,265
Did you get on the flare?
744
00:31:41,267 --> 00:31:43,066
I think it did.
745
00:31:43,068 --> 00:31:45,369
Well, keep filming, see if it
comes back,
746
00:31:45,371 --> 00:31:46,503
I'm heading your way.
747
00:31:46,505 --> 00:31:47,804
Alright.
748
00:31:53,212 --> 00:31:56,647
♪♪
749
00:31:56,649 --> 00:31:57,648
Did you see that?
750
00:31:59,118 --> 00:32:00,384
Phil!
Copy.
751
00:32:00,386 --> 00:32:04,054
A light just shot right past me
into the trees.
752
00:32:04,056 --> 00:32:05,589
Did you get on the flir?
753
00:32:05,591 --> 00:32:07,557
I think I did.
754
00:32:07,559 --> 00:32:10,661
Keep filming, see if it comes
back, I'm heading your way.
755
00:32:10,663 --> 00:32:12,262
Alright.
756
00:32:12,264 --> 00:32:18,669
♪♪
757
00:32:18,671 --> 00:32:21,838
I don't know how much,
but I definitely got some of it.
758
00:32:21,840 --> 00:32:24,474
Alright, let's see it.
759
00:32:24,476 --> 00:32:25,575
See, did you see it?
760
00:32:25,577 --> 00:32:26,777
Yeah, it went sideways.
761
00:32:26,779 --> 00:32:30,047
Yeah.
Yeah, that's what I saw.
762
00:32:32,418 --> 00:32:34,184
That went right
through the trees.
763
00:32:34,186 --> 00:32:36,453
Mm-hmm. Yeah.
764
00:32:38,490 --> 00:32:41,158
You know, I'm gonna ask you
the same thing I always ask,
765
00:32:41,160 --> 00:32:44,261
But are you sure
it wasn't a firefly,
766
00:32:44,263 --> 00:32:47,431
Wasn't a bad coming by,
anything like that?
767
00:32:47,433 --> 00:32:51,501
It was not a firefly
or a bat.
768
00:32:51,503 --> 00:32:56,340
It was glowing, just like that
light I saw on bragg road.
769
00:32:56,342 --> 00:32:58,442
I'm not convinced that
what jess captured on camera
770
00:32:58,444 --> 00:32:59,710
Was a ghost light,
771
00:32:59,712 --> 00:33:01,678
But we continued to search
for hours
772
00:33:01,680 --> 00:33:05,148
Just in case
the mysterious object reappears.
773
00:33:09,588 --> 00:33:11,455
Eventually, we board
the airboat
774
00:33:11,457 --> 00:33:13,890
And head back to civilization.
775
00:33:13,892 --> 00:33:15,359
It seems that for tonight,
776
00:33:15,361 --> 00:33:20,030
At least, the lights of
the big thicket have gone dark.
777
00:33:20,032 --> 00:33:22,099
The methane fireballs
may explain
778
00:33:22,101 --> 00:33:25,202
A few of the saratoga light
encounters on bragg road,
779
00:33:25,204 --> 00:33:27,471
But we still don't know
what's behind the bulk
780
00:33:27,473 --> 00:33:29,039
Of these ghostly sightings,
781
00:33:29,041 --> 00:33:30,941
And we're running out of leads.
782
00:33:30,943 --> 00:33:34,011
So we decide to connect
with josh and have him weigh in
783
00:33:34,013 --> 00:33:36,113
On the evidence
we've captured so far.
784
00:33:36,115 --> 00:33:36,980
Hi.
Hi, josh.
785
00:33:36,982 --> 00:33:38,148
Hey, guys. How are you?
786
00:33:38,150 --> 00:33:39,416
See any good ghosts lately?
787
00:33:39,418 --> 00:33:40,917
I mean, I think we
certainly did.
788
00:33:40,919 --> 00:33:43,153
Yeah. Turns out the ghost light
road kind of earns its name.
789
00:33:43,155 --> 00:33:45,322
I mean, we've been seeing
some lights.
790
00:33:45,324 --> 00:33:49,192
Mm-hmm. And speaking of lights,
we lit somebody's farts on fire.
791
00:33:49,194 --> 00:33:50,394
Sorry?
792
00:33:50,396 --> 00:33:52,562
To be clear, josh,
these are not my farts.
793
00:33:52,564 --> 00:33:53,864
It's the swamp's farts.
794
00:33:53,866 --> 00:33:56,767
Basically, it seems like
the swamp is building up
795
00:33:56,769 --> 00:33:59,002
A lot of methane underground.
796
00:33:59,004 --> 00:34:01,038
And if it's somehow
naturally ignites,
797
00:34:01,040 --> 00:34:02,339
You got a little fireball.
798
00:34:02,341 --> 00:34:03,907
And I think that could make
someone think they're
799
00:34:03,909 --> 00:34:05,442
Seeing the saratoga lights.
800
00:34:05,444 --> 00:34:07,978
So we did a little experiment
to see if that's an explanation.
801
00:34:07,980 --> 00:34:09,980
And was the test successful?
802
00:34:09,982 --> 00:34:12,149
Oh, yeah.
803
00:34:12,151 --> 00:34:15,318
Whoa!
Holy crap!
804
00:34:15,320 --> 00:34:17,287
Yeah,
oh, we let some swamp farts.
805
00:34:17,289 --> 00:34:19,823
Yeah, I was a little concerned
about my eyebrows, actually.
806
00:34:19,825 --> 00:34:22,159
Alright, so we've got
great balls of fire out there,
807
00:34:22,161 --> 00:34:23,894
I'm sure swamp gas does account
808
00:34:23,896 --> 00:34:25,695
For some of the sightings
out there,
809
00:34:25,697 --> 00:34:27,030
But the footage that you sent
810
00:34:27,032 --> 00:34:29,066
Doesn't really feel like that,
you know?
811
00:34:29,068 --> 00:34:32,736
We've got this thermal
hit that shoots up in the air
812
00:34:32,738 --> 00:34:35,238
And then almost simultaneously,
813
00:34:35,240 --> 00:34:38,341
We've got this really bright
ball of light
814
00:34:38,343 --> 00:34:40,043
That evan caught on his camera.
815
00:34:40,045 --> 00:34:42,145
I mean, that's really
hard to dismiss.
816
00:34:42,147 --> 00:34:43,914
I mean, phil, I think even
you would have to agree
817
00:34:43,916 --> 00:34:46,083
That's probably not a bird
flying around up there
818
00:34:46,085 --> 00:34:49,386
And probably not a ball of swamp
gas 20 feet off the ground.
819
00:34:49,388 --> 00:34:51,221
My best guess is it could have
been like a mirage,
820
00:34:51,223 --> 00:34:54,091
Like a reflection
of the moonlight off the road.
821
00:34:54,093 --> 00:34:56,526
But then why does it zip off
the way that it does?
822
00:34:56,528 --> 00:34:58,061
It seems like it's moving.
823
00:34:58,063 --> 00:35:00,864
Yeah. Phil, why does it
zip off like that?
824
00:35:00,866 --> 00:35:04,568
'cause it's a ghost.
825
00:35:04,570 --> 00:35:07,370
Oh, phil,
trouble in paradise out there?
826
00:35:07,372 --> 00:35:09,239
Oh, you could say that.
827
00:35:09,241 --> 00:35:10,507
[ chuckling ]
828
00:35:10,509 --> 00:35:13,176
Jess, you're convinced
it's something other.
829
00:35:13,178 --> 00:35:14,511
Yeah, I absolutely do,
830
00:35:14,513 --> 00:35:17,214
But I think that some of them
could be unexplainable,
831
00:35:17,216 --> 00:35:19,049
Paranormal orbs of light
832
00:35:19,051 --> 00:35:21,284
That are floating around
in that area.
833
00:35:21,286 --> 00:35:23,887
Okay, I think for me,
the one thermal hit
834
00:35:23,889 --> 00:35:25,188
That you got out in the swamp,
835
00:35:25,190 --> 00:35:27,257
That's the least conclusive
to me, right?
836
00:35:27,259 --> 00:35:28,792
Because, I don't know,
837
00:35:28,794 --> 00:35:30,827
I mean, it looks like something
just zipping through the trees.
838
00:35:30,829 --> 00:35:33,363
Who's to say that's not a bat
or an owl or something?
839
00:35:33,365 --> 00:35:34,931
But the other two pieces
of evidence,
840
00:35:34,933 --> 00:35:37,367
The ones that you recorded out
on the road itself
841
00:35:37,369 --> 00:35:40,270
Are the ones that are
really worth looking into.
842
00:35:40,272 --> 00:35:41,538
So to help figure this out,
843
00:35:41,540 --> 00:35:43,607
I've sent those videos
to a friend of mine,
844
00:35:43,609 --> 00:35:45,041
A guy named ben radford.
845
00:35:45,043 --> 00:35:47,244
He's a friend of mine.
He is an author, a researcher,
846
00:35:47,246 --> 00:35:49,379
He's also
a serious skeptic, phil,
847
00:35:49,381 --> 00:35:50,580
Which I'm sure you'll love.
848
00:35:50,582 --> 00:35:52,616
He gave us some really
insightful information
849
00:35:52,618 --> 00:35:54,384
About the legend
of the chupacabra
850
00:35:54,386 --> 00:35:55,719
When we were down
in puerto rico.
851
00:35:55,721 --> 00:35:58,221
I think his expertise
could be invaluable here.
852
00:35:58,223 --> 00:35:59,689
Sounds great.
853
00:35:59,691 --> 00:36:01,691
So I've sent him the videos,
I'm just waiting to hear back.
854
00:36:01,693 --> 00:36:05,028
Hopefully he can shed some light
on the situation.
855
00:36:05,030 --> 00:36:06,329
Oh.
Oh.
856
00:36:06,331 --> 00:36:07,597
That one's a freebie.
857
00:36:07,599 --> 00:36:09,666
You guys can feel free
to use that one out there.
858
00:36:09,668 --> 00:36:10,867
I'll think about it.
859
00:36:10,869 --> 00:36:12,736
But looking forward
to connecting with ben.
860
00:36:12,738 --> 00:36:13,737
Alright, good luck, guys.
861
00:36:13,739 --> 00:36:14,971
Thanks. See ya!
Thanks.
862
00:36:14,973 --> 00:36:16,206
Bye.
863
00:36:18,877 --> 00:36:21,878
A few hours and a plate
of texas barbecue later,
864
00:36:21,880 --> 00:36:24,714
We get a call
from josh's contact.
865
00:36:24,716 --> 00:36:26,149
Hey, ben, how are you?
866
00:36:26,151 --> 00:36:27,584
Hi.
Hey there.
867
00:36:27,586 --> 00:36:30,954
Ben is the deputy editor
of skeptical inquirer.
868
00:36:30,956 --> 00:36:33,723
He spent his entire career
debunking alleged
869
00:36:33,725 --> 00:36:36,326
Paranormal phenomenon
caught on tape.
870
00:36:36,328 --> 00:36:39,029
And he's all too familiar
with these anomalous lights.
871
00:36:39,031 --> 00:36:41,131
Okay, alright.
Let me pull it up.
872
00:36:41,133 --> 00:36:43,433
And now he's scrutinizing
the flir footage
873
00:36:43,435 --> 00:36:46,436
From our first night
on the ghost road.
874
00:36:46,438 --> 00:36:49,005
Wow, that was weird.
875
00:36:49,007 --> 00:36:54,110
You've got that
sort of streaking something.
876
00:36:54,112 --> 00:36:56,046
Yeah.
Yeah, that's it,
877
00:36:56,048 --> 00:36:58,148
I'm curious,
so in the third footage,
878
00:36:58,150 --> 00:37:02,219
We see it coming from the bottom
of the screen going up,
879
00:37:02,221 --> 00:37:04,254
But after that,
did it like zoom into the sky
880
00:37:04,256 --> 00:37:06,089
Or what happened
after?
881
00:37:06,091 --> 00:37:08,525
It kind of went up,
over the top of the canopy,
882
00:37:08,527 --> 00:37:10,860
And then back towards the swamp.
883
00:37:10,862 --> 00:37:12,262
Was it glowing?
It was.
884
00:37:12,264 --> 00:37:16,833
A really bright, small light
in the shape of a circle.
885
00:37:16,835 --> 00:37:21,304
You know, it's not
crystal clear what that is.
886
00:37:21,306 --> 00:37:23,340
Something is there,
887
00:37:23,342 --> 00:37:26,176
And I don't know that
I can fully explain it.
888
00:37:26,178 --> 00:37:29,446
Still a mystery.
Still a mystery.
889
00:37:29,448 --> 00:37:32,015
So the flir hit remains
inconclusive,
890
00:37:32,017 --> 00:37:35,418
But what about the bright light
that even caught on his camera?
891
00:37:35,420 --> 00:37:38,188
If ben radford,
a black belt among skeptics,
892
00:37:38,190 --> 00:37:40,523
Doesn't have
a rational explanation,
893
00:37:40,525 --> 00:37:42,392
Well,
I think I'm about to catch
894
00:37:42,394 --> 00:37:45,262
A mean case
of the I told you so's.
895
00:37:45,264 --> 00:37:47,631
Do you mind taking a look
at the second video?
896
00:37:47,633 --> 00:37:50,433
Absolutely.
Ok, I'm watching it here.
897
00:37:54,239 --> 00:37:56,906
That's definitely light, I mean,
that's not an optical illusion.
898
00:38:01,013 --> 00:38:05,315
That is a legitimate light,
whatever the hell it is.
899
00:38:05,317 --> 00:38:08,451
So straight down the ghost road
900
00:38:08,453 --> 00:38:11,588
Happens to be a highway
that veers up
901
00:38:11,590 --> 00:38:13,923
And then goes off to the west.
902
00:38:13,925 --> 00:38:17,193
And so I think what you're
seeing might be car light,
903
00:38:17,195 --> 00:38:18,728
Like a headlight or something.
904
00:38:18,730 --> 00:38:22,032
In most of the cases that people
describe, it's a single light,
905
00:38:22,034 --> 00:38:24,901
Usually white, or red
in some cases,
906
00:38:24,903 --> 00:38:27,370
That appears
for a while and then vanishes.
907
00:38:27,372 --> 00:38:30,240
It looks to me like a car light.
908
00:38:30,242 --> 00:38:32,342
To me, it doesn't look like
two separate headlights
909
00:38:32,344 --> 00:38:34,678
'cause to me it looked
like one singular light.
910
00:38:34,680 --> 00:38:37,681
Yeah, well, you're talking about
a stretch of road that's,
911
00:38:37,683 --> 00:38:39,883
I think six or eight miles
or something.
912
00:38:39,885 --> 00:38:42,252
And so from that distance,
913
00:38:42,254 --> 00:38:44,054
You're not necessarily
gonna be able to distinguish
914
00:38:44,056 --> 00:38:46,723
Two separate high beams
or even low beams.
915
00:38:46,725 --> 00:38:48,892
They're gonna appear
as one single light,
916
00:38:48,894 --> 00:38:52,595
If these are car headlights.
917
00:38:52,597 --> 00:38:54,164
Interesting.
918
00:38:54,166 --> 00:38:56,566
Ben's hypothesis
is interesting,
919
00:38:56,568 --> 00:38:58,368
But I'm not fully convinced.
920
00:38:58,370 --> 00:39:01,738
After all, how can
two headlights at road level
921
00:39:01,740 --> 00:39:03,773
Appear to be a light in the sky?
922
00:39:03,775 --> 00:39:09,813
♪♪
923
00:39:09,815 --> 00:39:12,882
So tonight, we're heading back
to the spot where our cameraman,
924
00:39:12,884 --> 00:39:16,853
Evan, filmed the light
to pressure-test ben's theory.
925
00:39:20,559 --> 00:39:23,727
Alright, this is where
we were the other night,
926
00:39:23,729 --> 00:39:26,262
So I think
this is the perfect spot.
927
00:39:26,264 --> 00:39:29,132
Evan's camera was pointed
south down the ghost road
928
00:39:29,134 --> 00:39:31,534
When he filmed
the mysterious light.
929
00:39:31,536 --> 00:39:32,569
At that southern tip,
930
00:39:32,571 --> 00:39:35,538
The road merges
with highway 787.
931
00:39:35,540 --> 00:39:37,374
The question is,
could the lights
932
00:39:37,376 --> 00:39:40,243
Be the result of a car
traveling north on this highway
933
00:39:40,245 --> 00:39:43,613
As it passes the ghost road
and bears to the left?
934
00:39:43,615 --> 00:39:46,249
It's time to find out.
935
00:39:46,251 --> 00:39:48,985
What I want you to do
is take the jeep,
936
00:39:48,987 --> 00:39:50,053
Go to the end of the road,
937
00:39:50,055 --> 00:39:51,688
Take the highway up
a little bit,
938
00:39:51,690 --> 00:39:53,823
And then radio me
when you're coming,
939
00:39:53,825 --> 00:39:55,392
I'll have this camera
pointed that way.
940
00:39:55,394 --> 00:39:57,727
I'll have the team's cameras
pointed that way.
941
00:39:57,729 --> 00:39:59,963
When you drive past
the road entrance,
942
00:39:59,965 --> 00:40:02,065
Maybe we'll see the same thing.
943
00:40:02,067 --> 00:40:04,067
And that could explain
some of the saratoga lights.
944
00:40:04,069 --> 00:40:05,368
Down to the end of the road,
945
00:40:05,370 --> 00:40:08,471
Take a left, spin it around,
three, two, one. I'm on my way.
946
00:40:08,473 --> 00:40:11,941
Alright.
947
00:40:11,943 --> 00:40:14,110
Since the ghost road
is so straight,
948
00:40:14,112 --> 00:40:17,046
We should see her headlights
at a great distance,
949
00:40:17,048 --> 00:40:21,551
But will they look normal
or like something otherworldly?
950
00:40:21,553 --> 00:40:23,186
Jess, we're ready for you.
951
00:40:23,188 --> 00:40:27,791
♪♪
952
00:40:27,793 --> 00:40:34,831
♪♪
953
00:40:34,833 --> 00:40:42,572
Three, two, one.
954
00:40:44,009 --> 00:40:46,709
♪♪
955
00:40:46,711 --> 00:40:48,645
The x team is hunting down
the source
956
00:40:48,647 --> 00:40:51,514
Of the saratoga ghost lights,
but back in the day,
957
00:40:51,516 --> 00:40:54,184
It's very possible they would
have come face-to-face
958
00:40:54,186 --> 00:40:57,287
With something
far more dangerous.
959
00:40:57,289 --> 00:40:58,922
Throughout the 19th century,
960
00:40:58,924 --> 00:41:01,958
The big thicket was a safe
haven for outlaws,
961
00:41:01,960 --> 00:41:04,727
Cunning criminals
like thomas red golemon,
962
00:41:04,729 --> 00:41:06,763
Aka the red fox,
963
00:41:06,765 --> 00:41:10,200
A violent bank robber that
evaded capture for years.
964
00:41:10,202 --> 00:41:11,701
The most famous fugitives
though,
965
00:41:11,703 --> 00:41:13,903
Were a group
known as jayhawkers.
966
00:41:13,905 --> 00:41:16,239
They were texans
opposed to slavery,
967
00:41:16,241 --> 00:41:18,775
Hiding to avoid being drafted
by the confederacy
968
00:41:18,777 --> 00:41:20,376
During the civil war.
969
00:41:20,378 --> 00:41:23,346
They managed to survive
in that alligator infested swamp
970
00:41:23,348 --> 00:41:24,914
For three years
971
00:41:24,916 --> 00:41:27,584
Until a confederate captain
finally flushed them out
972
00:41:27,586 --> 00:41:31,454
By setting fire
to 3000 acres of forest.
973
00:41:31,456 --> 00:41:35,058
So one has to wonder if any
of those notorious outlaws
974
00:41:35,060 --> 00:41:37,360
Encountered the same
mysterious lights
975
00:41:37,362 --> 00:41:40,396
That have been terrifying
people to this day.
976
00:41:41,833 --> 00:41:45,501
♪♪
977
00:41:45,503 --> 00:41:47,136
Torres:
We got two cameras,
pointing your way,
978
00:41:47,138 --> 00:41:49,272
We're ready for you.
979
00:41:49,274 --> 00:41:51,541
Gates: My team is attempting
to explain the source
980
00:41:51,543 --> 00:41:54,978
Of the saratoga ghost lights
and the remarkable footage
981
00:41:54,980 --> 00:41:57,780
Captured by evan
several nights ago.
982
00:41:59,017 --> 00:42:00,850
Chobot: What is that?
983
00:42:00,852 --> 00:42:04,387
Is that the moon?
984
00:42:04,389 --> 00:42:06,589
Ooh.
985
00:42:07,559 --> 00:42:09,926
Jess, we're ready for you.
986
00:42:09,928 --> 00:42:11,361
Okay.
987
00:42:11,363 --> 00:42:13,796
Driving towards you.
988
00:42:15,000 --> 00:42:17,066
Copy.
989
00:42:17,068 --> 00:42:19,102
Okay, time to see if we can
finally unmask
990
00:42:19,104 --> 00:42:21,471
The saratoga lights.
991
00:42:21,473 --> 00:42:24,040
Ghost road should be
straight ahead now.
992
00:42:26,011 --> 00:42:27,810
Alright, we got one light.
993
00:42:27,812 --> 00:42:28,878
We got a light.
994
00:42:28,880 --> 00:42:30,046
That's crazy.
995
00:42:30,048 --> 00:42:35,952
Alright, phil, passing
the ghost road in three,
996
00:42:35,954 --> 00:42:37,520
Two...
997
00:42:37,522 --> 00:42:39,455
Come on, come on.
998
00:42:39,457 --> 00:42:41,491
...And one.
999
00:42:41,493 --> 00:42:44,961
I'm passing the ghost road
and staying on the highway.
1000
00:42:44,963 --> 00:42:48,031
There it goes. There it goes.
1001
00:42:48,033 --> 00:42:49,566
Holy [bleep]
1002
00:42:49,568 --> 00:42:53,570
It matches exactly
and it looks really strange,
1003
00:42:53,572 --> 00:42:55,905
Like,
it looks like a ghost light.
1004
00:42:56,975 --> 00:42:59,709
This confirms that
many ghost light sightings
1005
00:42:59,711 --> 00:43:03,980
Can be attributed
to headlights in the distance,
1006
00:43:03,982 --> 00:43:08,017
But even I'll admit, we're far
from explaining everything.
1007
00:43:08,019 --> 00:43:10,386
Jess, we got it.
1008
00:43:10,388 --> 00:43:12,722
No kidding. Alright.
1009
00:43:12,724 --> 00:43:14,190
Okay, headed back.
1010
00:43:14,192 --> 00:43:23,132
♪♪
1011
00:43:25,236 --> 00:43:28,204
♪♪
1012
00:43:28,206 --> 00:43:29,772
Holy [bleep]
1013
00:43:29,774 --> 00:43:31,975
Holy [bleep] I just saw a
fricking light.
1014
00:43:31,977 --> 00:43:33,009
Wait, what?
1015
00:43:33,011 --> 00:43:34,310
Phil, do you see that?
1016
00:43:34,312 --> 00:43:36,546
Way above the trees.
My god.
1017
00:43:36,548 --> 00:43:39,949
Wait, you just saw, like,
I'm not seeing anything.
1018
00:43:39,951 --> 00:43:40,984
Wait. Whoa, whoa,
1019
00:43:42,721 --> 00:43:44,120
What, are you kidding me?
1020
00:43:44,122 --> 00:43:46,222
Phil?
1021
00:43:46,224 --> 00:43:48,224
Hold up, hold up, camera out.
1022
00:43:50,161 --> 00:43:51,828
Hurry up, come over.
1023
00:43:51,830 --> 00:43:54,464
Alright, I'm coming your way.
1024
00:43:54,466 --> 00:43:56,265
What just happened?
Wasn't in front of you.
1025
00:43:56,267 --> 00:43:59,102
It's so dark.
I would say it was right,
1026
00:43:59,104 --> 00:44:01,504
Kind of like right
at the cusp of the tree line.
1027
00:44:01,506 --> 00:44:02,772
And then it just floated
1028
00:44:02,774 --> 00:44:05,708
A little bit up
and then over the canopy.
1029
00:44:08,613 --> 00:44:10,279
Frogs over here going nuts.
1030
00:44:10,281 --> 00:44:12,415
Everything's going nuts.
1031
00:44:12,417 --> 00:44:15,284
Animals often send out alerts
when threatened.
1032
00:44:15,286 --> 00:44:19,288
The question is, what made
everything in the swamp go crazy
1033
00:44:19,290 --> 00:44:21,724
And what made
our camera shut down?
1034
00:44:21,726 --> 00:44:22,859
One of the cameras went down
1035
00:44:22,861 --> 00:44:24,427
Right when you called me
on walkie.
1036
00:44:24,429 --> 00:44:27,230
Are you serious?
That's insane.
1037
00:44:27,232 --> 00:44:30,433
Maybe it's coincidence.
Maybe it's not. I don't know.
1038
00:44:30,435 --> 00:44:32,101
People report that
the ghost lights
1039
00:44:32,103 --> 00:44:33,403
Have rendered electronics
1040
00:44:33,405 --> 00:44:36,239
And even automobiles
completely useless.
1041
00:44:36,241 --> 00:44:38,541
We may have demonstrated
that some of the lights
1042
00:44:38,543 --> 00:44:42,311
Could be cars in the distance,
but whatever I just saw overhead
1043
00:44:42,313 --> 00:44:44,647
Was definitely something else.
1044
00:44:44,649 --> 00:44:46,349
Checking for any eye shine
right now.
1045
00:44:46,351 --> 00:44:47,650
See anything?
1046
00:44:47,652 --> 00:44:48,785
Nothing.
1047
00:44:48,787 --> 00:44:53,589
So you saw light float
into the sky,
1048
00:44:53,591 --> 00:44:56,325
Now these frogs
are going crazy out here.
1049
00:44:56,327 --> 00:44:59,062
Mm-hmm.
That's really strange.
1050
00:44:59,064 --> 00:45:02,098
Do you really think you saw
something weird tonight?
1051
00:45:02,100 --> 00:45:04,300
I really do think that I saw
the saratoga lights.
1052
00:45:04,302 --> 00:45:08,137
Well, I think I saw what people
claim to be the saratoga lights,
1053
00:45:08,139 --> 00:45:09,172
And I got it on tape.
1054
00:45:09,174 --> 00:45:11,207
And it was you
driving by earlier,
1055
00:45:11,209 --> 00:45:12,508
Making that flash
and disappearing.
1056
00:45:12,510 --> 00:45:14,444
Why don't we just stay out here?
You've got the camera.
1057
00:45:14,446 --> 00:45:16,379
Let's collect more evidence
and maybe you'll be able
1058
00:45:16,381 --> 00:45:19,649
To catch on camera
what I caught with my own eyes.
1059
00:45:19,651 --> 00:45:22,585
Okay, we'll keep recording.
1060
00:45:22,587 --> 00:45:23,753
Point the camera up?
1061
00:45:23,755 --> 00:45:25,388
I mean,
point the camera anywhere.
1062
00:45:25,390 --> 00:45:27,924
I mean, those things
could pop up anywhere.
1063
00:45:28,893 --> 00:45:32,161
We continue our search on the
ghost road into early morning,
1064
00:45:32,163 --> 00:45:34,964
Hoping the light that jess saw
makes another appearance.
1065
00:45:34,966 --> 00:45:37,066
Nothing.
Yeah.
1066
00:45:37,068 --> 00:45:39,102
But no luck.
1067
00:45:39,104 --> 00:45:40,603
The only light we'll be seeing
1068
00:45:40,605 --> 00:45:43,539
Is the sun when it breaks
over the horizon.
1069
00:45:43,541 --> 00:45:45,608
Doing all we can,
we get in our car
1070
00:45:45,610 --> 00:45:47,877
And say goodbye
to the ghost road.
1071
00:45:47,879 --> 00:45:50,379
I feel like
we definitely proved
1072
00:45:50,381 --> 00:45:52,915
That there is such a thing
as saratoga lights.
1073
00:45:52,917 --> 00:45:54,083
We saw them.
1074
00:45:54,085 --> 00:45:55,685
I'm pretty excited
that we've been able to
1075
00:45:55,687 --> 00:45:58,855
Debunk at least
part of the story.
1076
00:45:58,857 --> 00:46:02,091
That really intense glow
that we got down the road.
1077
00:46:02,093 --> 00:46:05,194
Now we know exactly
why that happened.
1078
00:46:05,196 --> 00:46:08,297
And the lights seen
to be methane fireballs.
1079
00:46:08,299 --> 00:46:11,601
Yeah, but there's just so many
accounts that don't fit in
1080
00:46:11,603 --> 00:46:13,669
With those explanations.
1081
00:46:13,671 --> 00:46:16,205
And then officer donnie himself
said that it moved
1082
00:46:16,207 --> 00:46:19,876
At such a distinct,
thoughtful way.
1083
00:46:19,878 --> 00:46:22,945
What you saw out there
definitely was not headlights.
1084
00:46:22,947 --> 00:46:26,182
I'm just not willing to jump
and say that they're ghosts
1085
00:46:26,184 --> 00:46:27,450
Or anything crazy like that.
1086
00:46:27,452 --> 00:46:29,352
I mean, I don't know why you
always push back
1087
00:46:29,354 --> 00:46:31,754
So hard on the possibility
1088
00:46:31,756 --> 00:46:34,524
That it's something paranormal
could be at work here.
1089
00:46:34,526 --> 00:46:39,061
I want to believe that what
you saw is something paranormal,
1090
00:46:39,063 --> 00:46:42,064
But until we have
better evidence,
1091
00:46:42,066 --> 00:46:46,469
I'm going to assume that there's
some natural explanation for it.
1092
00:46:46,471 --> 00:46:47,804
I want to believe, too.
1093
00:46:47,806 --> 00:46:50,072
It was my favorite tagline
from x files.
1094
00:46:50,074 --> 00:46:52,108
I has a poster.
1095
00:46:52,110 --> 00:46:54,277
Of course you did.
1096
00:46:54,279 --> 00:46:56,078
Gates: The saratoga lights
have been haunting
1097
00:46:56,080 --> 00:47:00,483
This desolate country road in
east texas for over a century,
1098
00:47:00,485 --> 00:47:03,252
Manifesting as a glowing orb
to some,
1099
00:47:03,254 --> 00:47:06,556
And a headless, lantern toting
specter to others.
1100
00:47:06,558 --> 00:47:08,157
Get me the hell out of here.
1101
00:47:08,159 --> 00:47:10,159
He ain't got no head!
1102
00:47:10,161 --> 00:47:12,895
This frightening
spectacle has left both locals
1103
00:47:12,897 --> 00:47:16,399
And law enforcement
perplexed and terrified.
1104
00:47:16,401 --> 00:47:18,668
But what is it really?
1105
00:47:18,670 --> 00:47:20,369
While there are
unexplained cases
1106
00:47:20,371 --> 00:47:22,738
Where scientific explanations
fall short,
1107
00:47:22,740 --> 00:47:25,341
Some of which my team
experienced firsthand,
1108
00:47:25,343 --> 00:47:29,412
I'm still inclined to agree
with phil on this one.
1109
00:47:29,414 --> 00:47:30,713
A nocturnal experiment
1110
00:47:30,715 --> 00:47:33,282
Showed that cars
traveling in the distance
1111
00:47:33,284 --> 00:47:36,118
Are most certainly
responsible for some,
1112
00:47:36,120 --> 00:47:38,054
Maybe most of these sightings,
1113
00:47:38,056 --> 00:47:40,623
While other reports
may have been the byproduct
1114
00:47:40,625 --> 00:47:43,426
Of a methane-fueled light show,
1115
00:47:43,428 --> 00:47:47,396
Or the abundant wildlife
of the big thicket.
1116
00:47:47,398 --> 00:47:49,765
The fact is that while
the world of the paranormal
1117
00:47:49,767 --> 00:47:51,434
Is filled with mystery,
1118
00:47:51,436 --> 00:47:54,537
In the case
of the saratoga ghost lights,
1119
00:47:54,539 --> 00:47:58,641
I think we've illuminated
the truth.
1120
00:47:58,643 --> 00:48:00,977
For more information
on expedition x,
1121
00:48:00,979 --> 00:48:04,180
Head to
discovery.Com/expeditionx.