I got an e-newsletter from Hawk Circle Wilderness Survival, my favorite outdoor education school.
In addition to news about upcoming programs, Hawk Circle Director Ricardo Sierra reviewed Survivorman, a Discover Science Channel program, and he offered readers an interesting quiz.
Rain has turned to sleet; even the animals have sought shelter. So watching Survivorman on TV and taking the Hawk Circle quiz are two more indoor nature activities.
There is value in watching people demonstrate skills. Not only is there always something new to learn, but it’s empowering to know other people care enough to put their energy into developing survival skills. If it’s a TV show, then there must be an audience. This program aired before, so if it’s running again - someone besides me must be watching.
I don’t agree with Survivorman’s choices all the time. Like Ricardo points out, he could have chosen to put his shelter 10 feet, rather than 3 feet from the alligator swamp habitat he was attempting to live in for 7 days. He also extolled the value of cotton socks for a source of lint for fire starter. Not me - I love my wicking and merino wool socks; I carry a tampon for wisps of cotton when I need it.
He did share both his successes and his miscalculations. I’d recommend the show. He’s respectful of nature and sincerely attempting to live by his wits.
If I had TiVo, this is one show, along with Extreme Survival that I’d save for a rainy day.