AURORA – Numerous attempts and three interviews later, Aurora, Utah a rancher and father of two finally takes his position in the tribe of Survivor: South Pacific.
Rick Nelson, 51, operates and owns his own cattle ranch in Aurora, which is located near Richfield. Nelson has attempted 14 times and has been interviewed three times to be on Survivor over the past 10 years, but this year was his lucky year.
“My kids said ‘How many times are you going to apply?’” Nelson said. “It intrigues me to be stranded some place and have to find something to eat and something to drink.”
Even though Nelson looks forward to the adventure, he also has a goal in mind for the grand prize money, as well. The Nelson’s cattle ranch has been operated by the family for generations and originally began in the hands of Nelson’s great grandfather where it was purchased by his grandmother and then passed down to his father.
Although Nelson inherited the ranch, the cost of upkeep has created a financial burden on his family, and a million dollars would help absorb some, if not all, of the cost, he said.
“I would love to keep this ranch in the family and I have it do as good as grandma,” Nelson said. “The business is just enough to keep [running] one guy ragged and keep his friends and family busy.”
Nelson was taught at a young age from his grandma to take life by the horns to gain experience and enjoy the ride.
“[Being on Survivor] was a chance of a life time and really amazing,” he said. “If there is anyone out there who wants to do it, it’s not going to come by the kitchen table and get them – they have to go after it.”
Survivor: South Pacific premieres tonight on CBS.
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