Ep 7. A Lesson Learned

In the Life Below Zero season 11 episode 7, titled "A Lesson Learned," viewers follow the day-to-day struggles of various people living in remote areas of Alaska. From battling harsh weather conditions to hunting for food, these individuals show what it takes to survive off the land.

The episode begins with Sue Aikens, who lives in the Kavik River Camp, preparing for a hunting trip. She's braving the cold, windy weather with her dog, Chena, and her snowmobile. Sue is a seasoned hunter, and in this episode, viewers get to see her skills in action. We follow her as she tracks down a wolverine, a notoriously difficult animal to hunt. This sequence is not for the faint of heart, as we see Sue expertly shoot and kill the animal. She takes great care to honor the animal and make use of every part of it.

Next, we follow Jessie Holmes, who lives in Nenana, Alaska. Jessie has been working on building a new cabin, but it's been slow going due to the harsh winter conditions. In this episode, he's facing a major problem: the cabin's roof has collapsed under the weight of the snow. Jessie must figure out a way to fix the roof and salvage the cabin. This proves to be a difficult task, as the snow is deep and the temperatures are below freezing. Eventually, Jessie comes up with a creative solution that involves using his dog team to help lift the heavy roof beams.

Meanwhile, we check in with Ricko DeWilde, who lives in the remote village of Huslia. Ricko is a skilled hunter and trapper, but he's facing a difficult challenge in this episode. His snow machine has broken down, and he needs to fix it in order to continue his hunting trips. This involves a complex process of taking apart the machine and finding the faulty part. We see Ricko's resourcefulness as he uses spare parts and tools to fix the snow machine.

Finally, we see Glenn Villeneuve, who lives alone in Chandalar, Alaska. Glenn is facing a different kind of challenge: he's been feeling lonely and isolated. In this episode, he decides to take a break from his usual routine and visit a nearby river, where he hopes to catch some fish and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. As he sits by the river, Glenn reflects on the ups and downs of living in such a remote area. He also talks about the importance of finding joy in the small moments, like watching the sun rise over the mountains or hearing the sounds of nature.

Overall, "A Lesson Learned" gives viewers a glimpse into the daily lives of people living in some of the harshest conditions imaginable. Through their stories, we see the resilience, resourcefulness, and strength that it takes to survive in such a challenging environment. Whether it's facing down a wolverine, fixing a snow machine, or finding solace in nature, these individuals show us what it means to live life below zero.