Straight Dope Message Board

[clairobscur]

Here in France, there's a village (Bugarath) currently crowded by people who hope to survive the end of the world on december 21, since for some reason a mountain situated there will supposedly be safe.


Are there similar "end of the world-proof" places in the USA or, for that matter, in other countries?

[beowulff]

Yes.
PM me, and I will disclose my guaranteed end-of-the-world-safe location for a mere $10,000.

[Mr Downtown]

Despite what you hear from certain members of Congress, the US is part of the world.

[Czarcasm]

Originally Posted by clairobscur

Here in France, there's a village (Bugarath) currently crowded by people who hope to survive the end of the world on december 21, since for some reason a mountain situated there will supposedly be safe.


Are there similar "end of the world-proof" places in the USA or, for that matter, in other countries?

Depends on how the world ends.
Nasty virus? Isolation.
Flooding? High ground.
Earth being destroyed to make room for a hyperspace bypass? A handful of peanuts, a towel and a good thumb.

[Qwakkeddup]

Originally Posted by Czarcasm

Depends on how the world ends.
Nasty virus? Isolation.
Flooding? High ground.
Earth being destroyed to make room for a hyperspace bypass? A handful of peanuts, a towel and a good thumb.

I would rather stay here. Vogon poetry is worse than death.

[GreasyJack]

There's a doomsday cult that lives in a complex of bunkers north of Yellowstone Park that has been pushing their end times date back since early 80's, IIRC. I always found this amusing because the Yellowstone supervolcano erupting is one of the very few plausible end of the world scenarios out there and they are definitely toast if that happens.

[pravnik]

Maybe Mount Weather or Raven Rock Mountain Complex, if you can convince them to let you in one of them.

[solosam]

Colorado frequently comes up. That's why the government hollowed out Cheyenne Mountain, and built the USAF Academy next door.

[April R]

Originally Posted by pravnik

Raven Rock Mountain Complex,

That is a cool logo.

For the record, I hope if the end of the world is coming it is quick, swift, and painless and that I go with it. I hate to say it, but I wouldn't want any of my family to survive either because how miserable would that be for them? If you aren't afraid of dying why wold the end of the world be so scary? It's surviving that seems the more dire prospect.

[chiroptera]

I was thinking NORAD (aka Cheyenne Mountain Complex) and when googling, came up with this - which lists several places in the US suitable for surviving zombies, chemical warfare, natural phenomona, etc.
http://justpiper.com/survival/nine-b...he-apocalypse/

[FatBaldGuy]

If you stay in your own house, you will be perfectly from any "end of the world" events on December 21.

[drastic_quench]

Western Idaho.

• Tectonically sound
• Far enough inland for any epic tsunami.
• Enough elevation - just handy in general
• West of the Yellowstone super volcano's eruption and fallout
• Low population density
• Resources: national forest with rivers for water, hunting, and fishing
• Lack of major highways and interstate - keeps the likelihood of outsiders low

That's just off the top of my head. I'm no prepper. I don't even have a flashlight.

[Ethilrist]

If it involves living in an underground school bus, you can count me out.

[Eva Luna]

We have two vicious attack kitties named Boris and Natasha - they will protect us from anything the Mayans can throw at us. You're welcome to come crash with us - I suspect the pantry could sustain us through a nuclear holocaust.

[ZenBeam]

Originally Posted by FatBaldGuy

If you stay in your own house, you will be perfectly from any "end of the world" events on December 21.

I'm planning to ride it out in my recliner. Only seats one, though.

[griffin1977]

As I understand it the end-of-the-world protection give by Bugarath is due to the Aliens that live underneath the nearby mountain (I am unclear on how or why they plan on protecting the town).

So probably the US equivalent would be Mt Shasta in California which is also allegedly populated by a race of mountain-dwelling aliens (allegations which I am sure have nothing to do with the prodigious amount of high-quality cannabis produced and smoked in those parts):
http://www.ufodigest.com/article/mys...d-ancient-gods

[April R]

Originally Posted by griffin1977

As I understand it the end-of-the-world protection give by Bugarath is due to the Aliens that live underneath the nearby mountain (I am unclear on how or why they plan on protecting the town).

So probably the US equivalent would be Mt Shasta in California which is also allegedly populated by a race of mountain-dwelling aliens (allegations which I am sure have nothing to do with the prodigious amount of high-quality cannabis produced and smoked in those parts):
http://www.ufodigest.com/article/mys...d-ancient-gods

Bugarach

[Yllaria]

Yucca Flat?

No, looks like I was thinking of Yucca Mountain. Yucca Flat is funnier, though.

[Suburban Plankton]

I plan to spend that week at Skald the Rhymer's house.


But don't tell him...it's a surprise...

[drastic_quench]

Originally Posted by Suburban Plankton

I plan to spend that week at Skald the Rhymer's house.


But don't tell him...it's a surprise...

It'll be a total bummer when you find out he's only hypothetically prepared.

[moriah]

I've already found a quiet place in North America to stay out of history's way.

[drewtwo99]

I grew up in southern Oregon and there was always an old legend about how we were apocalypse proof. I don't know if there was any actual science behind it, but it had something to do with the mountains and prevailing winds.

Of course, growing up in Oregon you also hear about any day we could have "a big one" (a previously dormant volcano or a giant earthquake, or both?) go off and cause worldwide destruction, Oregon being at the center of the destruction so there is a bit of a contradiction I think.

[Gymnopithys]

Originally Posted by chiroptera

I was thinking NORAD (aka Cheyenne Mountain Complex) and when googling, came up with this - which lists several places in the US suitable for surviving zombies, chemical warfare, natural phenomona, etc.
http://justpiper.com/survival/nine-b...he-apocalypse/

A deep cave is just what you need chiro. Your choice here:

http://www.caverbob.com/usadeep.htm

[enipla]

Originally Posted by GreasyJack

There's a doomsday cult that lives in a complex of bunkers north of Yellowstone Park that has been pushing their end times date back since early 80's, IIRC. I always found this amusing because the Yellowstone supervolcano erupting is one of the very few plausible end of the world scenarios out there and they are definitely toast if that happens.

That’s quite funny. I would also be toast in central Colorado.

Though for other events, I don’t mind that we are pretty isolated, have a spring on our property and live in a solar home. Shelter and water we got. The top two.
I would, however, get very tired of eating chipmunk.

[Tamex]

Originally Posted by GreasyJack

There's a doomsday cult that lives in a complex of bunkers north of Yellowstone Park that has been pushing their end times date back since early 80's, IIRC. I always found this amusing because the Yellowstone supervolcano erupting is one of the very few plausible end of the world scenarios out there and they are definitely toast if that happens.

Are they still around? I remember them from when I was a kid in Montana. One of the things that started me on this life of skepticism and agnosticism I live today.

Originally Posted by FatBaldGuy

If you stay in your own house, you will be perfectly from any "end of the world" events on December 21.

Crap. I have to go to work that day.

[Marconi N. Cheese]

From Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura, season 3, episode 4:

"Ventura looks into rumors that the elite are building fortified retreats and underground bunkers in remote areas of the country in preparation for a doomsday event. He travels to Ozark, Missouri to investigate the construction of an alleged 75,000 sq. ft., "single-family," fortified mansion owned by a satellite surveillance mogul and government defense contractor. Later, Ventura and his team are guided by a local informant to a massive underground warehouse facility, complete with railroad access, that is located in nearby Springfield, Missouri."

Oops, Ive said too much already

[GreasyJack]

Originally Posted by Tamex

Are they still around? I remember them from when I was a kid in Montana. One of the things that started me on this life of skepticism and agnosticism I live today.

They're still around, but since their leader started suffering from alzheimers and stepped down around 2000 (and eventually died a few years ago), it seems they've been toning down the doomsday talk and gone back to the sort of New Age-y self help movement they started as. The last scheduled doomsday was in 1990 and after it was averted with prayer they haven't rescheduled. They have a "teaching center" in Livingston now, and there's some splinter groups all over the country.

I think part of why they've managed to survive instead of imploding like most doomsday cults is that their finances are pretty sound. It turns out the chunk of land they bought for their compound was a savvy investment-- in the 90's, the valley became super trendy, with celebrities building luxury cabins and such, so the group has been able to sell small parcels of land for a very tidy profit. They still own the core of their "ranch" though (and presumably the bunkers) and hold events up there from time to time.

(Incidentally here's their somewhat disorganized wiki page-- it seems like about half of it is written by believers or at least sympathizers: Church Universal and Triumphant)

[Skald the Rhymer]

Originally Posted by drastic_quench

It'll be a total bummer when you find out [Skald is] only hypothetically prepared.

Actually I have a disaster-preparedness kit. There's canned food, bottled water, guns, ammo, flashlights, batteries, three months worth of our meds, diapers, formula, clothes, batteries, two-way radios, and some other stuff. But if you're not a relative or close friend, you ain't getting access to any of that unless my wife insists.

Well, that's a lie. If there were an earthquake or whatnot and some little kid needed help, I'd help him or her. Rule 4.

[Tamex]

Originally Posted by GreasyJack

They're still around, but since their leader started suffering from alzheimers and stepped down around 2000 (and eventually died a few years ago), it seems they've been toning down the doomsday talk and gone back to the sort of New Age-y self help movement they started as. The last scheduled doomsday was in 1990 and after it was averted with prayer they haven't rescheduled. They have a "teaching center" in Livingston now, and there's some splinter groups all over the country.

I think part of why they've managed to survive instead of imploding like most doomsday cults is that their finances are pretty sound. It turns out the chunk of land they bought for their compound was a savvy investment-- in the 90's, the valley became super trendy, with celebrities building luxury cabins and such, so the group has been able to sell small parcels of land for a very tidy profit. They still own the core of their "ranch" though (and presumably the bunkers) and hold events up there from time to time.

(Incidentally here's their somewhat disorganized wiki page-- it seems like about half of it is written by believers or at least sympathizers: Church Universal and Triumphant)

Ah, yes, their last doomsday was just before I moved away in the spring of 1990. No one in Minnesota had any idea about the disaster that had recently been averted!

[bleibtreu]

If you can survive it anywhere on Earth, it is clearly not the end of the world.

[Bosda Di'Chi of Tricor]

Originally Posted by beowulff

Yes.
PM me, and I will disclose my guaranteed end-of-the-world-safe location for a mere $10,000.

BAH!

Overpriced chiseler!

Ignore him.

Now, me, I'll give you the exact same quality information, for a mere $5,000!

Think of it! 50% off!
And I'll throw in a bagel!

That bagel sure does sound good, doesn't it?

Then buy your end-of-the-World information from me: Bosda!

[Tristan]

Originally Posted by GreasyJack

There's a doomsday cult that lives in a complex of bunkers north of Yellowstone Park that has been pushing their end times date back since early 80's, IIRC. I always found this amusing because the Yellowstone supervolcano erupting is one of the very few plausible end of the world scenarios out there and they are definitely toast if that happens.

Are you referring to the "Church Universal and Triumphant" of the last 80's and early 90's fame? I believe they are no longer around as an organized group. I seem to recall my mother (a Montana resident at the time) saying that the "church" leaders had gotten themselves in some legal trouble in regards to both taxes and guns.

[GreasyJack]

Originally Posted by Tristan

Are you referring to the "Church Universal and Triumphant" of the last 80's and early 90's fame? I believe they are no longer around as an organized group. I seem to recall my mother (a Montana resident at the time) saying that the "church" leaders had gotten themselves in some legal trouble in regards to both taxes and guns.

Yep, and they're still sort of around (see post #26). The group has definitely splintered, but the original group still owns their compound. I hadn't heard about tax issues, although like I mentioned, they can always sell off a chunk of land if they're in trouble. They got some guff from the feds regarding their weapons stockpile, but that was true of pretty much everyone in 1990's Montana.

[LeeshaJoy]

Originally Posted by drastic_quench

Western Idaho.

• West of the Yellowstone super volcano's eruption and fallout

Uh, I live on the Idaho/Washington border, and about 99% of the rock in this area was laid down by the Yellowstone supervolcano.

[ddaug4uf]

Originally Posted by moriah

I've already found a quiet place in North America to stay out of history's way.

Canada?

[Hazle Weatherfield]

Originally Posted by bleibtreu

If you can survive it anywhere on Earth, it is clearly not the end of the world.

Thank you. Good grief! It's not enough that the crazies believe it's the end of the world...they then try to prepare for it. It's The. End. Of. The. World.

[Musicat]

Originally Posted by Skald the Rhymer

Actually I have a disaster-preparedness kit. There's canned food, bottled water, guns, ammo, flashlights, batteries, three months worth of our meds, diapers, formula, clothes, batteries, two-way radios, and some other stuff.

I have a survival disaster-preparedness kit ready for the big event, too. It's a pepperoni pizza. With extra cheese.

[GreasyJack]

Originally Posted by LeeshaJoy

Uh, I live on the Idaho/Washington border, and about 99% of the rock in this area was laid down by the Yellowstone supervolcano.

Sort of. Major tangent ahead.

The most common rocks in eastern Washington into Idaho are the Columbia River Basalt Group, which were a catastrophic series of huge effusive (i.e. runny Hawaii-style) eruptions. There is most likely some relationship between the CRBG and the Yellowstone supervolcano-- the CRBG eruptions were about 17 million years ago in southeast Oregon/western Idaho, which just so happens to also be were and when the first of the explosive Yellowstone eruptions was. The super-thick basalt beds that cover your area are all millions of years old and aren't the result of the periodic explosive eruptions that will spell doom for everyone east of Yellowstone.

[Yoyodyne Propulsion Systems]

I have carefully removed all the junk from under my bed, will ride out doomsday there with the wife and cat, whereupon we will emerge to face the challenges of life without the internet or even basic cable...shudder

[Colophon]

Originally Posted by Skald the Rhymer

Actually I have a disaster-preparedness kit. There's canned food, bottled water, guns, ammo, flashlights, batteries, three months worth of our meds, diapers, formula, clothes, batteries, two-way radios, and some other stuff. But if you're not a relative or close friend, you ain't getting access to any of that unless my wife insists.

Well, that's a lie. If there were an earthquake or whatnot and some little kid needed help, I'd help him or her. Rule 4.

Or if you rescued an implausibly scantily clad trio of nymphomaniac strippers from the apocalypse. Rule 34.

[DrFidelius]

I understand the Mayans got a new calendar in the mail from their fuel-oil company, so we can all relax now.

[Rama]

Are there similar places to the one in the OP though?

Where you're protected by the location instead of the people or man-made structures that are on it.

Doesn't have to be a scientific answer.

Post nr. 16 is a good example.

[Kimballkid]

I think I'll try here.

[Skald the Rhymer]

Originally Posted by Musicat

I have a survival disaster-preparedness kit ready for the big event, too. It's a pepperoni pizza. With extra cheese.

You have confused preparing for a disaster with preparing to watch the Doctor Who Christmas special.

Life is sweet. While it's true my beard is greying, I don't much care for my job, and I've long since given up dreams of winning the Hugo, I have a wife and baby I adore, not to mention the rest of my family & friends. I want to live as long as possible, and I'm not willing to meekly surrender to the Reaper even in a disaster.

[chappachula]

I have a survival disaster-preparedness kit ready for the big event, too. It's a pepperoni pizza. With extra cheese.

Originally Posted by Skald the Rhymer

I'm not willing to meekly surrender to the Reaper

Hey, nobody's suggesting that you go meekly!
No--instead, be daring.......... Order the extra cheese.

[Finagle]

Originally Posted by April R

Bugarach

How can he protect people? He can't even keep raindrops from falling on his head!







What?

[Musicat]

Originally Posted by Skald the Rhymer

You have confused preparing for a disaster with preparing to watch the Doctor Who Christmas special.

There's a difference? Should I make it a sausage pizza instead?

[Saint Cad]

Originally Posted by enipla

That’s quite funny. I would also be toast in central Colorado.

Though for other events, I don’t mind that we are pretty isolated, have a spring on our property and live in a solar home. Shelter and water we got. The top two.
I would, however, get very tired of eating chipmunk.

Mrs Cad being an emergency manager has our route out of No. Colorado already planned out. Depending on the notice it is either Cheyenne (low traffic) then west on I80 or down to Denver and west on I-70 with everyone else. We end up in Portland or Seattle. Central Colorado you would probably going through Pueblo and US50 west but to be honest, I'd rather cut through the Yellowstone Caldera than Pueblo.

[EdwardLost]

I'm sticking with John Cusack.

[Chefguy]

Originally Posted by pravnik

Maybe Mount Weather or Raven Rock Mountain Complex, if you can convince them to let you in one of them.

I've been inside of Site R! It was in connection with a renovation contract our company was doing there. It's pretty claustrophobic, but impressive.