Ep 2. Home Sweet Homestead: Cold Hard Lockdown

Homestead Rescue follows the Raney family - Marty, his daughter Misty, and son Matt - as they help homesteaders across the United States overcome the challenges of living independently and sustainably. In season 7 episode 2, entitled "Home Sweet Homestead: Cold Hard Lockdown," the Raneys head to a remote homestead in Idaho, where a family is struggling to survive the harsh winter conditions.

The episode begins with the Raneys arriving at the homestead in the dead of winter. The family - a couple with two young children - is living in a small, run-down cabin with no running water or electricity. They have been relying on a generator for power, but it has recently broken down, leaving them in the dark and cold. The homesteaders are also running low on food and supplies, and are worried about how they will make it through the winter.

Misty, Matt, and Marty quickly get to work assessing the situation. They discover that the homesteaders have been using a makeshift wood stove to heat the cabin, but it is not designed for their small space and is causing a build-up of dangerous carbon monoxide. They also find that the homesteaders have not properly insulated the cabin, leaving them vulnerable to the extreme cold.

The Raneys immediately set to work addressing these issues. They build a new, safer wood stove that is properly sized for the cabin and install it with the help of the homesteaders. They also insulate the walls and ceiling of the cabin to help trap in heat and keep out the cold.

But their work is far from done. The Raneys also realize that the homesteaders are not properly storing their food, which has attracted mice and other pests. They help the family set up a more secure pantry and teach them how to store their food properly. They also show the family how to make their own soap and laundry detergent using natural ingredients.

As they work, the Raneys get to know the homesteaders better and hear their story. The couple moved to the homestead several years ago with dreams of living off the land and raising their children in a natural environment. But they quickly discovered how difficult homesteading can be, especially in the harsh winter conditions of Idaho. They have struggled to find a balance between self-sufficiency and relying on outside resources, and have faced numerous setbacks along the way.

Through it all, the Raneys offer encouragement and support, helping the family build the skills and resources they need to thrive on their homestead. In the final moments of the episode, the homesteaders express their gratitude for the Raneys' help and show off the improvements they have made to their cabin and homestead. Despite the challenges they face, they are determined to make their homestead work and build a better life for their family.

Overall, "Home Sweet Homestead: Cold Hard Lockdown" is an inspiring episode that showcases the importance of resilience and community in the face of adversity. The Raneys' expertise and kindness help the homesteaders overcome significant challenges and build a brighter future on their remote homestead.