Your videos are so good that they actually distracted me from using for about a week and was able to get clean. I am now almost a year clean and your videos have distracted me and help me in so many ways. Thank you
Yeah man i was too having heavy withdrawal for a week, and no i didn't get clean cuz i just lost my bestfriend.... and broke up with girl who i thought was love of my life... and now in a MONTH after the break up she already has a new one... everyone says he's just a bandage for her cuz shes still contacting me w/out reason, drunk dialing and crying that she misses the old etc... but still on all this bullshit MrBallen had helped me use much MUCH less, and everyday tryin' to take less until i can stop... but yeah good for you my man! Hope Ballen made more videos, feels like there comes 1 for a week these days ;/ edit : i met a new girl, we we're together for 2 years, we lived together, had a dog and we were going to get engaged but... idk something happened, in both of our own lives we had too much going on and out of the blue she broke up with me... it came me as so big of a surprise that it broke my almost 1year of being clean and now im back to square one... feels like this world doesn't wanna give me happines...
My mother always used to tell me, if you get lost, stay where you are, it'll make it easier for you to be found. The other lessons here are: 1. Don't leave the trail, EVER (unless too dangerous to stay) 2. Always make sure you have a way of contacting people and vice versa.(even if it's just a pencil and paper) 3. Always make sure to take note of weather conditions and dress appropriately 4.Never go alone 5. No matter how smart or capable you think you are, you still are prone to making stupid decisions. 6. Take some bright strips of material or ribbons to tie to trees and bushes along your route so you can find your way back. 7. Let loved ones know where you are going, when you are going, when you hope to be back and when to call the authorities if you don't return in a reasonable amount of time.
@ OP #2 helped the first guy nil. How about just NOT doing dangerous hikes? A old german saying goes sorta like this- " He who seeks danger, will die in danger ( my english aint that good but i guess you get my drift). Stay safe and GOD BLESS Y'ALL 🕊💯
I was a park ranger at San Jacinto National Park when this event occurred, this retelling of the story is an accurate representation. I was on the trails warning hikers of the upcoming late season storm, and I was in contact with many of the hikers mentioned in this story, John included. RIP.
@@rickhenke2452 He probably jumped, thinking that the pool below might be deep enough to survive. Why not try it, when the alternative is death by starvation? We'll never know.
@@rickhenke2452 thanks for the additional info! Without knowing the topography it's hard to guess but I agree with the accidental cause. If John was found lying at the bottom of a sheer cliff, regardless of whether he fell or jumped I would expect multiple fractures. However, if the cliff wasn't a sheer drop, then perhaps John tried to descend to reach the water and made it most of the way down before falling from nearer the bottom. A complex tibial fracture is more consistent with a partially controlled fall in which he landed on one leg from a height of, say, ten or so feet. Obviously I don't know. I just enjoy investigating different types of medical mysteries.
"This was going to be his first hike after retirement" - Never do anything immediately before or after retiring, that's when you are most vulnerable to plot death.
John Donovan's insistence on going on that ill-fated hike served the purpose of saving 2 people's lives exactly 1 year later . Isn't that amazing how good can come from utter despair and tragedy.
Think about it in a different way: it is only because he made peace with his fate and did not succumb to despair that he left his gear, including the matches that saved the couple. He could've wasted all of them and destroyed his camp in a fit of rage and desperation and they would be the ones lying face down in a creek...
@@DzinkyDzink He probably could not use them because it was really snowy when he was there. Seems like it was not as cold when the young couple arrived.
Without bad good does not exist ,without good bad doesint exist .not one without the other ...imagine a world without either ...would be pretty dull ...never feel good never bad ...
@@wickwickening3977, the Biblical version I recall someone saying , " there must,needs be evil in the world. As a believer, I see that even if a person doesn't know it God can make use of them to do good .
When you go hiking in places you’re unfamiliar, always, ALWAYS look backwards, see your trail and plan your route home. The trail out looks remarkably different from the trail out. Look back at every direction change or when you’ve moved past your last landmark. Never failed me. Been in the mountains my whole life and learned that one early on.
Good practice. For new hikers, It’s good to start with beginner trails that are wide and gravel/even paved or do trails that are heavily used each day. I did bits and pieces of the Appalachian trail growing up. Most parts of the trail are obvious but there’s some parts where you can easily end up on an animal trail if you’re not paying attention.
That's excellent advice for any hiker man especially those new to it. If people really want to be safe they can bring neon string or ribbon and tie a piece around a tree every 300 feet or so depending on how dense your surroundings are
@@vindiesel564 It's good advice, and usually the easier and better known trails can allow people to make new friends, so even someone starting alone doesn't end up the same way. Unfortunately, I've heard that the PCT isn't as populous as the Appalachian trail, and the Florida trail also seems to be one of those less-traveled paths. Not sure about what the other eight trails are like.
I know very little about hiking, but I think I have a winning formula nonetheless. Just imagine what John Donovan would do, then do exactly the opposite (compass, check; weather-appropriate clothing and kit, check; GPRS, well you get the picture).
John sounds like someone who was both incredibly wonderful, but also INTENSELY frustrating. That friend you wanna slap around for being the dumbest, densest human being alive, but also someone you could always count on to be honest with you.
I've heard this story before, but the life and the detail in this telling makes all the difference. A shot of Whisky for a bold Irishman and a hats off to a lonely life ending by saving two. Thanks Mr. Ballen.
Whiskey, supposedly, kept a guy alive on the titanic...he stayed on the boat as long as he could, then was in the very cold water, for about less than an hour...so it's said...
One of my favorite I shouldn't be alive episodes. I still can't believe Gina and Brendon were on a paid trip and the person in charge just ignored the headcount being off by two.
Watched the episode recently. Cool to hear these stories from different perspectives. The videos he did for the father and son rafting trip and the boat wreck with the people stranded in a raft with sharks, both of those were I shouldn’t be alive episodes also. Also the South Park parody of I shouldn’t be alive is hilarious lol.
It's Crazy how many times that John was stopped and warned about moving forward, it's as if the universe itself tried to save him but sadly John never paid attention until it was too late
I actually believe that we are all warned in someway by our guardian angels or the Holy spirit..i know when i have a "gut feeling" about something i listen to it
i miss the days when i could binge watch MrBallen videos. now that i’m all caught up i have the same anticipation of waiting for the next episode as when i watch my favorite tv shows 😂😂
John’s funeral sounds so touching and loving. I’m glad he had friends like this. Hard life in the beginning, and at the end. At least, in between these horrible happenings, he was able to find friendship and a sense of self. RIP Mr. Donovan.
This is actually good advice in general that I never thought about before… If you’re hiking somewhere, never go down a trail or ledge that you can’t get back up. You never know when you need to retrace your steps.
This story really "peaked" (sorry bad pun) my interest. I went on Google Earth and I think I was able to locate the area he died. Even on Google Earth it seems incredibly steep... let alone covered in 8 feet of snow, not knowing where the edge of the stream begins or ends. His only hope truly was to hike up and out of the canyon. Like his journal said, he injured himself and couldn't do it. The couple who owe their life to John's matches. I think they still maybe survive without the matches. 1. They had better weather than John, and everything wasn't covered in snow. 2. They had water. 3. They weren't injured, just in shock. Maybe after enough days and calming down, they retrace their steps and find a way up outta the canyon... or perhaps a traverse to skirt around the waterfall. Call me crazy but when I hear stories like this a part of me wants to see it firsthand. What makes it such a trap? I want to study it and circumnavigate it.
@@darrinsiberialove this detail and how sophisticated u analyzed this situation I 100% agree with the urge of wanting to go explore these places where ppl were “trapped” and look for possible survival methods not thought abt or just unexplored!
So glad to have heard his story. He didn’t know he was saving the lives of two people but he did. And they brought him home to his friends who loved him.
@@Pusfilth Comments sections are there to discuss the video, genius. You chose to venture into comments about a video before watching the video, then blame others for "spoiling you"? LOL. Not the brightest spark, are ya? Take some personal responsibility for your own stupid choices, friend!
Moral of the story: Never leave your cell phone at home to “focus on each other.” Just using a modicum of self control, and leaving the cell phone in your pocket, will suffice.
@@baileyerickson4065 The photos used in this video are unrelated (uncaptioned so could be stock or re-enactment). Also cameraphones back then weren't as high quality as the photos used in the video.
Moral of the stories: 1. Don't be a jerk to strangers. 2. Never just wander into the woods, especially with no phone, water etc. You can easily get lost just a couple feet from the trail.
He was a social worker so he's trained how to handle people. If the woman was doing something wrong in his opinion, it was correct to maybe say something.
@@Aaron-is8yt some opinions are best keep to oneself regardless if it's right/wrong. Don't tell strangers that they're raising their child wrong (when you just met them in less than a day)
Remember, all of the bodies on Mount Everest were once incredibly motivated people. Learn when to quit. While yes you can do everything, there's always a time and place for it
Or you can do what you want and need to do without ANYONE telling you that there are better and more tolerable places and times to do what it is you feel necessary to say or do. RIGHT!!?!!!.
Yeah I went hiking and there was a big flat edge on the top of this fell, and it was really windy and snowy up there and people up there were basically walking sideways. Me and my mum got a little way up and then noped out and walked back down, our friends carried on a bit and wanted to go up as they were more experienced but not long after they also turned around and came back. It's important when in nature to realise and respect its power no matter how experienced you are, or you could die
I'm in my late 50's and have suffered from chronic insomnia my entire life. Discovering this channel has been a Godsend. I love listening to this amazing young man - this fabulous storyteller - late at night when I can't sleep. I am just loving this channel! Bless 💗
I also suffer with insomnia and I’m hooked on his videos. There’s just something about the way he tells his stories. I’ve heard of some of them, from other people, but nobody tells it quite like he does. ❤️
You must also listen to 'That Chapter'...…..an Irish guy named Mike(awesome accent) who tells equally great(maybe better) stories....but adds this very unique haunting music at times.....and pictures, video. Give him a try. Also late 50's but I work all night and would be quite bored w/o these guys.
His cause of death was stubborness. Its sad but my god, when people who live in the area and are experienced with the trail and the weather warn you to turn back....you turn back.
I think he wasnt meant to die that day and was given a lot of chance to save himself. But he ignored all of that thinking his luck will save him. What a shame
This man could literally tell a story about an ordinary day and make it interesting. His story telling skills are amazing. I’m so happy I found this channel I can’t stop watching!
No shit. He does this for a living, of course he’s going to research the best ways to speak and how to tell a story. I’m not sure why you people are so surprised, unless y’all don’t have a brain and don’t try to do what you do for a living the best way possible.
Those lucky pants just happen to be the pants he used to always wear and continued to wear. Just used that lucky experience as an excuse to keep wearing them. All his homies knew😂😂😂
@@jillianc7485 you didn't realise story telling was skill? How could you not have known this. It's one of the oldest skills there is. Enjoy it then old chap
@@bumbleofthefluff4418 well no, i was mostly exaggerating. i more so meant that i didn’t realize how great people can really be at a Tory telling- ballen is genuinely one of the best.
I don't know where you go hiking, but I just got back from a camping/hiking trip in the Rockies, and the three must-haves are water, food, and sunscreen -- very good sunscreen. Even though I slathered the stuff on, my poor arms and legs weren't used to the super-high elevation and super-direct sunlight. 😭
@@sluttymctits4496 hey I saw you in the reply section of a comment on I believe the video that was about the Bear Camp road where the Asian man basically died in the woods trying to look for a nearby gas station or something while his wife and two young daughters (one 4 yrs old and one 7 months old) were in the car. These were both stories were someone had to make a sacrifice to save others
Imagine the feeling of looking back at the date and seeing it was a year ago and realizing that nobody had been to that spot for that long and someone in the same experience you had died there.
I am a pretty experienced hiker/backpacker and have to admit I got lost in the same area. It's all rolling hills and mountain tops. With a lot of Large rock features and outcroppings. Very disorienting. The sensation you get when you realize, "I am lost in the wilderness, within a short distance of a trail, I just don't know what direction that trail is"... Fortunately, my experience resolved within an hour. But only because I just stopped. I just sat there for like 15 minutes and calmed down and tried again. Basically I discovered that adrenaline and what not, not so good, in a lost in the wilderness scenario. In that case you want your adrenalin to ware off so your brain can focus more on mental activity.
Amen, brothers. Had a similar experience in Wyoming. I hiked alone in unfamiliar territory and followed faulty directions of someone who should have known better. No distinguishing landmarks for orientation. I did not arrive at my expected destination. Stopped and had a think after the rush of adrenaline. Successfully used shadow movement to determine E-W, then a bit of dead reckoning. But first I had to stop, calm down and think. I should add that my preparation was poor-- no familiarization, no route planning, no topos, no compass, no food, no water, insufficient clothing-- because of extenuating and unavoidable circumstances.
Can we take a sec to appreciate Mr.Ballen's editing skills? Listen to how he inserts subtle sounds that accentuate words, moods, and surprise revelations. It really enhances his already remarkable gift of storytelling.
Very very sad story about John who had a wonderful life ahead of him. I wish he would have made it. Excellent tale about being prepared and not going off the trail. Be safe.
@@goblinofsharksnacks But then you have to remember had he not been there or had been rescued his matches wouldn't be there which wouldn't have allowed Brandon to light the flames to get him and Gina help in being rescued. So John would live but then Brandon, and Gina could have very well lost there lives, and be lost to time much like how John was for the year of him going missing. But unlike John would have the sad point of not being given the luxury of being found or to document there situation to its conclusion.
@@dewaynebanks1397 Actually it's you who makes me cringe. Half an acre is definitely worth two humans' lives. It's not like they were at a place they could have set a real wildfire and endangered others. There can't even have been insects, let alone mammals. Otherwise they would have had food. Half an acre... honestly... are you a fruitarian or a dendrophile that you cry over half an acre trees?
Wow what an absolutely wild story. The odds that they would have been there the exact day that John had left a message the year before makes it all the more surreal. Rest easy, John.
That was certainly my favorite detail in this story. How often does such thing happen! Poor Mr Donovan. He died because of his recklessness and stubbornness. But humans make mistakes. Im really glad the couples were saved
The odds of it being the exact day a year later is astounding.. just goes to show the universe fcuks with us in unforeseen ways. Or if there is a creator out there, the SOB got a pretty sick sense of humor 😂 Either way, the hubris of some people is truly troubling. What kinda person goes willingly alone into the frozen fray, with sparse provisioning and entirely inadequate gear, ignoring all the advice of experienced hikers... You'd think someone braving the harsh elements alone would be doubly cautious and plan meticulously. Perhaps John surviving that slide off the mountain gave him superman syndrome. In reality, you only get to roll the dice so many times before it comes up snake eyes.
John was a social worker. He lived his life helping others and loved hiking in nature. Even in death, he helped 2 people who would have shared his fate with his sacrifice.
In a very very small way I know what this feels like. A friend and I were backpacking in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The day started fine but when we were about 5 miles or so in, it started to rain. We didn't pack in dry wood. Once we found a camp site we needed a fire bad. It was freezing. I hacked at the wood I did find with our hatchet and somehow after many attempts managed to get a fire going and then was able to keep it going. I still can't begin to imagine how horrifying this would have been for all parties.
I hiked San Jacinto with some friends a few years ago and it was no joke. During the hike I broke away from my friend and continued on ahead. At one point the trail began to fork. I went left for a bit but the farther I went my instincts almost seemed to scream at me that I needed to turn around and go right. I also began to notice that the trail I was currently on was not as beaten and worn from travel as I continued on. So, instinctively I turn around and get on the proper path and eventually make it to the top of the mountain. Who knows what could’ve happened if I didn’t turn around. Watching this video makes me grateful I made it to the top with all my friends lol. Trust your instincts out there and never break away from the trail. It was a great experience that’ll I’ll never forget. Best channel on RUclips, great storytelling!
or the group. Always stay with the group. Alone you are fucked if you get lost, with a friend or two you are only probably fucked if you get lost, and a whole group you are only probably partially fucked if you get lost.
How can I possibly find the secret when I get so drawn into the story due to your vivid storytelling that I don’t see anything but what you are describing. I expect to see snow when I look outside or the gorge and creek. That’s when my senses return to normal!
Man. The fact that I will NEVER go hiking or skiing or camping is really being solidified for me the more I watch videos like this. RIP John. Thanks for the story MrBallen.
We have all kinds of places in California and some are safe and some are dangerous. These people went to a place far,far away from roads. But if you're willing to travel then there are many, many excellent places to go that are literally within 1/4 mile of a highway,
As an avid outdoors person, there were so many moments of "No, don't!" in this. I already know this story, but it's a cautionary trail. One mistake can usually be recovered from, but each action compounded the last. Above all, if you get lost, stay put, or move only far enough to be safe from natural hazards.
Not sure why you think your “avid outdoors person” certification should mean anything. It’s obvious all the shit happening are from bad decisions and lack of common sense. Idk tho maybe being an experienced outdoorsman does say a lot because the average dumbass who decides to go hiking is probably stupider than the average person. Probably the reason why we need to have a whole ass branch of law enforcement dedicated to “search and rescue”
There is a joke, I feel fits this story well. A man lives in a town, and a storm is coming. It starts to flood, so the city puts out news broadcast to evacuate. The man hears the broadcasts, and says, "I don't need to leave. God will protect me." The rain began, and a truck drove by, fleeing the storm, saw the man on his porch, and offered him a ride to high ground. The man said, "I don't need to leave. God will protect me." The waters continued to rise, and the man was forced to climb onto the awning of his house. A boat came by to save the man, but he said, "I don't need to leave. God will protect me." The waters grew higher, and the man went to the tip-top of his house, a helicopter came by to save him, and the man said, "I don't need to leave. God will protect me." After the flood had swept the man away, and he died. He stood before God, in heaven, and asked, "God, why did you not protect me?" And God answered, "I sent you a truck, a boat, and a helicopter."
The first part of the story where John kept on hiking, but came across a couple of hikers who were leaving the mountain and warned John to not go due to the storm coming, kind of reminded about this story. The story where a person was stuck on top of their house and the water levels were continuing to rise. Many people who were leaving on boats urged the person to come with them to safety. However, the person refused claiming that "God would save them." Then time went on and form time to time peopel that were escaping were warning the person and urging them to come with them to safety. Each time the person continued to refuse claiming that god will come to save them. Then eventually the person drowns and dies. The person asks god why they weren't saved. God claims that each of the people on the boats that were escaping and the people urging the person to escape with them was each attempt/way of God in trying to save the person. However, the person refused, hence they drowned.
That story reminds me of the Parable of Goats and Sheep. Where God legit says "you do right by me by doing right by others, but those who do not to right by others do not do right by me" (paraphrased lol) 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ 44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ 45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
But this also reminds me of so many people now who refuse medical help, even for their children, because "God will heal!". But they fail to believe that God could be so powerful that je will gift other people with the knowledge on how to help. I'm not very religious, but if God does exist, I know he puts doctors in the right place at the right time. It's up to others to believe that God sent doctors to help. If they don't, then that's their bad.
I think it's pretty heartwarming that John was able to save these two lives one year after his own death, its such an incredible coincidence that it almost seems impossible. he sounded like a great person, and I'm sure he would be glad to know that the remnants of his camp helped save two young lives
I've heard their story several times. This is the first time hearing details about John. He's been humanized. In other stories, he's almost a second thought.
@@fftheblueskys Sounds like that is a result of this woman Connie, who seems like she is REALLY trying to convince everyone John was a bad guy who she needed to get away from because "he questioned her parenting". I doubt he did, but even if that is true, you don't leave leave someone behind who is clearly having a hard time navigating because they made a few comments you didn't like. She killed that man, and should have been tried for manslaughter
I just discovered this channel today, and I think I know WHY this speaker is so good... he is not reading a story or script... he is telling us these stories as if he was actually part of the story or a witness to the story, it comes from his memory as if he has told the story for years and years...
This is without a doubt the wildest story i have EVER heard. The amount of sheer coincidence is amazing. Not only was John considered lucky but his luck running out was the luck that they needed to survive.... Like holy fucking what even.
I'll tell people where to find the best firewood when everything's wet. It's counter intuitive but the best firewood is in the creek. Look for white wood in the water. It can no longer hold any more and is dry. I've done this many times while hiking when everything else is wet.
People don't realize just how close to urban areas real wilderness still exists. This happens in the mountains near Phoenix too. I am reminded of signs at a large NE ski resort: "These mountains will be just as cold and lonely tonight as they were 200 years ago. Please don't ski alone." That could be applied to hiking alone as well.
Honestly for someone with no survival skills, starting a fire like that was a very smart idea. Also doubt you will see this, but your story telling/narration skills have come a long way. Nobody does it better with immersion and stuff. Didnt realize this was 40 mins long😂
Alfred Hitchcock aint got nothing on Mr Ballen. He truly is a master at building up suspense. I compare his stories to watching a new Soprano's episode back in the day. You just start watching & it feels like its only been on minutes & the creditsare already starting to roll!! You're absolutely right about being totally immersed in the story regardless of where you're actually listening to it. Its these amazing storytelling skills that seperate Mr Ballen from everyone else.
Sounds like this guy was given opportunity after opportunity to save himself. Never think you’re stronger than Mother Nature, you will literally always be wrong.
@@elle_l808l I was getting super annoyed with this guy and then the same thought occurred to me that he just didn't care - he probably thought he had nothing to lose 😔.
@@janessafaye7671 they were all suicide missions from the very day he got caught on his underpants and was “lucky” he probably felt invincible didn’t use his matches though its crazy how its the same date so it was meant to be they find he items and use them
John reminds me of a stubborn old man I met on a tour in Cusco, Peru. We'd all been warned, on arrival at the hotel, to rest up and get accustomed to the altitude. Nope, this guy was determined to go for a walk. When the rest of us met at lunch for a tour we were all refreshed. He shuffled in looking more dead than alive. He was quite unwell for a few days. I don't understand the stubbornness
I don't like miserly people, those are the kind of people that carry with them exactly what they need and not a drop more, but WILL accept everything others give them
When he said it was from 2005 my heart dropped… that is an absolutely insane coincidence that his last note was written on the year before the exact day they ended up there
yeah imagine the nightmarish realisation that the note was one year old and they where doomed. i dont know whats worse. coming there first and realising that you would be better off killing yourself or finding a note from the guy that did that last time. sounds like a plot to a horror movie.
@@MartiMcfly-mf9pq if that’s true then “god” is a truly sick individual, to watch kind hearted John starve and suffer just so these two people could start a forest fire w his matches. Like a sick, twisted prank. If he had the ability to intervene and save the couple, where was he for John?
I’m so glad John found his hiking family. I’m sure the desire for acceptance/ inclusion was strong. And I am glad he found the ones who would choose to love him not just out of obligation
Critical rule after you get lost: When you get to that point of no return where proceeding means you wouldn’t be able go back, DO NOT proceed unless you have a map clearly showing you it’s the right way to go. Regardless of how nasty the prospect of going back looks, go back. You would rather camp out on the spot and start trekking back the following day.
Great advice and well worded so any dumb-ass can understand,,,,,,,,,,,,,,couldn’t resist😂😂😂. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,but really,,,,,,,,😳 Great advice,I hope I can remember it when it’s needed,,,,,,,,really😂😂😂😳
Mr. B my husband and I love debating and discussing your stories and spitballing theories. He's an Air Force vet and he has fabulous military input. We adore you!!
Bring y’all’s discussion into the comments so I have someone to talk to. Nobody ever talks about the stories. Just the same comments written over and over…. 😟 What did y’all think about the end? You think he jumped to his death to end his misery?
@@Misssydney Gladly! He has some pretty badass theories about the giants in Afghanistan 😳 and has seen them. I wouldn't have believed him but then his TI and partner in combat confirmed the stories verbatim. They believe these creatures are protecting something and that we have far more intelligence on them than the govt cares to share. Most of the information they do have has been classified and can never be unclassified and my husband and his crew are sworn to leave out crucial details to confirm their hypothesis. S C A R Y. I will edit this comment after I finish the story. My four year old is giving me a run for my money rn lolol.
@@MisssydneyYou know, I don't think he'd jump to his death. Irish Catholics are very strict on the concept of suicide, so I honestly think he went to the river to get water, fell in bc he was too weak, and the water carried him over the waterfall. He's also an Irishman, and a man who would stubbornly survive since 10 years old on his own wouldn't have given up, I think.
@@casabonita2702 ooooooh girl trust me I get it, I have a two year old that does the same! No need to edit! 🙂 Also, the giants of Kandahar was one of my favorite stories! 🤩 now I really want to know what they’re protecting
I used to see other hikers on the trail with all their specialized clothing and gear and snicker to myself about how all they need are a good pair of sneakers and comfortable clothing, and they were fools to waste their money on unnecessary things. Then I went on a day hike in the snow one day and barely got out alive. After that, I went online and pretty much bought *all* the gear.
I visited our only mountain top here in continental Portugal, and laughed at the thought of getting really warm clothing and footwear, after all, I come from a really cold and snowy country (my country of birth). I told my boyfriend to tell the taxi driver we would be out there the entire afternoon. Wearing only a light jacket and some dumb flat boots, I spent the whole (maybe two hours?) sliding on melted snow that turned into ice and shivering under the cold, humid strong wind. It was super sunny outside, but I was freezing and very uncomfortable. Never underestimate the importance of good quality gear and warm clothing. I lasted less than half of the time I had in mind and we were in a touristy area. Can't imagine getting lost or trapped in there overnight 😬😬
Seeing comments about how people are so frustrated or mad with John, or even saying he had such a huge ego is weird to me. He was an orphan from a very young age. All his life he could only trust and depend on himself, no one else. So OF COURSE if someone told us, "Hey, it's not safe. Don't go." We'd probably thank them and turn around. But someone like John, who again, never learned to trust or depend on anyone but himself, might not listen. He had done this plenty of time before, and likely in other bad weather conditions, so he definitely felt confident in himself. But either way you put it, it's still a shame that he lost his life. It's amazing that 2 other lives were saved because of him, but that doesn't make his loss better. Just be kind y'all.
@@leviniahill454 it's deceptively urban when you've gone to the top of the palm springs tramway. You're literally a few minutes drive from $million homes and a major city in 100 degree Fahrenheit weather. . It's literally one of the worlds biggest climate changes in such a short distance. I can see how people could feel deceptively safe at this particular wilderness area.
I've been lost on the side of a mountain. It sucks. Going "down hill leads to water and then to people" is for hills NOT MOUNTAINS. I searched for a way down for 2 hours, through a series of gullies and ridges when I came upon a 300 ft cliff that had no way down. Trying to find the same way back up was almost impossible. I got lucky.
streams in the mountains often end up in waterfalls, had to find that out the hard way myself. And getting back up and searching for the right trail is difficult when it`s dark and the trail is covered up by snow . Pair that with poor gear and I was freezing and exhausted. Called 911 and luckily got rescued.
I’ll never be able to find the secret. Not sure about anyone else but I treat these stories like a podcast, just listening in the background while working. Love it. It’s my white noise.
Love your stories, this one made me cry. My family and I go on hiking trips a lot. Love the nature and the time, but once we did start a hike late in the day, which we knew was bad and got caught in a rain storm. We made it out safely, but learned a lesson. Tomorrow would be my dad's 89th birthday and on his birthday January 25th, 6 year ago we buried him. Part of the reason this story got to me. Mr. Ballen thanks for what you do ❤
@@miguelyt2415 right?!? His stories are absolutely crazy and very creepy!! At least he doesn’t say they “lit up a room” with every case lol! He’s one of my favorites though!!!
This is an episode of “I shouldn’t be alive”… I highly recommend the entire series. The actors and show quality are unmatched and the wild stories just tell themselves.
One part that Mr Ballen gets wrong - this was their first date! They were not boyfriend and girlfriend. I know this because they were both interviewed in the I Survived episode
What a heart-breaker. As someone who has done many many long-distance backpacking hikes, I can honestly say that you must check and re-check everything. And don't go alone. And don't go in when everyone else is going out. Having said that, I'm sure John Donovan was loved, and I am so glad he finally found a group of people who loved him for who he was, and that he got to experience that before he died.
Wow, I cried. This was so moving. I love how he made such wonderful friendships with his hiker friends and how he helped the couple without even knowing it.❤
This story is on "I shouldnt be Alive" as well. Ballen has a way of making this story so interesting and all without recreating anything, just pure, old fashioned story telling at its finest. Keep it up Ballen 🤙
Yes, I had watched this story on that show as well. They had a lot of different details. I believe they even said John was a former marine and that the couple had only met the night before at the convention, they also went into how she "freaked out" and left and that's when the guy in total desperation lit the fire. Regardless, all the other events seem to be consistent. I''ve hiked up there many times.. signs are everywhere stating DO NOT GO OFF THE TRAIL....
I thought of that as well. I never liked the dramatized retellings of these tragic events because it feels like entertainment at the expense of others. But Ballen tells it so perfectly!
Wow it seems John's hiking hobby was only ever going to end one way , with his total unwillingness to buy the correct equipment, right down to a compass . Nothing good could ever come of it
you fools wouldnt last a second on a thru hike lol. john was tough and he went out the way he wanted. in the wilderness. even some of the most prepared people go out there and get killed. its not how you die but how you live but im just a 5000 mile ldh'er.. what do i know..
@@adamhale2526 Nothing. You obviously know nothing. Throwing your life away, due to willful ignorance and incompatible is ridiculous. Going scuba diving without air-tank, skydiving without a parachute, drag-racing without breaks. Dipshit.
I live in NZ years ago we had a spate of rescues and a few fatalities - people from overseas who came here to go hiking ultra light style. Some had done it for years and didn't understand that NZ isn't like some of the places they were used to. We are a fairly narrow country surrounded by ocean so the weather can and does change suddenly. One guy got caught out in an area that is flat and easy terrain, on a good day it's like taking a stroll through a pine forest, but he got lost, only had a backpack, disposable poncho, few tins of tuna, a lightweight plastic sheet and a bottle of water. Luckily he had left his intentions in a folder at the start of the track, by the time his friends overseas had raised the alarm because they hadn't heard from him for a few days the local search teams were already out there. He was found a day later. Cold, wet, hungry, grateful and embarrassed.
@@zwan1886 there's a fine line between stubbornness and the determination to accomplish a personal goal. (Boomers got "alotta heart" so let's be respectable) P.s I once flopped out of bed to grab a reese's cup that rolled under my dresser. I could have easily "perished" but I had the determination to succeed 💪(the mini peanut butter cup had some pubes on it...but it was bomb)
I constantly see a reoccuring theme of people overestimating their abilities when it comes to the outdoors. I've come across people who were lost on local/smaller hiking trails that are considered "easy," and I've had to help get them back to the start because they were completely exhausted and/or out of food and water. Regardless of the trail, please remember to respect how dangerous nature can be, prepare, and try your best to stay on a marked trail (if there is one). And there is no shame in ever turning back.
My Dad & I misread a sign on a trail we hiked all the time & still hike to this day & got lost out there once! We ended up on the scouts trail (we wanted to do the longer trail bc I was a bit older at the time but still a child) & ended up WAY off from everything else & ran out of water before my dad finally said "Ok this can't be right" & we turned back. He had to stop at the gas station immediately after leaving so we could get water & Gatorade, I'm just glad we weren't REALLY lost bc even just that experience was enough for me 😬
I agree with you. I've turned back on a few hiking trails for various reasons one of which was having the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Other reasons include not feeling safe, too late in the day and didn't want to get stuck in the dark, weather, twisted ankle but never regretted turning back. In fact I think it saved my life at least once even though I really wanted to hike this mountain and knew I'd never have a chance to do this again. No regrets
What I've learned from your videos; never deep dive, don't go in small caves, dont go hiking, don't go sailing in bad weather and if there's warning signs to stop, always comply. Among many other things.
Greatest thing I’ve learned is if you are gonna do these things make sure you do the proper research on the areas you plan to venture to so there are little to no surprises
just always be prepared for even the worse. pack more then you need and always triple check, make sure to learn as much as you can about everything youre going into
Wow, your comment is so original. Never heard that response before in one of these videos! It sure would be nice if people would write about the stories being told rather than regurgitate this type of stuff.
They weren't saved because John died. They were saved because (forget his name) lit a huge forest fire. I guess you could say, fortunate that they found john's matches. But not because John died. To be honest, everyone in this story is a moron. You don't fuck with nature like that. Just wandering off into the woods with no supplies, thinking they're safe because there's a tram nearby? So crazy.
Feel like John was just asking for something to go wrong like he had a death wish… Why you not only go on the hike when you know the whether is gonna be terrible, then as usual bring the bare minimum amount of gear other than camping stuff and not even have a cell phone and on top of that be alone for most of the trip, just a recipe for disaster.
I have vertigo so rock climbing is tough for me, so I NEVER go down or up something I can’t go back up or down. Carry a cell phone with a recharger for day trips… seriously .
Yep. One time I was solo hiking on a peak in the Appalachians in NC (Linville Gorge) and lightning started striking all around me. I started hearing these weird static like noises in the air close to me, my hair was raising up off my head because of the static, and then lightning would strike down close by me thereafter. I was hauling ass running down hill with my pack on to get out of there, and still don't know how I didn't get struck by lightning that day.
@@hariscrnic7829- I don’t like to brag but the trails I hike are more like floating in circles on the lazy river with a fruity umbrella drink in there your right hand and less like the Verrute water slide. One time I’m pretty sure I saw fox and you wanna know what that fox said. There’s a song about it If you really wanna know. i bet you’ll love it.
Three fully equipped hikers: hey there’s an insane snowstorm on the way! You should really leave! John: It’s alright. I have my lucky A d i d a s sweat pants and sketchers
I doubt he had "sneakers." Most ultralight hikers wear small shoes instead of hiking boots, sure, but they're usually like trail running shoes. Not sketchers lol.
36:10, He jumped. He was out of options, there was only one way down. Either he died, or lived and was no longer trapped. RIP to the stubborn old man, as much as I empathize with him, he had every chance to leave, constant warnings, and he only realized when it was too late. BUT, his matches most likely saved the lives of the other two, so in the end. It wasn't for nothing, but still...RIP.
This story was documented on one of my favorite early 2000's shows "I Shouldn't Be Alive". I love that you added screenshots from the adaptation of their story. Loved your channel from day one, Mr. Ballen! Keep doing what you do!
i loved that show! i remember that episode, but it focused more on that lost couple, right? it’s interesting to hear the details of john’s story. so sad.
Saw that video also but was stuch on the thought that how could a couple survive a near death experience struggled out of it then 2 years later become separated.
It was interesting he went more in depth on John’s story and how he got lost there. What is weird to me is how did John hike this mountain? I’ve gone to this place and the only way I thought you could get up to this mountain is by the tramp. The tramp goes up super high for a good 20-30 min.
@@Ivn_IX I’ve been up there in the snow and it can be in the 90s on the desert floor. My wife made fun of me that I brought boots, hiking poles, winter jacket and my day pack just to go hiking for an hour or so. (Needless to say, she didn’t make it 30 yards from the tram). Anyway, though I’ve never hiked up, there is a trail that comes up the opposite side from the tram.
In my experience the people who get injured are the completely inexperienced who pushed themselves beyond their skill levels, the experienced who got cocky and people in general showing off. Almost every accident I've ever seen/encountered/heard about was one of those people. We had a saying in roofing: Scared men never die, they're too afraid to! The meaning being: Scared men wont take risks and its risks that hurt you. I always see comments being like "Never go Scuba diving" "never go caving" "dont go hiking" but its like....no....follow the rules, dont take actual risks and listen to the signs. If you're scared, say you're scared. If you're too scared to Scuba or go caving thats something else entirely but pretending like all caving, scuba or hiking will eventually end in disaster is ignoring all the poor decisions these people often make. Trust your ability, trust your training, trust your gear and trust your gut. Dont deviate from the plan or try to reinvent the wheel. No spur of the moment "Hey it would be cool to hike an extra 2 miles" or "Hey lets dive 30 meters deeper" no. NO NO NO NO. Stick to the plan, you made it and it was good then, why did you suddenly decide it was bad? Its not, you're tired. Follow it. Follow the plan.
@@Milksteakss he did. He was advised many times by many different people what the safest thing would be for him to do but his stubborn, almost tunnel vision, plan to go up Fuller’s Ridge stopped him from taking that advice.
Normally my ADHD can't handle even 2 minutes of video without getting bored or distracted. But the way these stories are told I genuinely build a clear picture in my head every second the story is told, you by far have a certain way of telling these stories which keeps me hooked.
I watched this story on I shouldn't be alive, but there was very less explanation of John's perspective, it was all about how the couple survived the mountains when they got lost. That time I really wanted to know John's background and everything. Thanks Mr. Ballen for retelling the story with both the victim's perspectives. RIP John
I mean I don't feel bad for people who are THAT careless, don't take proper precautions, and are that stubborn and arrogant that they can win a battle with nature and the elements. That's a major life lesson for ya... too much courage, not enough consideration, and way too much arrogance may get you killed someday.
@@LethalByChoice true. But ill bet he lived a more fulfilled life than you simply because he was a risk taker. We all die eventually and not always the way we hope.
@@LethalByChoice Man you guys are just determined to not feel sympathy for people. It doesn't matter if he was arrogant or made decisions that weren't all that smart, I don't see why he should fucking die because of it. If you one day decide to make a mistake that will cost you something important, I hope you heed your own words.
Omg, there is an episode of “I Shouldn’t be Alive” detailing the couple’s experience being lost for DAYS prior to finding John’s body - surreal hearing his story.
I live in a mountainous area for a few years now. I have not found the time yet to pick up some mountain sports, but I pick up a lot of things from colleagues, etc. who have grown up here and who are accustomed to going into the mountains, be it by foot, ski, or mountain bike. There is even somebody who got a tour sponsored by Red Bull. Here is a short list of bits and pieces I've picked up: Never go alone, Plan ahead, Check the weather continuously, Do not go if the weather isn't stable, Be aware of your abilities and the difficulty of the trail, Wear proper clothing, Take additional clothing in a backpack to adapt to changing conditions (e.g. temperature changes or crampons if you need to walk over a glacier), Wear proper shoes, Wear a helmet if you expect to walk on very steep trail which also require some climbing, If you will have to walk on some small trails with the abyss right besides you, bring climbing gear to anker yourself to the safety lines which are bolted into the mountain, Know your equipment and be able to use it properly and effectively, Bring enough water to drink. That's basically the list. And if I know these basic things, then somebody who plans to be in the mountains for 6 months per year should definitely know this.
Y know this reminds me. I was once in a blizzard in the Sierra, I needed to get back to San Francisco for my job. And I did do it. But it took everything possible including a bit of luck. First I couldn't go down highway 80 the normal way, all roads were closed. Very bad storm (circa winter 2017 or 2018). So I had to go North on 89, and then convince the Cal Trans lady who was manning the road closure barricade that I was a local and just needed to go a few miles on Hwy 49, from Sierraville to Sierra City. But it was a lie, I wanted to take it all the way to Nevada City. Well she let us through, told us her boss was out there plowing and that we weren't allowed to get stuck because it'd be her ass. I assured her we'd be fine. I was taking a guy outta the mountains with me who needed to catch a flight outta SFO at 4 am... it was around 5 pm and getting dark. The snow flurries were so heavy we couldn't see anything. We were in a lifted 4x4 1997 Ford Explorer with decent but not great all terrain tires. Well if you look at highway 49 on Google Maps between Loganville and Union Flat Campground you'll see how the road just huges the mountain and off to our left was 2 - 300 foot down to the river canyon. My co pilot had his phone Google maps out and was navigating our turns because I couldn't see. I was going as slow as 3 mph only as fast as 10 mph... it seemed like we made it outta all the scary stuff when BAM!!!! we hit black ice and slide into the right side of the road a small drainage ditch. In the corner of my eye I see my co pilot fly into the room and slam into the ceiling. The whole front end buckaroos into the mountain and gets bounced back onto the road. Luckily the road is straight so I can ease it back to a stop. I had a front headlight out. Front fender smashed. Bumper smashed. Rear back passenger light house cracked open as well. It's still snowing. I get some rags I put some gloves on. I dry up all the exposed lines to the lights as best I can and I wrap them all in electrical tape so they don't short out. After surviving the pass, we made it to Downieville and grabbed some food and a beer and counted our blessings. We made it to the foothills and could drive faster now. Still. We didn't make it to Auburn (usually about 90 minutes from Truckee) until well past 11 pm! So nearly 6 hours drive. We finally made it to the East Bay around 2 am. Took a short nap. I got him to his flight. I made it to my job that Sunday morning at 8 am. Here's the moral of the story though. My job wasn't THAT important. I could've simply called them and said "sorry, snowed in. Can't make it." And the guy I gave a ride to? He would've missed his flight. Big deal. That's his problem not mine. But I was so determined always to make ends meet. And this time I got lucky and got out alive. But had the black ice spun my wheels to the left instead of right, or maybe I was just happened to have them point left at the time? We would've surely spun off the left shoulder hundreds of feet down into the canyon and most likely died or severely injured. Sometimes it's just not worth it to push through. Life is too short. But it's not so short that you gotta exploit every single damn day when mother nature is telling you to chill out!
If he "didn't loose" your attention, he gotta have caught your attention, right? So how could you follow the story while he had your attention, and... did he give it back to you? ;-)
He didn't have the right gear, he refused to listen, and he shouldn't have gone alone. I get be super excited to go, but make sure you are prepared and absolutely everything. Nature is to be repsected.
Listen to this, a similar story. I think my girlfriend saved my life. We went to the Tatra mountains in Slovakia during the winter and took a cable car to the top of the mountain where there were skiing pistes and a restaurant. I just went for a walk along the ridges looking at the beautiful vistas. One side dropped into Slovakia the other side into Poland. When we were leaving to go back down the mountain in the cable car I told my Polish girlfriend who had trekked the Tatra Mountains many times, that we should walk down. It was a beautiful forested area, it would take about 2 hours so we would reach the bottom by sunset. She said no, it's too dangerous to go now. I said we can just follow the cable car. She said how do you know the path will follow the cable car? I hadn't even thought about that simple detail but being an ignorant city guy I said to her, I'm going anyway, you take the cable car. She said, no, you are not and she started telling about stories of people lost in the mountains who were found frozen to death or had fallen from heights or rescued but were in really bad shape. Then she said, and I'll never forget this, the mountain always wins and she pulled me to the cable car.
@@whitemoonwolf13 I totally believe that because I got myself into a bad situation with a friend in a hilly forest with 200-metre cliffs on either side. We got lost, ran out of daylight and the cliffs were hidden behind trees and bushes. We managed to find a fishing hamlet and had to beg a fisherman to take us back with his boat to the town we had parked our car. He did but it cost us a pretty penny!
I’ve been on this tram in Palm Springs and can attest to how easy it would be to get lost up there , especially when you lost sight of the trail . I’m Originally from hemet, ca and moving to Palm Springs we were always told how dangerous those places could be if not prepared
y’all remember when it was ‘three, four, sometimes even five uploads a week” real talk though, I can tell just how much more research and passion goes into your videos now. they were amazing before, of course, but the quality of them now speaks volumes. I hope you know no one truly minds less uploads, we just adore you. :)
It’s very wholesome about John and the hiking club becoming like a family, that’s so wholesome seeing how he was lonely and then all of a sudden he had new friends
One of MrBallen's best videos! Also, there are two very crucial things we can learn from this: - Never drop down somewhere you can't get up again, you need to always be able to backtrack. - Always take a lighter with you, if you go hiking, no matter if you plan to use it for something.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
20:51 Mr west
where?
Never would’ve seen that 😅 thank you
Pinned
Good eye!!!
Oh snap behind the tree! Good work man 👊🏼
Your videos are so good that they actually distracted me from using for about a week and was able to get clean. I am now almost a year clean and your videos have distracted me and help me in so many ways. Thank you
That's what I am trying to do well done xx
It's worth the hard work. Day by day we do recover
That is wonderful. Congratulations. I hope your journey continues positively.
This made me smile so hard!!!
Yeah man i was too having heavy withdrawal for a week, and no i didn't get clean cuz i just lost my bestfriend.... and broke up with girl who i thought was love of my life... and now in a MONTH after the break up she already has a new one... everyone says he's just a bandage for her cuz shes still contacting me w/out reason, drunk dialing and crying that she misses the old etc... but still on all this bullshit MrBallen had helped me use much MUCH less, and everyday tryin' to take less until i can stop... but yeah good for you my man! Hope Ballen made more videos, feels like there comes 1 for a week these days ;/ edit : i met a new girl, we we're together for 2 years, we lived together, had a dog and we were going to get engaged but... idk something happened, in both of our own lives we had too much going on and out of the blue she broke up with me... it came me as so big of a surprise that it broke my almost 1year of being clean and now im back to square one... feels like this world doesn't wanna give me happines...
I’m finishing a9-mile hike listening to this story. My tactic for never losing my way…staying on the treadmill.
Lmao
Step off the treadmill you'll be fine I promise
P u s s y @ eagleswingsec
🤣🤣🤣
🤣😂🤣
My mother always used to tell me, if you get lost, stay where you are, it'll make it easier for you to be found.
The other lessons here are:
1. Don't leave the trail, EVER (unless too dangerous to stay)
2. Always make sure you have a way of contacting people and vice versa.(even if it's just a pencil and paper)
3. Always make sure to take note of weather conditions and dress appropriately
4.Never go alone
5. No matter how smart or capable you think you are, you still are prone to making stupid decisions.
6. Take some bright strips of material or ribbons to tie to trees and bushes along your route so you can find your way back.
7. Let loved ones know where you are going, when you are going, when you hope to be back and when to call the authorities if you don't return in a reasonable amount of time.
@ OP #2 helped the first guy nil.
How about just NOT doing dangerous hikes? A old german saying goes sorta like this- " He who seeks danger, will die in danger ( my english aint that good but i guess you get my drift). Stay safe and GOD BLESS Y'ALL 🕊💯
@@berndmayer1765 my German grandmother used to say, “if you go looking for trouble, you’re sure to find it” something like that, right?
Lastly bring your phone
@@henrydupalco6391no cell service
Even if it's only your favorite RUclipsr, tell someone where you're going, when you're going, and when you expect to be back
I was a park ranger at San Jacinto National Park when this event occurred, this retelling of the story is an accurate representation. I was on the trails warning hikers of the upcoming late season storm, and I was in contact with many of the hikers mentioned in this story, John included. RIP.
FYI John had a compound complex fracture in his right tibia it is assumed he accidentally fell to his death
@@rickhenke2452 He probably jumped, thinking that the pool below might be deep enough to survive.
Why not try it, when the alternative is death by starvation?
We'll never know.
That’s pretty cool. That you were there. Not that he fell to his death.
John gets his stories pretty straight.
@@rickhenke2452 thanks for the additional info! Without knowing the topography it's hard to guess but I agree with the accidental cause. If John was found lying at the bottom of a sheer cliff, regardless of whether he fell or jumped I would expect multiple fractures. However, if the cliff wasn't a sheer drop, then perhaps John tried to descend to reach the water and made it most of the way down before falling from nearer the bottom. A complex tibial fracture is more consistent with a partially controlled fall in which he landed on one leg from a height of, say, ten or so feet. Obviously I don't know. I just enjoy investigating different types of medical mysteries.
"John was dead set..." Pun intended.
"This was going to be his first hike after retirement" - Never do anything immediately before or after retiring, that's when you are most vulnerable to plot death.
Lol
This lmao
lmao also never say "i got this one guys go on ahead"
This 🙌🏻 My neighbour died just before his retirement as he wanted to renovate his garage. The garage collapsed onto him and the wife found him 😔
I'll cheers to that
John Donovan's insistence on going on that ill-fated hike served the purpose of saving 2 people's lives exactly 1 year later .
Isn't that amazing how good can come from utter despair and tragedy.
Think about it in a different way: it is only because he made peace with his fate and did not succumb to despair that he left his gear, including the matches that saved the couple.
He could've wasted all of them and destroyed his camp in a fit of rage and desperation and they would be the ones lying face down in a creek...
@@DzinkyDzink He probably could not use them because it was really snowy when he was there. Seems like it was not as cold when the young couple arrived.
@@EmmaGodLovesTruth95 Make's Sense That's Probably Why They Survived All Those Nights
Without bad good does not exist ,without good bad doesint exist .not one without the other ...imagine a world without either ...would be pretty dull ...never feel good never bad ...
@@wickwickening3977, the Biblical version I recall someone saying , " there must,needs be evil in the world.
As a believer, I see that even if a person doesn't know it God can make use of them to do good .
John's infuriating stubbornness ended up saving two lives in exchange for his own. In my eyes he's an unintentional hero, may he rest in peace.
It’s like his luck was passed forward
Nah he was a prick
Real 😂
Muricans are dumb af
ponytail jumpscare
When you go hiking in places you’re unfamiliar, always, ALWAYS look backwards, see your trail and plan your route home.
The trail out looks remarkably different from the trail out.
Look back at every direction change or when you’ve moved past your last landmark.
Never failed me. Been in the mountains my whole life and learned that one early on.
Good practice. For new hikers, It’s good to start with beginner trails that are wide and gravel/even paved or do trails that are heavily used each day. I did bits and pieces of the Appalachian trail growing up. Most parts of the trail are obvious but there’s some parts where you can easily end up on an animal trail if you’re not paying attention.
That's excellent advice for any hiker man especially those new to it. If people really want to be safe they can bring neon string or ribbon and tie a piece around a tree every 300 feet or so depending on how dense your surroundings are
How about just don’t go hiking alone.hike with someone who is familiar with the place
@@vindiesel564 It's good advice, and usually the easier and better known trails can allow people to make new friends, so even someone starting alone doesn't end up the same way.
Unfortunately, I've heard that the PCT isn't as populous as the Appalachian trail, and the Florida trail also seems to be one of those less-traveled paths. Not sure about what the other eight trails are like.
I know very little about hiking, but I think I have a winning formula nonetheless. Just imagine what John Donovan would do, then do exactly the opposite (compass, check; weather-appropriate clothing and kit, check; GPRS, well you get the picture).
John sounds like someone who was both incredibly wonderful, but also INTENSELY frustrating. That friend you wanna slap around for being the dumbest, densest human being alive, but also someone you could always count on to be honest with you.
Yeag
Hey that's me!
@Only The truth MY PR team has advised me to not laugh at that.
You’re talking about John from the story, not mrballen… right?
@@deathvideogame He is talking about John Ballen. It's obviously not John from the story.
I've heard this story before, but the life and the detail in this telling makes all the difference.
A shot of Whisky for a bold Irishman and a hats off to a lonely life ending by saving two.
Thanks Mr. Ballen.
Amen.
Thank you 🙏
@@MrBallen Amen.
Whiskey, supposedly, kept a guy alive on the titanic...he stayed on the boat as long as he could, then was in the very cold water, for about less than an hour...so it's said...
Amen to that! I like to think his spirit helped the others to escape. 🥺🙏🏽
Always like these
One of my favorite I shouldn't be alive episodes.
I still can't believe Gina and Brendon were on a paid trip and the person in charge just ignored the headcount being off by two.
I knew I've heard this story before!
Watched the episode recently. Cool to hear these stories from different perspectives. The videos he did for the father and son rafting trip and the boat wreck with the people stranded in a raft with sharks, both of those were I shouldn’t be alive episodes also. Also the South Park parody of I shouldn’t be alive is hilarious lol.
@@mafiaiifan3694yeah it’s called Home Alone.
It’s like that movie “open water” but hiking a mountain trail.
I’m happy someone else was like! Hey that’s from SHOULDNT BE ALIVE, as soon as he read that note I was like wait.
It's Crazy how many times that John was stopped and warned about moving forward, it's as if the universe itself tried to save him but sadly John never paid attention until it was too late
Maybe we all sometimes miss the obvious signals life gives us bcs we are too focused on other things 🤔😁
I actually believe that we are all warned in someway by our guardian angels or the Holy spirit..i know when i have a "gut feeling" about something i listen to it
@@dannyboy2750 Well it saved my life couple of times so there is something in it...
Ah yes Johm’s never listen
He was super duper lucky, he really was, just like what his friends' said
i miss the days when i could binge watch MrBallen videos. now that i’m all caught up i have the same anticipation of waiting for the next episode as when i watch my favorite tv shows 😂😂
Sameeeee 😂😂
SAMEEE
I can’t relate more🤣
IKRRR
Just do what I do, rewatch them all!
John’s funeral sounds so touching and loving. I’m glad he had friends like this. Hard life in the beginning, and at the end. At least, in between these horrible happenings, he was able to find friendship and a sense of self.
RIP Mr. Donovan.
Yeah, it was nice to see, that so many people showed up and cared for him so deeply!
I'm glad he had adventures in his life.
Don't forget that John is a great storyteller.
@WAFFEN COLLIDER - I’m unsure as to what you are referring?
This is actually good advice in general that I never thought about before… If you’re hiking somewhere, never go down a trail or ledge that you can’t get back up. You never know when you need to retrace your steps.
This story really "peaked" (sorry bad pun) my interest. I went on Google Earth and I think I was able to locate the area he died. Even on Google Earth it seems incredibly steep... let alone covered in 8 feet of snow, not knowing where the edge of the stream begins or ends. His only hope truly was to hike up and out of the canyon. Like his journal said, he injured himself and couldn't do it.
The couple who owe their life to John's matches. I think they still maybe survive without the matches. 1. They had better weather than John, and everything wasn't covered in snow. 2. They had water. 3. They weren't injured, just in shock. Maybe after enough days and calming down, they retrace their steps and find a way up outta the canyon... or perhaps a traverse to skirt around the waterfall.
Call me crazy but when I hear stories like this a part of me wants to see it firsthand. What makes it such a trap? I want to study it and circumnavigate it.
@@darrinsiberialove this detail and how sophisticated u analyzed this situation I 100% agree with the urge of wanting to go explore these places where ppl were “trapped” and look for possible survival methods not thought abt or just unexplored!
Hike in the midwest, except in January and February, and you'll be A-OK!😂
this is just common sense that a ten year old would know
So glad to have heard his story. He didn’t know he was saving the lives of two people but he did. And they brought him home to his friends who loved him.
Through his social work he probably saved more than we know
Thanks for spoiling the story
@@Pusfilth Why the hell would you go to the comments section, if you didn't wan't spoilers??
@@Pusfilth Comments sections are there to discuss the video, genius. You chose to venture into comments about a video before watching the video, then blame others for "spoiling you"? LOL. Not the brightest spark, are ya? Take some personal responsibility for your own stupid choices, friend!
@@Pusfilth It's like watching a film review before the actual film and then crying about not being surprised by the plot.
Moral of the story: Never leave your cell phone at home to “focus on each other.” Just using a modicum of self control, and leaving the cell phone in your pocket, will suffice.
But they took pictures tho
@@baileyerickson4065 The photos used in this video are unrelated (uncaptioned so could be stock or re-enactment). Also cameraphones back then weren't as high quality as the photos used in the video.
@@nadiajenner5108 in the video he mentioned that they took pics of the waterfall before heading back to the station
@@amber2616 with a camera, not a phone
@@faeyarosethorne2716 which is what I thought of but it wasn't included in the items found with them, unless I somehow missed it in the video
Moral of the stories:
1. Don't be a jerk to strangers.
2. Never just wander into the woods, especially with no phone, water etc. You can easily get lost just a couple feet from the trail.
Your rule #1 will have me laughing all week. Good one man.
He was a social worker so he's trained how to handle people. If the woman was doing something wrong in his opinion, it was correct to maybe say something.
@@Aaron-is8yt some opinions are best keep to oneself regardless if it's right/wrong. Don't tell strangers that they're raising their child wrong (when you just met them in less than a day)
@@Aaron-is8yt He was a social worker so was a complete Arse!
I don’t think he was actually trying to be a jerk to those people. He was probably awkward, and they just weren’t friendly.
Remember, all of the bodies on Mount Everest were once incredibly motivated people. Learn when to quit.
While yes you can do everything, there's always a time and place for it
Yup, know your limitations and always be prepared.
Or you can do what you want and need to do without ANYONE telling you that there are better and more tolerable places and times to do what it is you feel necessary to say or do. RIGHT!!?!!!.
Yeah I went hiking and there was a big flat edge on the top of this fell, and it was really windy and snowy up there and people up there were basically walking sideways. Me and my mum got a little way up and then noped out and walked back down, our friends carried on a bit and wanted to go up as they were more experienced but not long after they also turned around and came back. It's important when in nature to realise and respect its power no matter how experienced you are, or you could die
@@kennethhaughton4538 tf are you on about?
@@kennethhaughton4538 nature will lay your ass out whenever it pleases if you're dumb enough to ignore it's warnings
I'm in my late 50's and have suffered from chronic insomnia my entire life. Discovering this channel has been a Godsend. I love listening to this amazing young man - this fabulous storyteller - late at night when I can't sleep. I am just loving this channel! Bless 💗
He is a wonderful story teller
Aw
Same here. Chronic insomnia is awful but I listen to this man and I'm fine.
I also suffer with insomnia and I’m hooked on his videos. There’s just something about the way he tells his stories. I’ve heard of some of them, from other people, but nobody tells it quite like he does. ❤️
You must also listen to 'That Chapter'...…..an Irish guy named Mike(awesome accent) who tells equally great(maybe better) stories....but adds this very unique haunting music at times.....and pictures, video. Give him a try.
Also late 50's but I work all night and would be quite bored w/o these guys.
His cause of death was stubborness. Its sad but my god, when people who live in the area and are experienced with the trail and the weather warn you to turn back....you turn back.
it’s*
What about searchers that die looking for idiots that person should be criminally liable but they pat them and say good yor alive
@RaXa Agreed!!
I think he wasnt meant to die that day and was given a lot of chance to save himself. But he ignored all of that thinking his luck will save him. What a shame
Very poor decision making, him and the young couple. The wilderness is scary as hell to me, so I don't understand it
This man could literally tell a story about an ordinary day and make it interesting. His story telling skills are amazing. I’m so happy I found this channel I can’t stop watching!
Yep. Me too.
No shit. He does this for a living, of course he’s going to research the best ways to speak and how to tell a story.
I’m not sure why you people are so surprised, unless y’all don’t have a brain and don’t try to do what you do for a living the best way possible.
@@dankone3 WOW! Someone needs a hug 🤗
@@ltbergstrum5782 yes please 🙄
The only problem is he doesn't have enough content. I could listen to him talk about fried bananas.
John: my hiking was all skill
John: slips down icy slope and his pants saves him
John: calls them his *lucky* pants
What is this tom-foolery?
Guy was very stupid. Rip smooth brain
At least he was aware enough to not call them his skill pants..
Skillful pants
Those lucky pants just happen to be the pants he used to always wear and continued to wear. Just used that lucky experience as an excuse to keep wearing them. All his homies knew😂😂😂
I definitely cried at the end. You told this shit like a movie. The Story telling skills are crazy bro. Thank you.
how is it even possible for a person to be so great at storytelling!? i didn’t even realize that was a skill until i discovered this channel
@@jillianc7485 you didn't realise story telling was skill? How could you not have known this. It's one of the oldest skills there is. Enjoy it then old chap
@@bumbleofthefluff4418 well no, i was mostly exaggerating. i more so meant that i didn’t realize how great people can really be at a Tory telling- ballen is genuinely one of the best.
This story would make a great movie!
Watch the Show on youtube.Wonder!! Date from Hell Leaves young couple stranded 😇
I’m a hiker. These stories just emphasize to me how important it is to be prepared.
hope ur still alive
Like bring a lighter? Lol
Good luck dude! Stay prepared 😁
I don't know where you go hiking, but I just got back from a camping/hiking trip in the Rockies, and the three must-haves are water, food, and sunscreen -- very good sunscreen. Even though I slathered the stuff on, my poor arms and legs weren't used to the super-high elevation and super-direct sunlight. 😭
@@sluttymctits4496 hey I saw you in the reply section of a comment on I believe the video that was about the Bear Camp road where the Asian man basically died in the woods trying to look for a nearby gas station or something while his wife and two young daughters (one 4 yrs old and one 7 months old) were in the car. These were both stories were someone had to make a sacrifice to save others
Imagine the feeling of looking back at the date and seeing it was a year ago and realizing that nobody had been to that spot for that long and someone in the same experience you had died there.
Literally a real life horror scenario
A heart sinking feeling for sure!
Only thing worse would be finding the body.
Marooned 😳
@@royslapped4463 Which they also did.
Mr B has reached 8 million subscribers! Congratulations John. The storyteller with substance.
Interesting, his wife's name is Amanda😅
@@rockybullshite927 why? lol a lot of people are called Amanda ? 🤷🏼♀️
@@EATMECOSIMTASTY why? It's a terrible name
I am a pretty experienced hiker/backpacker and have to admit I got lost in the same area. It's all rolling hills and mountain tops. With a lot of Large rock features and outcroppings. Very disorienting. The sensation you get when you realize, "I am lost in the wilderness, within a short distance of a trail, I just don't know what direction that trail is"... Fortunately, my experience resolved within an hour. But only because I just stopped. I just sat there for like 15 minutes and calmed down and tried again. Basically I discovered that adrenaline and what not, not so good, in a lost in the wilderness scenario. In that case you want your adrenalin to ware off so your brain can focus more on mental activity.
The first and best step is to remain calm and don't panic
Amen, brothers. Had a similar experience in Wyoming. I hiked alone in unfamiliar territory and followed faulty directions of someone who should have known better. No distinguishing landmarks for orientation. I did not arrive at my expected destination. Stopped and had a think after the rush of adrenaline. Successfully used shadow movement to determine E-W, then a bit of dead reckoning. But first I had to stop, calm down and think.
I should add that my preparation was poor-- no familiarization, no route planning, no topos, no compass, no food, no water, insufficient clothing-- because of extenuating and unavoidable circumstances.
Great advice
Damn, mountains are scary. I cant imagine the desparation one must feel in a situation like that.
@@SBCBears you almost ended up like the fools in this story, luckily you went about it wisely. These people clearly didn't sadly.
I love the fact John had managed to find a surrogate family that made me smile. Nobody should ever be lonely
Indeed
Indeed
Wut
So many older people are lonely. Even if family is nearby.
@@wendybutler1681 your right, but still nobody should be lonely
Can we take a sec to appreciate Mr.Ballen's editing skills? Listen to how he inserts subtle sounds that accentuate words, moods, and surprise revelations. It really enhances his already remarkable gift of storytelling.
and the “Air Quotes”
Doesn't he have an editor named Wes
So true
Also he knew about johns lucky pants
I think its his friend Wes? That edits. Could be wrong name
Very very sad story about John who had a wonderful life ahead of him. I wish he would have made it. Excellent tale about being prepared and not going off the trail. Be safe.
His death was his own fault, if he listened he'd still be here hiking like he planned
@@goblinofsharksnacks But then you have to remember had he not been there or had been rescued his matches wouldn't be there which wouldn't have allowed Brandon to light the flames to get him and Gina help in being rescued. So John would live but then Brandon, and Gina could have very well lost there lives, and be lost to time much like how John was for the year of him going missing. But unlike John would have the sad point of not being given the luxury of being found or to document there situation to its conclusion.
i like the dude's attitude at the end: "you think i'm trapped here with you nature? no no, youre trapped here with me"
[sets forest on fire]
Rorschac, is that you?
I'd do the same.
I cringed when he decided to set the forest on fire. I have mixed feelings about that desperate decision.
@@dewaynebanks1397 It'll grow back.
@@dewaynebanks1397 Actually it's you who makes me cringe. Half an acre is definitely worth two humans' lives. It's not like they were at a place they could have set a real wildfire and endangered others. There can't even have been insects, let alone mammals. Otherwise they would have had food.
Half an acre... honestly... are you a fruitarian or a dendrophile that you cry over half an acre trees?
Wow what an absolutely wild story. The odds that they would have been there the exact day that John had left a message the year before makes it all the more surreal. Rest easy, John.
That's crazy!.. wow.. it's insane to think that. One EXACT year two more people would end up in his exact position and situation.
That was certainly my favorite detail in this story. How often does such thing happen!
Poor Mr Donovan. He died because of his recklessness and stubbornness. But humans make mistakes. Im really glad the couples were saved
Right? It's always interesting when things like that happen.
RIP John. You couldn't save yourself, but you did end up saving two others.
The odds of it being the exact day a year later is astounding.. just goes to show the universe fcuks with us in unforeseen ways. Or if there is a creator out there, the SOB got a pretty sick sense of humor 😂
Either way, the hubris of some people is truly troubling.
What kinda person goes willingly alone into the frozen fray, with sparse provisioning and entirely inadequate gear, ignoring all the advice of experienced hikers...
You'd think someone braving the harsh elements alone would be doubly cautious and plan meticulously.
Perhaps John surviving that slide off the mountain gave him superman syndrome.
In reality, you only get to roll the dice so many times before it comes up snake eyes.
John was their Guardian Angel...
John was a social worker. He lived his life helping others and loved hiking in nature. Even in death, he helped 2 people who would have shared his fate with his sacrifice.
This comment. This comment is all that needs to be said about John! Rest in peace John!
So, so true
That’s a beautiful thought and a great way to remember this man.
And was very dumb
R.i.p john wow what a good man even in the after life he helps when he can ..
In a very very small way I know what this feels like. A friend and I were backpacking in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The day started fine but when we were about 5 miles or so in, it started to rain. We didn't pack in dry wood. Once we found a camp site we needed a fire bad. It was freezing. I hacked at the wood I did find with our hatchet and somehow after many attempts managed to get a fire going and then was able to keep it going. I still can't begin to imagine how horrifying this would have been for all parties.
I hiked San Jacinto with some friends a few years ago and it was no joke. During the hike I broke away from my friend and continued on ahead. At one point the trail began to fork. I went left for a bit but the farther I went my instincts almost seemed to scream at me that I needed to turn around and go right. I also began to notice that the trail I was currently on was not as beaten and worn from travel as I continued on. So, instinctively I turn around and get on the proper path and eventually make it to the top of the mountain. Who knows what could’ve happened if I didn’t turn around. Watching this video makes me grateful I made it to the top with all my friends lol. Trust your instincts out there and never break away from the trail. It was a great experience that’ll I’ll never forget. Best channel on RUclips, great storytelling!
I live around that area...the dangerous spot i think its the palm springs area
@Gavin I smell some cap
or the group. Always stay with the group. Alone you are fucked if you get lost, with a friend or two you are only probably fucked if you get lost, and a whole group you are only probably partially fucked if you get lost.
@@NiteStorm324 cap detected
Bro I live in hemet like right next to San jacinto wtf
How can I possibly find the secret when I get so drawn into the story due to your vivid storytelling that I don’t see anything but what you are describing. I expect to see snow when I look outside or the gorge and creek. That’s when my senses return to normal!
Same. I always get so wrapped up and enthralled in the story I forget to watch for the "secret".
I’ve watched every video He’s put out and not once caught the secret or even remembered about it till the video is over.
I've never seen a secret... I don't know what to look for...
I start every video saying im going to find it... Then the story starts 🤦🏻
I don’t even watch the videos I just listen
You know it’s gonna be crazy when the story STARTS with them already stranded.
lmao true
Yeah this story threw us a sidewinder😝
Man. The fact that I will NEVER go hiking or skiing or camping is really being solidified for me the more I watch videos like this.
RIP John.
Thanks for the story MrBallen.
We have all kinds of places in California and some are safe and some are dangerous. These people went to a place far,far away from roads. But if you're willing to travel then there are many, many excellent places to go that are literally within 1/4 mile of a highway,
Protip: if you have the option to jump down to a ravine where it would be impossible to climb back up again, don't jump down to the ravine.
What if you can see said ravine leads out to the road and your car is right there?
@@Couplescience you can also unintentionally walk in circles in wooded areas. These people in this story have absolutely no fucking clue.
As an avid outdoors person, there were so many moments of "No, don't!" in this. I already know this story, but it's a cautionary trail. One mistake can usually be recovered from, but each action compounded the last. Above all, if you get lost, stay put, or move only far enough to be safe from natural hazards.
Outdoorsman. Not a lot of snowflakes here.
I agree
Hear Hear Taser. I couldn’t agree more with you.
Not sure why you think your “avid outdoors person” certification should mean anything.
It’s obvious all the shit happening are from bad decisions and lack of common sense.
Idk tho maybe being an experienced outdoorsman does say a lot because the average dumbass who decides to go hiking is probably stupider than the average person.
Probably the reason why we need to have a whole ass branch of law enforcement dedicated to “search and rescue”
@@garlandremingtoniii1338 no shit. I would hope you agreed with it. It’s fucking common sense
John’s luck tried to save him, He got so many warnings and a way out but he continued on his hike.
Right! He ignored his luck that time!!
There is a joke, I feel fits this story well.
A man lives in a town, and a storm is coming. It starts to flood, so the city puts out news broadcast to evacuate. The man hears the broadcasts, and says, "I don't need to leave. God will protect me." The rain began, and a truck drove by, fleeing the storm, saw the man on his porch, and offered him a ride to high ground. The man said, "I don't need to leave. God will protect me." The waters continued to rise, and the man was forced to climb onto the awning of his house. A boat came by to save the man, but he said, "I don't need to leave. God will protect me." The waters grew higher, and the man went to the tip-top of his house, a helicopter came by to save him, and the man said, "I don't need to leave. God will protect me." After the flood had swept the man away, and he died. He stood before God, in heaven, and asked, "God, why did you not protect me?" And God answered, "I sent you a truck, a boat, and a helicopter."
Yeah not having the self-awareness to change or adapt means he wasted the gifts given to him.
@@oddvoid that was deadly you did yourself proud god why didn’t you save me 😂😂😂👍☘️✌️
He pushed his luck so much that he saved those two peoples lives a year later...
The first part of the story where John kept on hiking, but came across a couple of hikers who were leaving the mountain and warned John to not go due to the storm coming, kind of reminded about this story.
The story where a person was stuck on top of their house and the water levels were continuing to rise. Many people who were leaving on boats urged the person to come with them to safety. However, the person refused claiming that "God would save them." Then time went on and form time to time peopel that were escaping were warning the person and urging them to come with them to safety. Each time the person continued to refuse claiming that god will come to save them. Then eventually the person drowns and dies. The person asks god why they weren't saved. God claims that each of the people on the boats that were escaping and the people urging the person to escape with them was each attempt/way of God in trying to save the person. However, the person refused, hence they drowned.
Lol
That story reminds me of the Parable of Goats and Sheep. Where God legit says "you do right by me by doing right by others, but those who do not to right by others do not do right by me" (paraphrased lol)
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
But this also reminds me of so many people now who refuse medical help, even for their children, because "God will heal!". But they fail to believe that God could be so powerful that je will gift other people with the knowledge on how to help. I'm not very religious, but if God does exist, I know he puts doctors in the right place at the right time. It's up to others to believe that God sent doctors to help. If they don't, then that's their bad.
God tried to save them and they didn't have enough sense to except the rescue. Some people are kind of dense.
I think it's pretty heartwarming that John was able to save these two lives one year after his own death, its such an incredible coincidence that it almost seems impossible. he sounded like a great person, and I'm sure he would be glad to know that the remnants of his camp helped save two young lives
They could have started a fire without his matches.
@@fukkitful you are probably the one in the group who is absolutely despised.
@@buttermilkbob2370 agreed to the fullest degree.
@@fukkitful With what? A tube of chapstick?
@@llamasugar5478 A bow drill...
I've heard their story several times. This is the first time hearing details about John. He's been humanized. In other stories, he's almost a second thought.
that's cause he was a knucklehead
first time i heard about this couple and their story was on I Shouldnt Be Alive...
over a decade ago
@@fftheblueskys Sounds like that is a result of this woman Connie, who seems like she is REALLY trying to convince everyone John was a bad guy who she needed to get away from because "he questioned her parenting". I doubt he did, but even if that is true, you don't leave leave someone behind who is clearly having a hard time navigating because they made a few comments you didn't like. She killed that man, and should have been tried for manslaughter
How's it even possible that a person can be this good at story telling.
Omg how is it possible that this is so Fkn cringe
@@buttnakedman5320 5 million people say otherwise
@@buttnakedman5320 omg how is it possible that you can watch this video while cringing
Good script
I just discovered this channel today, and I think I know WHY this speaker is so good... he is not reading a story or script... he is telling us these stories as if he was actually part of the story or a witness to the story, it comes from his memory as if he has told the story for years and years...
This is without a doubt the wildest story i have EVER heard. The amount of sheer coincidence is amazing. Not only was John considered lucky but his luck running out was the luck that they needed to survive.... Like holy fucking what even.
I'll tell people where to find the best firewood when everything's wet. It's counter intuitive but the best firewood is in the creek. Look for white wood in the water. It can no longer hold any more and is dry. I've done this many times while hiking when everything else is wet.
That is seriously counter-intuitive!
Good advice. Thx!
hahahahaha
@@kevinkirschenheuter1479 it's not a joke. Ever picked up driftwood?
I had no idea. Thanks for the info.
“John refused to spend any more money than he absolutely had to.”
“He drank lots of whiskey…” 🤔
this is me, but with brandy and beer xD
Yep as an ex addict myself this makes so much yet no sense
Wow what a crime
Priorities.
When one is an alcoholic money spent on "drink" is always a necessity.
People don't realize just how close to urban areas real wilderness still exists. This happens in the mountains near Phoenix too. I am reminded of signs at a large NE ski resort: "These mountains will be just as cold and lonely tonight as they were 200 years ago. Please don't ski alone." That could be applied to hiking alone as well.
I am so glad you told us about him. So far, I had only seen and heard about the couple's story. Thank you for focusing on their savior.
Literally in every video he makes me feel like he was right there with everyone because of how good he is at these.
I kind of dislike that.
Like who is he and how does he know? An ex navy but talks like he knows knows john.
My thoughts exactly
While is even not there
Honestly for someone with no survival skills, starting a fire like that was a very smart idea.
Also doubt you will see this, but your story telling/narration skills have come a long way. Nobody does it better with immersion and stuff. Didnt realize this was 40 mins long😂
Youre one of my favorite cereals
Indeed.
@@mikeyhammerfoot2904 😂😂
Fruity pebbles for me🤪
Unless it creates a multi-state forest fire. I was actually thinking this is where this story is going.
Alfred Hitchcock aint got nothing on Mr Ballen. He truly is a master at building up suspense. I compare his stories to watching a new Soprano's episode back in the day. You just start watching & it feels like its only been on minutes & the creditsare already starting to roll!! You're absolutely right about being totally immersed in the story regardless of where you're actually listening to it. Its these amazing storytelling skills that seperate Mr Ballen from everyone else.
The fact he went from panicking to calm to “imma set a fucking forest on fire” in so little time amazes me
RIGHT?! That was honestly a great idea he had. That girl should have stayed with him forever bc he saved their lives.
@@DiodeMom lol i was gonna say the same thing. i was crying by the end of this video but the fact that they broke up fuckin ruined it XD
@@kripul lol same! I was straight pissed off at her 😂
@@DiodeMom They both should've been more prepared. That is not a couple that survives together... Splitting was wise
@@iamwhoyousayiam6773 yeah honestly good point
Watching Mr Ballen is like listening to a friend tell some crazy story…. I’m alway 1000% invested!
Sounds like this guy was given opportunity after opportunity to save himself. Never think you’re stronger than Mother Nature, you will literally always be wrong.
No one’s talking about it being his suicide mission
@@janessafaye7671 that's what I'm thinking 🤷🏽♀️ at some point John was clearly on a suicide mission. There's no reason to be that stubborn
@@elle_l808l I was getting super annoyed with this guy and then the same thought occurred to me that he just didn't care - he probably thought he had nothing to lose 😔.
@@janessafaye7671 they were all suicide missions from the very day he got caught on his underpants and was “lucky” he probably felt invincible didn’t use his matches though its crazy how its the same date so it was meant to be they find he items and use them
The man repeatedly ignored warnings som3 f3om professionals he deserved his fate. The other couple got lucky.
John reminds me of a stubborn old man I met on a tour in Cusco, Peru. We'd all been warned, on arrival at the hotel, to rest up and get accustomed to the altitude. Nope, this guy was determined to go for a walk. When the rest of us met at lunch for a tour we were all refreshed. He shuffled in looking more dead than alive. He was quite unwell for a few days. I don't understand the stubbornness
Stubbornness can work both ways, but it works best when it can humble you, specially when you're "looking more dead than alive". LOL
Stubbornness usually happens when you become stuck in your ways.
Lack of experience
That’s not stubbornness, that’s stupidity.
I don't like miserly people, those are the kind of people that carry with them exactly what they need and not a drop more, but WILL accept everything others give them
When he said it was from 2005 my heart dropped… that is an absolutely insane coincidence that his last note was written on the year before the exact day they ended up there
I feel like god had seen a purpose in Johns items and used it to help them
yeah imagine the nightmarish realisation that the note was one year old and they where doomed. i dont know whats worse. coming there first and realising that you would be better off killing yourself or finding a note from the guy that did that last time. sounds like a plot to a horror movie.
@@MartiMcfly-mf9pq please dont start this….
@@MartiMcfly-mf9pq if that’s true then “god” is a truly sick individual, to watch kind hearted John starve and suffer just so these two people could start a forest fire w his matches. Like a sick, twisted prank. If he had the ability to intervene and save the couple, where was he for John?
@@smears6039 John was a fool, his hubris and pride killed him, both of which are "sins."
I’m so glad John found his hiking family. I’m sure the desire for acceptance/ inclusion was strong. And I am glad he found the ones who would choose to love him not just out of obligation
Critical rule after you get lost: When you get to that point of no return where proceeding means you wouldn’t be able go back, DO NOT proceed unless you have a map clearly showing you it’s the right way to go. Regardless of how nasty the prospect of going back looks, go back. You would rather camp out on the spot and start trekking back the following day.
Great advice and well worded so any dumb-ass can understand,,,,,,,,,,,,,,couldn’t resist😂😂😂. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,but really,,,,,,,,😳 Great advice,I hope I can remember it when it’s needed,,,,,,,,really😂😂😂😳
Never be stubborn with nature. Never ever. It's not going to break before you do.
Sorry, but I don't bow down to nature. Nature bows down to me. Besides, I was never a fan of Star Trek
I was thinking the same thing
Either that or stay put as soon as you realize you’re lost and wait for help.
Mr. B my husband and I love debating and discussing your stories and spitballing theories. He's an Air Force vet and he has fabulous military input. We adore you!!
Bring y’all’s discussion into the comments so I have someone to talk to. Nobody ever talks about the stories. Just the same comments written over and over…. 😟
What did y’all think about the end? You think he jumped to his death to end his misery?
@@Misssydney Gladly! He has some pretty badass theories about the giants in Afghanistan 😳 and has seen them. I wouldn't have believed him but then his TI and partner in combat confirmed the stories verbatim. They believe these creatures are protecting something and that we have far more intelligence on them than the govt cares to share. Most of the information they do have has been classified and can never be unclassified and my husband and his crew are sworn to leave out crucial details to confirm their hypothesis. S C A R Y.
I will edit this comment after I finish the story. My four year old is giving me a run for my money rn lolol.
@@MisssydneyYou know, I don't think he'd jump to his death. Irish Catholics are very strict on the concept of suicide, so I honestly think he went to the river to get water, fell in bc he was too weak, and the water carried him over the waterfall. He's also an Irishman, and a man who would stubbornly survive since 10 years old on his own wouldn't have given up, I think.
@@casabonita2702 ooooooh girl trust me I get it, I have a two year old that does the same! No need to edit! 🙂
Also, the giants of Kandahar was one of my favorite stories! 🤩 now I really want to know what they’re protecting
Thank you!!!
I used to see other hikers on the trail with all their specialized clothing and gear and snicker to myself about how all they need are a good pair of sneakers and comfortable clothing, and they were fools to waste their money on unnecessary things. Then I went on a day hike in the snow one day and barely got out alive. After that, I went online and pretty much bought *all* the gear.
I learn the same way lol, glad you lived to tell the tale
Best to be prepared
I'm just going to Machu Picchu still I'm so well prepared, I could technically get lost in the amazonas..........
I visited our only mountain top here in continental Portugal, and laughed at the thought of getting really warm clothing and footwear, after all, I come from a really cold and snowy country (my country of birth). I told my boyfriend to tell the taxi driver we would be out there the entire afternoon. Wearing only a light jacket and some dumb flat boots, I spent the whole (maybe two hours?) sliding on melted snow that turned into ice and shivering under the cold, humid strong wind. It was super sunny outside, but I was freezing and very uncomfortable. Never underestimate the importance of good quality gear and warm clothing. I lasted less than half of the time I had in mind and we were in a touristy area. Can't imagine getting lost or trapped in there overnight 😬😬
Oh gosh Rustin, you nearly ended up a story on here yourself. Glad you’re hear to tell us yourself!!!
Seeing comments about how people are so frustrated or mad with John, or even saying he had such a huge ego is weird to me. He was an orphan from a very young age. All his life he could only trust and depend on himself, no one else. So OF COURSE if someone told us, "Hey, it's not safe. Don't go." We'd probably thank them and turn around. But someone like John, who again, never learned to trust or depend on anyone but himself, might not listen. He had done this plenty of time before, and likely in other bad weather conditions, so he definitely felt confident in himself.
But either way you put it, it's still a shame that he lost his life. It's amazing that 2 other lives were saved because of him, but that doesn't make his loss better. Just be kind y'all.
Except he was always depending on others for their supplies, their direction, etc.
Why do people feel the need to leave the group they're with when they're in unfamiliar territory? It's just a bad idea all around. Don't do that.
Totally agree. That's what happened to the two divers that left the group and were left behind.
Ego & Pride
Curiosity
They wanted some alone time for the hanky panky.
@@leviniahill454 it's deceptively urban when you've gone to the top of the palm springs tramway. You're literally a few minutes drive from $million homes and a major city in 100 degree Fahrenheit weather. . It's literally one of the worlds biggest climate changes in such a short distance. I can see how people could feel deceptively safe at this particular wilderness area.
I've been lost on the side of a mountain. It sucks. Going "down hill leads to water and then to people" is for hills NOT MOUNTAINS. I searched for a way down for 2 hours, through a series of gullies and ridges when I came upon a 300 ft cliff that had no way down. Trying to find the same way back up was almost impossible. I got lucky.
that sounds horrifying not gonna lie. Glad you made it
Yikes I'm glad you found your way to safety!
Oh..it wasn’t just luck! You're supposed to be here! Blessings
streams in the mountains often end up in waterfalls, had to find that out the hard way myself. And getting back up and searching for the right trail is difficult when it`s dark and the trail is covered up by snow . Pair that with poor gear and I was freezing and exhausted. Called 911 and luckily got rescued.
How are you alive
I’ll never be able to find the secret. Not sure about anyone else but I treat these stories like a podcast, just listening in the background while working. Love it. It’s my white noise.
That’s exactly what I’m doing right now
@@elijahkelly8950 me too, and trying not to scroll through the comments lol
Me 2
As do I lol
Oh no, I watch them but STILL CAN’T find the secret lol.
Love your stories, this one made me cry. My family and I go on hiking trips a lot. Love the nature and the time, but once we did start a hike late in the day, which we knew was bad and got caught in a rain storm. We made it out safely, but learned a lesson.
Tomorrow would be my dad's 89th birthday and on his birthday January 25th, 6 year ago we buried him. Part of the reason this story got to me.
Mr. Ballen thanks for what you do ❤
My life goal is now to make sure I’m not a “story” on this channel!! Even though I love ya Ballen!!!
Yeah..... Let's keep ourselves as audiences in this channel
@Cory Dinsmore I bet you’re fun at parties!!!!
🤣🤣🤣 EXACTLY!!!!
@@miguelyt2415 right?!? His stories are absolutely crazy and very creepy!! At least he doesn’t say they “lit up a room” with every case lol! He’s one of my favorites though!!!
@Cory Dinsmore Is a joke, not a dick, don't take it so hard.
This is an episode of “I shouldn’t be alive”… I highly recommend the entire series. The actors and show quality are unmatched and the wild stories just tell themselves.
Yes that’s where I remember seeing it, my bf and I love that series sad it’s ended!
One part that Mr Ballen gets wrong - this was their first date! They were not boyfriend and girlfriend. I know this because they were both interviewed in the I Survived episode
Great show! I always cry when they are rescued.
My 16 year old niece's name is Alyssa Stewart 🥰
@@Challa170 I know! I always wish they’d bring it back. Seems like they would never run out of potential stories.
What a heart-breaker. As someone who has done many many long-distance backpacking hikes, I can honestly say that you must check and re-check everything. And don't go alone. And don't go in when everyone else is going out. Having said that, I'm sure John Donovan was loved, and I am so glad he finally found a group of people who loved him for who he was, and that he got to experience that before he died.
Why not carry satelite phone? Wouldn't that resolve many of situations like this? (They weren't expecting it but I mean if you do expect it.)
@@petrkinkal1509 that’s what I do.
@@petrkinkal1509 They weren't an easy thing back then.
@@petrkinkal1509 He was out there in sneakers with ill-fitting crampons. The man was cheap and too used to cutting corners to save money,.
@@Seraphim4190 it's mainly because he was overconfident about getting lucky this time too given his previous experience with luck..
Wow, I cried. This was so moving. I love how he made such wonderful friendships with his hiker friends and how he helped the couple without even knowing it.❤
This story is on "I shouldnt be Alive" as well. Ballen has a way of making this story so interesting and all without recreating anything, just pure, old fashioned story telling at its finest. Keep it up Ballen 🤙
I knew I had heard this story somewhere!
Yes, I had watched this story on that show as well. They had a lot of different details. I believe they even said John was a former marine and that the couple had only met the night before at the convention, they also went into how she "freaked out" and left and that's when the guy in total desperation lit the fire. Regardless, all the other events seem to be consistent. I''ve hiked up there many times.. signs are everywhere stating DO NOT GO OFF THE TRAIL....
I thought of that as well. I never liked the dramatized retellings of these tragic events because it feels like entertainment at the expense of others. But Ballen tells it so perfectly!
That dude in the story... Real man material. Unfortunately, relationships forged in dire circumstances rarely last.
@@Chocolateape1 Yet it is still entertainment at the expense of others. Ballen is making a killing off this.
Wow it seems John's hiking hobby was only ever going to end one way , with his total unwillingness to buy the correct equipment, right down to a compass . Nothing good could ever come of it
All the backpacking mistakes... what a fool. I'm kinda glad he was a lone because then he didn't take anyone else out with him
you fools wouldnt last a second on a thru hike lol. john was tough and he went out the way he wanted. in the wilderness. even some of the most prepared people go out there and get killed. its not how you die but how you live but im just a 5000 mile ldh'er.. what do i know..
@@adamhale2526 Nothing. You obviously know nothing. Throwing your life away, due to willful ignorance and incompatible is ridiculous. Going scuba diving without air-tank, skydiving without a parachute, drag-racing without breaks. Dipshit.
I live in NZ years ago we had a spate of rescues and a few fatalities - people from overseas who came here to go hiking ultra light style. Some had done it for years and didn't understand that NZ isn't like some of the places they were used to. We are a fairly narrow country surrounded by ocean so the weather can and does change suddenly. One guy got caught out in an area that is flat and easy terrain, on a good day it's like taking a stroll through a pine forest, but he got lost, only had a backpack, disposable poncho, few tins of tuna, a lightweight plastic sheet and a bottle of water. Luckily he had left his intentions in a folder at the start of the track, by the time his friends overseas had raised the alarm because they hadn't heard from him for a few days the local search teams were already out there. He was found a day later. Cold, wet, hungry, grateful and embarrassed.
But good DID come of it... yes, HE was doomed because of his stubborn ways yet his death saved two others... that's the good that come of it
Everyone: "hey, the trail is dangerous AF and theres a huge snow storm on its way!"
John: "It's ok...I have sneakers"
And lucky pants.
typical stubborn boomer
@@zwan1886 fr
@@zwan1886 there's a fine line between stubbornness and the determination to accomplish a personal goal. (Boomers got "alotta heart" so let's be respectable)
P.s I once flopped out of bed to grab a reese's cup that rolled under my dresser. I could have easily "perished" but I had the determination to succeed 💪(the mini peanut butter cup had some pubes on it...but it was bomb)
@@cappy2282 Now....that's hilarious!!!
I constantly see a reoccuring theme of people overestimating their abilities when it comes to the outdoors. I've come across people who were lost on local/smaller hiking trails that are considered "easy," and I've had to help get them back to the start because they were completely exhausted and/or out of food and water. Regardless of the trail, please remember to respect how dangerous nature can be, prepare, and try your best to stay on a marked trail (if there is one). And there is no shame in ever turning back.
My Dad & I misread a sign on a trail we hiked all the time & still hike to this day & got lost out there once! We ended up on the scouts trail (we wanted to do the longer trail bc I was a bit older at the time but still a child) & ended up WAY off from everything else & ran out of water before my dad finally said "Ok this can't be right" & we turned back. He had to stop at the gas station immediately after leaving so we could get water & Gatorade, I'm just glad we weren't REALLY lost bc even just that experience was enough for me 😬
I agree with you. I've turned back on a few hiking trails for various reasons one of which was having the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Other reasons include not feeling safe, too late in the day and didn't want to get stuck in the dark, weather, twisted ankle but never regretted turning back. In fact I think it saved my life at least once even though I really wanted to hike this mountain and knew I'd never have a chance to do this again. No regrets
What I've learned from your videos; never deep dive, don't go in small caves, dont go hiking, don't go sailing in bad weather and if there's warning signs to stop, always comply. Among many other things.
Greatest thing I’ve learned is if you are gonna do these things make sure you do the proper research on the areas you plan to venture to so there are little to no surprises
just always be prepared for even the worse. pack more then you need and always triple check, make sure to learn as much as you can about everything youre going into
Wow, your comment is so original. Never heard that response before in one of these videos! It sure would be nice if people would write about the stories being told rather than regurgitate this type of stuff.
@@jamiebraswell5520 so instead I should be a bitter old fart like you? Also I've only later seen someone else write that. Jeez. You ok mate?
@@jamiebraswell5520 why so mad for
You know things are bad when setting the forest on fire is literally the only good decision that's been taken in a 40min long Mrballen video.
As a California native I can say the accuracy of this statement chills my blood lol
Hahaha facts.
*almost every tale of survival in the Australian outback
The dude was throwing a Hail Mary for sure
Do u like
stories like this where people are saved because of someone else’s death are bittersweet
Yeah, it almost seems unreal.
on the same day a year later no less, it was fate
@@TheRealTrucido Hell of a coincidence, definitely. I don’t know about fate though.
They weren't saved because John died. They were saved because (forget his name) lit a huge forest fire. I guess you could say, fortunate that they found john's matches. But not because John died. To be honest, everyone in this story is a moron. You don't fuck with nature like that. Just wandering off into the woods with no supplies, thinking they're safe because there's a tram nearby? So crazy.
@@urwholefamilydied Seriously. I thought that the whole time... what idiots.
Feel like John was just asking for something to go wrong like he had a death wish… Why you not only go on the hike when you know the whether is gonna be terrible, then as usual bring the bare minimum amount of gear other than camping stuff and not even have a cell phone and on top of that be alone for most of the trip, just a recipe for disaster.
I'm just hold on to this little tip for myself: Never go some way where you can't go back the same way. Surefire way to avoid traps.
It’s actually taught in safety & surviving training classes
I have vertigo so rock climbing is tough for me, so I NEVER go down or up something I can’t go back up or down. Carry a cell phone with a recharger for day trips… seriously .
As a solo hiker/climber, I know one thing for sure: you don't conquer a mountain/peak. the mountain is kind enough to allow you. that's it.
Yep. One time I was solo hiking on a peak in the Appalachians in NC (Linville Gorge) and lightning started striking all around me. I started hearing these weird static like noises in the air close to me, my hair was raising up off my head because of the static, and then lightning would strike down close by me thereafter. I was hauling ass running down hill with my pack on to get out of there, and still don't know how I didn't get struck by lightning that day.
Rubber shoes
Hiking is like driving 70mph with no headlights on and letting go of the steering wheel. Ya better take the training course!
@@hariscrnic7829- I don’t like to brag but the trails I hike are more like floating in circles on the lazy river with a fruity umbrella drink in there your right hand and less like the Verrute water slide. One time I’m pretty sure I saw fox and you wanna know what that fox said. There’s a song about it If you really wanna know. i bet you’ll love it.
Three fully equipped hikers: hey there’s an insane snowstorm on the way! You should really leave!
John: It’s alright. I have my lucky A d i d a s sweat pants and sketchers
He forgot the backwards hat
Iv seen retards in flipflops climbing on pretty high and hard to reach peaks. I'm not surprised by anything anymore.
I doubt he had "sneakers." Most ultralight hikers wear small shoes instead of hiking boots, sure, but they're usually like trail running shoes. Not sketchers lol.
omg LOOK! its the one..the only....sPoDeRmAn! 😍
😂
36:10, He jumped. He was out of options, there was only one way down. Either he died, or lived and was no longer trapped. RIP to the stubborn old man, as much as I empathize with him, he had every chance to leave, constant warnings, and he only realized when it was too late. BUT, his matches most likely saved the lives of the other two, so in the end. It wasn't for nothing, but still...RIP.
This story was documented on one of my favorite early 2000's shows "I Shouldn't Be Alive". I love that you added screenshots from the adaptation of their story. Loved your channel from day one, Mr. Ballen! Keep doing what you do!
i loved that show! i remember that episode, but it focused more on that lost couple, right? it’s interesting to hear the details of john’s story. so sad.
Yea!! But on the show John was a hard headed military guy not a social worker.
Saw that video also but was stuch on the thought that how could a couple survive a near death experience struggled out of it then 2 years later become separated.
It was interesting he went more in depth on John’s story and how he got lost there. What is weird to me is how did John hike this mountain? I’ve gone to this place and the only way I thought you could get up to this mountain is by the tramp. The tramp goes up super high for a good 20-30 min.
@@Ivn_IX I’ve been up there in the snow and it can be in the 90s on the desert floor. My wife made fun of me that I brought boots, hiking poles, winter jacket and my day pack just to go hiking for an hour or so. (Needless to say, she didn’t make it 30 yards from the tram). Anyway, though I’ve never hiked up, there is a trail that comes up the opposite side from the tram.
In my experience the people who get injured are the completely inexperienced who pushed themselves beyond their skill levels, the experienced who got cocky and people in general showing off. Almost every accident I've ever seen/encountered/heard about was one of those people.
We had a saying in roofing: Scared men never die, they're too afraid to! The meaning being: Scared men wont take risks and its risks that hurt you.
I always see comments being like "Never go Scuba diving" "never go caving" "dont go hiking" but its like....no....follow the rules, dont take actual risks and listen to the signs. If you're scared, say you're scared. If you're too scared to Scuba or go caving thats something else entirely but pretending like all caving, scuba or hiking will eventually end in disaster is ignoring all the poor decisions these people often make.
Trust your ability, trust your training, trust your gear and trust your gut. Dont deviate from the plan or try to reinvent the wheel. No spur of the moment "Hey it would be cool to hike an extra 2 miles" or "Hey lets dive 30 meters deeper" no. NO NO NO NO. Stick to the plan, you made it and it was good then, why did you suddenly decide it was bad? Its not, you're tired. Follow it. Follow the plan.
If you are the best hiker and not cocky you can still trip and fall .
Pretty sure the comments like “never go SCUBA diving, never go hiking”, etc. are JOKES, man.
Yes. And if people are trying to give you good advice don't be too stupid to take it.
Isn't that what John did? He stubornly stuck to his plan, no matter how many people warned him not to
@@Milksteakss he did. He was advised many times by many different people what the safest thing would be for him to do but his stubborn, almost tunnel vision, plan to go up Fuller’s Ridge stopped him from taking that advice.
Normally my ADHD can't handle even 2 minutes of video without getting bored or distracted. But the way these stories are told I genuinely build a clear picture in my head every second the story is told, you by far have a certain way of telling these stories which keeps me hooked.
Same! His normal talking speed is also perfect for listening at 2x speed and getting so much story so fast and it's a good dopamine hit.
@@Calithecalico1031 I've not tried that one yet, im able to listen in normal speed supriseingly.
Same.
Me too
sure, blame your shortcomings on a made up "disease" lol... ADHD my ass
I wanted to thank you for all of your stories! It’s something I always look forward to seeing daily.
I watched this story on I shouldn't be alive, but there was very less explanation of John's perspective, it was all about how the couple survived the mountains when they got lost. That time I really wanted to know John's background and everything. Thanks Mr. Ballen for retelling the story with both the victim's perspectives.
RIP John
Yes, same here.
Same here
Agreed, this gave me closure I didn’t know I needed from that story.
the thought of john celebrating his 60th birthday alone, in a cave starving to death, knowing he was going to die anytime soon ... breaks my heart
he was careless learned the lesson hard way but i respect and love is courage, he was a legend but very careless that it cost him his life
I mean I don't feel bad for people who are THAT careless, don't take proper precautions, and are that stubborn and arrogant that they can win a battle with nature and the elements. That's a major life lesson for ya... too much courage, not enough consideration, and way too much arrogance may get you killed someday.
@@LethalByChoice true. But ill bet he lived a more fulfilled life than you simply because he was a risk taker. We all die eventually and not always the way we hope.
@@davidpierce9949 a very big difference between being careless and being a risk taker
@@LethalByChoice
Man you guys are just determined to not feel sympathy for people. It doesn't matter if he was arrogant or made decisions that weren't all that smart, I don't see why he should fucking die because of it. If you one day decide to make a mistake that will cost you something important, I hope you heed your own words.
Omg, there is an episode of “I Shouldn’t be Alive” detailing the couple’s experience being lost for DAYS prior to finding John’s body - surreal hearing his story.
I thought I had heard about this before!
Omg the minute he started talking about them looking for a waterfall, i got major dejavu
Oh no I was hoping for a good ending. Sad John doesn't make it.
I knew I had heard this before but couldn’t remember where.
I knew I saw this story on that show!!!!
I live in a mountainous area for a few years now. I have not found the time yet to pick up some mountain sports, but I pick up a lot of things from colleagues, etc. who have grown up here and who are accustomed to going into the mountains, be it by foot, ski, or mountain bike. There is even somebody who got a tour sponsored by Red Bull. Here is a short list of bits and pieces I've picked up: Never go alone, Plan ahead, Check the weather continuously, Do not go if the weather isn't stable, Be aware of your abilities and the difficulty of the trail, Wear proper clothing, Take additional clothing in a backpack to adapt to changing conditions (e.g. temperature changes or crampons if you need to walk over a glacier), Wear proper shoes, Wear a helmet if you expect to walk on very steep trail which also require some climbing, If you will have to walk on some small trails with the abyss right besides you, bring climbing gear to anker yourself to the safety lines which are bolted into the mountain, Know your equipment and be able to use it properly and effectively, Bring enough water to drink. That's basically the list. And if I know these basic things, then somebody who plans to be in the mountains for 6 months per year should definitely know this.
Y know this reminds me. I was once in a blizzard in the Sierra, I needed to get back to San Francisco for my job. And I did do it. But it took everything possible including a bit of luck. First I couldn't go down highway 80 the normal way, all roads were closed. Very bad storm (circa winter 2017 or 2018). So I had to go North on 89, and then convince the Cal Trans lady who was manning the road closure barricade that I was a local and just needed to go a few miles on Hwy 49, from Sierraville to Sierra City. But it was a lie, I wanted to take it all the way to Nevada City. Well she let us through, told us her boss was out there plowing and that we weren't allowed to get stuck because it'd be her ass. I assured her we'd be fine. I was taking a guy outta the mountains with me who needed to catch a flight outta SFO at 4 am... it was around 5 pm and getting dark. The snow flurries were so heavy we couldn't see anything. We were in a lifted 4x4 1997 Ford Explorer with decent but not great all terrain tires. Well if you look at highway 49 on Google Maps between Loganville and Union Flat Campground you'll see how the road just huges the mountain and off to our left was 2 - 300 foot down to the river canyon. My co pilot had his phone Google maps out and was navigating our turns because I couldn't see. I was going as slow as 3 mph only as fast as 10 mph... it seemed like we made it outta all the scary stuff when BAM!!!! we hit black ice and slide into the right side of the road a small drainage ditch. In the corner of my eye I see my co pilot fly into the room and slam into the ceiling. The whole front end buckaroos into the mountain and gets bounced back onto the road. Luckily the road is straight so I can ease it back to a stop. I had a front headlight out. Front fender smashed. Bumper smashed. Rear back passenger light house cracked open as well. It's still snowing. I get some rags I put some gloves on. I dry up all the exposed lines to the lights as best I can and I wrap them all in electrical tape so they don't short out. After surviving the pass, we made it to Downieville and grabbed some food and a beer and counted our blessings. We made it to the foothills and could drive faster now. Still. We didn't make it to Auburn (usually about 90 minutes from Truckee) until well past 11 pm! So nearly 6 hours drive. We finally made it to the East Bay around 2 am. Took a short nap. I got him to his flight. I made it to my job that Sunday morning at 8 am.
Here's the moral of the story though. My job wasn't THAT important. I could've simply called them and said "sorry, snowed in. Can't make it." And the guy I gave a ride to? He would've missed his flight. Big deal. That's his problem not mine. But I was so determined always to make ends meet. And this time I got lucky and got out alive. But had the black ice spun my wheels to the left instead of right, or maybe I was just happened to have them point left at the time? We would've surely spun off the left shoulder hundreds of feet down into the canyon and most likely died or severely injured.
Sometimes it's just not worth it to push through. Life is too short. But it's not so short that you gotta exploit every single damn day when mother nature is telling you to chill out!
Tells a forty minute long story and not for a moment does he lose my attention 👍 well done, sir
Agreed.
I totally agree. He's a fantastic story teller!
Holy shit. I didn't notice it was a 40 min video. Mr ballin is the best.
If he "didn't loose" your attention, he gotta have caught your attention, right? So how could you follow the story while he had your attention, and... did he give it back to you? ;-)
@@chequeavailabilitea lose*
I feel like John is the definition of a reckless hiker. He knew about the storm and kept going like he had a death wish
Exactly dude was just asking for something bad to happen
He didn't have the right gear, he refused to listen, and he shouldn't have gone alone. I get be super excited to go, but make sure you are prepared and absolutely everything. Nature is to be repsected.
Not even a mule is that stubborn. I mean no disrespect to the dead.
a know-it-all with sneakers on. my favorite. poor guy. and also a dumbass.
@@ewoknrollduh.
Listen to this, a similar story. I think my girlfriend saved my life. We went to the Tatra mountains in Slovakia during the winter and took a cable car to the top of the mountain where there were skiing pistes and a restaurant. I just went for a walk along the ridges looking at the beautiful vistas. One side dropped into Slovakia the other side into Poland.
When we were leaving to go back down the mountain in the cable car I told my Polish girlfriend who had trekked the Tatra Mountains many times, that we should walk down. It was a beautiful forested area, it would take about 2 hours so we would reach the bottom by sunset. She said no, it's too dangerous to go now. I said we can just follow the cable car. She said how do you know the path will follow the cable car? I hadn't even thought about that simple detail but being an ignorant city guy I said to her, I'm going anyway, you take the cable car. She said, no, you are not and she started telling about stories of people lost in the mountains who were found frozen to death or had fallen from heights or rescued but were in really bad shape. Then she said, and I'll never forget this, the mountain always wins and she pulled me to the cable car.
this is something i think city people tend to forget. the mountain, the sea, the forest will always win.
@@whitemoonwolf13 I totally believe that because I got myself into a bad situation with a friend in a hilly forest with 200-metre cliffs on either side. We got lost, ran out of daylight and the cliffs were hidden behind trees and bushes. We managed to find a fishing hamlet and had to beg a fisherman to take us back with his boat to the town we had parked our car. He did but it cost us a pretty penny!
nice story you have a good girlfriend who truly cares for you
The mountain always wins. She has/had a wise father
Keep that girlfriend around! And if for some reason you don’t try to keep the knowledge she shared with you at the very least.
I’ve been on this tram in Palm Springs and can attest to how easy it would be to get lost up there , especially when you lost sight of the trail . I’m Originally from hemet, ca and moving to Palm Springs we were always told how dangerous those places could be if not prepared
y’all remember when it was ‘three, four, sometimes even five uploads a week”
real talk though, I can tell just how much more research and passion goes into your videos now. they were amazing before, of course, but the quality of them now speaks volumes. I hope you know no one truly minds less uploads, we just adore you. :)
Thank you for saying this! There really is an enormous amount of energy going into every video!
Uhhhh, I binged the whole backlog....I want more episodes! Lmao
only the ogs remember.
You're right Brittany, don't mind less uploads. Me.Ballen rocks!!🤜🤛
@@jasongonzales5563 I’ve only been watching a month or two… but have already watched every single video lmao. So ig I’m an og 😎
Totally made me cry, because John's death was not in vain. Regardless of how odd he seemed to be, it also seems he would have valued that.
It’s very wholesome about John and the hiking club becoming like a family, that’s so wholesome seeing how he was lonely and then all of a sudden he had new friends
One of MrBallen's best videos!
Also, there are two very crucial things we can learn from this:
- Never drop down somewhere you can't get up again, you need to always be able to backtrack.
- Always take a lighter with you, if you go hiking, no matter if you plan to use it for something.