Ep 8. Ahead of the Game

In this episode of Life Below Zero season 13, titled "Ahead of the Game," viewers are taken on a journey through the vast and wild Arctic landscape as they follow the daily lives of several individuals who live in the most remote areas of the United States. The episode explores how these people have learned to thrive in one of the harshest environments on the planet, testing their limits and pushing them to their edges.

The first story follows Sue, a woman who is in the midst of a challenging task: building a new cabin on her homestead in Kavik. Armed with only basic tools and the resources available to her, Sue must rely on her own ingenuity and strength to complete this task. As she drills, saws, and hammers away in the unrelenting cold, viewers are shown the incredible dedication and determination that drives her. She is a true survivor, and her ability to adapt and thrive in this harsh landscape is truly remarkable.

The second story introduces viewers to Ricko, a young man who is living alone in the remote wilderness of Alaska. Ricko is in the midst of preparing for winter, and the episode documents his arduous task of cutting down trees to use as firewood. As he works tirelessly to chop and gather wood, viewers are shown the immense physical and mental strength that is required to survive in such a place. Ricko's connection to the land is evident in the way he moves and interacts with the environment around him, and his unwavering commitment to his life in the wilderness is both inspiring and humbling.

The third and final story focuses on the Hailstone family, who live in a remote area of Alaska in close proximity to a river. The episode follows the family as they set out on a hunting trip, with the goal of catching fish to sustain them through the long winter months. As they navigate the treacherous waters and cast their nets, viewers are shown the true beauty and majesty of the Arctic landscape, with its stunning vistas and array of wildlife. The Hailstones are adept at living off the land, and their resourcefulness and skill is both impressive and humbling.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the daily lives of some of the toughest and most resilient people on the planet. Their stories serve as a reminder of the incredible power of the human spirit, and the ability to overcome even the most daunting of challenges with grace and determination. Life Below Zero season 13 episode 8 is an epic journey through one of the world's most beautiful and dangerous environments, told through the eyes of those who have learned to survive and thrive in it.