tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post7275208235484598361..comments2024-02-14T23:06:31.469-08:00Comments on Mid Sierra Musings: The Kilcher FamilyDale Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-80677080007401229902019-10-10T05:25:56.538-07:002019-10-10T05:25:56.538-07:00The Kilchers and River Of No Return 2019
I watched...The Kilchers and River Of No Return 2019<br />I watched the new episode for 2019 and found myself asking the same questions. Are they really a typical “Frontier Family” with all of the gear they have at their disposal including a massive barge?<br />Don’t get me wrong. The series is still watchable with the gals shooting ptarmigan and Eivin fixing his roof but how many frontier folks have the resources to fetch home an ailing cow and her calf from the head of the bay. I was unable to understand the possible move to Pear Island with the building of the weather station. Eivin is still my favorite character and his younger brother is a welcome addition to the cast. <br />What is the deal with Otto needing to resurrect the old D6 bulldozer that he had left somewhere on the property? In previous episodes he had an 850 Case dozer that was pretty new. <br />They also introduced a new frontier show “the River Of No Return” and wove it into the Kilchlers. It is a mix of high-tech (Jet Boat) and low-tech horses. It is located along the Snake River in Idaho. I liked the folks that populate the show and plan on continuing to watch and report on it. <br />Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-6182558802773767862018-11-23T05:36:27.689-08:002018-11-23T05:36:27.689-08:00I still watch the show but It seems odd to me that...I still watch the show but It seems odd to me that the family that is always complaining that they are behind in their work has time to float and renovate a beached barge, repurpose a vat into a hot tub and spend lots of time getting to an ice fishing spot to catch one fish or fly to an island to hunt deer. Why isn't there more urgency to help Shawn and his wife finish their cabin? As I review my comments, they consistently question the priorities of the family. There are still compelling things like the ravens predatory attacks on the newborn calves. I have already commented that I had watched my last episode. Maybe I'll be drawn back but watching a show only to continually offer up critical comments is over. All the best Kilchers.Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-13170334312406300122017-12-12T20:30:22.838-08:002017-12-12T20:30:22.838-08:00OK so I watched the last episode of the season. I ...OK so I watched the last episode of the season. I find myself second guessing the decisions and priorities of the Kilchers. The last episode had Otto wanting to move the historic octagon bldg. on to a new foundation and replace the roof. The "Legacy" is the driving force in determining priorities in Otto's mind. At the same time Shawn, (the son of Atz Sr.) is trying to close in his house before the bad weather hits and needs as much manpower as possible. It seems like Otto could have had his crew help with that task first. And that is my problem. I have tired of trying to preserve the legacy at all costs. So, not wanting to be critical, I have decided to stop commenting.Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-13637177163700849232017-11-15T13:08:38.159-08:002017-11-15T13:08:38.159-08:00After watching "The Last Alaskans" for a...After watching "The Last Alaskans" for a few seasons, I have become disappointed with the other 'Alaska Shows'. I stopped watching "The Alaskan Bush People." I Think this will be my final episode of "Alaska The Last Frontier"Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-72665510544152736082017-10-27T05:06:32.654-07:002017-10-27T05:06:32.654-07:00I thought the most recent episode was well done. I...I thought the most recent episode was well done. It was impressive to see Atz Lee and his father carry a new window for the hunter's cabin two miles. The Women did a great job on their cattle drive too. Eivin and his father worked well as a team to fix the propeller shaft on their "barge" under time pressure from a rising tide. All in all there was great teamwork with no squabbling. Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-47710630161689404322017-10-06T17:10:55.241-07:002017-10-06T17:10:55.241-07:00I just saw season 7 episode 1. Everyone looks olde...I just saw season 7 episode 1. Everyone looks older and more stressed than ever. I think all of them are asking the question, "Are we here to maintain the property or maintain the legacy? There comes a time that people "age out" of wilderness living. My wife and I just sold our cabin.Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-81622028708780116122017-02-14T05:04:24.151-08:002017-02-14T05:04:24.151-08:00There was a retrospective on Sunday last. It inclu...There was a retrospective on Sunday last. It included family members answering questions emailed by viewers and some new footage. I found it interesting and believe Eivin summed it best saying that many Kilcher hands were helpful but not Kilcher mouths.Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-68221210083558721312017-01-30T19:51:06.910-08:002017-01-30T19:51:06.910-08:00The final episode of the season left a couple of t...The final episode of the season left a couple of things unresolved. I suspect Shane and his wife will abandon the cabin idea b/c of her M.S. and possible immediate need of medical attention that they would not have access to on the homestead. Jane and Atz Lee remain at odds about where they will live and it remains to be seen if a solution can be found without a split. Finally it seems as if the Kilcher men other than than Eivin are pretty hard on their wives.Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-42471046757921763722017-01-24T05:08:46.839-08:002017-01-24T05:08:46.839-08:00I think this was a good episode Sunday past. Eivin...I think this was a good episode Sunday past. Eivin has gone from building a custom outhouse to building a magnificent aluminum fishing boat for his family. I said early on that the new wilderness cabin Atz Lee was building would remain an ongoing issue between him and his wife Jane. What would happen with their children if they moved to the distant new cabin? He said that he was moving there whether Jane came or not. Good father son hunting trip with Atz Sr. Would this be Bonnie's son? He is a newer addition. I worry about Shane and his wife with her M.S. and finishing a cabin. Hope things improve for them. Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-48560485247449449472017-01-12T18:21:49.770-08:002017-01-12T18:21:49.770-08:00Eivin built a car from scrap parts for his brother...Eivin built a car from scrap parts for his brother August. Otto ignored his son August and beached the boat with a loss of 8 hours. August told his dad to shut up which was earned by Otto.Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-19750386722759416112016-12-13T04:52:42.803-08:002016-12-13T04:52:42.803-08:00This past Sunday we saw high tech used once again ...This past Sunday we saw high tech used once again as a helicopter moved sections of a greenhouse. Jane and Atz Lee continue to be at odds about his new cabin. The 'Last Frontier' is looking less like subsistence living and more like an updated and mechanized version of the Ponderosa from Bonanza.Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-13109842698175049272016-12-06T05:21:40.062-08:002016-12-06T05:21:40.062-08:00This past Sunday was a two hour event including th...This past Sunday was a two hour event including the daughter of Atz Sr. Jewel the singer visiting with her son. It so often seems that they are working at a feverish pace to beat the incoming tide or an oncoming storm. Eivin, as usual, seems to understand best what needs to be done and when. Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-73182078434045972972016-11-25T04:56:56.160-08:002016-11-25T04:56:56.160-08:00Otto and his hernia are starting to wear a little...Otto and his hernia are starting to wear a little thin. Nice to see Atz Lee is continuing to recover from his nearly fatal fall. I wonder if Shawn and his wife are going to make it as homesteaders.Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-53699821336387950252016-11-04T05:30:08.517-07:002016-11-04T05:30:08.517-07:00In Sunday's episode I noticed that Eivin was c...In Sunday's episode I noticed that Eivin was crawling around the rafters in a huge barn I have never seen before. The trusses looked to me to be manufactured off site. He is very skilled and clever with solutions to problems.<br />There remains a continuing struggle about where Atz Lee and Jane will live with her wanting to remain at the original homestead site. It seems she is being dragged into the new project with Atz Sr. being critical of her a little too often. Using the establishment of a new homestead as a rehabilitation project for Atz Lee seems a bit dubious since he could use the activities/chores at the old homestead to do the same thing.<br />Too much preview of new episodes and review of old episodes. <br />Finally, the idea that they will "starve" if they don't get hay for their cattle seems a bit of a stretch. It seems like I am being increasingly critical of the Kilchers but the homesteads established in the "Last Alaskans" appeal to me more. As critical as I have become however, the program beats most of what is on TV these days. Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-4175392587655798622016-10-19T09:39:25.137-07:002016-10-19T09:39:25.137-07:00Two thoughts on the first new episode of the seaso...Two thoughts on the first new episode of the season. Otto can be quite reckless and endanger others. I don't understand why Atz Lee is so stubbornly going ahead with a new cabin when it could wait until he and Jane are on the same page. If he needs the therapy of doing something, he could fix up his existing place. Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-85287463333845238722016-10-14T19:57:33.708-07:002016-10-14T19:57:33.708-07:00New episodes begin Sunday October 16th 2016New episodes begin Sunday October 16th 2016Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-65292597276064220022016-10-06T05:27:22.055-07:002016-10-06T05:27:22.055-07:00I watched the latest episode of the new season and...I watched the latest episode of the new season and it was merely a collection of parts from past episodes. It seems like this is done frequently. Additionally, the series doesn't have the same appeal as it once did. After watching two seasons of "The Last Alaskans", I much prefer the reality, simplicity and people of that series. Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-6308583574391510662015-12-14T05:27:55.243-08:002015-12-14T05:27:55.243-08:00When I am in the wilderness, I carry a Satphone. A...When I am in the wilderness, I carry a Satphone. Atz Lee and his friend had a Satellite phone and he is alive today because of this. As someone involved in search and rescue, having another person(s) along is sometimes not enough. When a person is in immediate need of medical attention others can go for help but sometimes this requires too much time. A Satphone not only is instant communication with those who can help, my phone gives the exact coordinates that can be relayed to those who would come to your aid. I have phone numbers of agencies like the forest service, family and park service programmed into the phone memory so I can easily call up a number. I also have instructions printed on my phone in case I was rendered unconscious so someone else could call for help. Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-65784150281724253892015-12-01T08:16:22.134-08:002015-12-01T08:16:22.134-08:00Here is the latest I have on a fall by Atz Lee Kil...Here is the latest I have on a fall by Atz Lee Kilcher.<br />http://www.inquisitr.com/2482824/atz-lee-kilcher-of-alaska-the-last-frontier-gives-a-health-update-to-fans/Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-57233058008258130282015-11-20T05:21:10.593-08:002015-11-20T05:21:10.593-08:00I believe there is a road out of Homer AK that (co...I believe there is a road out of Homer AK that (combined with their road) connects them with Homer about 11 miles away. Their heavy equipment probably came to the homestead via the land route. Their homestead at Kachemak Bay would probably provide a sheltered area for the barge to be anchored. I sometimes wonder about a few of their hunting and fishing expeditions far away from the homestead that require a sea plane. How cost effective would they really be? I guess they would justify these lengthy and costly trips by saying that they are not getting their food at a store. Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-63710511196369366912015-11-19T16:23:20.572-08:002015-11-19T16:23:20.572-08:00I wonder where the Kilchers get all their heavy eq...I wonder where the Kilchers get all their heavy equipment. It seems they always have what they need. And that huge Constructor barge Otto pilots..... where is it kept, do they own it?Usedtobehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05260630547264037389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-9118598172123311612015-11-19T09:46:55.144-08:002015-11-19T09:46:55.144-08:00The most recent "New" episode was really...The most recent "New" episode was really a montage of old episodes. They do this too often.Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-13142193790322259632015-10-12T20:24:45.805-07:002015-10-12T20:24:45.805-07:00I am enjoying season 5 of the Kilchers but when yo...I am enjoying season 5 of the Kilchers but when you compare those on "The Last Alaskans" to the Kilchers, the Kilchers have lots of stuff and the others.....not so much.Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-53045605273135806002015-09-23T04:13:01.856-07:002015-09-23T04:13:01.856-07:00The new Kilcher season begins October 4th on the D...The new Kilcher season begins October 4th on the Discovery Channel.Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-32538797701593744202015-06-06T20:07:09.838-07:002015-06-06T20:07:09.838-07:00There is a new 8 part series called "The Last...There is a new 8 part series called "The Last Alaskans". It is about the last families allowed to live in the ANWR in Alaska who have been grandparented in. I think it is the best done of all the Alaska reality series shows.Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.com