IN 1869, a group of Wild West pioneers – led by Major John Wesley Powell, navigated their way through the treacherous rapids of the Grand Canyon. Close on a century-and-a-half later, British TV presenter Dan Snow has agreed to replicate that infamous expedition known as The Great Unknown.
To lend veracity to the undertaking, he has decided to do so in antique-style wooden rowing boats.
No stranger to historically-flavoured shows, Snow shed light on the genesis of BBC Knowledge’s factual show, Operation Grand Canyon with Dan Snow.
He laughs: “When the opportunity came up from someone at the BBC, I seized it. From a historical level, there’s lots of adventure. It works for science, too. And there is a modern environment aspect to it as well.”
Joined by a team of British and Americans, Snow shares: “The wooden boats were a disaster; the most inappropriate boats imaginable. The boats were originally used in the 19th century.”
Snow also became something of a cultural intermediary on the adrenalin rush of a journey.
“I felt like I was able to translate a little. The Brits and Americans kept annoying each other. So it was a pain in neck from that point of view. And that comes through (on the show). Overall, the water was okay, the Grand Canyon, too. Even the rattlesnakes and scorpions were not too bad. The real problem was the humans – people just losing it with each other. Thankfully, the boats stayed afloat…even though we weren’t very dry and often smashed into a lot of things.”
Why did he even agree to do this series?
He chuckles: “Basically, I spent my 20s making programmes about castles and wars. I think it’s probably a midlife crisis.”
Snow found the expedition wasn’t without learning curves.
“We ran out of beer very quickly. And the temperature fluctuated. It was too hot in the boat and too cold in the water. A very unpleasant mix. By the end of it, everyone was battered and bruised. One guy got stung by a scorpion. I almost stepped on a rattle-snake, but South Africans obviously don’t care about this kind of stuff because you guys are super hard-core (laughs). I think someone knocked a tooth out as well,” he confirms.
Physical and psychological challenges aside, he shares: “This was universally amazing and beautiful. Just to explore one of the grandest and recognisable features on the planet was incredible.
As for his profession, Snow shares: “I wanted to finish my PhD at Oxford and become a historian. Then the BBC opportunity came up. I don’t regret it for one minute.”
And he reveals that the knack for storytelling is in his genes: “I have this Welsh grandmother. She is 93 and has lived through all sorts of wonderful and weird times and met all sorts of interesting people. She tells stories of her family and ancestors and I have this great sense of continuing that legacy!”
During his TV tenure so far, there have been many mind-blowing moments.
He recalls: “So much stood out. Going to Petra, riding a camel in the ancient city of Jordan. Sailing in Venice and following in the footsteps of so many merchants. Standing on the Limes Tripolitanus, a wall built by the Romans to protect their empire in Tunisia. Holding a copy of the American constitution and Martin Luther’s letter to his fellow Christian preachers.”
Of course, he can now add navigating 450km of the Colorado River to his memory.
• Operation Grand Canyon with Dan Snow, BBC Knowledge, Jan 18, 25, at 6pm.