Fri, Nov 7, 2014
The Uncharted crew head to Dandridge, TN, where our loud mouthed host, Erick Baker, faces off with the large mouth bass of Douglas Lake. Setting sail on a guided fishing trip, "Admiral" Erick finds out why they call it "fishing" not "catching", and then during a Bass Pro High School tournament, Erick sees how much he really has to learn, as some young fishermen show him how it's done. Erick visits a local bait shop and uncovers the many hidden secrets they hold. Then he's transported back in time with a straw an old-fashioned soda from Tinsley Bible Drug Co. Enjoying the waters of Douglas Lake, Erick learns how to make the most of the water through boating safety and uncovers the story of two invasive species that are threatening many of Tennessee's waters. Find out if Erick gets bit by the bite of bass fishing.
Fri, Nov 14, 2014
On your mark. Lace up the racing shoes and pace yourself alongside host Erick Baker as he, literally, runs into the unknown. He's competing in the Rev3 Adventure, a race also known as "Knoxville Kicker," an incredible outdoor exploration, perfect for the novice and beginner adventure racer, with running, biking and paddling in teams. While paddle boarding for the first time, Erick does his best to stand up and stay dry. Along the way, he discovers a new land sport you may not know about yet. In the weeks leading up to the race, the Uncharted crew follows Erick as he does his best to train for the challenges of adventure racing-mountain biking, paddle boarding, canoeing, trail running and orienteering. The question remains, Will Erick be ready by the big day? Along the way, we'll learn the story of Knoxville's Urban Wilderness and the 1,000 acres that beautifully shine just a few miles from the city lights of downtown.
Fri, Nov 21, 2014
It's survival mode for Erick and the Uncharted crew this week as they navigate the choppy waters that make up the Upper and Middle Ocoee River. The Upper Ocoee consists of the modified Olympic course, which was constructed for the 1996 Centennial Olympics, so it's anything but a relaxing joy ride...especially with camera and sound equipment in your raft.
Fri, Nov 28, 2014
Erick and the crew fly off to learn more about the popular hobby of birding and what passionate Tennesseans are doing to preserve, protect and restore bird populations across the state. Beginning at Seven Islands State Birding Park, the first designated birding park in Tennessee, the crew learns some ways we can all help protect native populations of birds, as well as some interesting things the staff at Seven Islands are doing. With interests piqued, the Uncharted Crew heads over to the American Eagle Federation's Wings of America show at Dollywood. At the Wings of America pavilion, Erick gets down and dirty backstage in assisting with the maintenance and care necessary for these feathered stars. While at Dollywood, it seems a shame not to experience all the other attractions the park has to offer, so the Uncharted crew took a walk on the wild side - and a ride on the Wild Eagle. Turning back to birding, the crew ventures over to the Wonder of Hummingbirds Festival at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, where Erick gets up close and personal with these delicate and fascinating birds while learning how to create backyard habitats to increase your bird watching. Whether you're looking for a fun and educational way to spend the afternoon around wildlife and wild coasters, or a means of making a short stroll down a nearby green way more meaningful, birding is a unique method of enjoying everything the outdoors have to offer.
Fri, Dec 12, 2014
Erick and the Uncharted Crew learn about saving and sustaining native wildlife and how different groups of volunteers are working to revitalize Tennessee's quail population. On a trip to Kyker Bottoms Wildlife Refuge outside Maryville, members of the Smoky Mountain Chapter of Quail Forever teach Erick how the Chapter works closely with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to create and sustain appropriate habitat for quail. Quail Forever provides equipment, manpower, and resources to assist TWRA in re-establishing native habitats and maintaining them going forward. Erick visits another TWRA partnership, the Knox County CAC AmeriCorps Conservation Corps, who use volunteer labor to manage and maintain habitat at the refuge on a daily basis. Not only did assisting the AmeriCorps members to provide a look at what work is necessary to maintain pristine parks and wildlife populations, but it provided insight into what motivates these inspiring youth to give back. Erick wraps up the episode by meeting up with master bird-dog trainer Ed Ford at Thunder King Kennels. Ed specializes in training bird dogs and competes nationwide in field trials. In his conversation with Ed, Erick gets a closer look at the finer points of hunting, namely the opportunity it provides to connect with nature, your fellow man, and the hunting dogs involved in the task. There is a beautiful camaraderie between hunter and dog and a relationship Erick got to appreciate firsthand. Overall, this episode brings attention to the incredible plight facing the Bobwhite Quail, as well as the important history of the sport of quail hunting in the area. Erick learns firsthand that conservation is a job that will never be complete and often involves difficult, but rewarding work.
Fri, Dec 26, 2014
Tennessee Uncharted will inspire you to just keep climbing no matter what life may send your way. The crew begins at Enterprise South Nature Park, a wildlife refuge managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency that was formerly part of the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant, to help the TWRA and Tennessee Valley Safari Club International set up for a special event - a Hunt for Warriors. Hunt for Warriors' pairs hunters with American servicemen and women, many of whom are recovering from injuries. Erick and his band mate (and veteran) Donnie Reis get to hang out with these heroes on a hunt and learn why this event is important to both sportsmen and supporters of American troops. Feeling inspired, Erick and Donnie take on challenges at a new height when they decide to partake in a popular local hobby - hang gliding. And after a few dry runs, they take turns running off a 2,500-foot peak like pros. The inspiration just keeps coming as the crew travels to Charleston, Tenn., to catch up with Tennessee-native, Mike Crittendon. Mike shares the story of how his life drastically changed 16 years ago when an accident left him a without the use of his legs. The crew learns how he has overcome his physical challenges to enjoy the outdoors in a different way today. This is a true story of a true sportsman. Having spent so much time with inspirational people who have given so selflessly, Erick wanted to leave Chattanooga with what he has to offer - a musical performance on the stage at Rhythm and Brews. Overall the episode seeks to inspire folks to never give up and to always find a means of overcoming.