Speaking of Alferd Packer, one of my ancestors was with the Packer party, but he took the advice of local Chief Ouray who told them the winters were too harsh to survive. My greatgreatgreat grandpa then became good friends with Chief Ouray and spent the winter safe with him. My ancestor then laid out the water system for the then non-existent town of Montrose, Colorado. There are places named for him in and around town. Maybe I wouldn't be here if Chief Ouray had not befriended my ancestor.
Sorry for the sidetrack.