FEATURE Jeremy McCaa - Curse of the Swamp
FEATURE
Jeremy McCaa - Curse of the Swamp
By CONNIE CUELLAR
Jeremy McCaa - Curse of the Swamp
By CONNIE CUELLAR
Fans of Naked and Afraid and XL
Photos via Discovery Channel
Survivalists Jeremy McCaa and Melanie Rauscher face off against mysterious swamp sounds and unidentified creatures lurking in the dark during the two-part Naked and Afraid episode “Curse of the Swamp.” Fans will have to wait until next Sunday at 9 p.m. EST on Discovery to find out what’s next for the duo. Jeremy is keeping it a secret until then.
Photos via Discovery Channel
Survivalists Jeremy McCaa and Melanie Rauscher face off against mysterious swamp sounds and unidentified creatures lurking in the dark during the two-part Naked and Afraid episode “Curse of the Swamp.” Fans will have to wait until next Sunday at 9 p.m. EST on Discovery to find out what’s next for the duo. Jeremy is keeping it a secret until then.
The North Louisiana native grew up about five hours from where this episode was filmed, in the Atchafalaya Basin. Though, he doesn’t think filming in his home state gave him an edge.
“In most areas, survival is all the same,” Jeremy said. “Secure shelter, water and food. Some fans of the show will give me hell for filming in my state but the swamp is where they send the military to train. The environment is harsh and isn't welcoming to people there. It's going to test you mentally and physically out there.”
Jeremy lives his life surrounded by nature and it’s where he feels most comfortable. “I've always been outdoors and respected nature and what it has to offer and I bring my family up to respect it as well,” he said. “The majority of what I eat comes from the land, with all the hunting and fishing I do.”
He first decided to try out for Naked and Afraid when the show aired in 2013, but he “held off a bit” because his wife was pregnant at the time with their son and he didn't want to leave her alone for three weeks.
Jeremy is a veteran cast member, who tapped out in the Philippines in a previous challenge, but he wanted another chance to prove his metal.
“Since then, and the experience I had on the show, I wanted a redemption. As far as my background preparing me for the show, I'll just say being a avid hunter and spending time in the woods helped me a lot. I taught myself my survival skills along the way. So, I'm all self taught.”
Jeremy was well prepared for the challenge, and he said it’s what he expected. “This time going on the show I knew I was going to have water so the rest was mental from there,” he said.
“I always said if I get a redemption it'll have water and it's going to be ruthless with insects. They are the most challenging obstacles to face out there. They will break you down fast. It's hard to sleep with a thousand of them attacking you and the constant buzzing in the ear.”
Jeremy’s first partner, Michelle Etchings, tapped out on day three, which changed the face of the challenge for him. Then, when Mel appeared on the scene, it meant that, if Jeremy wanted to walk out of the swamp with her, he’d have to make it through 25 days, a first for Naked and Afraid.
“My first partner tapped out, and I had a feeling it was coming after night one,” he said. “If I wasn't so determined to stay longer I would've left out with her. It was a rough experience. I hated seeing her go, ‘cause we really hit it off from the start and I wanted to see it thru with her. Mel and I got along great and she claimed me as her jungle husband fast. She is an incredible woman and friend.”
The mysterious swamp created a unique and strange experience for the duo, as a strange figure kept visiting their camp site. There’s a local legend about Jean Lafitte's ghost searching for his treasure, but Jeremy doesn’t buy into it. “I always heard of legends in the swamp, but took it was old tales and nothing more,” Jeremy said. “No, I see things a little different.”
Jeremy has expressed interest in going the distance on Naked and Afraid XL, the 40-day challenge.
“I would love to go out again. This experience gets into your blood and you just can't get enough of it. I've had three women for partners on this show and they all come from different walks in life and personalities. I managed to get along with everyone and start a great friendship up with them all. It's all about mutual respect and just getting to know someone for who they are.”
To all the fans of the show, Jeremy would like to say, “I appreciate everyone of you for support and it's extremely humbling. If anyone has the urge to try this show I would recommend it, it's a great experience and just stay true to yourself and treat your partners with respect.”
Jeremy was well prepared for the challenge, and he said it’s what he expected. “This time going on the show I knew I was going to have water so the rest was mental from there,” he said.
“I always said if I get a redemption it'll have water and it's going to be ruthless with insects. They are the most challenging obstacles to face out there. They will break you down fast. It's hard to sleep with a thousand of them attacking you and the constant buzzing in the ear.”
Jeremy’s first partner, Michelle Etchings, tapped out on day three, which changed the face of the challenge for him. Then, when Mel appeared on the scene, it meant that, if Jeremy wanted to walk out of the swamp with her, he’d have to make it through 25 days, a first for Naked and Afraid.
“My first partner tapped out, and I had a feeling it was coming after night one,” he said. “If I wasn't so determined to stay longer I would've left out with her. It was a rough experience. I hated seeing her go, ‘cause we really hit it off from the start and I wanted to see it thru with her. Mel and I got along great and she claimed me as her jungle husband fast. She is an incredible woman and friend.”
The mysterious swamp created a unique and strange experience for the duo, as a strange figure kept visiting their camp site. There’s a local legend about Jean Lafitte's ghost searching for his treasure, but Jeremy doesn’t buy into it. “I always heard of legends in the swamp, but took it was old tales and nothing more,” Jeremy said. “No, I see things a little different.”
Jeremy has expressed interest in going the distance on Naked and Afraid XL, the 40-day challenge.
“I would love to go out again. This experience gets into your blood and you just can't get enough of it. I've had three women for partners on this show and they all come from different walks in life and personalities. I managed to get along with everyone and start a great friendship up with them all. It's all about mutual respect and just getting to know someone for who they are.”
To all the fans of the show, Jeremy would like to say, “I appreciate everyone of you for support and it's extremely humbling. If anyone has the urge to try this show I would recommend it, it's a great experience and just stay true to yourself and treat your partners with respect.”
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