An international stuntwoman/survival specialist and a wilderness survival expert have joined forces to attempt an epic adventure across one of the most rugged mountain ranges in the world with only a pocket knife to aid them. The adventure began on Sept. 15th 2010.
trip status: COMPLETED
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International stuntwoman and survival specialist KY FURNEAUX and wilderness survival expert THOMAS COYNE have joined forces to attempt an epic adventure across one of the most beautiful yet rugged mountain ranges in the world: the mighty Sierra Nevadas. They will show that natural environments are not dangerous places where only the adventurous may go, but are also welcome and nuturing places providing all that anyone needs to thrive.
Traveling with only a pocketknife, they will gather all the food and water required to make the journey, as well as constructing tools and shelter, making fire and hygiene and medicinal remedies from the earth's raw materials -- proving that the old ways may have nearly been forgotten... but they are not lost.
The journey will be captured on high-def film using a small handheld camera and two portable helmet cams. Thomas and Ky can retain their ideal of keeping equipment to a minimum while professionally recording all the amazing experiences this trip will provide.
The Hike for Survival audience will experience what Ky and Thomas are encountering as well. In addition to breathtaking footage, they will be able to follow the team's progress in a regularly updated field journal and will feel as if they are part of the journey.
ky furneaux
thomas coyne
The Sierra Nevada mountain range is one of the most strikingly beautiful in the world, representing the pinnacle of the backcountry hiking experience. The awe-inspiring views, rugged terrain and vast untouched, colorful expanses of the High Sierras moves peoples souls, tests their stamina, and leaves them forever changed. Its rich history includes the horrific tale of the Donner party, and the spiritual musings of John Muir. It is a land of diversity and extremes.
When selecting their first challenge, the team took many things into consideration. They needed a long enough distance to be formidable, but also an area that allowed them to be able to gather ample amounts of food for the calories to be mercilessly burned on the trek. The favorable climate and striking terrain of central California provides the rich and diverse plant life and geology that can help a motivated individual thrive.
On their trek, they will transverse such world famous hiking areas as King's Canyon with its high mountain passes; the legendary John Muir Trail with its pristine alpine lakes and streams; and the Domeland and Golden Trout Wilderness Areas with their massive granite cliffs and peaks and wild backcountry rivers. From camp to camp they will "power" hike, while stopping in advantageous locations to establish solid shelters, gather and process surplus foodstuffs and medicines, and form utensils and tools for their journey.
The trip begins near the Kaweah River Reservoir and heads west for over 125 miles, ending at the great Mojave Desert.
Sounds simple enough, right? But with just a pocketknife to aid them, this journey turns from a challenging hike through the wilderness to a HIKE FOR SURVIVAL.
Press Kit
Thank you to these fine companies that help make Hike for Survival possible
Handcrafted outdoor clothing made
exclusively for you by Andrew Tuller in Montana, USA
Rollable solar panel provided by:
Thermal
wear
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by:
Pocket knives from:
European crafted hiking boots by:
Portable
HD cameras
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Backpacks
First Needs
water filter provided by:
Down jackets from:
Advertise your eco-friendly business here! Contact Ky Furneaux for more details.
AUSTRALIA:
On a recent trip to Australia, Ky Furneaux stopped by an elementary school to meet an extraordinary little girl, Ruby Shaw. What intrigued Ky about Ruby was not only had she contacted Ky with questions about becoming a stuntwoman, but that the girl, now nine-years-old, had nearly lost her life to kidney failure when she was four. Her chances at survival were not good, but the quick thinking and great service at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide, South Australia, helped her quickly recover, and she was able to return home two months sooner than expected. With this inaugural Hike for Survival, Ky hopes to raise money for the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide to help ensure that children in life-threatening situations receive the best care they can.
UNITED STATES:
How many legendary people in this world, from sports, to music, to science, to movies, have stories of that amazing aunt or uncle that taught them so much, the unwavering parent who stood by them no matter what, the older brother or sister that always believed in them. In many desperately impoverished areas of the United States, there are many young men and women being robbed of this amazing potential by their extremely negative and even debilitating environments. People are very resilient however, and sometimes all they need is a real chance, just one... to shine. That's what Homeboy Industries provides.
Positive role models and success stories from individuals whom persevered through the same conditions as these youths, a job to earn legitimate money - to uplift yourself from your poverty, adult instruction, and real guidance. In essence, hope to the seemingly hopeless. Due to tough economic times this charity is currently suffering, and had to lay-off many of the struggling youths it hoped to launch into a positive and fruitful adulthood. It is Thomas Coyne's hope to alleviate some of this burden, and help get the youth of America back on the right track.
We welcome your comments and questions! For more information on the show or inquiries about product promotion, please use the form to get in touch with the Hike For Survival team. We'll get back to you soon!
See Ky in Action - Her stunt website here...
Teren Oddo Photography
Ky was born in Australia. Her childhood included years of horse riding, water skiing, kayaking and generally getting out and about in the incredible Australian outdoors.
At 19, while completing a Bachelor of Business Management, Ky broke her back in a car accident and ended up in bed for over six months. It was during this time that she resolved to make the most of every day and revel in her physical abilities. This led to her becoming an outdoor instructor qualified to teach rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking and mountaineering. She also became qualified in Wilderness First Aid.
Ky worked for a teambuilding and leadership company for the next seven years that specialized in using the outdoors as an educational tool. She worked with a wide range of groups including school kids, corporate groups and juvenile offenders.
While on one of these trips, a school kid suggested to Ky that she should become a stuntwoman. This occupation appealed to her sense of adventure and launched a career that has spanned over eight years and included many big budget features and series as well as jobs doubling major stars such as Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway and Sharon Stone.
Working in the film industry eventually led Ky to move to Los Angles where she produced and co-hosted a pilot for a travel show aimed at showing people what an amazing world they live in and how easy and safe it is to have an adventure of a lifetime.
Expanding on her already extensive understanding of nature and how to survive in it, Ky has challenged herself to become an expert in this field. Now armed with these skills, Ky is eager to leave the concrete jungle to explore the natural world once more. Only this time she wants to take us with her.
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