Ep 5. Belly of the Beast

Two weeks into their journey, the teams set out to tackle one of the most dangerous terrains in Alaska - the Brooks Range. In the Belly of the Beast episode, the challengers are tasked with crossing the range from east to west using only their navigation skills and wilderness expertise. The grueling journey is fraught with challenges such as unpredictable weather, treacherous river crossings, and unforgiving terrain.

The episode begins with the teams getting briefed on their challenge by their guide, military survival expert Grady Powell. The teams will have to navigate through thick forests, steep mountain passes, and frigid rivers to reach their destination on the other side of the range. With limited supplies and no access to outside help, this is a true test of their survival skills.

The three teams, each comprising three members, set out with different strategies on how to approach the challenge. Some opt for a straight-ahead approach while others choose to conserve their energy and take a more cautious route. But as they venture deeper into the wild, they soon realize that things are not as easy as they imagined.

The first major obstacle that the teams face is the volcanic ash-filled river that they have to cross. The water is frigid and treacherous, and each team has to come up with a strategy to get across without getting swept away by the current. Some decide to make rafts out of nearby trees while others opt to use their bare hands and strength to wade through the water.

Further into their journey, the teams confront a grizzly bear that they have to avoid. With no weapons and only their wits to protect them, they have to navigate through the wilderness silently and stealthily to avoid the bear's attention.

As they climb higher into the mountain pass, they are hit by a massive storm that threatens to end their journey. Strong winds, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms make it almost impossible for the teams to navigate through the dense forests and rocky terrain. But they push on, determined to complete their challenge.

With only a day left to reach their destination, the teams set out for the final leg of their journey. But they aren't out of the woods yet, as they encounter one final obstacle that could mean the difference between success and failure. They end up at a sheer 600 ft. cliff on top of a glacier, where they will have to rappel down to reach their destination.

With zero margin for error, this is one of the most nerve-wracking moments of the show as each member has to carefully rappel down the cliff using only their harnesses and ropes. With icy winds and snow flurries complicating things, the members are pushed to the limits of their physical and mental endurance.

As they reach the end of their challenge, each team reflects on the experience and what they've learned from it. The episode ends with a sense of accomplishment and pride as the challengers completed the journey, despite the odds stacked against them.

Overall, Ultimate Survival Alaska season 1 episode 5, Belly of the Beast is an engaging adventure that showcases the incredible terrain and natural beauty of Alaska while highlighting the grit and determination of the human spirit.