Summary
Highlights
Luke and Tom arrive at their recently purchased abandoned homestead in the interior of Alaska, preparing to explore the property and see what they've gotten themselves into. They navigate through thick brush and find the property markers, excitedly entering their new land.
Upon reaching the homestead, they immediately begin finding various abandoned items, including old tools like machetes and cooking spits, and promising resources like solar panels that appear to be in good condition. They also discover building materials such as lumber and bags of Quikrete.
They discover a cabinet housing an inverter system for the solar panels and a 9500-watt dual-fuel generator. They suspect the generator is connected to the cabin and successfully get it running, hinting at initial power capabilities. They also find more tools, a boombox, and various supplies like hand sanitizer and mason jars.
Inside another cabin, they find a microwave, food items, a composting toilet, a 30-gallon water jug, and an on-demand propane water heater. They also discover water treatment chemicals, an oil lamp, a water pump, a water pressure tank, and surprisingly, a shower setup. The main cabin reveals bunks, a large TV, a fridge, a functional wood stove with a hot water tank, and an air fryer. They also note a simple five-gallon bucket drainage system for the kitchen sink.
Outside, they find a pulley system, a large propane tank, cross-country skis, and what appears to be a hunting blind. They also uncover truck tire chains and a valuable log splitter. Later, they find falling wedges, vitamins, fish eggs, and stumble upon an old snow machine that doesn't seem to be running. An outhouse with a unique waste disposal system is also examined, along with evidence of previous owners working on another cabin and a surprising fly-fishing raft frame.
They find a side-by-side in a Quonset hut and manage to get it started, only for it to die shortly after. After some troubleshooting, they discover a disconnected air filter hose and get the vehicle running again. Back at the cabin, they activate the lights, realizing the generator can be controlled remotely. They then make a fire in the wood stove to combat the chill.
After a meal, they prepare for bed, using a pulley system to get sleeping bags and pillows to the upper bunk. Tom’s wet clothes are hung to dry, and they watch shows on a phone. The next morning, after hot chocolate and breakfast, Luke outlines their immediate tasks: cleaning up and organizing the scattered items on the property, either discarding trash or storing valuable items in the shed.
They begin the strenuous task of clearing debris and organizing materials, burning trash and consolidating cordwood under a shed for easier access during winter. During the cleanup, Tom cuts his finger, which Luke determines requires stitches, prompting an urgent trip to a nearby town with a clinic.
After a successful clinic visit for stitches, they grab a quick meal. Back at the homestead, Luke continues to organize the collected wood and discovers a pile of tongue-and-groove siding and construction scraps, wondering how to best utilize or store the vast amount of materials.
Luke takes a break to try and fix a snow machine. After diagnosing a disconnected fuel line and a broken belt, he swaps a good belt from another abandoned Arctic Cat. He successfully gets the snow machine running, noting its future utility for winter travel, despite the reverse not working.
After a hearty, albeit unhealthy, dinner, they celebrate with fireworks. The next morning, Luke focuses on fixing a severely muddy trail leading to the property, using logs to reinforce it. He also briefly checks out a greenhouse without a door. Luke reflects on the purchase price of $77,000 for five acres, a cabin, and all its contents, considering it a good deal. He then outlines his plans for future projects and encourages viewers to subscribe for updates.