Ep 11. Calling All Kilchers

In season 8 episode 11 of Alaska: The Last Frontier titled "Calling All Kilchers," viewers get a glimpse of the challenges the Kilcher family face as they continue to live off the land in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. The episode follows the family as they embark on various tasks and projects in order to survive the coming winter.

At the start of the episode, viewers are introduced to the Kilcher family, a multi-generational group of individuals who have lived on their homestead in the Alaskan wilderness for decades. With winter fast approaching, the family members are preparing for a harsh few months ahead. They will need to gather as much food as possible and complete various projects before the snow comes.

One major focus of the episode is on how the Kilchers gather and store food for the winter. We see Atz Sr. and his son Atz Lee as they head out to the nearby bay to catch fish. This is one of the main sources of protein for the family and they need as much as possible to get through the winter. Meanwhile, other family members are busy preserving vegetables from the garden and canning fruit to store for later.

As the family works to gather food, they also need to make sure their homestead is ready for the winter. Viewers see the Kilchers as they finish building a new barn for their livestock. They also need to chop firewood to provide warmth when the temperatures drop below zero. This is a huge task and involves the whole family working together to get as much wood as possible.

Another project that the Kilchers tackle is repairing their greenhouse. This is where they grow many of their vegetables, and they need it to be in good condition to keep growing throughout the winter. We see the family working together to fix the roof and replace broken panes of glass.

The Kilchers also demonstrate their skills as craftsmen in this episode. We see Atz Lee as he works on building a ladder for the new barn, while his brother Eivin is busy making a new axe. These are crucial tools for living off the land in Alaska, and it's interesting to watch the family as they use their skills to create the tools they need.

One of the most heartwarming parts of the episode comes toward the end, as the Kilchers gather around the dinner table to eat a meal together. They reflect on their hard work throughout the day and talk about the challenges that lie ahead in the coming winter. It's clear that the family members are incredibly close and have a deep appreciation for the unique lifestyle they lead.

Overall, "Calling All Kilchers" showcases the incredible resilience and resourcefulness of the Kilcher family as they work tirelessly to prepare for the winter ahead. The episode highlights the hard work and dedication required to live off the land in Alaska, and offers a glimpse into the unique way of life of this remarkable family.