National geographic

Life Below Zero: Port Protection Alaska

National geographic

Life Below Zero: Port Protection Alaska

©National Geographic

Synopsis

The fleeting summer sun inspires the villagers of Port Protection to fish, hunt, and build before the cold takes hold.

Episodes

Season 8

Season 8
Season 7
Season 6
Season 5
Season 4
Season 3
Season 2
Season 1

What We Lack in Hygiene
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The scoundrels of Port Protection embark on a bear hunt, a dam repair, improvised gangway construction, and a family fishing trip.
Wet Future
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Curly stalks a bear and takes a shot hes dead on. The real work is getting the animal home, skinned, and butchered.
Plenty of Fish
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Carl ventures out in hopes of netting valuable salmon to sell. Curly teaches Oliver how to bring down some tricky trees.
Walk the Lines
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Oliver and Breanna enlist the help of Squibb to build an impressive addition to their floathouse kingdom.
The Dog Show
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Port Protections four legged residents take center stage, demonstrating the importance of canine companionship in Alaska.
We Can Do Hard Things
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Curly takes advantage of a break between storms to hunt for deer in a fruitful area he hasnt been able to access for a couple years.
It's All Uphill From Here
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Curly takes a shot at a deer, but one shot doesnt do the trick. Hell have to hustle to find it and kill it before its too late.
Natural Selection
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Eager to prove herself, Breanna splits from Oliver in search of deer. Terry helps Troy and Sarah while Squibb attacks Veronica's parking problem.
Another Day in Paradise
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With big plans for the future, Oliver sets out to bring home some massive cedar trees that will help him turn his floathouse home into a kingdom.
Burn It All
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Sams desire to silence his generators ignites a fire that threatens to burn his house to the ground.

The Dark Days are Over
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A long, dark winter forever changes the paths of the youngbloods and sourdoughs of Port Protection.
Packing Heat
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Carl stalks a deer. Troy braves the cold water on a dive. Curly and Mary tear down a dangerous structure. Veronica tries her first solo tree falling.
Still Icy
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Winter continues to pummel Port Protection and some venture out to find food for their families. Carl spots a buck in his crosshairs.
Tree of Death
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Curly lends his expertise to help remove danger trees from above Jiggys house but a broken safety cable turns things deadly serious in an instant.
Professor Chainsaw
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As mother nature tries to take back the land, Port Protection residents work hand-in-hand to ensure the safety and success of the community.
The Beaver Trap
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Sam and Squibbs solar panel installation project lands Sam on a rotten boat roof trying to salvage a heavy, awkward mast.
Any Blood Will Do
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Hoping to add a new weapon to his fishing arsenal, Oliver hits the water with Carl, Matt, and a new set of slinky pots and theyre in for a shock.
Chaos Always
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Milestone achievements are only possible with steep challenges in Port Protection. Carl and Matt pull a three-thousand-gallon barrel up a cliff.
Rode Hard and Put Away Wet
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With the help of Troy and Sarah, Squibb tackles a ticking timebomb that threatens to kill all life in the Bay.
Don't Look Back
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Curly Leach spends some final moments with a very dear old friend leaving Port Protection for an easier life back on the grid.

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.
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.
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.
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.
Uphill Battle
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Residents of Port Protection join forces to move a thousand-pound sawmill to Carl and Morgan’s property.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Rising from the Ashes
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Following the tragic death of a community pillar, the residents of Port Protection combat their grief by picking up the pieces and moving forward.
Float-House Resurrection
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With spring in full bloom, Port Protection’s residents are dealt a new series of obstacles and opportunities.
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.
Bear Hunt Revisited
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Two generations come together to build a life-changing tool to help ensure the future of Port Protection.
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.
Breaking Ground
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With the help of the locals, a newcomer begins construction on his cabin in a remote corner of Alaska.
The Swimming Dead
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The citizens of Port Protection race to build shelter for their newest resident before the brutal and unforgiving winter hits the town.
Halibut, Hoist and Home
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With winter approaching, villagers of Port Protection, unite to build new homesteads and stockpile fish.
The Hunter and His Dog
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On the edge of winter, Matt trudges through powerful winds, rain, and snow determined to secure some deer for the long months ahead.
Trolling Hard
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Residents of Port Protection, Bre and Oliver, secure a massive haul to start their winter king salmon season.
Through Hell or High Water
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Residents of Port Protection, Matt, Sam, and Carl, race against the tide to ensure the seaworthiness of Matt’s home on the water.
Squibb Game
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The citizens of Port Protection come together to help improve the town infrastructure and provide aid to a neighbor preparing for the brutal and unforgiving winter.
A Winter’s Feast
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With winter slowly setting in, Sam and Matt embark on a father and son hunt and brave chilling conditions on their final mission for deer.

No Place Like Home
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For those who choose to live in Port Protection, freedom comes at the cost of isolation.
Remembering Gary
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After the tragic death of one of their own, the residents of Port Protection remember Gary's impact and honor his legacy.
Cry Wolf
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Living in Port Protection means constant preparation for the cruel, unforgiving winter.
Catch and Quarry
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In remote Port Protection, Alaska, residents must rely on harvesting from the land and sea for survival.
The Power of One
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To survive in Port Protection, residents must use their creativity to adapt and thrive.
Passing the Torch
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In Port Protection, a younger generation must learn crucial survival skills passed down by older residents.
Takes a Crew
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Port Protection residents team up to help each other prepare for a rapidly approaching winter, then celebrate their efforts with a communal potluck.
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.
Troubled Waters
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Residents of Port Protection rely on their hard-earned skills to survive the winter.
Do Or Die
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During the winter, residents of Port Protection must find ways to combat Mother Nature.
On The Edge
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In the season finale, citizens of Port Protection work together to endure winter.

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.
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
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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
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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.
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.
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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Jack of All Trades
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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, while Curly Leach decides to support the community by taking on pesky beavers.
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.
Lean on Me
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The Axeman Cometh
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Curly gets word that a massive tree is threatening a local house, while 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.
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.
Dead Standing
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Spring has come and with it a host of chores and opportunities. Gary sets out to trap a beaver in the hopes of teaching Amanda 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.
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.
Danger Lurks
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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 progresses and the residents of Port Protection encounter tasks and challenges. Curly is helping Jiggy with a rotten tree that threatens to fall on his house. 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 there is work to be done despite bursts of rain, sleet and snow. Hans and Timbi set out to put up a greenhouse in order to grow fresh vegetables and herbs for the year. Sam scours the burned out wreckage of Jack's old warehouse for materials to build a portable hunting stove.
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 and Amanda set out to catch halibut with some borrowed equipment. Sam tries to cobble together a wind turbine out of scrap metal from an old shipyard. Hans 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 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 to hunt bear.
Predator Prevention
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Spring has arrived and all the residents complete essential builds and chores. Hans and Timbi take a step in realizing their dream of owning a 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
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Gary makes a supply run to Wrangell, Alaska and is asked by Hans and Timbi to bring back some very precious cargo (ducks) that the whole community is counting on. Curly, needing meat for the summer season, sets out on a solo bear hunt. Sam tries to solve the mystery of the town's water shortage.