Ep 3. The Darkness

In the third episode of Mountain Men's third season, titled "The Darkness," viewers are taken on a journey deep into the heart of the American wilderness. The episode follows the lives of several different Mountain Men and women, each of whom live in remote locations throughout the United States.

First, we are introduced to Tom Oar, a legendary Mountain Man who has been living off the land for over 40 years. Tom and his wife Nancy are facing a harsh winter ahead, and they need to prepare their hunting grounds before the snows come. They must also build a new roof for their cabin, which has been leaking badly due to the recent rains. Despite the difficult work ahead, Tom remains upbeat and optimistic, confident that he and Nancy can handle any challenges that come their way.

Next, the show turns to Eustace Conway, another Mountain Man who lives deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Eustace is a naturalist and survivalist who has spent his entire life living off the land. He is currently in the process of building a new mountain cabin, but he has encountered some unexpected challenges in the form of a stubborn boulder blocking his path. Eustace must figure out a way to move the boulder so that he can continue his construction work.

Meanwhile, in Montana, Marty Meierotto is having his own difficulties. Marty is a trapper who spends his winters in the Alaskan bush, but he must first get there by crossing the treacherous ice of the Yukon River. With the river beginning to thaw, Marty must make his crossing as quickly as possible, despite the risk of falling through the ice. Once he arrives in Alaska, he must prepare his trap lines and begin searching for furs in order to make a living.

Finally, the episode introduces us to a new Mountain Man named Rich Lewis. Rich is a former rodeo cowboy who has recently turned to hunting for a living. He lives deep in the Yaak Valley of Montana, and he faces many of the same challenges as Tom and Marty. Rich must prepare his hunting grounds for the winter, and he must also deal with a stubborn mule that refuses to be trained for hunting.

Throughout the episode, we see each Mountain Man face new obstacles and challenges, both physical and mental. We see them struggle against the harshness of winter, battle the unpredictability of nature, and face their own demons as they strive to survive in a world that is becoming increasingly modernized. Yet despite these challenges, each Mountain Man remains fiercely independent and determined to live life on their own terms. The episode is a testament to the power of human resilience and the enduring appeal of a life lived close to the land.