On a show like Alone, individuals are tested not only physically, but emotionally and mentally. Spending upwards of 100 days with minimal human contact can lead to starvation, lack of motivation, and mental deterioration. The highs and lows contestants experience are much more severe than one might think, with depression being one of the main reasons why an Alone challenger may choose to tap out.
For Clay Hayes, his Alone experience, though fruitful in the end, was no different. Having lasted for 74 days in the wilderness of Chilko Lake, British Columbia, Clay recalls his triumphs and hardships in great detail, offering a tangible perspective on what it might be like to survive on Alone.
The Worst Moment Of Clay's Alone Experience
With any journey comes a plethora of challenges one must overcome in order to seek the light at the end of the tunnel. For Clay, the challenges posed by Chilko Lake included negative temperatures, scarcity of food, and mental strains stemming from lack of human interaction.
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Given the many obstacles he was forced to overcome, we asked Clay what his lowest of lows looked like out in the wilderness.
"There was a period, from about day 50 to 60 when I fell into depression. At that time, the days were very short and the weather was turning worse. The weather would keep me in my dark shelter for days at a time. I'd also rationed my dear meat out so thin that I was literally starving."
Imagine a day you've experienced where your emotional well-being is called into question. You might call a family member or friend for support, morale, guidance. Now, imagine a ten-day span where your brain is infused with psychologically damaging, depressive thoughts, yet you have no way of reaching out; no one to reach out to. Could you stand that stress long enough to push yourself for another two weeks?
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The Best Moment Of Clay's Alone Experience
Despite feelings of depression and trying desperately not to call in and tap out, Clay's Alone experience saw its upswings. Utilizing the hunting skills he'd gleaned from a childhood amongst nature, Clay was able to stalk and kill a wild buck.
"If I had to choose one moment, it would have been when I rounded the corner in that meadow and saw that little buck laying in the grass."
Though the other 9 competitors bore survival strengths that were comparable to Clay's, he was the only contestant on Season 8 who had a kill big enough to last him a significant period of time.
Clay On The Feeling Of Winning Alone Season 8
Contrary to the show's narration, Clay's kill awarded him enough food that he was able to ration it to day 90 if need be. Luckily enough, the producers came and tapped him out at day 74. We asked him to recall that experience.
"I was in disbelief! One of the things I tried hard to guard against was allowing myself to hope that it would end by a certain time. I'd seen that crush people on past seasons. So when they finally did tell me, it took me a moment to understand what they were actually telling me."
Clay also revealed to us that not only did he have excess deer meat upon receiving the news of his victory, but he
"Actually left on day 74 with two grouse tied to my pack."
For Clay Hayes, going completely hungry was not an option.
The most interesting, and perhaps daunting, part of Alone is not knowing who you're up against. Perhaps they're a better gatherer, hunter, shelter builder. But for Clay, all that mattered was that he made it through, day by day. And eventually, his strategy paid off, awarding him a cash prize of $500,000 and the title of sole survivor.
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Referring back to the advice he offered to us when we asked about the most important survival skill one might need to accomplish a feat as magnificent as he had, Clay called out perseverance. Whether in the realm of survival or otherwise, persistence and the will to continue marching forward is key.
The entirety of Season 8 of Alone is available to stream on Netflix.
