We shot the pilot epsidoe in July 2006. Not only did we need to shoot a great looking presentation, but we also needed to keep in mind the that it was going to be necessary that the production schedule be easily repeated in entirely different locations as we develop a solid work-flow for the future treasures we discover across the country! 

Pilot Episode Outline

Act I – We introduce our Host, this week’s Guest Adventurers, and our Expert
    - Our Guest Adventurers are Paul and Cathe Childers from Carlsbad California. We learn what their expectations are and what interests them about camping in remote areas.
    -This episode’s adventure is a stunning three day Southern California off road exploration of the High Sierra Mountains at elevations up to 10,000 feet above Sea Level eventually dropping down in the harsh yet beautiful Mojave Desert.
    -Our Expert is Tom Severin, President and Owner of Badlands Off-Road Adventures, one of the premiere training schools of off-road operation and safety. His expertise and insight into the challenges we will meet during our adventure will be much needed and appreciated.
    -Begin the Journey! – We head up into the mountains traveling 5 hours from Paul and Cathe’s home.
    -Our first stop is at the Ranger Station overseeing the area to get the appropriate permits.
    -Along the way to the trailhead, we stop and enjoy the unique view of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental U.S.
    -After airing down the tires of our Jeeps to get better traction, we start our first real challenge of the trip heading up one of the most famous jeep trails in all of California – the Sherman Jeep Trail. Our host Mark finds the challenges of the trail to be a bit much for his stock vehicle and gets stuck!

Act II - After much hard work and assistance from Tom Severin, Mark finally escapes the clutches of the Sherman Jeep Trail.
    -We travel through fields of wildflowers, unspoiled aspen meadows, and granite wilderness to the top of Sherman Peak enjoying the fruit of our spoils – a breathtaking view overlooking the foothills of the Sierra Mountains below.

Act III – We travel the rest of our way following cattle trails of the old west to the location of our camp at Monache Meadows discovering a bit of the history of the area, enjoying the beautiful scenery and set up our tents.
    -We enjoy a much needed rest that night around the camp fire, enjoying the mystical qualities of the night sky like no other.
    -The next morning, we head out for this day’s adventure – a fabulous exploration visiting the harsh lower elevations of the Mojave Desert! Our journey leads us to the desolate yet gorgeously painted sands of the Mojave Desert and some of the most historical areas of the Gold Rush of the 1800’s. During our travels on this exciting trail we visit these points of interest of the area:
         - Bickel Camp Open-air Mining Museum – we find antique mining equipment.
         - Holly Ash Cleanser Mine that provided soap for much of the Wild West during the 1800’s.
         - The Burro Schmidt Tunnel – this is legendary testament to perseverance. The tunnel took one man over thirty-eight years to dig by hand! It was to be a service shaft for local miners to have easy access to a local oar processing mill at the now ghost town of Garlock. Unfortunately, buy the time he finished his labors, the gold rush was over!

Act IV - Wrap up
    -The very last leg of our journey takes us down the Last Chance– one of the more beautiful parts of our route with open mine shafts littering the canyon walls and another off-road challenge ...
    -We stop to recap the highlights of our adventures together and to discuss with Paul and Cathe their experience with us and what if any lasting affect it will have on their lives.