Big Crazy Family Adventure
Bruce Kirkby, Christine Pitkanen and their 2 young sons — Bodi and Taj — take the road less traveled. From container ship to tuk tuk, these explorers have tried it all. "Big Crazy Family Adventure", Travel Channel’s newest show, tracks the epic journey of the Kirkby family. Without taking a single airplane, they travel more than 13,000 miles, from Kimberley, British Columbia, to the Himalaya. Together, they discover untouched landscapes, unique cultures and life’s simple pleasures. Whether it’s encountering challenging climates or navigating obscure villages, this family manages to disconnect from the barrage of daily technology and information overload to enjoy quality time with one another.
Episodes
The Kirkby's first leg of a 13,000 mile journey from their home in British Columbia to India, involves canoes, a train, and taking a container ship to South Korea. Storms, life vests, and a run-in with Russians create challenges.
The Kirkbys take their first-ever bullet train in South Korea, chow on butterfly larvae snacks and sail the Yellow Sea.
The Kirkbys start off in Beijing, where they dine on Peking duck and walk the Great Wall. Later, Tibetan permits and Taj's health are up in the air.
The Kirkbys enter Tibet after a 27-hour railway ride; Bodi shows a curiosity in Buddhism; a breathtaking view is experienced at Mount Everest; and time is ticking as the family race to reach the Nepal border before their Tibetan visas expire.
The Kirkbys meet a Hindu goddess in Nepal; Bodi exhibits excellent bargaining skills; and the family ride elephants in the jungle. Also: Bruce gets to photograph rhinos; and Christine celebrates her birthday on the trail of the elusive Bengal tiger.
The Kirkbys encounter scorching heat, spicy food, snake charmers and burning gnats while in India, where they take a private boat ride on the holy Ganges River. Other highlights include learning to make a lassi and racing to catch a train to the Taj Majal.
The kids learn about poverty and take a Bollywood dance class, while Christine cooks an authentic Indian dinner for her family. Other highlights include a trip to the Taj Mahal and an adventure park.
Runtime: 42m
Bruce digs into his family history while in the town of Shimla, India. Also: The Kirkbys encounter monkeys at Jakhu Temple; and have to call a doctor when Taj develops a fever.
Runtime: 43m
The family near their final stop, but must trek 100 miles of rugged terrain to get there. Along the way, they deliver school supplies to children in remote villages; and Bodi overcomes another fear when his rides a pony for the first time.
