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Award-winning photographer reveals the spookiest encounters he's had while shooting in remote locations - and one made his blood run cold

A.Wilson45 min ago
A photographer has detailed the spookiest encounters he's had while shooting in remote locations.

Award-winning landscape photographer Chris Fabregas, who is based in Bellevue, Washington, is known for capturing nature's beauty - but he also claims to have experienced some paranormal events while travelling over the years.

From hearing distant whispers in the Cascade Mountains to getting chills outside an old abandoned federal prison on McNeil Island in Washington State, Chris opened up about his creepiest adventures, just in time for Halloween .

While visiting an abandoned train tunnel in Stevens Pass in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State , Chris claims he experienced some ghostly goings on which made his blood run cold.

Speaking to FEMAIL, he explained: 'It was the middle of winter, I had all my camera gear with me: extra batteries, memory cards, and a tripod.

'I was ready to shoot the outside of an old, abandoned train tunnel in the snow.

'The temperatures were below freezing, and light snow had just started to fall as I hiked down the canyon to the location and set up my shot.

'Just as I was about to take the photo, my camera shut off.

'I turned it back on, got everything set again, and then heard what sounded like distant whispers.

'At first, I thought it was the wind, but the whispers slowly grew louder.

'Before I knew it, they felt like they were right next to me.

'I then smelled an overwhelming scent of perfume, it was extremely strong and there was no mistaking this smell.

'Just as quickly as the whispers had appeared, they faded away, it sounded like they passed right by me or even through me and into the distance.

'I tried to forget about it and thought maybe I was hearing things.

'I once again got ready for the shot, and this time, my camera stayed on, but no matter how many times I pressed the shutter button, it wouldn't take the photo.

'I tried over and over, but nothing worked.'

Chris said he became 'frustrated' and thought his camera was broken, so he ended up hiking back to his car.

He added: 'When I reached my parking spot by the river, I decided to test the camera one more time. It worked perfectly, with no issues at all.

'A few months later, I read a story about that same old, abandoned train tunnel.

'Turns out, it was close to the site of the largest passenger train accident in U.S. history.

'On March 1, 1910, two trains were swept into the canyon by an avalanche killing 96 people. I haven't been back since.'

Chris said one of the creepiest places he's been to is an old abandoned federal prison on McNeil Island in Washington State.

He said: 'I never went inside, but just seeing it from the outside was definitely enough to give me the chills.

'This place is completely isolated, it's on an island that you can only get to by boat, which already makes it feel a little creepy.

'The prison looks like it is frozen in time. It's old, and rundown, with rusted fences and crumbling walls.

'You can see an old baseball field with overgrown bushes.

'You can just tell it's been abandoned for a long time. There's something unsettling about it, you can feel the history of all the people who were once there. Some of the world's toughest criminals were sent there.

'What really got me was the isolation. It's weird to think about how cut off from the world those prisoners must have felt, surrounded by nothing but water.

'You can see the mainland and Mt Rainier out in the distance, which is a beautiful view. However, even from a distance, standing there and looking at it, I couldn't get rid of this weird feeling that the place still carries the weight of all that happened there. It's a place I won't forget.'

Chris went onto detail a time were he truly felt like his life might be in danger while on a photography trip.

He said: 'I was hiking solo in Grand Teton National Park. I started my hike at 4 a.m. to reach the top of the mountain by sunrise.

'It was pitch black, with a little fog in the air, and all I had to guide me was a headlamp. As I made my way up the trail, I noticed something large moving in the bushes ahead. I stopped to collect my thoughts and figure out what it was, and just then, out of the brush, came a huge bear.

'We locked eyes for what felt like forever. I just stood there as we had a stare-down. Thankfully, after what seemed like an eternity, he decided to move on. But in that moment, being all alone in the dark, I've never felt so helpless. It was one of the scariest moments I've had outdoors.'

Speaking about a place he would love to visit again, Chris said a highlight for him was Yosemite National Park.

He said: 'There's something special about this place that sticks with you long after you visit. The size of the cliffs, the waterfalls, and the peacefulness of the valley floor are amazing.

'I remember standing in the middle of the park, looking up at El Capitan, and feeling so small. You can't help but feel connected to nature there. There's still so much more I want to explore, and no matter how many times I go, I feel like Yosemite always has something new to show.'

Chris revealed The Britannia Mine in British Columbia, Canada, is a great destination recommendation for thrill seekers.

He explained: 'It's an old copper mine with a long history. It was once one of the largest mines in the British Empire.

'The mine's creepy tunnels and abandoned buildings are perfect for anyone fascinated by history and the excitement of exploring the unknown.

'They even offer underground tours, where you can ride a mining train and experience the small space firsthand. Hope you're not claustrophobic.

'Also, while you're in the area British Columbia and the Vancouver area are stunning. It's a perfect place for hiking, exploring nature, and capturing breathtaking photos. You can balance the eerie with some of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen.'

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