Ep 14. Preserving The Old Ways

As the temperatures drop in the Alaskan wilderness, the Kilchers are in a race against time to prepare for winter. In Alaska: The Last Frontier season 9 episode 14, titled "Preserving The Old Ways," viewers watch as the family works to preserve their way of life and culture by harvesting and storing as much food as possible.

The Kilchers are a family of homesteaders who live off the land in the rugged terrain of Alaska. They rely on the abundant natural resources around them to survive, but the harsh climate makes it a challenge. The winter months can be especially brutal, with temperatures dropping well below zero and snow covering the landscape for months on end.

To prepare for the long winter ahead, the Kilchers must stockpile food and supplies. This means harvesting vegetables from the garden, hunting for meat, and preserving food through canning and other methods. In "Preserving The Old Ways," viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at how the family prepares for winter.

One of the biggest tasks facing the Kilchers is harvesting their garden. They grow a variety of vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, and beets, which will provide them with fresh produce throughout the winter. However, with the weather turning colder by the day, they must work quickly to harvest as much as possible before the ground freezes.

Another important source of food for the family is meat. They hunt for moose, caribou, and other animals throughout the year, but the fall is a critical time for hunting. In "Preserving The Old Ways," viewers watch as the Kilchers head out on a hunting trip, hoping to bag enough meat to last them through the winter.

But hunting is not without its risks. The Kilchers must navigate treacherous terrain and deal with unpredictable weather conditions. They also have to contend with the fact that they are not the only predators in the area. Grizzly bears and wolves are a constant threat, and the family must be alert and prepared for any encounter.

With food harvested and meat secured, the Kilchers turn their attention to preserving their bounty for the winter. They use a variety of methods to ensure that their food lasts as long as possible, including canning, smoking, and drying. In "Preserving The Old Ways," viewers get an up-close look at these preservation techniques, which have been passed down through generations of homesteaders.

Throughout the episode, viewers see the Kilchers relying on the skills and traditions that have sustained them for centuries. They also talk about the importance of preserving these ways of life, not only for themselves but for future generations. The family is committed to maintaining their connection to the land and the natural world, and they see preserving these traditions as an essential part of that.

"Preserving The Old Ways" is a fascinating look at a way of life that is disappearing in many parts of the world. The Kilchers are a living example of what it means to live off the land, and they are dedicated to preserving that way of life for as long as possible. For viewers who are interested in homesteading, self-sufficiency, or just want to learn more about life in the Alaskan wilderness, this episode is a must-watch.