This man's name is Alferd, and he ate his friends

Alfred Packer. Photo: Reuters/Fangoria

A friendly reminder to our hikers in the audience: pack plenty of food – always. Otherwise, you just might end up like Alfred “Alferd” Packer, the Colorado cannibal.

In November of 1873, a 31-year-old Packer saddled up with prospectors for the gold fields of Colorado. The winter was especially harsh that year and after three frigid months in the wilderness the weary travellers limped into a Ute tribe camp near Montrose. The Utes were truly gracious hosts – providing ample food and shelter. They also warned against venturing any further into the mountains until spring.