In 1978, four geologists were surveying for potential iron ore from a helicopter hovering above the mineral-rich, but ultimately uninhabitable, taiga forest of southern Siberia when the pilot spotted something out of the ordinary down below: a garden, unmistakably manmade. It was 150 miles away from the nearest glimpse of humanity and thousands of feet up a mountainside, where survival wasn’t just questionable—it was considered impossible. But the garden was there, which meant that people must be there, too. The geologists decided to land nearby and trek to the spot. They prepared themselves with offerings of food for what they hoped would be a peaceful meeting. At least one brought a handgun in case of the alternative. The Russian Family That Cut Itself Off From Civilization for More Than 40 Years
It's fascinating, but also rather sad. Just one member of the family left and she lives alone up there. It's her choice, of course, but it's likely being found is what killed at least one of her family. I can't imagine 40+ years without seeing anyone else though. That's wild!
