Ep 2. We're Not Alone

In the second episode of Ax Men's sixth season titled "We're Not Alone," audiences are introduced to the group of modern-day loggers who risk their lives and face many challenges to bring the highest-quality timber to market. The episode centers on the challenges that four different logging crews encounter as they navigate the rough terrain and harsh weather in their quest to harvest high-quality timber.

The episode opens with a glimpse of the Harkness logging team, which focuses on harvesting timber from the steep slopes of the Pacific Northwest's Olympic Peninsula. However, the team faces a significant obstacle when their yarder machine breaks down, jeopardizing the entire operation. Meanwhile, during a particularly risky landing, a log falls off the cable, adding to the team's woes.

Next up is the Rygaard logging team, which operates in the Olympic Peninsula region that is notorious for being tough and challenging terrain. The team is shown facing several challenging situations as they work to extract valuable timber from the forest floor. First, their yarder struggles as it tries to haul a massive log up a steep incline, putting the whole operation at risk. Then, an unexpected storm hampers their efforts to bring in the final logs of the season, and Rygaard team faces the prospect of losing several days' worth of work due to the weather.

The third logging crew, Zitterkopf, is responsible for conducting a selective harvesting operation in Montana's steep terrain. The team follows a cutting plan that ensures maximum utilization of the timber they selectively harvest, ensuring good forest protection practices. The episode showcases their efforts to find a safe landing spot and transportation method for the harvested timber while protecting the sensitive and steep terrain.

Finally, the Pihl crew operates in the massive forests of Washington state, where they go to great lengths to extract valuable timber that is in high demand. The team faces issues with transportation as they try to deliver the timber to the sawmill. After several frustrations with the roads, the team decides to transport the timber by barge on the Columbia River – but the decision doesn't come without potential risks.

Throughout the episode, viewers also get to see logging operations from a bird's eye view, as aerial footage showcases the stunning natural beauty and rugged terrain of regions the crews are operating in. The footage captures the working teams in their various tasks, showcasing their expertise as they go about their work, while also highlighting the hazards, including unstable logs, unpredictable weather, and rugged terrain. It also puts focus on safety at the job sites, which is critical.

In conclusion, "We're Not Alone" is an excellent episode of Ax Men that highlights the challenges modern-day loggers face in their quest to bring valuable timber to the market. The episode showcases the many difficulties the crews encounter, from broken machinery to extreme weather to transport issues, providing a glimpse into the harsh reality of forestry work. The challenges faced, and problem-solving solutions offered are informative and gripping and will keep any ardent viewer engaged.