Ep 1. Keeping Morale Up

In Building Alaska season 8 episode 1 titled "Keeping Morale Up," viewers are taken on a journey to the remote wilderness of Alaska where three teams of builders are tasked with constructing cabins from scratch. The episode starts with a brief introduction to the three teams and the ambitious building project ahead of them.

The first team comprises of Lee Raymond, his son Ben, and family friend Tony. They plan to build a three-story cabin with a roof deck offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The second team consists of Mark Sams and his wife Erica. Their plan is to build a two-story cabin with a wrap-around porch that will provide them with the perfect place to enjoy the stunning scenery. The third team consists of Chris Logan and Joe Lauer, who are building their first cabin from scratch. They aim to construct a one-story cabin with a loft that will provide them with the ideal weekend getaway.

The builders are all facing similar challenges; the harsh terrain, unpredictable weather, and the lack of access to modern-day tools and equipment that we take for granted. All three teams understand how critical it is to keep their morale up, as they are in it for the long haul, and any setbacks could demotivate them.

The builders must rely on their ingenuity and perseverance to make progress. They face many obstacles, including rough terrain that makes it difficult to transport building materials, unpredictable weather conditions that can put a halt to construction, and the inherent dangers of working in the wilderness.

This episode showcases how each team tackles these challenges. The Lee Raymond team innovatively uses a few logs to make a makeshift sled to haul their building materials up a hill. They also work tirelessly to secure the structure with anchor bolts to ensure the safety and longevity of the cabin. They also adopt a positive attitude, providing each other with encouragement and support that helps them keep their spirits up.

Mark and Erica's team demonstrates how flexibility and adaptability are crucial while building in such a remote location. They face issues with their foundation, which forces them to change their original design. However, they remain undeterred and continue to make progress by using the resources they have available and improvising as needed, building their cabin step by step.

Chris and Joe's team shows that teamwork and communication are key to completing a project smoothly. They divide responsibilities and work together efficiently, passing on information and sharing ideas. They enjoy their time working together, even in adverse weather conditions, and always manage to find time for quick moments of fun and laughter.

The episode ends with all three teams making significant progress and gaining motivation to continue with their endeavors. The builders understand the importance of keeping morale up as they face the challenges of building a cabin in such a remote location. They realize that they must work together, remain optimistic, and be adaptable to overcome the obstacles thrown their way.

Overall, the first episode of Building Alaska season 8 showcases the grit, determination, and perseverance of the teams that undertake the challenge of building a cabin in the wilderness. The show highlights how keeping morale up is essential, as the challenges of building in such a remote location are vast and varied. It's an inspiring and motivational episode that provides a glimpse into what it takes to tackle such a challenging project.