Summary
Highlights
Luke begins the project of converting a burned building into a bunkhouse at his off-grid Alaskan homestead. The first major challenge is transporting a large quantity of building supplies, including 16-foot tongue and groove lumber, to the cabin using a K-truck. The poor condition of the road, made worse by constant rain, makes this a difficult task, requiring multiple trips and late-night unloading. He uses a plate compactor to improve the road by compacting the clay and allowing it to dry, making it more solid and smoother.
After several trips, all supplies are delivered. Luke takes his side-by-side for repair. A month later, the road has firmed up considerably, with drainage ditches effectively preventing water accumulation. Tommy's snow machine engine had issues; it blew up and the replacement engine also had a busted crankshaft. Luke decides to strip the two broken snow machines for parts and clear them, preparing for the upcoming winter. He also uses his excavator to clear stumps around the property, further improving the homestead's accessibility.
As winter approaches, Luke focuses on filling a trench before snow falls, but an oversight with the excavator keys delays this task. With the road now solid, Luke is able to use his excavator to remove more stumps around the property and eventually fills the trench and grades the road. The family enjoys a final trip to the property before deep winter. Luke and Tommy go grouse hunting, successfully catching two spruce grouse for dinner, demonstrating sustainable living practices.
Back at the homestead, Luke focuses on the bunkhouse interior. He starts clearing out the space and uses a Big Buddy Pro heater to warm the cabin. After some initial work, he installs insulation. To prevent moisture damage, a vapor barrier is installed against the studs to separate the warm interior air from the cold exterior walls. He takes a lunch break to enjoy some moose Thai curry. The first wall is completed, looking much better now insulated.
Luke continues working late into the night. The next day, he finishes the vapor barrier and insulation on the main level, awaiting a special fitting for the gas line before it can be fully completed. The first real snowfall arrives, and with it, the missing hose fitting for the heater. He moves on to the attic, which requires him to cut full-sized boards into smaller pieces to fit, making the installation more laborious. He takes a dinner break for moose stew and accidentally injures his finger while nailing boards in the attic.
Despite the late hour, Luke pushes through to complete the attic work. He then tackles installing vinyl flooring. Although the instructions advise against installation below freezing, he proceeds regardless, facing challenges due to the cold and uneven subfloor. He spends six hours on his hands and knees, enduring soreness. He continues with trimming the room, working late into the night. The bunkhouse is nearly ready for winter, just in time as more snow falls. He tidies up the bunkhouse, making it feel like a proper living space. Before leaving, he successfully gets Nathan's snow machine running by replacing its dead battery.