Ep 5. Surviving Winter

In the fifth episode of Mountain Men season 1, titled "Surviving Winter," viewers follow three of the show's main cast members as they prepare for the harsh winter months ahead.

Marty Meierotto, who lives in the remote wilderness of Alaska, is shown gathering firewood and preparing his cabin for the months of isolation that will come with winter. Marty knows that all of his supplies must be gathered before the first snowfall, as he won't be able to leave his property once the snow starts to pile up. He spends long days chopping down trees and hauling logs to his cabin, showing just how physically demanding this lifestyle can be.

Meanwhile, in Montana, Tom Oar is also preparing for winter by stocking up on supplies and making repairs to his cabin. Tom, who is an experienced trapper, knows that the harsh winter conditions will make catching animals much more difficult. He must set his traps perfectly in order to catch the animals he needs for food and fur. Tom is also shown building a new sled for his dogs, which will help him navigate the snowy terrain.

Finally, in North Carolina, Eustace Conway is also getting ready for winter by gathering supplies and making repairs to his property. Eustace, who is known for his primitive lifestyle, spends his days cutting down trees and gathering firewood. He even shows viewers how to make a traditional Appalachian-style broom, which he will use to sweep snow from his front porch.

As the episode progresses, viewers see all three cast members dealing with the challenges of winter in their respective locations. For Marty, this means dealing with the isolation and boredom of being alone in the wilderness for months on end. For Tom, it means braving the harsh conditions in order to collect enough animal pelts to support himself. And for Eustace, it means using all of the skills he has learned over the years to survive in a world that is often unforgiving.

Overall, "Surviving Winter" is a fascinating look at the lives of these rugged individuals who have chosen to live off the land in some of the most remote locations in North America. With stunning cinematography and a real sense of intimacy with the subjects, this episode (and indeed the entire series) offers a unique perspective on what it means to be truly self-sufficient in today's world.