Ep 3. The Hill of Death

In the third episode of the third season of Homestead Rescue, titled "The Hill of Death," the Raney family - consisting of patriarch Marty and his children Matt and Misty - respond to a call for help from the Pacific Northwest. A homestead has been established on a hill which locals dub as "The Hill of Death," due to its treacherous terrain and harsh weather conditions.

The homesteaders, Tracey and Patti, are encountering difficulties in adjusting to life on the hill, and they fear for the safety of their livestock and themselves. The Raney family arrives to offer their assistance and expertise in helping the family establish a successful homestead on the hill.

The episode begins with the Raney family making their way up the treacherous terrain of the hill. Once they arrive at the homestead, they quickly assess the situation and identify the issues that require attention. The first issue is that the hill is exposed to high winds, which can make it difficult to grow crops and keep greenhouses stable. Matt and Marty help Tracey and Patti construct a wind-fence to protect their crops and greenhouses from strong winds.

The next issue is that the soil on the hill is not suitable for growing crops. The Raneys teach Tracey and Patti how to compost and enrich the soil with nutrients, so that they can eventually grow vegetables and livestock to sustain their homestead. They also help the family set up a rainwater harvesting system to provide water for their plants and livestock.

Another challenge to the homestead is the risk of landslides on the hill, which can be extremely dangerous for the family and their animals. The Raneys teach Tracey and Patti how to build a retaining wall to reduce the risk of landslides and to create a safer environment for their homestead.

Throughout the episode, the Raneys work tirelessly to help Tracey and Patti establish a successful homestead. They teach them how to store food safely and how to preserve meat for the winter months. The Raneys also help the family build a chicken coop and teach them how to raise chickens for eggs and meat.

In addition to the challenges faced on the homestead, the Raneys also encounter difficulties with the weather. A storm hits the hill and damages their wind-fence and greenhouse. The family works tirelessly to repair the damage and protect their homestead from further harm.

As the episode draws to a close, the Raney family reflects on the progress made on the homestead in such a short amount of time. They feel a sense of pride and satisfaction in helping Tracey and Patti establish a successful homestead on the Hill of Death. The episode ends with the Raneys bidding farewell to the homesteaders and wishing them well on their journey to self-sufficiency.

Overall, "The Hill of Death" is an engaging and informative episode of Homestead Rescue that showcases the challenges of establishing a homestead in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The episode provides valuable insights into the importance of sustainable living practices and the rewards that can come from hard work and perseverance.