Ep 9. End of the Line

In season 2 episode 9 of Mountain Men, titled "End of the Line," viewers are taken on a journey through the brutal and unpredictable terrain of America's wilderness. This episode explores the daily lives of several individuals who live off the land and the various challenges they face while doing so.

One of the central figures in this episode is Tom Oar, a veteran mountain man who has lived in Montana since the 1970s. Tom spends his days trapping and hunting in the woods, and we see him as he checks his beaver traps and sets up a new one. However, Tom's simple life is threatened when he discovers that his favorite hunting spot has been trashed by campers. Frustrated and angry, he is forced to confront the campers and ask them to leave. The scene highlights the conflict between those who seek to enjoy the wilderness and those who rely on it for survival and exposes the difficulties in striking a balance between the two.

Meanwhile, in Alaska, Marty Meierotto is dealing with his own set of challenges. Marty is a trapper who lives in the remote wilderness of Alaska with his wife and daughter. As winter approaches, he must prepare for the harsh conditions by stocking up on supplies and fortifying his cabin. The episode follows Marty as he repairs his generator, builds a new outhouse, and checks his trapline. As always, danger is never far away in the Alaskan wilderness, and Marty must constantly remain vigilant to protect himself and his family from the many predators that call the area home.

Another key character in this episode is Eustace Conway, who lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Eustace is a naturalist who has spent his entire life in the woods, and he is committed to preserving the land and living off it sustainably. We see Eustace as he leads a group of young people through the woods on a nature hike, pointing out different types of wildlife and plant life along the way. However, Eustace's quiet life is interrupted when a neighbor begins to build a logging road near his property, threatening the delicate ecosystem he has worked so hard to protect.

Throughout the episode, we are also introduced to other characters who live off the grid and rely on their own skills and resources to survive. One such character is Rich Lewis, a trapper in Montana who is trying to teach his young grandson the ways of the mountain man. The episode explores Rich and his grandson's relationship as they work together to set traps and hunt for food. We also meet Preston Roberts, a naturalist in North Carolina who builds tools and weapons from scratch using only the resources around him.

Overall, "End of the Line" is a fascinating exploration of the challenges and rewards of living off the grid. The show highlights the incredible beauty and unforgiving nature of America's wilderness, while also showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of those who call it home. Whether it's dealing with aggressive predators, repairing a generator in freezing temperatures, or confronting campers who have trampled through your hunting ground, the individuals featured in this episode demonstrate that life in the wilderness is never easy, but it can be deeply rewarding for those who are willing to undertake it.