Years ago, Mark Burnett (creator of 'Survivor') used to organize an extreme endurance race called "EcoChallenge". Teams of 4 people had to trek through the desert and snow-capped mountains, camp in the wilderness, kayak, repel, mountain climb, and use their orienteering skills to navigate the maps they were given to complete the race course. It was insanely difficult and those who participated were extreme-sports kinda folks. I was exhausted just watching that show. I think it was just too darn hard for folks and they ended the race after a few years.
This new version is a combination of "Survivor", "Amazing Race", with a little "EcoChallenge" thrown in. In fact, starting this race on camels originated in "EcoChallenge"--and it's nuts, completely nuts. I have come to the conclusion I do not like camels very much--they are sorta ornery most days.
As I sit there all comfy-like on my couch, watching this, I have to wonder who in the heck does this stuff?? I mean, Joe and I have been riding our bikes through the 'hood lately, and while we've been logging some miles, it certainly isn't blister-causing type stuff. And while I like to hike, heading into a sandstorm or freezing waters is just not gonna happen. In fact, just the mere idea of sweating too much sort of turns me off of that whole hiking thing.
So what motivates these folks? At what point in your life do you sign up for mountain climbing and sleeping/freezing in a tent in some snow? When does the thought of oozing blisters covering your feet make you sign on that dotted line? Who wants to be hot, then cold, wet and then dry? And try to keep up with the mental challenges that keep your brain busy as well?? Sheesh. Not me.
Criminy, I'm barely comfortable sitting on the couch for the hour that it's on. And even that makes me crabby.
So, are you watching this? And would you do it?
Not me. And if I did, I would have trouble picking out team members because most people I know would want to kill me after the first 45 minutes.
16 comments:
We had a camel in our parade this week. The rest of the parade looked like an advertisement for local businesses so don't knock the camels please.
I'll be your team member-waving as you go to do whatever that is. Be waiting when you get back. Go Lin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to wonder who in the heck does this stuff??
Clearly, not everyone is sane.
I didn't get on the camel in Morocco. In fact, I didn't get off the bus--just looked out the window. If I tried camel riding in a race, my team members wouldn't have to kill me. My arthritic back would do that for them.
Money and fame, I guess. That one Richard dude from survivor got to be on Celebrity Apprentice but now his ass is in jail. Hoping he doesn't have to play camel. Whatever that means.
Nah, I'm too old and out of shape to do that stuff. Pool float races are about as exciting as it gets around here.
I have never understand the appeal of these shows, And they do it for their 15 minutes of fame, and money, of course.
People want to be on TV. Why? Got me. I'm sure there's $$ for the winner.
Camels are rather testy but then how would you be if you lived in a desert, had store your water in your hump and had people climbing on you all day....?
I've never been an adrenaline junkie in any way so I don't understand what drives people to such limits especially those who do it without being on TV. And riding a camel is certainly not on my bucket list!
Yes watching...no wouldn't sign up. Although I have to admit that I sent in an audition tape for Survivor about 9 years ago.
My dad was an extreme camper type of guy and I have been to places in Northern Canada that most people don't see..all seasons...even winter...it was fun...then. I have ridden a camel..they spit and they stink. I have also ridden an elephant. I have stared down a full grown male moose...it was me or him...long story:) I'm too old and too sane to do that kind of stuff now....LOL
The little bit of TV I am watching this summer includes reality TV shows: My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and So You Think You Can Dance. The first is a train wreck you can't turn away from.
Daisy's "mom" here:
I used to love watching EcoChallenge! But that was when I used to run, bike and go orienteering. Now I'm lucky to spend 30 minutes on the eliptical trainer. Getting old is hard!
i only saw the previews. it looked really truly dangerous and not something that we need to glorify.
I am enjoying this new show. I thought the first week was very funny--I knew that one team of girls would be out first! I think the purple team will win (forget their name).
I also like watching Survivor too but no, I would be a terrible contestant. I like my comfy home and modern conveniences--indoor plumbing is a must for me!
Me? NO WAY! Take a little bike ride, a stroll with Duke that's about it. I've never seen the show either. I did watch survivor for awhile several years ago but I just couldn't get in to it.
LOL, my word verification is limmo. That's the way I want to travel
Helene--Uh, Helene, if you are my team member, I'm gonna count on you to actually participate and HELP us win. They had camels in Chicago???
Vanilla--Yeah, and why? I'm too old to have my feet covered in 'sploded blisters. And I like a nice place to lay my head. This is crazy.
Chuck--That's IF you can get up on the silly thing. Dang, them is some nasty animals!!
Casey--I don't think there is big money at stake here--it's only like $10,000 or something. There's NO WAY I'd be doing that stuff for that little money. I think I could beat you in a floaty race.
Grace--I don't think there is much fame or money at stake in this show. I think it is pure adventure, which is completely lost on me. Joe and I would be fighting the whole time--he would not want me on his team.
Pricilla--Yeah, but it isn't a lot of money that they win. I think anything that lives in the desert doesn't have the opportunity to learn nice manners--man nor beast alike.
Beaded Tail--I'm so not into adrenaline--although I did do that death-drop water slide at DisneyWorld. Man, that was scary. Burned my bum! That was enough for me.
Diana--I couldn't do any of those shows. Survivor - I'd be voted off Day 2--I would drive everyone NUTS. Amazing Race - Joe and I would be fighting the whole time over directions. Not even thinking about this one, I like my pillow and my body not to hurt.
Mary Ann--I like camping, but I have to have a flush toilet and a warm shower to remain civil. I'm impressed with your wilderness history!
Jodi--Those darn gypsies freak me out, so I can't watch that show. I'm really hooked on Hoarders now. I love when they find the remains of a dead cat at the bottom of the pile. Blech!
Daisy--I loved EcoChallenge and I loved how Burnett would try to make it harder and harder each year. It was almost ridiculous by the time that show ended. Yeah, I'm not tempted to do this one in the least.
Sharkey--I think it is dangerous because there are some folks on there who clearly are not prepared for this adventure. Those darn camels nearly killed a few people.
Karen--Oh, those girls are going down. I liked EcoChallenge because the teams had to be mixed with some boys and some girls. I think it makes it more even that way. Gypsies are the purple team and yes, I think they are gonna win too.
Ann--I'm big into comfort, so even camping has to be with a flush toilet and a warm shower. But I am willing to sleep in a tent. Is that adventuresome enough??? yeah, I like limmo too. :)
Yeah not sure where it came from-the zoo maybe? Big as life there was a camel. A couple llamas too or whatever they are. Best part of the parade unless you count Lin-Mar Motors. Too much fun here on the north side.
Hey cheering you on IS participating. Do they have airconditioned box seats nearby to do that from?
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