Ep 11. Bush Smart

Port Protection is a reality TV show which takes place in a remote Alaskan village. This village is so secluded that it can only be accessed by boat or seaplane. Season 6 episode 11 is called Bush Smart, and as the name suggests, it features bushcraft, survival, and DIY skills.

The community of Port Protection is situated in the Tongass National Forest, a beautiful but rugged area of Southeast Alaska. This episode explores how residents of this area use their resourcefulness and ingenuity to get by in the wilderness. The episode follows some of the most adept residents as they teach, learn, and perfect the skills necessary to survive in the harsh and isolated environment.

During the episode, we see the locals engage in activities such as hunting, fishing, and building. We meet Joe, a long-time resident who has mastered skills such as how to use a chainsaw and chop firewood. Joe shows his nephew how to cultivate and harvest mussels from the shore, as well as how to smoke salmon, a staple food in the village. We also get to see Sonia, an experienced hunter and fisher. She takes us through the process of building a fish trap to capture salmon as they swim upstream.

In addition to these hands-on skills, the episode also explores the importance of mental preparedness. We meet Timbi, who is a retired police officer and an expert in wilderness survival. Throughout the episode, Timbi shares the importance of being mentally prepared and having a positive mindset, regardless of the situation. We see her working with the village's teenagers, teaching them how to prepare for potential emergencies such as floods, fires, and blizzards.

As well as learning from the residents' impressive skills, the episode touches on the importance of respecting the environment. Bushcraft is about surviving in harmony with the natural world and not causing any harm. We see this lesson in action with JC, a seasoned fisherman who shows us how to safely catch and release fish. We also see how Sonia is extremely careful about respecting the habitat of the animals she hunts. The villagers believe in conservation and living sustainably, taking only what they need from the land and sea.

Throughout the episode, the camera work is breathtaking. The beautiful Alaskan wilderness is shot with incredible precision, providing viewers with an intimate understanding of the environment in which these people navigate their lives. From wide-angle shots of rolling hills to close-ups of fish and insects, every detail is showcased in breathtaking beauty.

Bush Smart is an insightful episode of Port Protection that showcases the deep connections between people and nature. From hunting to fishing, and building to conserving, the people of Port Protection prove to be innovative and resilient. With its stunning landscapes and engaging personalities, the show offers a fascinating glimpse into a way of life that is both harsh and rewarding. So, it's an episode not to be missed for anyone who wants to learn or experience this kind of life.