One Woman's WORST Nightmare Comes True: The Ada Blackjack Story

[@adventuresgonewrong]

About my BetterHelp sponsorship - I want to share that I do look into each sponsor I accept. I don't take sponsorships lightly and have turned down way more than I've accepted because I don't endorse the product or it's not a good fit with the channel. I looked into BetterHelp before I accepted the sponsorship and learned that they have addressed and corrected the issues that people were concerned with. The channel Cinema Therapy stopped promoting BetterHelp when the issues arose in 2023, but now have resumed their sponsorship after working closely with the company. They have explained in detail, what the issues were, how they were corrected and some of the misinformation that is out there about BetterHelp: www.reddit.com/r/cinema_therapy/comments/1dpriql/addressing_the_betterhelp_concerns_headon_deep/ I am a huge supporter of online therapy and will continue to support it via the BetterHelp sponsorship. BetterHelp may not be for you, but it is a good fit for a lot of people.

[@andrealee8796]

This is my first time hearing about Adas story. As a women whos struggling and scared about a lot of things. She gives me a lot of hope. Thank you for sharing her story.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

I love this, you're welcome! She was a true badass who found something in her she never knew she had.

[@melodycook4561]

"What a bonehead" lmao I love when it seems like you can't hold back your honest opinion of someone's actions 😂

[@Lisa1111]

😂😂😂

[@Defender78]

30:01 LOL it turns out none of these outdoor explorer guys were good with firearms, that musta been disheartening to realize their leader was a poor shot

[@thecolorjune]

I’m so glad she was the one to survive. She lived a harsh life, and her perseverance is inspiring

[@ankh428]

How come this channel has under a 100k subs?!?!? Theres nothing missing on the work you do. From the investigation, the graphics and of course the narration. Your videos are educational, entertaining, thrilling and even insightful. Everything is on point!

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Much appreciated, and I love diving into the stories, I learn so much and am glad others feel the same!

[@pravinshingadia7337]

Because most people are watching cat and animal videos! Quality like this is usually appreciated by the few.

[@Alltagundso]

I​@@pravinshingadia7337 I don't agree, the KZbin algorithm is just wild. Also, longer videos get less pushed now, as shorter videos are more watched now.

[@maryc4152]

@@pravinshingadia7337unfortunate but true

[@bunnylacy2097]

23 is very young. I doubt she had Arctic hysteria.. she was from the Arctic. She missed her baby boy and was with strange men whose culture was incredibly different from hers. She was facing so many of her biggest fears. She was amazing. Those silly boys… it’s much more complex than hysteria.

[@Natalie-bb6jk]

Great storytelling! Absolutely loved getting to know Ada. Her resilience and ability to re-embody her ancestral teachings knowledge is amazing. Beautiful! Thank you for putting this story together.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

I love how she just said screw it, I’m gonna live!

[@leas7830]

Same!

[@Juhani139]

What an amazing story. Thank you for sharing. The part that inspired me most was when she carried her son. Survived an abusive husband, lost children, had a sick child, carried him to town and then gave him up for his sake. This was one amazing young lady. Not surprized she made it. RIP those poor men.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

She did everything for her son, must have been so hard to leave him for that long.

[@Joe3pops]

Shrinking 5 shotguns to 3, plus less ammunition . Thats a very dangerous decision in a place often teaming with polar bears. Ada is the true hero here!

[@adventuresgonewrong]

So many polar bears! And relying on those guns for food, so important to not downsize. Ada was amazing, love how she found her inner hunter and thrived after she was alone!

[@MusgraveRitual]

Though I personally knew the story of Ada, I am glad you covered it so more people hear about it, and from such a great storyteller too. I would just add that one of the reasons we didn't hear more about her story is because, by all accounts, she really hated attention and stayed away from the media. She was an introvert and once this "adventure" was over, she preferred privacy and quiet life and wasn't seeking fame and glory.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Yes that is so true. She hated the media who was hounding her, plus she was blamed for so much when in reality she persevered and survived.

[@horvathsogranfume658]

commenting from the friendly artic! living like its hawaii

[@jelyfisher]

😂Best comment

[@jelyfisher]

How's the surfing?

[@adventuresgonewrong]

😂😂

[@catwell88]

I love going swimming and snorkeling in the arctic!

[@whitedragoness23]

@@catwell88they even have take a picture with the friendly neighborhood polar bears!😊

[@searaph]

Wow, Ada's story is incredible and tragic. She went through so much, but wasn't recognized until she passed.

[@gizmo8361]

I’ve heard of this story before but wanted to hear your version because I needed to know if my ancestor, Vic the cat, survived. 😽

[@TheNadinucca]

Love your videos and the way you tell each story! Ada's evolution throughout this story is incredible. Also, I'm so happy to see that the cat made it onto the rescue ship and was looking good (54:14). Stories that involve animals always upset me!

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Vic did great on the island!

[@Faolair]

@@TheNadinucca yess, I was so scared for the cat when he was introduced, but I'm glad he made it

[@CupCakeArmy1]

@@Faolair Same, I was looking for a comment to help me know if I wanted to finish the video lol.

[@RedStickHistorian]

It is inspiring how Ada grew and just got better with adversity and hardship, what a woman. Thanks for the wonderfully told story.

[@darthtayter]

man i was not expecting this to be so heartwarming AND with a New Historical Lady.

[@jelyfisher]

Ada turned into quite the heroine!

[@goloher]

So Vic also survived! Incredible story, incredible woman

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Vic survived as well! Pretty amazing.

[@deniseyoung3738]

Friends named their child after Ada Lovelace....I'll have to tell them about Ada Blackjack!

[@BreanaHunter]

Wow, what a tale. Ada’s story is a testament to the well of strength and resilience we possess, often times drawn on in the face of the worst hardships. She turned her pain & fear into true and powerful strength. What a woman! Thank you for telling this story & bringing light to this adventure. I enjoyed hearing of Ada, Milton & Vic especially. They all touched my heart ❤

[@adventuresgonewrong]

I really had a soft spot for poor Milton.

[@AlexDanielCPhT]

At 35:04, nifty syncing of the polar bear's roar and the dog's yawn. :)

[@julian-infrared]

This channel rocks. Im a high altitude trekker so ive mostly been watching your everest videos, but also am fascinated by arctic exploration! You should consider covering the Franklin expedition

[@Citygrl143]

Yay for Ada! What an amazing story about will and determination. From a shy scared girl to a warrior women! Very sad about the others but am so happy she survived and was reunited with her son. Amazing job with this video. I am captivated with each story you share. Your storytelling is incredible, well done. ❤

[@adventuresgonewrong]

She turned into a total badass. I love how she’s like “Lorne, you’re NOT going to tell me what to do now.” And how she built a boat when it never occurred to the men.

[@Ajplays_music]

Glad I found your channel 😊 I really like the way you are telling these stories!

[@thomassnow100]

This has to be my favorite video you have made so far! Would be really nice if they made her life into a movie

[@adventuresgonewrong]

It really needs to be a movie!

[@levanataylor790]

An honest, non-Hollywoodized movie? That'd be too much of a downer for commercial sales. And I don't want her struggles turned into some sort of "inspiration". There are Inuit filmmakers who could do the project though -- remember "Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner"? (Absolutely a movie to watch if you don't know it.)

[@rustynail9007]

Idk what the hell Alan was thinking. U find a gorgeous indigenous women that's willing to follow u into death and despair in a frozen hell and u turn down her affection. What a badass of a women.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

I hear ya, back in those days, folks thought very little of Indigenous folks. But she was a total badass.

[@rileybear836]

This is stupid. Both comments. She was not taking “no” for an answer and was being creepy. Imagine if it was a man pursuing a woman this aggressively. You’d both change your tune.

[@beckyowens2586]

Ada Blackjack: Certified badass.

[@ChicaG-vg7pj]

TY for this account. About 25 years ago, I read another book about a group of stranded explorers that walked from Wrangle Island to Alaska, about 700 miles. The book was put together by the niece of one of the men on the expedition. She used his diaries and remembrances to try to provide as accurate an account as she could. Her uncle was born prematurely, and wasn't expected to survive, leave alone thrive. If I remember correctly, the uncle lived to be 93 - advanced old age by any standard. I've searched for the title of the book, but haven't come across it, or even anything close to an account of this expedition. Only the story you've related comes up. The CBC Canadian history series made in the 90s, has a surprising account of dealing with polar bears, gleaned from David Thompson's diaries. As a teen, he was in what is now Churchill, when the polar bears were gathered on the shore. Of course he was scared poop-less. The natives told him to just walk past them and don't look at them and they won't attack. I'm not sure if I could follow that strategy, but it seemed to work for him. He mapped about 1/3 of North America, and also lived to a ripe old age. Another surprising anecdote from that time was the natives insisting it was necessary to have women on the trip, because who would carry the heavy packs? It is sad that David Thompson's story is almost unknown. He lived an extremely eventful and productive life, his mapping being used for generations. As far as I've been able to tell, his diaries are now in some archive and are not published or publicly available. He did try to publish them in his lifetime, but couldn't get them printed for public consumption. He is a forgotten explorer, not given near as much credit as he deserves.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

That is wild you mention David Thompson. My old junior high school is named after him and a few years ago I started researching him out of curiosity because in school we didn’t learn a lot about him. You’ve just given me more incentive to get back into his story! And that story about just walking past the polar bears… what! 🤣😳

[@ryuno2097]

that's sad. If the men just stayed on the camp site and hunted for food around that area just like Ada did I'm sure they would've survived. But on the other hand if the men stayed on the camp site, Ada's survival and hunting instinct wouldn't materialized and who knows how the group would fair. Though I believe their survival would be better.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

I agree, they had no chance getting all the way back to Nome in mid-winter.

[@michellechase4579]

Thanks!

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Thank you! Appreciate it.

[@colleenmurphy7812]

Thank you, what a captivating tale!! Yes, Ada an Arctic hero!

[@ashleypg1708]

I love how you tell these stories. Now I'm gonna need someone to make this into a movie! I love Ada.

[@southernlight6]

Wow.. what a story. She was truly a great lady. Keep up your wonderful videos. I love them!

[@saira._.elizabeth]

Another incredible story told with such passion, admiration and respect. Thank you so much for bringing these lesser known tales into the light to be spoken once again. You are a beautiful story teller and have truly found your voice. Cant wait to hear about another adventure soon.🙏🏻☺️🏔️

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Thanks so much. Working on the next one!

[@RonnaHarlow]

Thanks for bringing Ada's story to light! I had never heard this tale before. Love your Adventures Gone Wrong channel - but you should update us on your other channel sometime, too!!!

[@Alltagundso]

Wait, there is another channel?

[@gingersnapjudy]

Wow! This would make such an incredible movie. What a fabulous story of a woman's perseverance under most challenging circumstances! Love your storytelling!

[@adventuresgonewrong]

It’s kind of shocking there hasn’t been a movie yet!

[@AlisonCarson-q3j]

I’m so glad you’ve branched out into more exciting and interesting content, I just love hearing your voice, this story is fascinating, love ❤️ your work ❤

[@adventuresgonewrong]

The Everest series was a one off, I try to vary the stories otherwise I get bored!😅

[@jilldinneen4271]

I love your storytelling. This adventure was harrowing. Ada is an extraordinary woman. Her resilience and courage is extraordinary. Hers is a story that deserves far more exposure.

[@cantthinkofone6995]

Sooooo glad to see a new video from you pop up in my feed. I realized I hadn’t seen a video from you in a while the other day and I was searching and couldn’t find your channel for some reason, even though I’m subscribed. Anyway, so glad to see another video from you… I absolutely love them!

[@hankskiar1571]

What a fascinating story. My first time hear about this one. Glad she finally recognized for her achievements. Thank you so much for providing us with great stories. 👍

[@maryplatzer6842]

WOW! What a story! You did a great job with this video. And Ada’s determination and transformation is so incredible and inspiring. A true hero in every sense. It’s a shame we don’t know what happened to the other 3 men.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

I agree, I'd love to know what happened to them. Their poor families never knowing.

[@barbiecakes77]

Although most of these videos are sad -- I look forward to hearing you tell the stories with your captivating and interesting voice. Thank you.....

[@kambrose1549]

To be alone with those unsympathetic men in desperate circumstances and overcome was incredible. Thankyou for telling this story.

[@tacitusromanus8239]

I loved this episode. What a real heroine Ada was! Glad that she had Vic the cat with her on the rescue ship. Also, your dogs are beautiful.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

She was so amazing, glad you enjoyed it.

[@rebeccahartshorn7886]

Choose the bear, Ada. Choose the bear. :)

[@adventuresgonewrong]

🤣🤣

[@wheresmyoldname]

You really have a special channel here, it is unique in the stories you find for us, as well as the way you tell it, captivating us as if we were witnessing it firsthand... and the way you can find the rare comedic anecdotes in these stories, with my all-time favorite hands down being the guy who tried to save money by putting an ad in the paper to travel across the desert in a ridiculous car where they kept falling out when he took a turn too quick 😂🙌 The smirk that keeps sneaking up on your face as you tell that one, is absolutely priceless 👏💪👍 Anyway I just really appreciate you and the uniqueness you bring to KZbin. Thank you 🤝

[@adventuresgonewrong]

It stuck with me too, this time with another “Allan”, I had a hard time not thinking of the Allan from the Sahara story!

[@wheresmyoldname]

@adventuresgonewrong Allan! 🤣 Yes that's the one, good ole Allan! 🙌🥳

[@UnBoxLifeWithLori]

This episode is one my favorite Adventures Gone Wrong episodes. I can't believe it only has 13k views ... I've shared it with a couple of my friends. I've noticed lately that on my youtube feed they show me channels I'm not subscribed to and I have to search for new content from my favorite channels.

[@MMMNemesis]

Excellent video! I have a suggestion: Andrée's Arctic balloon expedition to the North Pole. It's such a strange story. Since they brought a camera, there are a lot of pictures. The English Wikipedia article about it is really good.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Never heard of it but now I’m intrigued

[@recycledtrashpanda]

I love the way you tell these stories. ❤

[@hakojo]

45:59 ever since I first saw it as a kid, whenever I read or hear about scurvy I think of that Stephen Biesty illustration. Even though it's not the most pleasant of topics, it made my day to see that someone else is on the same wavelength. Cheers!

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Ha! People don't talk about scurvy near enough these days!

[@kimstephenson3876]

Thank you so much for making people aware of this story! I loved hearing about Ada's personal transformation - as you put it so well, into a total badass! I'm only sorry that her heroism wasn't better acknowledged during her lifetime.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

TOTAL badass! I think she surprised herself with her badassery.

[@reneejones7807]

Thank you for telling this amazing story!

[@claudiaapplin3698]

So glad to see this episode!

[@Jujubar101]

What a fascinating story! I never heard of this expedition, Thank you!

[@lololandify]

You're an incredible storyteller

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Appreciate it!

[@Jasper_the_Cat]

Wow- what a story! Thanks for sharing! Great video!

[@roguehy]

I love listening to your voice and your stories. Thank you!

[@MurrayHerts]

The amount of research, time and effort to make these videos must be enormous; appreciate the amazing work and how you tell the stories of these people

[@josephnulley6808]

An amazing story of Ada and her survival 🌻

[@twilaburkholder5459]

Thanks for this amazing story!

[@pravinshingadia7337]

Awesome work again! Absolutely love your work. This is one of my top 5 channels!

[@CarlJohnson-kd7lb]

Amazing story, thank you.

[@paulatripodi7534]

Excellent presentation! I read a book about Ada many years ago (by Jennifer Niven. ) What an amazing woman Ada was.

[@ToriKlassen1]

Another wonderful story, well told. Thank you!

[@janedee6488]

You are a gifted storyteller! Loved this adventure gone wrong. Hurray Ada! Hurray Cat!

[@simonjones3863]

Excellent story. Well done.

[@simoncbroadley9577]

Great Video , Keep them coming ,

[@elizabethmarshall3558]

Such a well-researched presentation! Thank you. 👏

[@UnBoxLifeWithLori]

@adventuresgonewrong WOW - I am always happy when I see you post a new adventure. This story is one of my favorites. Ada's story should be made into a movie - a very brave and courageous woman who was able to survive against all odds! Thank you so much for sharing this adventure stories with us :)

[@TheNeonWalker]

Thank you, I am enjoying your videos very much and have rewatch often. Keep them coming🙂👍👍👍👍👍

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Thank you! Will do!

[@CCPShiny]

What an amazing story! I feel privileged to have gotten to learn about Ada, and I’m so glad that her surviving son got to see her get at least some token of recognition for all that she did and all that she survived *Edit: another amazing video, of course 😊 I’m kinda sad that I’m off to watch the last video left for me to catch up on (your most recent one set in the Congo), but I have plans to rewatch your incredible Everest and K2 marathon videos as consolation 😁

[@girlmeetshistory]

Always enjoy your stories! Interesting note about Wrangel Island… The last refuge of the Woolly Mammoth… Wrangel Island is a magical place. It’s the surreal combination of seeing their extinction in the scattered remains and yet all the while thinking that these are the riverbeds the last mammoth walked.

[@almasalgado4358]

New in your chanel (and love it!) ... first time I hear from Ada, her story is SO incredible , i wish there where more KZbinrs that spread her story and I would love to see a movie!

[@adventuresgonewrong]

I agree it would make an amazing movie.

[@Alltagundso]

Thank you so much for covering this story! ❤️❤️😊

[@i0am0hamm]

Ada deserves a movie!

[@keith800]

Great story , your wonderful how you find these tales.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

This was a viewer suggestion!

[@unicornsandrainbowsandchic2336]

Thank you for this! I had never heard of her.

[@Lisa1111]

Gahhhhh! It's always a nice surprise seeing you and your stories. Thank you very much. It's another interesting one! ❤ Seattle fan! P.S. Way to bring up therapy!! So very important nowadays!

[@richardmcquade9832]

Your informative content and excellent narrative skills are much appreciated 👏 👍

[@dianecripps204]

Ada is so inspiring. What happened to the cat?

[@raeraebadfingers]

Looks like Ada was holding it on the rescue ship

[@limlrumerl-6922]

Thank you for spreading Adas Story!

[@Nannygoat]

Ahhhh, great story CD. I may have missed it, but who was the father of Ada's youngest son, Billy? Wow scurvey...a horrible way to die. It was wonderful that Lorens parents took care of her afterwards. Forward ho. Cannot wait for the next AGW video. Cheers

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Hm now I can't remember the name of Billy's father! Her life with her other 2 husbands isn't mentioned much.

[@deannilvalli6579]

One of the best of these. The author should consider writing a screenplay and getting it to Hollywood. This would make an excellent feature film!

[@02bher1]

Thank you kindly for sharing this story she was a true inspiration to all women.

[@zainmudassir2964]

Love your outdoors misadventure stories and narration

[@Finessewithjess]

I love this channel! Such interesting stories and you have a really captivating way of telling them

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Thank you so much!

[@faithyourfear6401]

Wow. What an incredible woman Ada was.

[@nr1785]

Be interesting if you did some outback Australia survival stories.

[@michellechase4579]

I love listening along with your dogs :)

[@dagmarbelesova4284]

Wow, love Ada's story. Thank you for telling it!

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Thanks for watching, it's such an inspiring story.

[@maryamdamghani801]

I burst into tears at the end …

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Harrowing story, she was amazing to have survived her biggest fears.

[@teachersusan3730]

Thank you for telling Ada‘s story. ❤

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Thanks for watching!

[@horsepanther]

Geez, I don't know where you keep finding these amazing historical incidents that no one else has covered. Well done, and thank you--great channel! P.S. according to that encyclopedia article, pretty sure I have scurvy. Although most people are still acting like they like me. I'm sure that won't last, though.

[@sharonshea3261]

I've heard Ada's story a couple of times before, but your telling of it is far better - much more researched with extras I've never heard from anyone else. Plus I love your story telling style.

[@rileyh4169]

Love your vids and hope youre doing well! I always get excited when you post :)

[@M00Nature]

Yikes, the Antarctic was much kinder to Shackleton and his crew than the Arctic was to this ill-fated expedition. Ada should have listened to that shaman! Glad Vic the cat made it out of there! Thanks for another great story!

[@adventuresgonewrong]

I can’t believe the whole ‘hey let’s float on a giant ice floe and see what happens’ Part!

[@bunnylacy2097]

Ada was amazing. A strong woman. Determined, loving, intelligent, and so incredibly full of fight.

[@jennoulalatsero-ii2fy]

Ada. Wow. Incredible woman. Thanks for the fascinating video!

[@markcampion1029]

Love your videos. Hiii from Ireland 🇮🇪 😊

[@houseofsolomon2440]

Your dogs are adorable! The one with the black spot right on top of head is so cute - like a tiny yarmulke lol

[@adventuresgonewrong]

😂😂

[@CPS2]

Excellent story. I had never heard of it before.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Glad you enjoyed it, it's a little-known story that deserves more recognition.