Ep 2. Bearing Down on the Ranch

In episode 2 of River of No Return season 1, titled "Bearing Down on the Ranch," the stakes are high for the ranchers as winter sets in. The episode begins with a glimpse at the fascinating landscape of the Frank Church Wilderness Area, where the families must rely on their own skills and resources to survive. In the first episode, the ranchers introduced themselves, and viewers got a sense of their unique backgrounds and personalities. In this episode, the focus turns to the challenges they face.

We open with the Heimo and Edna Korth family, who are out checking their traps. It's early winter, and they need to stock up on food to get them through the long, harsh months ahead. The family members work together, using their knowledge of the area and their understanding of animal behavior to locate trap sites. Heimo is the patriarch of the family, and he is determined to teach his children and grandchildren the skills they need to survive in the wilderness.

Meanwhile, the Fords, who are new to the area, are also preparing for winter. Unlike the Korths, the Fords have never lived in such a remote and isolated location, and they are still learning the ropes. In this episode, we get to see the struggles they face as they try to prepare for the winter. The Fords own a shop in town, and they've come to the area looking for a change of pace. They quickly realized that life in the Frank Church Wilderness Area is like nothing they've ever experienced before.

One of the biggest challenges the ranchers face is the wildlife. There are grizzlies, wolves, and other predators to contend with, as well as the harsh weather conditions. In this episode, we see the Korths dealing with a bear that has been raiding their cache. They have to find a way to scare the bear off and protect their food supply.

Meanwhile, the Fords are dealing with a different kind of threat. They've discovered that their cabin has a leak in the roof, and they need to fix it before the snow starts to fall. They work together to patch the roof, but they know that they'll need to keep an eye on it throughout the winter.

As the episode progresses, we also get to see the relationships between the different families. The Korths are close-knit, with a deep love and respect for each other. The Fords, on the other hand, are still finding their footing in the area. They've made some friends, but they're still outsiders in many ways.

Overall, "Bearing Down on the Ranch" is a compelling episode that really highlights the challenges of living in the Frank Church Wilderness Area. The ranchers have to deal with not only the natural world but also each other. We see their determination, their resourcefulness, and their sense of community. The episode leaves viewers wanting more, eager to see how the ranchers will fare as winter sets in.