posted August 08, 2015 03:44 AM            

Ten men enter the Vancouver Island wilderness carrying only what they can fit in a small backpack. They are alone in harsh, unforgiving terrain with a single mission–stay alive as long as they can. These men must hunt, build shelters and fend off predators. They will endure extreme isolation and psychological distress as they plunge into the unknown and document the experience themselves. No camera crew. No producers. It is the ultimate test of man’s will.

posted August 09, 2015 01:31 AM            

Valentine, I want Alan or Mitch to win. Alan's hilarious. I think Mitch and his family could use the money more though. I'm impressed with both of their survival knowledge. I think there are only a couple more episodes left so the last 4 might start dropping like flies.

I was laughing hysterically at Lucas's song he made up with that wooden guitar he made. Too funny, but kinda sad too.

You can read their gear lists here:
http://www.history.com/shows/alone/cast

They could only bring ten items besides clothing and a few other things they all got and had to fit it all in one backpack.

posted August 09, 2015 07:55 AM            

The mountain lions are what would scare me the most. And on that island there is the highest population of them in the world. They all seem to be doing a good job of scaring the black bears off when they encounter one, except for that one guy - i won't spoil it.

Alan is the only one who hasn't cried yet (as far as i remember). Most of the other guys have multiple times. I think Alan's sense of humor and ability to enjoy his own company is what's saving him. He's also very knowledgable about what kinds of plants and seaweed he can eat, whereas one of the other guys has only eaten two small mice he was able to catch and that's all he had for days. He's having a rough time. My favorite was when Alan was sharpening a knife or something, it was quiet and out of nowhere he burst loudly into an opera song. It made me jump, but was very funny. He's having fun with himself and i think that's making a huge difference in his experience.

They are all supplied with 4 cameras and a box of camera equipment they have to lug around. That part might annoy me.

It's the loneliness that's the hardest part for them all I think. If they had someone with them, they all might be doing a bit better.

If I went out there I'd make sure I had multiple hobbies to work on in the downtime. It seems none of them thought of that and the boredom is also killing them.

http://www.history.com/shows/alone/videos/alan-needs-entertainment?m=51 89719baf036&s=All&f=1&free=false

The part about yoga at the end -

posted August 09, 2015 02:44 PM            

If I'm really honest with myself, I doubt I would handle it well, as much as i like to think i could. If i was forced into it somehow I'd do the best I could, but I know it would be extremely hard. Still, rugged live-off-the-land lifestyles calls to me for some reason.

A couple of the guys in this show mentioned planning on staying out there a year or more. I think they all think they are up against fellow hardcore woodsmen and need to tough it out for as long as possible to win. They also don't know how many have tapped out before them and most think they were the first one to and surprised to learn when they weren't. Imagine everyone leaving within the first couple of months and you stay out there a year because you are able to adapt and really want to win? I guess the payoff would be nice, but you'd definitely come back a completely changed person and maybe not for the better. The longer you're out there, the longer it would take to adjust back to society. Seems in just a short time it's taking a heavy toll on many of them.

posted August 09, 2015 03:18 PM            

He's extremely handy and rugged, cannot emphasize that enough.

Perhaps time alone would change him for the worse, who knows, he's never done it that long. And our kids need a father.

But yeah, half a million bucks sounds good!

posted August 09, 2015 05:03 PM            

& true about earth signs. I've also noticed the same with Fire signs, especially Sag.

teasel, I remember that part, but I got afraid for him and wondered why he was doing that. I would think it would attract the wolf pack and put him in a dangerous situation.

Like the guy who decided to camp on the area surrounded by game trails. Even i, someone who knows nothing thought that was a huge mistake and wanted to shout "Nooooooooo!", but he did anyway and ended up regretting it and having to be rescued that night. smh.

posted August 09, 2015 06:33 PM            

Me: Aw, wolves! Hi, babies!
You: RUN!!

posted August 09, 2015 10:45 PM            

These types of shows have helped to reminded me that nature is not always sunshine and roses and wild animals aren't always cutesy-wootsie, cuddle-muffins. Especially when hungry or you are intruding on their territory. Many of them wouldn't hesitate to rip your @ss apart.

Yeah, it would be a good show to watch in the dark. I did when i discovered it - had a bit of a marathon.

The game trail guy was the 4th or 5th one out, i think, so it's at least a few episodes in.

There seem to be many more shows along this line on History channel that I plan on checking out. Let me know if you like this one. I'll share any more good ones when I watch them.

posted August 10, 2015 12:35 AM            

I thought of Bill Bryson, when I was watching it - his comments based on research about bears. Someone posted this one:
"You might as well run. It will give you something to do with the last 70 seconds of your life."

posted August 10, 2015 09:36 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by teasel:
I've watched four episodes -they're all on-demand.
It made me feel better about being stuck at home, with my dog, family, food, fan, etc. It kills me that these guys apologize for going so soon, when their families probably want them home, and wouldn't do any better out there.

That one guy gets his food and then cougar! Typical. I like him, so I hope he lasts a bit longer. I like them all actually. They occasionally think about the others, but don't act all macho and think they're better.

---

posted August 10, 2015 09:38 AM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by teasel:
T, I'll email you a link to a forum where I post about TV shows - they have one about this show.

I thought of Bill Bryson, when I was watching it - his comments based on research about bears. Someone posted this one:
"You might as well run. It will give you something to do with the last 70 seconds of your life."

I need to order some of his books in again.

---

LOL! That's funny.

posted August 22, 2015 03:00 AM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by teasel:
Sweet ending. I'm now watching the after show.

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Yay Alan! Well done, man.

TBH i can't believe Sam lasted that long. He wasn't one of my favorites, until the end - he grew on me. He's a good kid and I can't believe he lasted that long (on a diet of mice lol). I almost wish he won only because he is starting a family and could surely use the money. I guess all of them could though.

I loved how they brought Alan's wife in after they told him he'd won - the way his eyes lit up upon seeing her. I thought she'd be more um..... interested in... impressed about how he lived that whole time. I'd want a tour of the abode he built and the area surrounding it... or been more interested in it at least....

It's almost like she knew he'd win. She didnt seem too impressed, oddly.

I liked his answer to her question about what he wanted to do with the money...

*take care of parents, let them fully retire
*fix his son's eye (blindness)
*throw the rest at their house
(if i remember correctly)

Cool dude and i'm glad he won.