Ep 6. The Surge

In season 6 episode 6 of Mountain Men, titled The Surge, the focus is on Tom Oar, a Montana-based homesteader and blacksmith, and his wife, Nancy. Tom has been struggling with his health since the beginning of the season and has now come to the realization that he needs to take a step back and focus on his health in order to continue his way of life.

The episode begins with Nancy insisting that Tom sees a doctor to figure out what is causing his health issues. Tom is hesitant to see a doctor and prefers to self-diagnose and self-medicate. However, Nancy is persistent and takes Tom to a doctor who diagnoses him with a hernia that needs surgery.

This news is devastating to Tom, who is used to living a self-sufficient life and does not like the idea of being reliant on others. However, with Nancy's encouragement, he undergoes the surgery and starts the recovery process.

While Tom is recovering, Nancy takes over the daily tasks of maintaining their homestead, which includes chopping wood, tending to their animals, and repairing fences. This is a reminder of the immense amount of work that goes into living a self-sufficient life and the importance of having a partner who understands and can share the workload.

As Tom begins to feel more like himself, he starts to take on small tasks around the homestead. However, he soon realizes that he is not as physically capable as he used to be and needs to take things slow. This is a difficult realization for Tom, who prides himself on being a rugged, self-sufficient Mountain Man.

In addition to Tom's health concerns, the episode also follows Marty Meierotto, a trapper in Alaska, as he sets up a new trapline. Marty is a seasoned trapper but this new trapline poses a challenge as it is located in unfamiliar territory. With the help of his dog team and some trial and error, Marty eventually sets up a successful trapline and is able to bring in a good haul.

The episode also features Rich Lewis, a mountain man in Montana, as he continues to prepare for the upcoming winter. Rich spends his days chopping wood, fixing fences, and ensuring that he has enough food to last through the winter. The importance of preparation is a recurring theme throughout the episode as all of the men are shown taking measures to ensure that they can make it through the harsh winter months.

Overall, season 6 episode 6 of Mountain Men, titled The Surge, showcases the challenges that come with living a self-sufficient lifestyle and the importance of taking care of one's health. It also highlights the resilience and perseverance of the Mountain Men as they face each obstacle head-on.