Ep 6. The Arctic Circle

Beyond Survival With Les Stroud is a television show that follows Stroud, a wilderness expert, as he travels to extreme and remote locations around the globe, engaging in survival situations. In season 1 episode 6, entitled "The Arctic Circle," Stroud heads to the northernmost point of Alaska to confront the challenges of surviving in the harsh Arctic environment.

The episode begins with Stroud making his way to a remote location in the Arctic Circle, where he intends to live for a few days, demonstrating how to survive in the region's severe climate. As soon as he touches down in his tiny plane, Stroud meets with a local Inupiat Eskimo named Larry Maka. Larry is an experienced outdoor guide who grew up in the region. He has lived off the land his entire life and is a wealth of knowledge about the Arctic's unique environment. Stroud and Larry set off together on snowmobiles, traveling deep into the wilderness in search of a suitable location to set up camp.

Once they find a suitable spot to bed down, Stroud begins his demonstration of how to survive in the Arctic. He explains the importance of proper clothing and shelter in the Arctic's extreme temperatures, as well as how to start a fire and find sources of food and water. The Arctic region is one of the most inhospitable environments on Earth, with temperatures reaching -60 degrees Fahrenheit, snowstorms that can last for days on end, and a complete lack of natural resources for survival.

Despite these challenges, Stroud demonstrates various survival techniques such as how to create a survival shelter, where to find sources of water, and methods for creating a fire to keep warm. Stroud also emphasizes the importance of rationing supplies and taking care of one's body in this harsh environment, such as keeping hydrated and avoiding hypothermia.

As the episode progresses, Stroud and Larry do a bit of hunting and fishing, seeking out animals that are typically found in the Arctic, such as fish, caribou, and seal. Stroud demonstrates different methods for hunting and trapping these animals, as well as how to preserve their meat for long-term survival.

Throughout the episode, Stroud also talks about the challenges of living off the land in the Arctic, as well as the many dangers that can arise. Stroud discusses the importance of being prepared and having the right mental attitude to overcome difficult situations. He also emphasizes the importance of respecting the environment and the animals living in it.

In general, "The Arctic Circle" is a fascinating episode of Beyond Survival With Les Stroud, showcasing the beauty and harshness of the Arctic environment. Throughout the episode, Stroud's immense knowledge of survival techniques is on full display, as he navigates the challenges of living and thriving in a place where most humans would not last long. Overall, the episode is a gripping and educational hour of television, highlighting the challenges of survival in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth.