The Wandering Cryptid

Freelan Oscar Stanley was an American inventor, entrepreneur, hotelier, and architect. School children used the Stanley Practical Drawing Set, photographers used photographic plates, which made him a multi-millionaire, and with his twin brother, created the Stanley Motor Carriage Company. The Stanley Steamer a top speed of 127 mph, which made it the fastest vehicle on earth, at the time.

In 1903, F.O. Stanley was given less than 6 months to live, due to Tuberculosis. The doctor recommended fresh, dry air, sunlight, and a healthy diet, but he would likely be dead before summer’s end. Like many with the same diagnosis, Stanley and his wife headed for the Rocky Mountains. It was not an easy trek from Massachusetts, but his doctor promised to come in September to bring Stanley’s body back for burial. However, within just a couple of months, Stanley was hiking five miles a day and nowhere near deaths door. Naturally, he fell madly in love with the valley in Estes Park that gave him a second chance at life and decided to return every summer.

When Stanley first stepped foot in Colorado, he looked like the walking dead. At 5’11, he weighed only 118lbs and had one foot in the grave. Just 4 years later, he was completely recovered and in the best shape of his life! In fact, he lived to be 91 years old.

Aside from the amazing recovery of Oscar Stanley, the Stanley hotel is also known for the famous role it played in Steven Kings the Shining as the haunted and murderous hotel. While there me and Andrew also got to visit the room where S.K wrote his novel of the same name. While not overtly “Spooky” in broad daylight this was still a incredible trip and to anyone who goes the whiskey room is a must see!