Julia vs. The Wild: A survival blog

Starting Friday, KRDO13’s Julia Donovan is heading into the wilderness for a survival challenge that will push her to the limit — and viewers will be along for every step of the journey.

From building shelter and navigating the terrain to dealing with unpredictable weather and life off the grid, each day will bring new challenges and unexpected moments.

This blog will be your place to follow the adventure beyond the newscast, with daily recaps, behind-the-scenes moments, photos, and extra updates from Julia’s time in the woods.

Day one: Friday, May, 22

5 a.m. I was stirring in bed a few minutes before my alarm blared. I went to sleep around midnight because I love to procrastinate and still had LOTS of packing to do. I figured I'd be in a deep slumber until my 5:15 alarm went off... but the adrenaline was already running through my veins.

10 a.m. Oops! Check-in was supposed to be at 9. Luckily, I wasn't the only one who underestimated how long the dirt road to camp would take to traverse. Jason told me NOT to take the route my phone suggested, which meant I was already practicing survival skills before I got to The Survival University - handwritten directions?! Haven't done that in a while. At least I didn't hold anyone up!

11 a.m. We grabbed what we needed for the day from our vehicles, then walked a few hundred feet to basecamp. Then we all introduced ourselves, and I quickly learned I was surrounded by a bunch of really cool people. THANK GOD! Can you imagine being stuck in the wilderness with people you can't stand? I already know these five days are going to be a blast with this group.

After introductions, we practiced knife safety.

12 p.m. Next, we learned the basics of "land nav" (that's what the cool people call land navigation, AKA how to use a map). I have to be honest... obviously... this is basically a diary, right? I was super overwhelmed at first. But the instructors didn't let a single person fall behind, and it was so satisfying once I figured it out!

1:30 p.m. We took a slightly late lunch, but I didn't even realize I was hungry since we were so busy. I cranked up the camp stove and made some instant coffee; the sleep deprivation was creeping in a little. I stuck with a cold cut sandwich for my meal. I didn't want to waste too much time cooking and miss something.

2:45 p.m. We put our skills to the test, hiking from a starting point to a finishing point we marked on the map. I felt like a pirate! No booty at the X, but we did find a very deep old mine, which was cool to see up close.

On our way back, we gathered some firewood. We dropped the branches by basecamp, then headed out again for more - this time, using the branches for spear-making!

I realized I should have brought a bigger knife... But I just keep reminding myself: the mistakes I make now are merely lessons. And what better place to learn a lesson than at UNIVERSITY? Good thing I can borrow a bigger one, and soon I'll have a SPEAR!

4:30 p.m. We finished off the day sharpening our spears by the fire while Jason, Founder of The Survival University, told us some crazy stories and gave us tons of animal encounter tips. Yes, I'll be borrowing a bigger knife...

5:30 p.m. We broke for the day, and I pulled my camp stove back out for a burger before editing more videos and then PASSING OUT! See ya tomorrow!

Day two: Saturday, May, 23

7 a.m. Woke up REFRESHED! Sure enough, when I stepped out of my car, I saw a dusting of snow on the grass and my windshield. I heard the rain and thought I saw a few flakes landing on my windows late last night.

When I stepped out of my car, I was instantly greeted by the camp doggies, Striker and Ember. They're the best extra perk of The Survival University, especially since I miss my Hershey so much (he hates multi-day camping trips). Then I met Jess, the university's mindfulness expert. She asked if I had any crazy dreams, attributing them to the elevation. I did! I always do when I'm camping in the mountains. Apparently, I'm not the only one.

9 a.m. Unfortunately, Jason couldn't get in touch with the Teller County Sheriff's Office to see if we could have another exception from the county fire ban since he has a permit and expert-level knowledge on fire safety. So, we had to switch up today's activities. That was fine by me. I'm realizing there are a few similarities between his line of work and mine, like pivoting at a moment's notice.

We started the day going through backpack necessities when you head into the backcountry. Jason also showed us different water filtration devices and explained how to use them.

10:30 a.m. Let the shelter building begin! First off, we learned how to get the "ridge pole" up, which had us practicing our knot skills.

11:30 a.m. We broke for lunch! I spent some of the lunch hour editing social media videos. I ended up scarfing down my sandwich in my cozy car with the few minutes I had left. So good! Everything tastes better in the wilderness... even a turkey and cheese sandwich on a hamburger bun. We do what we can with what we have, okay?!

12:30 p.m. Back to shelter making. This time, we headed over to the "primitive campsite." The Survival University obviously wants to preserve its land, so they had us build the primitive shelters like Legos with the pre-cut branches from previous classes. This made everything faster and easier, but we were still able to learn exactly how to make the whole thing.

Then Tyler Milligan, one of the instructors at the Survival University (and a previous Naked & Afraid contestant!), gave us a challenge - but with a spontaneous twist. Instead of just dividing into two random groups, we did kids vs. adults. This is some of the most fun we've had since getting here, and it was so cute seeing all the kids from different families come together.

2:30 p.m. I'm writing this as they continue the challenge. I had to step away to put together the broadcast story for our 5 p.m. show. Check back later to find out who won!

5:30 p.m. Tyler judged the shelters, and the kids came out with the W for creativity and innovation. The adults did pretty well, too, I might say.

7:30 p.m. I finished editing my 10 p.m. story and made dinner as I continued to contemplate whether I should sleep outside in a primitive shelter... guess you'll have to check back tomorrow to see if I do it!

Day three: Sunday, May, 24

7:30 a.m. Look... I didn't do it. But hear me out! I finished editing late, didn't cook dinner until 9:30 p.m., and forgot to ask Jason for bear spray since mine had expired. I know - excuses, excuses. It ended up working in my favor to be closer to the porta-potties. Let's just say, stuff happens...

8:30 a.m. I opted for herbal tea rather than coffee this morning to settle my stomach.

9:30 a.m. Today is FIRE DAY! The sheriff himself called Jason back last night, saying we were cleared to burn despite the county-wide fire ban, since he has a crew of expert-level fire mitigators.

They divided the students into groups to see who could get a fire started with a ferro rod and no training. It was rough for most of us. Truly humbling. Thankfully, I have a whole day to learn.

10:30 a.m. After only one group got a two-foot fire going during the first challenge, Jason and Tyler showed us the tinder we needed, how to "process" it, and how to make a lean-to so there's enough oxygen between the tinder and kindling once you get some flames. It was miraculous how quickly everyone caught on! We went from dummies to fire-starting smarties in an hour!

11:30 a.m., we weren't even close to done with fire training. Next, we worked with different scenarios. Maybe you don't have any natural tinder - what do you use? Possibly a cotton ball dipped in vaseline (so cool right?!).

12 p.m. Lunch break! I warmed up some stir fry I meal prepped for the trip. Delicious! Then I edited my piece for the 5 p.m. newscast.

1 p.m. Back to fire training. Maybe all the logs are wet. We learned how to chop them open with our knives and the wooden batons we made on day one, so we can use the dry wood on the inside!

3 p.m. We learned a ton of other fire-making techniques, and I can now say I am a reliable fire-maker (without using a lighter). YAY! FIRE QUEEN!

5 p.m. I put together my second social media post of the day, banged out my story for our 10 p.m. show, updated this blog, and then ran to get a burger cooked BEFORE the sun went down! I'm getting pretty good at this whole "reporter stationed in the middle of nowhere" thing... if I do say so myself.

See ya bright and early tomorrow on GMC!

Day four: Monday, May, 25

4:00am I DID IT! I REALLY DID IT GUYS! And I actually feel a little lame for waiting so long because sleeping in the primitive shelter wasn't bad at all. The bed of pine bows was surprisingly comfy! And I wasn't cold in the slightest with all the layers I wore. Yes, I looked ridiculous, but it's not a fashion show - THIS IS SURVIVAL.

5:00am I started my GMC live shots. I was a little worried I wouldn't be able to fill the air time just sitting there in my primitive shelter, but I ended up blabbing on and on about how much I love it here. Silly me thinking I'd have trouble yapping (if you're a regular GMC viewer, you know what I mean).

6:00am I was getting hungry so I figured 'why not add my breakfast routine to the live shots?' I brought out the double burner, made some mushroom coffee, and ate strawberries between hits. What a life? If you told me even six months ago this would be my reality, I wouldn't have believed you. Truly a dream come true.

REMINDER: You can do anything you put your mind to. I was lucky enough to have a mom who always hammered that into my head growing up - but if you need someone to tell you that, I'M HERE.

Literally anything. If you're sitting there thinking 'but no one's ever done it before' - be the first.

6:30am I wrapped up live shots, cleaned up my primitive shelter, freshened up in the car and got ready for the day.

9:00am The group helped me film a goofy skit (see photo above) for our noon newscast, then we started food procurement day!

12:00pm Jason took us on a "plant walk" around camp to show us all the species growing nearby that could be eaten or used as medicine. It was fascinating to learn how many sources of food were laying right under our feet I never would have known about if I didn't come here.

1:00pm We took a late lunch break which I mostly worked through. I get a little obsessed and laser-focused when I'm interested in something... which you'd think is a good thing until you start accidentally skipping meals. I eventually ate, don't worry!

2:00pm When we got back from lunch, we had dessert... The Survival University way. We made dandelion pancakes - or dandelion fritters. We fried up each dandelion head in pancake batter and a ton of butter. They were so little and cute, AND surprisingly pretty tasty.

3:30pm We finished off class for the day by learning about snare traps. They aren't legal to set in Colorado - the only exception is if you're in a real survival situation. So, we practiced making them but didn't actually set any out in the forest.

5:00pm Last night means s'mores! Guys... I forgot how ravenous kids get around chocolate. I thought I was bad! When I say my Hershey bars were gone in seconds! I'm not mad. I'm just glad the kids had fun... and I have more sweet treats to get me through the next 24 hours if need be.

We chatted around the campfire for hours after class wrapped up. I think everyone is feeling the same as me. It's bittersweet this is ending soon. Yes, I could use a shower. But, life is just different out here. You're so focused on the basics like making food, tidying your shelter, rationing water... you don't have time to stress about regular, everyday things. It's been a nice change of pace.

9:30pm Well, here I am again. Wrapping up work late at night. The sun is long gone. It's getting chilly and I still have to make dinner. I won't be getting much sleep tonight, but I just keep telling myself 'you'll be home soon.' It's the final stretch. Goodnight! See ya on GMC tomorrow!

Day five: Tuesday, May, 26

4:25am IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN! I may have dozed back off for a few minutes after my alarm went off... That's what happens when you go to bed at 11 and try to wake up at 4 I guess! Thankfully, I didn't miss anything. I got my Starlink, tripod and work phone set up to go live, and did a quick audio check with the booth back at the station.

5:00am Let's get this show on the road! This morning, I recapped one day per live shot. 4 live shots, 4 days - it worked out perfectly. I was a little emotional going through the video and reliving the experience! And, yes, I fronted this all live from my car... Once the sun came up yesterday, I realized I was only like 30 feet from someone's tent, blabbing on and on starting at 5:00am. They probably hate me. Whoops! Figured I'd be more mindful today.

7:00am Morning live shots have wrapped and, as I'm writing this, I can hear my stomach growling. Better make some coffee and eat breakfast before scenario day begins!

9:30am Scenario #1 carry a hypothetically injured man down the hillside. Oh, you have to mobilize his leg. And OH, there's a hypothetical storm rolling in so you better move quickly.

This was so fun! We learned how to make a splint out of sticks and paracord, and a stretcher out of big branches and trash bags. Everyone pitched in and helped carry one of the students down to "safety."

11:30am Scenario #2... AKA final challenge time! Build a shelter, build a fire from scratch (no lighter, ferro rod only), build a wooden tripod and heat a bottle of water to a roaring boil. We split up - kids vs. adults again and, this time, us adults redeemed ourselves! Although, it was neck and neck... pretty impressive for the kids.

2:00pm A few people left early and it started to rain. It was kind of cute how most people didn't rush out despite the gloomy weather. I don't think any of us wanted it to end.

4:00pm First live shot of the evening! I interviewed a set of 12-year-old twin students - the boys told me about their favorite parts of the experience!

5:00pm Last live shot from the Survival University! Jason explained our final day activities and told viewers about upcoming classes. Meanwhile, I joked around with the anchors back in the studio about my personal hygiene... Time to go home and shower.

If you made it this far, thank you so much for following my blog on The Survival University's 5-Day Basic Survival Skills course! I had a blast, and the outpouring of support from loyal viewers like you made it that much more memorable.

Signing off from Teller County, Julia Donovan, KRDO13.