Ep 6. Cattle Drive

The episode Cattle Drive of Alaska: The Last Frontier season 1 is an exciting look into life in the Alaskan wilderness. The Kilchers, a family living off the land without modern conveniences, are working hard to prepare for winter. In this episode, they embark on a cattle drive across their vast property to keep their herd fed for the colder months ahead.

The episode begins with Otto and his son Eivin preparing their horses and rounding up the cows. The Kilchers own over 500 acres of land, so the cattle drive is a significant undertaking. They start early in the morning and ride through the beautiful Alaskan landscape with the cows following behind.

As they make their way through the fields, the family members take turns leading and following the herd. Many of the cows are pregnant, so they need to be watched closely to make sure they don't get injured or fall behind. The Kilchers work together to keep the cows moving at a steady pace.

The episode also highlights the importance of physical stamina when living off the land. The cattle drive is exhausting work, and the Kilchers need to stay hydrated and nourished to keep going. At one point, they stop for a well-deserved break and enjoy some fresh coffee brewed over an open fire.

As they continue on the cattle drive, the family members encounter some unexpected obstacles. They come across a group of wild horses that have strayed onto their property. The horses are causing damage to the land and need to be caught and relocated. The Kilchers work together to safely capture the horses and move them to a new area.

The episode also touches on the Kilchers' reliance on each other and the importance of family bonds. At one point, Otto falls off his horse and is injured. His son Eivin and daughter-in-law Eve rush to his aid and make sure he's okay. It's a reminder that in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness, they need to rely on each other to survive.

In addition to the cattle drive, the episode also shows glimpses of other aspects of the Kilchers' lives. We see Atz, the patriarch of the family, using a traditional Alaskan fishing method to catch salmon. We also see singer-songwriter Jewel, who is Atz's daughter, spending time with her family and reflecting on the importance of her Alaskan roots.

Throughout the episode, the beauty and harshness of the Alaskan wilderness are on full display. The Kilchers may live in a remote area without modern conveniences, but they are deeply connected to the land and have created a way of life that works for them.

Overall, Cattle Drive is a thrilling look into the daily lives of the Kilcher family. It shows the challenges and rewards of living off the land in one of the most remote places on earth. The family's close bonds and hard work ethic make for an inspiring watch, and viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the natural beauty of Alaska.