Ep 2. Fueling the Fire

Atz and his family are back in season 1 episode 2 of Alaska: The Last Frontier, titled "Fueling the Fire." With winter fast approaching, the Kilchers must stockpile enough fuel to heat their homes and run their equipment through the long, cold months ahead.

The episode opens with Atz Sr. and his son Atz Lee utilizing a sawmill to cut timber for firewood. They're in a race against time to collect enough wood before the ground freezes over completely. Meanwhile, Atz's daughter Charlotte is busy canning vegetables from their garden to preserve them for the winter. She's also in charge of feeding their livestock, including milking their cow, feeding the pigs, and gathering eggs from the chickens.

As the family works to prepare for winter, they also encounter unexpected challenges. Atz Lee experiences a mishap while out on his ATV, leaving him with a potentially serious injury. He seeks medical attention in town, but the doctor advises him to rest for a few days and stay off his feet. This puts a damper on his plans to gather more firewood before winter arrives.

Nevertheless, the Kilchers persist in their preparations. Eivin, Atz Lee's brother, and Charlotte work together to gather as much salt as they can from nearby salt mines to preserve their meat. They also set traps to catch salmon, which they smoke and can for the winter months ahead.

As the episode progresses, we see the family coming together to celebrate their hard work and enjoy the fruits of their labor. They gather around a bonfire, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, and playing music together. The Kilchers are proud of their self-sufficient lifestyle and their ability to survive in the harsh Alaskan wilderness.

Overall, "Fueling the Fire" is an engaging and informative episode that offers a glimpse into the day-to-day challenges and triumphs of living off the grid in Alaska. It highlights the importance of careful preparation and hard work in order to survive the long, cold winter months. The Kilchers' dedication to their lifestyle and their appreciation for the natural resources around them are both admirable and inspiring.