[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Donato_Simon.jpg” caption=”Simon Donato, a McMaster geology PhD graduate, will lead a team of adventurers to continue the search for legendary billionaire adventurer Steve Fossett. “]With few parts of the Earth remaining undiscovered, it's easy to believe the spirit of adventure belongs to an age long past. However, a man who kept the flame of adventure alive will pass the tradition to a new generation of adventurers, many of whom hail from McMaster.

Simon Donato, a McMaster geology PhD graduate, will lead a team of adventurers to continue the search for legendary billionaire adventurer Steve Fossett. The banker-turned-thrill-seeker impressed the world with such feats as crossing the Pacific Ocean in a balloon, breaking speed records for sailing and zeppelins, as well as distance records for fixed-wing aircraft.

Donato described Fossett as someone who has inspired a generation of adventurers.

“I always expected him to come out of that forest,” says Donato. “When he didn't, I really started thinking about ways someone might be able to add something to the search.”

Donato travelled to Sierra Nevada and met with those involved in the search for Fossett. What he found was lots of potential to expand the ground-based search. However, the terrain that would need to be covered is rugged and mostly devoid of water. These facts did not deter Donato: He quickly assembled an expedition of modern-day adventurers.

Donato's team is in top physical form for the journey, and brings a wide variety of skills to the table. Search and rescue, navigation, engineering, medicine and science are just a few of the diverse skills available on Donato's team.

McMaster professor Mark Tarnopolsky is conducting a study of the effects the adventure will have on the athletes' bodies. Tarnopolsky's study adds a scientific angle to the search, and will shed light on the health benefits and risks of Donato's style of wilderness adventure.

McMaster physical plant employee Paul Trebilcock is also joining the search as an expert orienteer and rock-climber.

Donato, who now lives in Calgary, says that the most important thing to have in the wilderness is not only a team with impressive skills, but one that you can trust.

You can read more about the search atwww.adventurescience.ca.