Ep 7. Summer

Survivorman is an adventure reality television series that follows survival expert and filmmaker, Les Stroud, as he faces various challenges in the wilderness. In season 9 episode 7, titled "Summer," Les travels to a remote location in Northern Ontario where he will spend seven days alone in the wilderness, surviving using only the resources available to him.

As the episode begins, Les is dropped off by floatplane at a small lake in the heart of the Canadian Shield. The weather is hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius in the day and dropping to the low teens at night. Les knows that humidity and heat can be just as dangerous as cold temperatures, so he plans to stay hydrated throughout his journey.

Les has brought minimal equipment with him, including a multi-tool, a camera, and a small survival kit. He has also brought a fishing rod and a small, collapsible boat that he will use to navigate the lake and catch fish. Les is confident that he can catch enough food to survive, but he knows that he will need to be patient and persistent.

Throughout the episode, Les faces a number of challenges, including finding shelter, staying hydrated, and catching food. He decides to build a simple shelter using natural materials, including tree branches and leaves, and he creates a small fire pit for cooking and warmth. Les is careful to keep his fire under control, knowing that an out of control wildfire could quickly become a disaster.

One of the biggest challenges Les faces is finding fresh water. The lake water is too polluted to drink, so he needs to find a natural spring or stream. He spends several hours every day searching for water, hiking through the dense forest and following animal trails. Eventually, he finds a small stream that he can use to collect water.

Les also spends a lot of time fishing, using his boat to explore different parts of the lake and using a variety of lures and baits to catch fish. He catches a number of smallmouth bass and perch, which he fillets and cooks over his campfire. Les notes that fishing provides him with more than just food – it also gives him a sense of purpose and helps him maintain his mental health.

Throughout the episode, Les reflects on the importance of connecting with nature and the benefits of spending time alone in the wilderness. He talks about the peace and solitude he feels when he is away from the noise and distractions of modern life, and how being in nature helps him stay grounded and connected to his roots.

As the week progresses, Les becomes more and more comfortable in his surroundings. He builds a more comfortable shelter, catches more fish, and even manages to make himself a simple bow and arrow. He notes that survival isn't just about staying alive - it's about thriving in difficult conditions.

Overall, "Summer" is a fascinating episode that showcases Les Stroud's incredible survival skills and his deep connection to nature. It's a reminder of the power of human resilience, and of the importance of staying connected to the natural world in an increasingly disconnected world.