Mykel spends a good portion of the day in the Mexican desert taking cover in the in the shade. He gets much needed fluids from cacti, like this barrel cactus, by cutting them open and sucking out the juices. The remaining cactus pulp is saved for the solar still he and Ruth use to distill every drop of moisture from the fruit.
Image Credit: DCL
The Hawkes paddle into the rough surf off the Tasmanian coast, just before their raft is "damaged" to simulate the type of traumatic event which often precedes survival situations. The premise for these survival missions is simple: most rescues happen within a few days, and what you do during these first hours often determines if you make it or not.
Image Credit: DCL
Ruth's research background comes in handy in Tasmania, where she recreates an ancient Aboriginal technique, using bull kelp to make a bowl for catching and holding water. Since the Hawkes have no canteens when they go on a mission, improvising a water-carrying device is a big step forward in their quest for survival. If you can master the basics of building fire, creating shelter, and harvesting food and water, your chances of making it in the middle of nowhere are much better.
Image Credit: DCL
Ruth drags bull kelp onto shore in Tasmania. She'll use it to craft a canteen for preserving and carrying water. The kelp weighs a ton!
Image Credit: DCL
In Tasmania, Mykel uses a heavy rock as an assist while he splits a very hard piece of driftwood with his knife. Using even primitive tools, like this stone employed as a hammer, can save a lot of physical energy. Minimizing caloric expenditure is crucial when intake of food and water is so low.
Image Credit: DCL
It's never pretty, but there are some moments during a survival mission that feel like true blessings. Now that the Hawkes have braved a storm, and have food, water, shelter, and fire, they can enjoy a bountiful meal featuring abundant shellfish that Ruth harvested along the Tasmanian shoreline.
Image Credit: DCL
Fire is one of the most essential tools for survival, and in the wet jungles of the Amazon, it is almost impossible to create using primitive methods. After hours of work, Mykel and Ruth finally manage to spark an ember, which they gently nurse to life. Once the ember is lit, the Hawkes will carry it to their above-ground shelter to keep it dry.
Image Credit: DCL
The jungles of Peru are teaming with wildlife, and Mykel manages to catch a large, albeit smelly, snake. It's hard work to clean the snake, but the high-protein meat will give the Hawkes much-needed energy to withstand the extreme physical demands of survival.
Image Credit: DCL
The Hawkes face a dilemma that threatens their survival -- and their relationship -- when Mykel catches a turtle for dinner. Ruth grew up with pet turtles, and truly loves the creatures. The thought of eating this one, found on the jungle floor, is more than she thinks she can handle.
Image Credit: DCL
The Hawkes struggle through an Amazonian tributary on a make-shift raft, with two primitive paddles, as they try to find their way to some form of civilization. Traveling on foot through the jungle for any distance is nearly impossible, so rivers are the highways of the Amazon -- and life lines for survivors.
Image Credit: DCL
Sharing hardships together tests their relationship, but it also strengthens their bond. In the end, they feel closer to one another as a result. Here, they are caught sharing a little romance in Aitutaki.
Image Credit: DCL
The Hawkes driving deep into the African bush.
Image Credit: DCL
Mykel and Ruth spot a cheetah during their drive into the bush.
Image Credit: DCL
Mykel looks around for a good place to stop the vehicle as it begins to break down.
Image Credit: DCL
Mykel prepares a water lilly root for eating.
Image Credit: DCL
Ruth gets in some target practice after the shoot.
Image Credit: DCL
Mykel catches a gator and secures the mouth for safer handling.
Image Credit: DCL
Hawke explains that although this gator would make a great dinner, and because of its size, a good candidate for tackling. But right now, he and Ruth have no fire to cook it, and no idea if they're going to be able to get a fire going any time soon.
Image Credit: DCL
Ruth & Mykel both make a fresh kill for food at the same time in the Louisiana swamps.
Image Credit: DCL
The Hawkes always make time to connect, both on and off the camera.
Image Credit: DCL
Comments ( )