Ben Fogle, the ever-intrepid explorer of unconventional lifestyles, ditches the alien-themed tourist traps of Roswell, New Mexico, to encounter a different kind of extraterrestrial—a 70-year-old woman named Karen who’s not just surviving but thriving in the desert. This week’s New Lives in the Wild finds Fogle trading in his usual awe for a healthy dose of elbow grease, assisting Karen with the demanding upkeep of her desert abode.
Karen, a former sports journalist, isn’t exactly roughing it, but a past bike accident has left her with mobility issues, making the chores around her property a monumental undertaking. Fogle pitches in, clearing muck, shoveling hay, and even scaling a windmill – because who needs a personal trainer when you have a desert homestead to maintain? But it’s not just manual labor; Fogle, always the keen observer of the human spirit, delves into Karen’s life story, uncovering past struggles and a resilience that ultimately fuels an unexpected decision.
This isn’t just another episode about off-grid living; it’s a quiet study in fortitude. Forget the little green men; Karen’s story is the real Roswell mystery—how one woman finds the strength to embrace new challenges, even in the twilight years. As Fogle himself remarks, it’s a encounter that leaves him pondering life’s curveballs and the unexpected sources of inspiration found in the most unlikely places.
Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild airs Tuesday, February 11, 2025, on Channel 5.
