Ep 7. Range Riding

In season 1 episode 7 of Alaska: The Last Frontier, titled "Range Riding," the cast members of the show continue to face the harsh realities of living off the land in Alaska.

At the start of the episode, the Kilchers - a multi-generational family who live on a homestead in the Alaskan wilderness - are getting ready to embark on a range-riding mission. The purpose of range riding is to herd the family's cattle to different grazing grounds in order to ensure that they can feed themselves throughout the winter. The family relies heavily on their livestock, so it's crucial that they get enough food to survive the long, harsh Alaskan winter.

As they ready themselves for the task at hand, the Kilchers talk about the dangers of range riding. They must watch out for bears and wolves, both of which are common in the area and pose a threat to the family's livelihood. Additionally, they must navigate treacherous terrain and contend with the unpredictable Alaskan weather.

The family splits up into two groups - one group rides ahead to scout the terrain while the other group stays back at the homestead to ensure that everything is running smoothly. The range riders face a number of challenges along the way, including a steep hill that proves difficult to navigate. At one point, it seems like the cattle might get spooked and run off, but the Kilchers are able to calm them down and keep them moving along.

Meanwhile, back at the homestead, the rest of the family is working to ensure that everything is running smoothly. We see Otto, the patriarch of the family, working on repairing a tractor while his wife and daughter milk the cows and tend to other chores around the homestead. As with every episode of Alaska: The Last Frontier, there's a real sense of the hard work and dedication that goes into living off the land in a place as remote and unforgiving as Alaska.

The episode also delves into some of the personal stories of the Kilchers. We learn more about the family's history, including how Otto and his wife Charlotte met, and we see how the different family members interact with one another. There's a real sense of family in this episode - a feeling that the Kilchers are all in it together, working towards a common goal of survival in one of the toughest environments on earth.

As the episode comes to a close, the range riders are successful in their mission and the cattle are safely grazing in their new pasture. The family celebrates their success, knowing that they've taken an important step towards ensuring that they'll have enough food to make it through another Alaskan winter.

Overall, "Range Riding" is a compelling episode of Alaska: The Last Frontier that offers a glimpse into the daily challenges faced by the Kilcher family. The episode explores themes of hard work, family, and the harsh realities of living off the land in a place as remote as Alaska. With its beautiful scenery, engaging cast, and compelling stories, this episode is a must-watch for fans of the show.