National geographic

Life Below Zero: Port Protection Alaska

Wednesday 20:00 CAT

Life Below Zero: Port Protection Alaska

Wednesday 20:00 CAT

Mr. Gary Muehlberger

02:46

Next trasmissions on tv

Sunday 24 September at 18:25 CAT
The Huntress and the Greenhorn (Season 6)
Monday 25 September at 00:20 CAT
The Huntress and the Greenhorn (Season 6)
Monday 25 September at 19:00 CAT
Grandpa's pot (Season 6)

Synopsis

Port Protection is about people who have left behind normal society and chosen a different life in a remote Alaskan community.

Clips

The Old Cedar
01:43

Episodes

Season 6

Season 6
Season 5
Season 4
Season 3
Season 2
Season 1

The Perfect Bear
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As the community of Port Protection springs forward, Squibb and Troy join forces to repair a sinking float that could cause a massive oil spill.
Next Showing
Sunday 15 October at 13:40 CAT
On National Geographic
Everything Eats Each Other
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When a massive sunken tree blocks the local waterway, Matt Carlson uses his boat and a rope to try to haul the stump to safety. Curly targets a bear.
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Sunday 15 October at 14:30 CAT
On National Geographic
Sink House
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Curly and Mary try for crab. Sam and his sons go fishing. Troy helps Oliver and Breanna lift their house. Carl and Morgan teach Veronica to survive.
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Sunday 15 October at 15:20 CAT
On National Geographic
Loading for Bear
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When one of the town’s only phone lines to the outside world goes down, village newcomer Veronica Arrants steps up to prove she’s got what it takes.
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Sunday 15 October at 16:10 CAT
On National Geographic
Uphill Battle
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Residents of Port Protection join forces to move a thousand-pound sawmill to Carl and Morgan’s property.
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Sunday 15 October at 17:00 CAT
On National Geographic
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Monday 16 October at 03:35 CAT
On National Geographic
Deadwood
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Veronica tries to fell a tree. Sam and Squibb set nets for sockeye. Oliver builds a rainwater catchment system. Carl and Morgan install a garden.
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Sunday 15 October at 17:50 CAT
On National Geographic
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Monday 16 October at 04:25 CAT
On National Geographic
Alaskan Gothic
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With fishing season underway, Sam and Matt race to fix an old boat for Matt’s first fishing trip as captain. Carl and Morgan target valuable salmon.
A Run at the Kings
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With some neighborly help from David Squibb, Tim “Curly” Leech finally tears out the death trap decking waiting just outside his front door.
It Gets Shallow Fast
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With winter on its way, Sam and Squibb band together to build Curly a hoist but struggle to lift a massive piece of steel into place.
Treasure & Hunters
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Sam and Troy embark on a treasure dive. Mary stalks a buck. Curly sets a skate for big fish. Oliver quests for firewood.
Apex Predator
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Residents race to complete projects before winter. Curly constructs a duck blind. Oliver and Breanna try to load up on crab.
Wolfpack
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Tim “Curly” Leach may have bitten off more than he can chew as a pack of wolves turn a routine duck hunt into a potential bid for survival.
The Huntress and the Greenhorn
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Breanna puts her lifetime of hunting experience to the test on a solo mission for deer but encounters some unsettling signs.
Next Showing
Sunday 24 September at 18:25 CAT
On National Geographic
Next Showing
Monday 25 September at 00:20 CAT
On National Geographic
Grandpa's pot
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Breanna and Oliver drop pots for shrimp. Sam and Curly help each other out and look for salmon. Squibb and Matt make major upgrades.
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Monday 25 September at 19:00 CAT
On National Geographic
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Tuesday 26 September at 00:20 CAT
On National Geographic
Last Flat Day
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Residents spend time and energy to get results before winter. Matt and Carl get ready for an epic journey. Oliver chases after deer.
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Monday 2 October at 19:00 CAT
On National Geographic
Next Showing
Tuesday 3 October at 00:20 CAT
On National Geographic
This Must Be The Place
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With the help of neighbors Carl and Morgan, novice crabber Matt Carlson breaks in his new boat in an iceberg minefield.
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Monday 9 October at 19:00 CAT
On National Geographic
Next Showing
Tuesday 10 October at 00:20 CAT
On National Geographic

Locked and Loaded
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To Carve out a life for themselves, residents of Port Protection lean on ingenuity to outsmart mother nature.
Fortune Favors the Bold
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The residents of Port Protection work tirelessly to better their lives in this rugged landscape through tradition and innovation.
The Kill Shot
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At summer’s height, Port Protection residents scour both land and sea to stock up on winter protein.

No Place Like Home
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For those who choose to live in Port Protection, freedom comes at the cost of isolation.
Rising from the Ashes
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After losing community elder Gary Muehlberger in a tragic house fire, the residents of Port Protection are forced to confront their grief and press on. Sam and Squibb tune up the community fireboat. Curly constructs a vegetable garden. Carl and Morgan begin their commercial gillnet fishing season. And Mary sets out into the wild on a deer hunt.
Cry Wolf
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Living in Port Protection means constant preparation for the cruel, unforgiving winter.
Float-House Resurrection
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With spring in bloom, Port Protection’s residents are dealt a series of obstacles and opportunities. Squibb attempts an incinerator to solve the community’s waste management problem. Sam serves as dive tender to newcomer, Troy Brockway. Oliver and Breanna learn the true value of their new boat, which they bought unseen. And Carl and Morgan can no longer ignore their sinking float house.
The Power of One
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To survive in Port Protection, residents must use their creativity to adapt and thrive.
Bear Hunt Revisited
+
The residences come together, combining old wisdom with youthful strength to ensure the future of Port Protection. Sam, Carl and Troy build a vital log hauler for their future homesteads. Curly is hungry for some heart and liver, so he hunts the rainforest for a young buck. Squibb and Chris build a significant upgrade to their infrastructure. Oliver and Breanna continue on their quest to harvest a bear.
Chasing Ghosts
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While residents of Port Protection remain fiercely independent, no man can stand alone.
Wise Guys
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With winter in full effect, Mother Nature tests the strength of Port Protection residents.
Water Works
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Residents of Port Protection face hardships that require physical and mental strength.
No Pain
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Persistence and patience are necessary skills for the residents of Port Protection.
Breaking Ground
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Residents of Port Protection must work tirelessly to maintain their place in the unforgiving wilderness. Sam and his son Matt help their new neighbor Troy break ground on his cabin. Curly sets out in hopes of catching crab and cockles. Bre and Oliver construct a breakwater to protect their float house. David Squib takes on some critical maintenance projects in and around his homestead.
Troubled Waters
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Residents of Port Protection rely on their hard-earned skills to survive the winter.
The Swimming Dead
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The citizens of Port Protection race against time to prepare for the brutal and unforgiving winter. Squibb helps Troy take the next step towards building his cabin. Oliver and Breanna are hungry for some duck. Sam resurrects an old stove from his junkyard. Curly is looking to fill his freezer with some much need protein for the winter while avoiding half dead zombie fish.
Halibut, Hoist and Home
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The villagers of Port Protection unite to prepare for the brutal winter. Matt helps Carl and Morgan construct a problematic hoist. Sam and Squibb aid Troy to raise the first walls of his homestead. Mary, and her friend Jiggy, fish for illusive halibut with the hope of sharing the bounty. Oliver must find, fell and mill the perfect tree in order to keep Troy’s cabin build from grinding to a halt.
Do Or Die
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During the winter, residents of Port Protection must find ways to combat Mother Nature.

Problem Solved
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In remote Southeast Alaska, residents of Port Protection face constant challenges. Mary Miller must repair an outhaul before collecting firewood. Matt Carlson and his father, Sam Carlson, attempt to repair an old oil stove to provide Matt’s boat with heat. David Squibb attempts to make cutting firewood more efficient. Gary Muehlberger seeks the help of his neighbor to build a woodshed.
The Cost of Paradise
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As winter approaches in Port Protection, residents must be prepared or face dire consequences. Open deer season provides Gary Muehlberger with an opportunity to stockpile meat for the season ahead.
The Company of Wolves
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For the independent residents of Port Protection, danger lurks around every corner. Mary Miller journeys into the forest to hunt deer, but wolves in the area may threaten her safety.
Gimme Shelter
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To survive in remote Southeast Alaska, residents of Port Protection must secure their homes against the elements. David Squibb fights tides to install a wind generator. With the water pipe to her house failing, Mary Miller must find an alternative water source. Oliver Johnson and Breanna Miethe work to secure their home. Sam Carlson and his son Matt take on a construction project.
Partners in Crime
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In remote Southeast Alaska, residents of Port Protection come together for those in need. David Squibb enlists the help of his neighbor Sam Carlson to replenish his depleted wood pile. Breanna Miethe must fell her first tree. Matt Carlson helps family friend Litzi Botello repair her boardwalk. Gary teams up with Mike “Jiggy” Nichols on a multi-day winter fishing trip.
Trial By Fire
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In Port Protection, Alaska, as winter approaches, Gary Muehlberger works to fall a massive tree to restock his firewood. Mary Miller contends with an unexpected guest and Curly Leech and his new puppy head out on the dog's first goose hunt.
The Crusher
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With winter barreling down on Port Protection, its inhabitants must do everything they can to brace themselves for its brutality. Stuart Andrews must harvest a forest giant to ensure his warmth.
Things Fall Apart
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In remote Southeast Alaska, residents of Port Protection must adapt to ever-changing conditions to survive. On a long journey by sea, Matt Carlson contends with a massive storm. Curly Leach must repair his crumbling home and stockpile firewood. Gary Muehlberger faces wolves searching for food. Mary Miller must perform maintenance on her skiff before she can search for firewood.
Guns and Gaff Hooks
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In remote Southeast Alaska, residents of Port Protection survive this rugged region by living off the land. Gary Muehlberger journeys through the Alaskan bush in search of deer. Tim ‘Curly’ Leach and his dog Junior search the Alaskan wetlands for duck and geese. Sam Carlson sets out to catch halibut. Gary and Litzi Botello try their luck at catching a yellow eye.
Dangerous Grounds
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Residents of Port Protection must complete vital tasks before winter, and they must often enlist the help of family or friends.
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Eyes of The Forest
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As fall fades into winter, residents of Port Protection must adapt to the whims of Mother Nature if they are to survive. Gary Muehlberger takes to the forest to acquire valuable marten furs.
New Blood
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As winter looms in Port Protection, its residents both young and old must prepare for the harsh days ahead, or face dire consequences.
Dark Days
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As winter descends on Southeast Alaska, residents in the remote village of Port Protection must combat deadly conditions in their quest for survival.
Blood And Snow
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Residents of Port Protection survive the midpoint of winter using old techniques and knowledge that has been acquired over the years.
On The Edge
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In the season finale, as winter nears its end the residents of Port Protection prove themselves worthy adversaries to its never-ending challenges.
Playing With Fire
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In the unforgiving landscape of Port Protection, residents must perform critical safety measures and secure vital resources during the brutal winter.

Dark Days Coming
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With "the dark days of winter" almost upon them, the residents of the island are busy using the remaining days of good weather and daylight to stock their freezers with game and complete crucial chores. Gary sails off north on moose hunting excursion while Curly and his dog hunt ducks and geese.
First Kill
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For the residents of of the island, a transition from Fall to Winter means not only a change in weather conditions but also a change in priorities. Woodsmen Curly helps Hans and Timbi with a novel approach to harvesting firewood. Sam takes to the ocean with hopes of scoring halibut.
Legends In The Woods
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As winter looms heavy on the horizon, the residents of Port Protection scramble to finish the critical tasks that will carry them through the long, cold months ahead. It's also a time for the community to pull together and help those who need it the most.
Rough Waters
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The community of the island takes advantage of some mild weather to increase their chance of survival throughout the season. Sam and Stuart are on the hunt for additional protein, the Alaskan spot prawns. Amanda attempts to repair her newly acquired skiff and make it seaworthy again.
The Odyssey
+
Winter has come to Port Protection and with it a scramble to address any remaining necessities. After a series of failed hunts, 70-year-old Gary treks deep into the Alaskan wilderness in search of a doe. Sam builds a woodstove for new resident Amanda so she'll have a heat source on her houseboat.
The Long Road
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Winter have come to the island but that hasn't stopped its residents from continuing their pursuit of a more sustainable life. Gary is getting an early start on marten trapping season. Sam is already eyeing spring, getting a jump on his garden by building a new rain catchment system.
Shell-Shocked
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The community of Port Protection is strengthened by the individual in a constant quest to persevere against nature's changing obstacles. Gary builds a new - and safer - section of boardwalk leading to his house. Mary tests the skills Curly taught her in her first solo wood harvest.
Collapse
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As the winter comes to a close, the citizens of the island continue to combat an ever-unpredictable nature. They confront the tenuousness of this Alaskan lifestyle - and they must reconcile with the limits they're capable of reaching before they must move back to the comforts of civilization.
Tiny Terrors
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The community takes advantage of unseasonably warm winter weather to complete necessary builds and essential chores. By building a greenhouse, Hans and Timbi take another giant step toward realizing their dream of owning and operating a fully functioning subsistence farm.
The End of the End
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Hans and Timbi collect the necessary ingredients for their greenhouse compost while friends and volunteers build the interior grow beds. After a violent storm, Sam and his son Matt help their neighbor Stuart Andrews retrieve his sunken skiff.

Between Water And Wolves
+
On a remote, fog shrouded island in the freezing waters of Southeast Alaska, a small band of extraordinary people struggle together to subsist off land and sea. Sam undertakes the task of waterproofing his boots. Hans and Timbi have big plans to carve a farm out of the forest, but because of their recent injuries they have to rely on others in the community for help. An extremely low tide exposes portions of the coastline, allowing Gary to forage for sustenance.
Mr. Fix It
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Long time resident of Port Protection, Gary Muelberger has seen it all. A fisherman. A trapper. His roots to Port Protection are deep and his knowledge of how to subsistence live unmatched.
Family Matters
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When the health and welfare of the people who make the town work comes into question, everything takes a back seat to making things right.
Lawless Island Alaska Compilation: Make or Break
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To make it in Port Protection, one has to overcome challenges every day. The construction of a duck pen, the maintenance of the trails, and the renovation of a houseboat are part and parcel of how the community depends on each other to thrive in the Alaskan wild.
Bush Smart
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The Woodsman
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Port Protections Jack-of-all-trades is as sharp-witted as he is crafty. From his house to the gadgets and gizmos hes constructed along the way, hes found comfort in the wilds of Alaska.
Out of Luck
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The residents of Port Protection deal with the forces of nature, yet again. Curly Leach decides to support the community when he takes on pesky beavers. Sam Carlson finds it's time to start his garden and encounters bad soil so he has to search the surrounding area for the necessary ingredients to sweeten it up. With Hans and Timbi, rough weather and high winds complicate Timbi's situation when she suspects she has a life threatening blood clot and can't leave the island. Meanwhile, Gary Muehlberger sets out to do some King Salmon fishing and encounters another competitor of the sea, which jeopardizes his attempts to catch a fish.
Tides That Bind
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Knock On Wood
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In Port Protection, wood is the lifeblood of the community. Whether it is the collection of it, or its general use in their daily lives, the people in Alaska live and die by the lumber they are able to utilize.
The Axeman Cometh
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Winter's end is approaching and the change of season brings new opportunities, while closing the door on others. Sam has heard from other fishermen that halibut have been caught in the area. After months of living off of frozen food he's eager to catch some of the savory fish. Meanwhile trapping season is coming to a close and that means Gary is losing one of his main sources of income. He sets out for one last trapping trip in an effort to get enough fur to help meet his expenses for the year. Curly gets word that a massive tree is threatening a local house, and Mary sets out on the inexhaustible hunt for firewood.
The Land Giveth
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Hunter's Paradise
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Survival is the name of the game in Port Protection. Most important in this task is food. The citizens here aim for a subsistence lifestyle.
The Sourdough
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Hans and Timbis story epitomizes what hard work and community can yield. Their decision to build a community garden and willingness to help friends in their time of need, shed light on Port Protections accomplishments.
Dead Standing
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Spring has come to Port Protection and with it a host of chores and opportunities. Mary Miller takes advantage of bear season and heads into the nearby woods to hunt her first black bear. Gary Muehlberger sets out to trap a beaver in the hopes of teaching Port Protection's newest resident, Amanda Makar, how to skin and treat it for its fur. And Hans and Timbi Porter overcome their recent surgeries and hike up a nearby mountain for firewood to an astonishing patch of land known as "the blow down."
Danger Lurks
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Ocean's Bounty
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The bays and straits around Port Protection offer a bounty of edible aquatic life. As a community that focuses on a subsistence lifestyle, the breadth of food beneath the surface is unparalleled.
The Newcomer
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The newest member of the community, Amandas story illustrates how the Port Protection community welcomes newcomers and guides them into self sustaining Alaskans.
The City Girl
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One time city girl, Marys story breaks the mold. Living alone in Alaska is tough and the learning curve is steep. Luckily, she has the help of the Port Protection community to help her stand on her own two feet.
The Widow-Maker
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The spring season progresses and the residents of Port Protection encounter tasks and challenges. Curly is a good neighbor by helping his friend Jiggy with a rotten tree that threatens to fall on his house and finds his experience and determination tested. Mary passes the torch of knowledge to Amanda, teaching her the finer points on how to hunt and track game to provide her with the tools to survive on her own. Sam readies the fire patrol boat, staging a fire drill with other community members, which involves setting a real fire.
Subsist Or Die
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Backwoods Fix
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The city of Port Protection is close to one hundred miles away from a major city. There are no major hardware stores in town and when something breaks, it's up to the citizens to fix it themselves.
Tree vs. Truck
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Spring has arrived, and in Port Protection that means there is work to be done despite erratic bursts of rain, sleet and snow. Hans and Timbi Porter set out to put up a greenhouse in order to grow fresh vegetables and herbs for the year, but they'll have to make it with supplies they can piece together on the island.
Trapped
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The village of Port Protection is home to both wild characters and wild animals. Both play a role in what it means to live and survive in Port Protection.
If You Build It
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For the citizens of Port Protection to survive, they need to be engineers. Far removed from stores, machinery needs to be kept functional with a minimalistic frame of mind.
Broken Lines
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Timothy "Curly" Leech and Amanda Makar set out to catch halibut with some borrowed equipment. Gary Muehlberger decides to test his mettle (and age) and return to some old hunting grounds to catch a "Hooter" and see if he's still "got it." Resident inventor and all-around DIY'er, Sam Carlson, tries to cobble together a vertical access wind turbine out of junk and scrap metal from an old shipyard. And Hans Porter sets out to test the town's water supply's pH levels only to discover a dead-standing tree threatening the town's pipeline.
The Devil’s Club
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The community of Port Protection encounters tasks and challenges as Gary goes shrimping, something he hasn't done for a while. Meanwhile, Timbi searches for a natural remedy for Hans's aches and pains. Curly tries to pull a tree from the forest, and Sam takes a camping trip into the island's wilderness in order to hunt bear.
Predator Prevention
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Spring has arrived and the residents of Port Protection complete essential builds and chores. First, Hans and Timbi take a giant step in realizing their dream of owning a working farm by constructing a large duck pen. The community bands together to raise the 16-foot tall structure and to ensure the safety of the ducks from predators.
Looking for Blood
+
Gary Muehlberger makes a supply run to Wrangell, Alaska and is asked by Hans and Timbi Porter to bring back some very precious cargo (ducks) that the whole community is counting on. While Gary is in Wrangell, Hans and Timbi call on their neighbors, Mary Miller and Amanda Makar, to help them finish the duck barn in time for the Gary's arrival. Timothy "Curly" Leech, needing meat for the summer season, sets out on a solo bear hunt. Meanwhile, Sam Carlson and his friend, Stuart Andrews, try to solve the mystery of the town's water shortage.

Photos