Could This Have Been a Campsite of the Notorious Ballarat Bandit?

[@robertcornelius3514]

What I love about her the most is she is the complete opposite of what Hollywood is trying to force feed us.

[@oklahomafreedom5536]

She is amazing 🤩😍

[@jayejeffries8465]

Hollyweird is pure evil

[@jerrydelacruz5119]

Throw your TV in the trash, and go cold turkey with the Hollywood.

[@glennk.7348]

I don’t watch tv or movies anymore. KZbin is a wealth of real and interesting material. Oh, and Wonderhussy!!! 😃

[@msmithena]

This is a true crime story… and Hollywood is obsessed with true crime so I’m not sure how this isn’t the same thing.

[@LeftCoastCowgirl]

You are such a gifted storyteller. Doesn’t matter if you are trapped in Death Valley. There seem to be hundreds of crazy stories you can bring to us from right in your backyard. Someone needs to get you a local TV show.

[@ronaldmason7053]

Or maybe a national Reality Show!

[@djizzah]

Then a network wouldn't let her be so candid, would change it completely

[@robertdeland3390]

​@@djizzahYes completely. She tells a better story than anyone in network. They would write scripts, bring in a crew, camera crew, audio people, directors, producers, and more. Ugh. It would become vanilla with no particular intensity or interest. Just leave her alone and she will do what she does, which is to tell great stories.

[@djizzah]

@@robertdeland3390 watching from Australia, she's a great ambassador for her country, level headed, smart, kind, respectful, great person, come visit Australia 🦘

[@robertdeland3390]

@@djizzah Thank you for that. I'm happy you feel that way. I agree that we in USA are lucky to have her. Btw, I've been in your great county. If I were to live outside of my country, I would choose yours. At 83 I'm not going anywhere.

[@LesMorrisracing]

“For 11 months, the Bandit led state and federal officers on a 1500-mile chase through some of the most rugged and inhospitable terrain in America. They had pursued him with helicopters, planes, dogs, trackers, and entire task forces, on horseback, by car and on foot; he had escaped them at every turn by demonstrating incredible feats of physical endurance and wilderness ingenuity. As tales of his exploits mounted, he became a folk hero, an outlaw trickster in the tradition of the Old West.”

[@robertsolomielke5134]

He could be an erant from 3PPCLI , sorry to the US for our man gone wrong.

[@nicholaswarman7553]

How ironic that they chase a guy for $4,000 back then. But today you could still $1,000 from a Walmart $1,000 from a Walgreens $1,000 from a Lowe's and $1,000 from a home Depot All in the same day and you be lucky to get the cops to respond

[@pigoff123]

You can beat an autistic man with a hammer an almost kill him and get away with it these days. And steal his disability on top of it.

[@rogersmith7396]

CA maybe but not here. Your ass would be grass.

[@AvengerII]

$4,000 a couple decades ago was worth a LOT more than it is now! So many people don't take into account inflation so they get a false equivalence to the value of cash today. $4,000 in 1960 is at least $40,000 today it not closer to $50,000 USD/2023!

[@nickn626]

@@AvengerII But we're talking 2001 or so, not 60 years ago. $4000 in 2001 is about $6900 today. The bigger problem is they used a helicopter to look for him, which is very expensive (of course, the cops like to find uses for their toys so that they keep getting funded for them.

[@furleyforever]

​@@nickn626I have a feeling that law enforcement used this situation as an opportunity to get cozy with their newly acquired toys from 9/11 funding. Not faulting them, but it was a bit excessive. Blackhawks? For a desert bandit?

[@faerieSAALE]

Sarah Jane, you WONDERFUL storyteller. This was a fascinating story about actual events and a real person. You cannot cage a free spirit - and then give psychotropic drugs while incarcerated. The Canadian penal system probably broke his mind and then released him. No wonder he freaked out and became a Troglodyte petty thief.

[@kenfairbrother6737]

Sounds like grand thieft auto. I don't mean to be hard case, but definitions are relative when you're not the victim.

[@kennethmatondi3981]

Good point about the crime he DID commit. Another thought. If he was put on probation. And the money saved the government from incarceration vs. probation and working might have saved a man from desperation and more crime. Those mountain canyons were great for growing pot. Is that what prison taught him? A lot of what if’s.

[@ShariAbner1]

You don't know that your talking about??

[@johnburton8135]

Sad story well told. Sarah, it's your sincere empathy that comes through in your tales that makes them so compelling .

[@The_Fat_Bald_Trucker]

She cares.

[@archstanton_live]

@@The_Fat_Bald_Trucker and she can spin a yarn

[@robertdeland3390]

​@@The_Fat_Bald_TruckerYes she does. How she tells her stories shows that she cares.

[@ventureoffroading]

Wow…what a story. Well done. Side note: I still have two mason jars of the moonshine Rock made in Ballarat. I don’s want to drink it as its possible its the last in existence. Rock was hoot to visit with, I miss seeing him there.

[@jerryforeman4543]

Watch out for them there rattlers that were the bandit's meal ticket. His neighbor's stoned pigs squealed on him. Wonderful story told by Wonderhussey. Very resourceful man. Sad tragic story.

[@Jake-yx7ct]

Since he is gone, we can build a plausible backstory. I agree with you Sarah Jane that the Bandit did hole up there. Glad you are getting out and creating quality yarns about Death Valley and its unique residents. Hope your shocks show up soon. 🖤🖤🖤

[@issuesboy]

I know you’re bummed about not being able to hit the road because of your shocks, but honestly, you could be reading the phone book on video, and we would be thrilled to watch. Love you Sarah.

[@David-oi7im]

... what's a phone book???

[@julbro8451]

@@David-oi7im those big bricks from the 1970s

[@richwhitaker1506]

You've invested alot of research into this man and his story. Very interesting. Well done Wonderhussy

[@kennethmatondi3981]

I am so sad for the Wife and daughters.......HEY they found Dad.......But he blew his brains out.... Mental illness is what really killed him.

[@craignevels3530]

YOU ARE AN EXCELLENT STORY TELLER!!!!

[@pdelgado24]

Agreed!

[@tgrif04]

Such an imagination from such a beautiful woman. I love her videos especially those that involve her story telling and imagination.

[@Researcher83]

This was a great little episode Huss. Enjoyed this story. R.I.P to the Bandit ✌🏼

[@gbmoves7902]

Thank you Wonderhussy! "Every fifty feet you're tripping over Canadian snowbirds" priceless.

[@ridefarther]

15.24 metres

[@ronaldmason7053]

Sarah reminds me a lot of the genius comic George Carlin. With her tremendous command of slang and the English language and machine gun fast creation of edgy hypotheticals: "her guess a lonely little prospector camp. 1 or 2 man operation. George over here and Jim down there. They'd get together at night, drink beer and get in fist fights and look for gold during the day." Who could come up with such a wild, fun story in just a few seconds? She does it all the time!

[@David-oi7im]

...I noticed that too!!!

[@julbro8451]

She is a very quick wit. Perhaps growing up in a foreign country honed her awareness skills.

[@briangarrow448]

This story reminds me of a local legend from my neck of the woods. The guy was named John Turnow and he was called the Wildman of the Wynoochee. He lived in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains of Washington state at least a hundred years ago. He ended up getting shot by a sheriff posse. But his story is still haunting because of his story. A couple of books have been written about him.

[@gep27]

Great, tragic story. Thanks for sharing it. I'd call him an antihero, not a Robin Hood.

[@djoldskool5763]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ You, Sarah Jane, are one of the reasons that “KZbin Is My New TV.” Thank you for all your hard work making videos like this.

[@kevinstonerock3158]

You may very well be right. The high rock walls would act as a shield when occupied and at night it would block the light from a campfire. With the tarps it would obscure the fire when looking down from above. During the daytime the tarps would disperse columns of smoke so it’s harder to detect. I once worked with a guy who originally came from Tennessee. I thought I walked fast but he went so fast her was three steps ahead before I had a chance to react and pick up my pace. All the conditioning from climbing the hills of tennessee. Though it’s a bit sad what happened to him a bright spot is the four daughters he worked to support along with their mother. Lord willing they’ll meet again in heaven and be celebrating in joy.😮

[@hangarsacto]

Imagine an alternative reality, where when he was first busted up in Canada instead of jail, they said “seems like you’re pretty good at growing this, let’s get you set up to do it legally and start a legitimate business“ and the rest would be history. That is a magical scenario where it wasn’t illegal in the first place. I’m just saying, it’s pretty clear at this point we’ve been doing things pretty wrong.

[@Gamingwithgrandpa420]

A very interesting story. Thank You so much for posting. Sad? Sometimes life gets sad, but it's still a chapter of history that deserves to be remembered. When hiking solo, it's always a good idea to take a walking stick, in case you twist an ankle. Just my 2 cents.

[@WarrenFahyAuthor]

This should be nominated for an Emmy.

[@dankingjr.2088]

Interesting. I live in the New Mexico desert, and living outside for a year or more is not for the weak. Cool story.

[@wmcbarker4155]

knew a bum who slept on bare concrete for years bradenton florida knew him as 'michigan mike'

[@gymhyk]

SJ, what a video !!👍👏👍👏 You are just a WONDERFUL story teller, I enjoyed this video soooo much !!! 😍😍😍

[@ebc371]

Your storytelling is captivating.♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🤙🥇🥰

[@markforrester1888]

Thanks again Huss for taking me away into another world. I was kind of depressed today and your videos and a few beers let me escape the real world and visit the desert with you for a while. I so much look forward to Wednesdays. Don't ever stop I'm serious!

[@bbnks1]

I always start out thinking okay this is going to be boring....but it NEVER is. You have a huge gift.

[@berhorst59]

No one tells a story better that WH.

[@skyepilotte11]

That was a fascinating recount of the Ballarat Bandit escapades...Sarah...you are an epic story/history teller...Great work...

[@elainemartin7141]

In Mendocino County, there was a small-time bandit who lived in the woods for over a year. He was nicknamed "Red Beard." Also mostly non-violent with a sad back story. He was caught literally "with his pants down." Lots of debate about him. He was taken without incident. A relatively happier ending.

[@williamjenkins9]

I bet he used all that he could find… I love your story…. You have a talent, and you didn’t even slow down while you were hiking to this remote camp… it was a half hour of solid storytelling with hardly a breath … I don’t know how you do that… your abilities don’t fall short of the abilities of the Balarat Bandit…

[@TMeAdventures]

We never miss a video! Our fave KZbinr! Just the most intriguing and interesting!

[@teptime]

Very poignant story. Just goes to show you, no matter how good a person you are, fate can just flip you the bird for no good reason at all. RIP, Mr. Bandit.

[@apolloskyfacer5842]

One of the world's greatest story tellers, telling a good old yarn yet again. Well done Sarah Jane.

[@frankconti6591]

‘Sarah, your talent is where you are 🫀

[@TheParkLarkPrivate]

Interesting story about true crime. At the abandoned camp site I noticed: That stick was a torch. There were multiple bike parts. WH, Canadians have universal healthcare, so cannabis farming wasn’t for medical expenses.

[@stephenmiller5023]

Sad tale with an even sadder ending here . I feel for the guy & his family he supposedly left behind . Thanks for posting & sharing this on Sarah Jane . I hope you have a great 4th of July ( somewhere cooler than your home in Death Valley ) with a nice soak in someplace cool & with a drink in your hand to relax after telling your tales to us all out here who follow you & your exploits . 😎👍

[@mitchkettering]

Did anyone else notice the clutch or brake lever when she was digging through the crap left behind? That's the biggest clue that he was there. Great video Wonderhussy!!

[@ptjones57]

I never thought the desert interesting before. Your intimate knowledge of desert living makes your stories pop! You might consider doing paid tours and become the Rick Steves of the wastelands.

[@ThinkTankxx]

Damnit! I tripped over another Canadian! Again! They’re all over the place!

[@alanhoggard4554]

I like your longer videos. This was a great one.

[@infinit12]

dude was a beast! living out there, let alone while on the run is insane.

[@jamesf4405]

Sarah, that long stick, with cloth wrapped around one end? That was a handmade torch that you found. It didn't look like it had been lit or used. Probably created for emergency use. It definitely fits in with your theory about the Bandit camping there. Good video.

[@ronaldmason7053]

Another amazing story! Thanks Sarah Jane!

[@j.rdirtyfivethirty1673]

Totally the Bandits hideout! Thanks for the story Wonderhussy ❤

[@shofarox4037]

Great American story... Rob Zombie should be making a movie about that dude...

[@archstanton_live]

The layer of stone in the outcropping is beautiful @19:21 .

[@angelas4681]

Fascinating and thought-provoking. Thanks for sharing this story.

[@nomadicfenceman509]

You might be right… definitely a good story teller

[@johnkuiper8907]

You sure do come up with some good stories !!! Love your work !!!

[@chas4life]

OMG! What an awesome story and journey. This is peak WonderHussy. Also.. you have beautiful eyes. 🙂

[@gerryhartung736]

Im a desert traveller myself Sarah. But, i go back home to resupply and do laundry. 😊

[@MrPaulSF]

Lookin good Wonder lady! 😊

[@deanvinlove6095]

What a great informative post about a real life “tragedy “ another great adventure of history, petty theft for the sake of trying to help his family, what a tragedy! Thank you for sharing this adventure!

[@stilesthissell]

Real interesting story, sad,

[@keonikaig9247]

Loved it..... Excellent ..👍🤠

[@bretsbrickbuilds]

This has to be one my favorite videos she has done yet!

[@charleshicks3492]

Such and interesting story, and you do the best at telling 😎⭐️🤩🤣🤣🥃🥃

[@karenfromNH]

Phenomenal storytelling

[@David-oi7im]

... the storyteller you be ,, and at your best!!!!

[@johnnyk3445]

Wow I’ve never heard of this story before. Thank you for sharing it. How sad of a ending 😢

[@bigmo9194]

On a long drive traveling up north great stories WH thank you for the great entertainment Big Moe

[@glennholmes9587]

I could tell you some stories about Ball Rat, the Manson family used to camp there when my uncle and his family used to party there the same time, they started a fight with his family, they tried to kill my cousin, they cut him from ear to ear with a knife. My uncle had spent a lot of time there, they had a friend who lived in the Mountains above Ball Rat, who was a Gold miner. I have so much information about this I can't say it all here, I made trips with my brother years later to look for the Gold the minor lift behind in a coffee can, and we know it's there, he showed it to my uncle, when the minor got sick it was my uncle that took him to the hospital, when we went up years later we took metal detectors, but was forced to quit looking. Anyway too much to tell here. P.,s we were forced out at gun point, even though we were armed it wasn't worth taking a chance. I'm now 75 and wouldn't be able to go back.

[@Luvpig]

Fascinating story ❤

[@ralphcrosby4051]

thanks for the adventure as always well investigated stay safe blessed be

[@Viking-xl7zr]

Hello, Your videos are awesome. I remember this story, I'm from St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada. The island further then Prince Edward Island. It's on the news now showing the wreckage of that sub that imploded during the Titanic dive. Long story short ALOT of Canadian's love to live off the land but as about door enthusiast myself the desert is like our brutal winters... You gotta learn to survive. I Looooove the Vegas/Nevada desert heat. It's been my home now for 6 years. Keep making those awesome videos and Thanks.

[@davedailey1623]

Nice very entertaining

[@alanchristensen5735]

That's one really bad place to hide out. I'd have to be extremely desperate to try that. Crazy amount of resources spent to catch a petty thief.

[@samhardy2038]

You are a fantastic story teller.

[@doylewayne3940]

Thanks for sharing, what a sad story

[@Thecorgially]

Whow I rode my horse over the Panamint Mts. with Equestrian Trails and 130 other riders for a 7 day DV ride. It was in Nov. and we slept outside at night but had fantastic breakfast and dinners brought in and we had to picket line our horses at night and tend to them first before setting up our individual tents etc. This guy had no amenities and yet survived. RIP to him. what a sad ending.

[@anniem9595]

You are such a fun story teller! Loved this..💪💗

[@gator83261]

Very sad story, but glad you told it.

[@Anchoress1]

Yes I love your style and stories!

[@MarkLewisto-qi1tz]

The stick was a fire torch..light for the mine shaft ..lol

[@faroutgolf3650]

I find your content so interesting and able to hold my wondering mind.. So glad I found you, what a gem of a find..

[@markmcintosh7095]

Very interesting story you had my attention the entire time. You have a great channel thanks.

[@johnrogers6291]

Excellent blog, fascinating story.

[@larrygodfrey859]

One of your best stories wonder lady. Husspuppy 386

[@buckeye3993]

Love the story ! You are quite the storyteller Ms. Wonderhussy ! Many thing point to that being the actual bandit camp, but, like you, not sure he would stay any length of time in a place directly access able by a jeep trail. Great history lesson SJ !!!

[@lifestyle1.2024]

Sarah u are so cool I miss California

[@MSilva6910]

I completely agree that the Bandit hid out there! I love your story telling and your adventures...don't ever stop! You have a gift of entertaining us!

[@garyhoffson9174]

You can always find interesting "adventures", even when you are stranded waiting for your new shocks. Thanks!

[@johnholcomn8560]

Amazing landscape.

[@brianheffernan5434]

That was an interesting video, Sarah. I enjoyed it immensely.

[@dc76384]

Such a fascinating story

[@ronaldoago-go5907]

WOWWWW what a great story! 10 of 10!! You rocked it!

[@tomfrye9037]

Wow! That was a hell of a story, Love. And yes, I'm a bit harsh on people who steal...but desperation can force people into situations. And yes, I remember you speaking of Rock out at Ballarat. He kept that ghost town in pretty good shape...and on a shoe string to boot. He didn't need to lose the quad or the supplies. But The Bandit didn't need to be jailed for growing a little weed to pay his wife's medical bills either. All those who lost something in this story are victims of the maladjusted. tight assed social norms. Weed should never have been illegal, but forcing drug on someone in prison should be. Anyway, thanks for sharing the story, Love you did a great job...like always. Much love, to you, Darlin'.

[@donaldpowell3469]

Love your videos. Excellent theory on the possibility for the bandit.

[@badapple65]

Great video! We are always told how wonderful Canada’s health care system is. That’s what drove him over the edge while trying to pay for the free healthcare.

[@jackfishcampbell6745]

We don’t pay for healthcare , dig deeper .

[@jackfishcampbell6745]

Of course we pay for Healthcare , I pay higher prices for many things . That's ok by me . Our system is being eroded , the US system blows .

[@SteveWallace-lg7fw]

Enjoyed the video. A very interesting story.

[@joewenzel5142]

A quad that looked like the Beverly Hillbillies moving to California - Ballarat bandit wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer.

[@RWX348]

Terrific video! Your enthusiasm is just wonderful.

[@carolynnunes3922]

I join the chorus of commenters extolling your awesome storytelling abilities!

[@karenmays8889]

Another great video WH. Safe travels.

[@frankconti6591]

Keep on your merry -way young lady 🎧

[@gracieg7601]

She really does a excellent job telling stories snd has a good info about the subject at hand.

[@glennk.7348]

A natural storyteller!!! 😃

[@bigbilllasvegas]

Very Cool. Cheers